Downtown Core Community Services Referendum Sets Terms for Local Program Funding

The Downtown Core Community Services Referendum appears on the November ballot and would require the city to allocate an additional share of sales tax receipts to community programs serving residents in the central district and adjacent neighborhoods.

City budget documents from fiscal year 2025 recorded $4.1 million spent on social services, a figure that has remained flat while requests for assistance at local clinics rose 12 percent between 2023 and 2025. The referendum would lock in a formula directing 15 percent of net sales tax growth to designated community accounts rather than the general fund.

Changes for residents who use clinics and centers

Under the proposal, the Downtown Core Health Access Program would receive $1.8 million in the first year to extend clinic hours at the River Street location and add two outreach workers for mobile services in the warehouse district. Youth centers on Maple Avenue and Third Street would gain funding for after-school meals and tutoring slots projected to serve 320 additional children each week.

Elder care grants would expand transportation vouchers for medical appointments, with the legislation stating that 40 percent of new revenue must support programs for residents aged 65 and older living within the core zip codes. Local advocates note that current wait times for these vouchers average 18 days.

Timeline and implementation steps

If approved, the measure takes effect January 1 2027, with the city controller required to publish quarterly reports on fund distribution. The legislation states that an independent oversight committee of seven residents must review expenditures every six months and submit findings to the city council.

Ballot materials will be mailed to registered voters by October 15, and the city clerk has scheduled two public information sessions at the Downtown Core Library on September 12 and October 3.