Portland City Council District 3 Candidate Sandeep Bali Calls for the Abolition of the Arts Tax and Strongly Opposes New Parks Levy
Portland, Oregon — August 28, 2024 — Dr. Sandeep Bali, a pharmacist and the only Portland City Council candidate advocating for the abolition of the arts tax, is taking a firm stand against policies that impose unfair financial burdens on homeowners. Widely criticized since its inception, the arts tax has failed to gain public support, and now, Dr. Bali is also voicing strong opposition to the proposed parks and recreation levy.
Commissioner Dan Ryan’s proposal to introduce a new levy, potentially charging $1.80 per $1,000 of assessed property value annually starting in 2026, is a serious concern. This would more than double the current parks levy, costing the owner of a median-income home in Portland thousands of dollars over time. Such measures are a direct contributor to the gentrification of our neighborhoods, pushing long-time residents out of their homes as property taxes skyrocket.
“Gentrification is not just a buzzword—it’s a harsh reality for homeowners who have budgeted for 30-year home loans, only to find themselves priced out due to ever-increasing taxes,” said Dr. Bali. “When levies like these are supported by non-homeowner voters, it’s the homeowners who suffer the consequences. I strongly urge the current commissioners to recognize this impact and ensure that such detrimental measures do not reach the ballot.”
Dr. Bali is calling for a shift away from the relentless taxation of Portlanders and advocating for a comprehensive audit of wasteful programs that are draining the city’s resources. He points to the Small Donor Elections program, which consumes over $5 million, and the Portland Street Response program, which wastes over $11 million, as examples of temporary and ineffective solutions. Dr. Bali believes the money is already available and should be reallocated toward initiatives that provide longer-lasting and more impactful results.
“As a city, we need to abolish the arts tax and prevent the introduction of the new parks tax,” Dr. Bali added. “Both contribute to the gentrification of our neighborhoods and are not in the best interest of Portland’s residents. It’s time to use our city’s resources wisely and prioritize the needs of the people.”
To schedule an interview with Dr. Sandeep Bali, please contact Sandeep@BetterWithBali.com.
About Dr. Sandeep Bali
Dr. Sandeep Bali is a pharmacist, an expert in mental health and addiction treatment, and a candidate for Portland City Council District 3, committed to advocating for responsible governance, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. Dr. Bali’s campaign is focused on fighting against unnecessary taxes and ensuring that Portland’s policies prioritize the needs of its residents.