Multnomah County, OR’s Preschool for All: A November 2020 Ballot Measure Case StudyIn 2018, two separate campaigns began efforts to create a publicly funded universal preschool program in Multnomah County, OR. One of the campaigns, Preschool for All, was established by Multnomah County Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson as an extension of a decade of community-led work to expand access to early childhood education. The other campaign, Universal Preschool Now, began as a grassroots movement following the closure of local community centers.1 Both campaigns had the same goal: to secure voter approval for a countywide universal preschool program funded by a tax on high-income earners. Although they initially began and operated separately, the two campaigns coalesced in August 2020 around shared goals and values and merged their efforts to support a single ballot measure. In November 2020, voters approved the measure to create the Multnomah County Preschool for All program funded by a new high-income earners’ tax currently projected to raise $160 million annually by 2026. Download PDF Filed under:Early Childhood, Advocates/Intermediaries, Funders, Policymakers/Agency Leaders, Publication, Voter-Approved Children’s FundsMore Resources Video Mapping the Money, Building the Vision: Strategic Public Financing 101 with Native Communities Learn more about an upcoming training created by and for Tribal citizens to improve funding for Native children and youth. Video What Comes Next: Organizing for Youth Investment in the Social Media Litigation Landscape Learn about the latest developments in the current lawsuits against social media companies and how advocates can build relationships and shape youth investment priorities now. Updates and Events Insights May 12, 2026 Five Ways to Put Your Fiscal Map into Action Insights April 27, 2026 With Federal and State Funding Hanging in the Balance, Local Leaders Find New Ways to Support Children and Youth News March 26, 2026 In a Tough Fiscal Moment, States Look to Raise Revenue and Kids Have a Stake Close Share it! Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Click to copy URL Link Copied!
Video Mapping the Money, Building the Vision: Strategic Public Financing 101 with Native Communities Learn more about an upcoming training created by and for Tribal citizens to improve funding for Native children and youth.
Video What Comes Next: Organizing for Youth Investment in the Social Media Litigation Landscape Learn about the latest developments in the current lawsuits against social media companies and how advocates can build relationships and shape youth investment priorities now.
Insights April 27, 2026 With Federal and State Funding Hanging in the Balance, Local Leaders Find New Ways to Support Children and Youth