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OREGON CITY, Or. -- Following review of the May 2026 election and the public safety needs of Clackamas County, the Board of County Commissioners, in collaboration with the Sheriff’s Office, intends to present an updated Public Safety Levy to voters for the May 2027 election.
“Public Safety continues to be one of the Board’s highest priorities,” said the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners in a joint statement. “The Levy provides critical funding to maintain the 24/7 safety network that protects and supports our residents and communities across the county.”
Since the election, the County has assessed the May 2026 levy referral and continues to review options for a future levy package to refer to voters. First passed in 2006, the Public Safety Levy has supported law enforcement services for Clackamas County residents for 20 years.
“The Public Safety Levy funds 17% of the county’s essential Sheriff’s Office services – services that are critical to protecting our communities and keeping us the safest County in the Portland Metro area,” said Clackamas County Sheriff James Rhodes.
Historically, the Levy provides funding to ensure continued rapid response to 911 emergency calls, for a specialized drug enforcement team to combat the impact of deadly drugs, and to prevent and investigate crimes - including property crimes and theft, elder and child abuse, and human trafficking. It also provides essential resources to keep the jail operating safely and effectively, ensuring individuals who pose a risk to the community can be securely housed and managed. County leaders are united around the importance of Public Safety Levy funding.
“High-quality investigations are critical to the work of the District Attorney’s office,” said Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth. “The Public Safety Levy is key to the entire public safety system in our County, and it keeps Clackamas County one of the safest communities in Oregon.”
In advance of making the final decision to refer a measure, the County has expanded its work to engage residents and stakeholders. That includes launching an online survey for residents to share their public safety priorities. The survey will help the County understand which services matter most to residents as they prepare a levy proposal for the voters. The County plans to distribute the survey across its many communities, and submissions will be accepted until November 15.
Additionally, the County will conduct quantitative polling, host a town hall, and convene a community-engagement committee composed of local government, business, and non-profit leaders to further engage the diverse cities and unincorporated areas of Clackamas County.