ElectionsThursday, November 5
Eugene's Clean Energy Fund leads with 57% in initial election results
The Daily Eugene team
If you're checking how Eugene voted, Measure 20-388 led with 57% in initial results. Backers celebrated at Oakshire Public House on election night, and the Register-Guard reported the measure was all but certain to pass. It would create the fund with an annual 2% fee on large retailers.
Measure 20-388 led with 57% and sets a 2% fee
- 57%
- support in initial results
- 2%
- annual fee on large retailers
- $1 billion
- national gross profits a business must top
- $500,000
- Eugene gross profits a business must top
KVAL reported before the vote that Walmart, Target and some banks could be among the businesses the city counts as large retailers.
- Fee starts: January 2029
- City's review of who qualifies: up to six months
- Exempt: most groceries, medicines, health care and residential trash
Opponents say it would raise prices. Spokesperson Laura Sedwick said the tax "is on gross profit which is calculated before rent wages or utilities." Supporter Britney Vancitters points to Portland, where a 1% surcharge began in 2019, and says Portland "has not seen these types of price increases." If approved, 60% of the fund would go to renewable energy and efficiency programs.
Sources: KEZI, KMTR, The Register-Guard, KVAL