A majority of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners voted today to postpone a proposal that would index the Preschool for All income tax thresholds to inflation. The decision continues the program’s current tax thresholds, and the Commission agreed to reconsider the indexing proposal in future Board meetings. The Commission also agreed today to convene additional, public discussions on other PFA improvement proposals following additional public input and analysis by the PFA program staff and the County economist. .
The vote is the culmination of an ongoing public process held throughout the month of August. The Board engaged in a deep review of the program's path and finances through two detailed public briefings, a work session for discussing proposals, and an evening listening session with hours of public testimony. Topics included: .
The vote is the culmination of an ongoing public process held throughout the month of August. The Board engaged in a deep review of the program's path and finances through two detailed public briefings, a work session for discussing proposals, and an evening listening session with hours of public testimony. Topics included:
- the economic benefits of universal preschool,
- the path to universal coverage,
- and the potential impacts of financial adjustments.
A key factor in the board's decision was analysis from the Preschool for All Technical Advisory Group (TAG), a body of local economists and early childhood policy experts required by the original ballot measure to provide financial analysis and recommendations. After reviewing the program's fundamentals, the TAG did not reach consensus on recommending indexing or other adjustments to the tax at this time.
The TAG will conduct a broader review of the tax structure over the coming months and provide a full report in early 2026. In their next phase of work, TAG members will explore subjects including the impact of Preschool for All on the region's economic competitiveness and the demographic trends that impact our path to universal coverage.
The program's current financial model strategically uses early-year surpluses to fund the expansion needed to reach universal access in later years. This plan allows the program to continue its focus on building capacity through critical investments in workforce development, facility growth, and program quality.
Now entering its fourth year, PFA is already a cornerstone of the county's early learning landscape, preparing to serve nearly 4,000 children across more than 200 locations. This represents a 70% increase in Preschool for All seats from last year. Combined with other publicly funded programs, there will now be enough preschool seats for over 40% of Multnomah County's 3- and 4-year-olds in the upcoming school year.
“I am the mother of 4 year old twins who are currently enrolled in a Preschool for All site this year up in St. Johns in North Portland.” said Laura, a parent who testified at the recent PFA listening session. “Enrolling them in free full day school has allowed me to find a part time job…I am thrilled to re-enter the workforce.”
“I am speaking tonight as the father of two young children…I moved here from Louisiana to Portland to join a community where progress still felt possible.” said community member Ami later that evening.
The program has been effective at reaching its priority populations, with enrollment data showing:
- 71% of children are from families with incomes at or below 350% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- 65% of enrolled children identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color.
- 30% of families speak a language other than English, with 61 different languages spoken
Supporters also said Preschool for All is crucial for the hundreds of preschool providers who partner with the County. Many spoke about the program’s role as a safety net while other publicly-funded preschool programs experience funding and service reductions.
“The funding through PFA has allowed me to recruit and retain childcare professionals while allowing me the opportunity to invest in them.” said Troy, owner of the Sunshine Center, a Preschool for All site in North Portland. “These financial incentives not only benefit us as a childcare provider, but it flows into the community. As a small business owner, I hire small firms to do my remodels, I use small businesses to cater my staff training cohorts, and I buy lunches from the mom and pop businesses in the Overlook neighborhood where my preschool is located.”
About Preschool for All
Approved by over 64% of voters, Preschool for All is a Multnomah County initiative dedicated to creating a tuition-free, high-quality, and culturally responsive preschool system for all interested families. By investing in the early learning workforce, facilities, and partnerships with a diverse mix of community-based providers, PFA is building a system that centers the needs of children and families and aims to offer universal access by 2030.
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