Politics
Gothic Quarter Residents Vote July 15 on Community Services Funding Levy
The July 15 referendum asks Gothic Quarter residents to approve or reject a property-based levy that would determine annual allocations for neighborhood centers, meal delivery and youth outreach programs.
How we reported this
The Gothic Quarter Community Services Levy Referendum asks voters on July 15 to approve a new annual levy on residential and commercial properties to finance community programs through 2030. The measure directly affects households in districts such as the Old Town and Riverside wards, where current services include after-school clubs and home-care visits for residents over 65.
Local budget shortfalls identified in the 2025 Gothic Quarter Consolidated Financial Report prompted the council to place the question on the ballot. The report showed that existing revenue covered only 78 percent of projected costs for social programs in the coming fiscal year, leaving a gap that the levy would address if passed.
Passage would set the levy at 0.12 percent of assessed property value, generating funds that the legislation assigns to specific line items: $920,000 for senior meal programs, $680,000 for youth employment counseling at three neighborhood centers, and $410,000 for expanded hours at the Riverside food pantry. Residents who use these services would see no change in eligibility rules, only possible increases in operating hours and staff numbers.
Budget Figures and Service Delivery
The 2026 Gothic Quarter budget paper lists current community-services spending at $3.4 million, drawn from general revenue. Policy analysts note that the levy would raise that total by $2.01 million each year if approved, with the additional amount ring-fenced for the programs named in the ballot text and subject to annual public reporting.
Rejection would leave the council to decide whether to reduce service hours or draw from reserves, according to the legislation. Either outcome would be implemented beginning 1 January 2027, with the first levy notices mailed in October 2026 if voters approve the measure.
Voters can review the full text of the referendum and the accompanying fiscal impact statement on the Gothic Quarter elections website. Polling places open at 7 a.m. on July 15 and close at 8 p.m., with results expected the same evening.