Multnomah County's 'Preschool for All' Program Faces Slow Progress and Key Challenges

Multnomah County, Oregon, is facing scrutiny over its ambitious 'Preschool for All' initiative, which was designed to guarantee free preschool for all 3-year-olds in the county by 2030. An audit has revealed that the county has made slow progress in meeting its goals, raising concerns about preparedness and public communication regarding the program. Currently, only about 2,000 spots are available, far short of the projected need for 11,000 by the deadline. This situation highlights significant barriers that the county needs to overcome, such as budget adjustments and capacity expansion, to fulfill its promise. In light of the audit, there is growing public fatigue regarding the tax on high-income earners that funds this program, compounded by discussions among affluent residents to repeal the tax, which could jeopardize future funding. Despite possessing $300 million more in collected tax revenue than it has spent over the past three years, the county has not communicated effectively about the program's goals or how the money has been utilized. As we approach the target year of 2030, clarity on what children are prioritized for slots, hours of school, and concerns surrounding the apparent budget underspending are essential to regain public trust. Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson has acknowledged the issues raised in the audit, explaining that the planning for new services involved uncertainties and that they have been working to manage the budget responsibly. Nonetheless, the apparent discrepancy between funds collected and funds spent raises troubling questions about the program’s management and its capability to deliver on its promises.