From Local Strain to Regional Solutions: The Benefits of Metropolitan Park Districts

Local governments across Washington increasingly recognize the importance of parks infrastructure as foundational for community health and wellness, drivers of economic vitality, crucial for climate resiliency, and needed social spaces where all are welcome.

Despite their rising value, park system budgets remain limited. Rising operational costs, aging assets, and population growth widen the gap between what communities expect and what agencies can sustainably deliver.

Across the state, parks agencies are reevaluating legacy funding models and exploring new approaches. One option receiving renewed attention is the Metropolitan Park District (MPD), which provides a dedicated, voter‑approved permanent property tax levy. This blog will address how local governments can utilize MPDs to manage increasing demands on parks systems, using Clark County’s experience as an example.

Park Funding Challenges

Many agencies are unable to maintain facilities or expand services at the pace expected by their communities. Funding gaps, resource constraints, and outdated statutes contribute to the need for modernized investment strategies.

Traditional revenue sources such as general funds, user fees, and voter‑approved levies are not keeping pace with increasing costs. Inflation, deferred maintenance, labor market pressures, and increased use have accelerated expenses while most agencies continue to rely on cyclical budget decisions. Park systems face reduced staffing and declining service levels, especially in rapidly growing communities. Without structural funding changes, many agencies will continue to struggle.

What is a Metropolitan Parks District (MPD)?

An MPD is a special purpose district established by voter approval under RCW 35.61 to fund a defined parks district that can cross multiple jurisdictions.

MPD revenue can be used to acquire, develop, maintain, and operate parks, trails, recreational facilities, and related amenities or programming. An MPD also allows for a permanent property tax levy that does not require periodic renewal votes. For more information, see MRSC’s webpage on Metropolitan Park Districts.

To form an MPD, a proposal may be placed on the ballot by either resolution of the governing body or voter petition under RCW 35.61.020. The petition must be signed by 15% of the registered voters in the proposed annexed area.

Once created, an MPD is governed by a board or legislative authority. The resolution or petition supporting the MPD ballot measure must designate the composition of the board from among three alternatives pursuant to RCW 35.61.050:

• Five commissioners may be elected at the same election creating the district;
• For a district located entirely within one city or the unincorporated area of one county, the legislative authority of the city or county may act as the metropolitan park board; or
• For a district located in multiple jurisdictions, each participating legislative authority may appoint one or more members to serve as the board via interlocal agreement.

For example, Parks Tacoma and Si View Metro Parks are governed by an elected board of park commissioners. However, Seattle, Olympia, and the Greater Clark Parks District in Clark County are all governed by their respective legislative authority. (MRSC maintains a list of MPDs across the state.)

Clark County’s MPD Case Study

In Clark County, voters created the Greater Clark Parks District (MPD) in 2005. The MPD boundaries include 171,000 of the more than 525,000 residents in the unincorporated county outside the City of Vancouver, Washington.

Prior to the establishment of the MPD, the district encompassed an area with significant residential and commercial development but little investment in parks due to limited county funding. Over the past 20 years, the MPD funded 32 new parks and 30 sports fields.

Over the same period, county parks outside the MPD boundary did not see similar investment, relying mostly on general fund allocations. As of 2026, these parks have operated under a budget deficit for seven straight years.

In its current configuration, the county park system outside the MPD will not be able to keep up with service demands with a projected 34% population increase over the next 20 years.

Because of limited funding paired with rapid growth, Clark County is considering expanding the existing MPD to encompass the entire county (including the cities) and utilizing the increased revenue as a regional funding tool for both county parks and city park providers. For more information, see Clark County’s Regional Parks Funding Task Team Report (2026).

Annexation: Expansion of MPD Boundaries

Expansion of an existing MPD is governed by RCW 35.61.250 – RCW 35.61.280, which refers to the process as an “annexation.” The territory adjoining an MPD may be annexed into the district upon petition and an election.

MPD annexation into a city requires 20% of registered voters of the proposed annexed area to sign a petition before the MPD can consider placing an annexation measure on the ballot. However, if the annexation is limited to county territory, then the petition must be signed by only 25 registered voters of the proposed annexed area.

Once on the ballot, the measure passes with a majority vote.

Unlike MPD formation, a legislative body cannot place an MPD annexation on the ballot via resolution. Additionally, the petition signature threshold is higher if the territory proposed to be annexed is within the limits of another city.

Conclusion

Clark County’s experience highlights the complexities of sustaining park systems under two different funding mechanisms. With rapid population growth and increasing costs, the region faces a widening budget deficit and significant maintenance backlog for areas not covered by the county MPD. Counties that have adopted regional funding mechanisms have achieved greater operational stability, improved service levels, and increased investment in trails, natural areas, and recreational facilities.

Park funding challenges are growing more urgent across Washington. Traditional budget approaches will not be sufficient to meet future community needs or sustain the health, safety, and resiliency benefits that parks provide. By modernizing funding frameworks and exploring regional solutions, local governments can secure stable park investments for generations to come.