Portland Arts Tax isn't delivering on promises: audit
By Michaela Bourgeois
Published on March 18, 2026.
An audit of Portland's Arts Tax program has found that the city is not fully delivering on its promises to voters. The tax was approved in 2012 to bring more art teachers to Portland schools and support arts organizations. Since then, the tax has brought in an average of $11.2 million to the Arts Education and Access Fund. The funds are distributed to the city's Revenue Division, school districts, and the city’s Office of Arts & Culture. The audit found that while the Tax has grown arts education and supported arts organizations, it has not consistently delivered on promises. It also found that students' experiences differ depending on where they go to school.
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