1. What Exactly Is This Idea?

Portland's Supportive Housing Services (SHS) measure generates tax revenue for housing and homelessness programs managed by county or Metro agencies. We're proposing a new measure (or an amendment to the existing one) that directs a fixed percentage of those funds to PPS. Specifically, the money would support homeless or housing-insecure students—a critical slice of the overall homeless population.

2. Why Target These SHS Funds for PPS?

The funds aren't being spent, and because kids are part of the homeless crisis, schools typically see little to no direct funding from supportive housing measures. If the county's coffers are swelling but families with kids at PPS still sleep in cars, it's time to let voters decide if a fraction of that revenue should be diverted straight to our classrooms and support systems.

3. Aren't These Funds Already "Legally Earmarked"?

Yes, initially. The SHS measure language often lays out specific ways the money can be spent. But we can propose a new local measure—or an amendment to the original—that legally forces the county to share. It's a "guerrilla" tactic because we're modifying an existing plan midstream, which might ruffle feathers... good.

4. Is This Even Possible Under Oregon Law?

Who cares? Do it. Typically, you can't just "commandeer" funds. But if voters pass a revised or amended measure, that new mandate overrides the old constraints. PPS's role would be to champion the measure, write the language, and brace for legal or political pushback.

5. Has Anything Like This Been Done Before?

It literally just happened. Other jurisdictions have tried to revisit or tweak successful measures when the implementing government stockpiled cash or missed target populations. It's not common, but it has happened. The key is public pressure and moral clarity: if the county sits on millions. At the same time, local school kids have no stable housing; that's a massive PR issue for them—one PPS can leverage.

6. What are the key actions that PPS will take?

1. Draft & Champion the Ballot Language: Ensure the new or amended measure lists "Family Stabilization in Public Schools" as an eligible expense.

2. Initiate Political & Legal Strategy: Coordinate with legal counsel to prepare for challenges from the county or Metro.

3. Conduct Targeted Public Outreach: Use PPS channels—board meetings, public statements, and local media—to highlight the number of homeless families within the district and the need for direct funding.

4. Push For Official Placement on the Ballot: Lobby city/county commissioners or lead a signature drive to place the measure before Portland voters.

7. Isn't This Going to Cause a Big Fight with the County or Metro?

I hope so. They'll claim the funds were never meant for schools, that "earmarks" can't be shifted so easily. That's why this strategy depends on PPS being willing to draft the new measure, mobilize legal support, and wage a public campaign that points out the moral failure of leaving homeless students unaddressed.