New Plan: Turning Streaming Fees into Live‑Music Funds

Portland is set to shake up its long‑standing arts tax. Council President Jamie Dunphy says the current $35 yearly levy on adults earning over $1, 000 is outdated and poorly managed. He plans to reallocate some of the unused $9 million that sits in reserve, aiming to give about $1. 5 million a year back to nonprofits for the next two years. The proposal also wants to change how people pay the tax. Instead of a yearly bill, it would be deducted directly from paychecks—just like two other city taxes. Additionally, Dunphy wants to exempt low‑income residents while raising the fee to $50 for high earners, though he hasn’t set a clear income cutoff. The tax would rise with inflation each year to keep pace with costs.A bold new idea is a surcharge on streaming giants such as Netflix and Spotify. Portland would follow Chicago’s example, hoping to raise up to $10 million annually. That money would go straight into live performances—music, dance, and theater—to bring people out of their homes and back into community venues. Dunphy argues that the city’s arts programs are underfunded, especially after a 50 % cut to nonprofits last year. He also believes that encouraging public gatherings will boost the local economy and foster social connection. However, he acknowledges the challenge: many residents already feel squeezed by rising living costs, and any tax increase could face strong opposition.