This news release was updated Sept. 8 to clarify Board action and include quotes from the sponsoring commissioners.
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on Thursday, Aug. 21 on a proposed ordinance to index the Preschool for All income tax thresholds to inflation. The Board approved a motion to delay the indexing ordinance’s First Reading to a later date set by the Commission. The Board will craft a process to assess impacts to the program and needed improvements could happen in a comprehensive and coordinated manner.
The program’s current tax thresholds will remain for now, and the Commission will have a public discussion to finalize the process that will be used to assess the PFA program and the impacts to the program for any proposed changes to the tax.
In a modified indexing proposal, annual indexing to inflation would be measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the inflation increases since the initial tax implementation would be used to create new income thresholds for future years, although the 2020 thresholds would remain in place for the highest income earners. Indexes are available for geographic areas, and the County would use the CPI - West Region Size Class A (all items).
The vote comes after a series of meetings in August, including 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.
“The Commission has a responsibility to ensure the way we fund Preschool for All is sustainable to stabilize the program's long-term outlook," Commissioner Brim-Edwards said. "It is clear more analysis, information, and feedback from families is needed to help inform ways we can improve the program to achieve the goal voters embraced - providing quality, universal preschool countywide."
Commissioner Singleton said, “Our role as public servants is to uphold the will of the community, be good stewards, and put people first. The goal with any resolution about PFA should always be to make PFA stronger. Today's conversation showed the Board that a postponement was needed for us to actually do a deeper assessment.”
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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