PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland's high-stakes parks levy appears to have won the support of a narrow majority of voters, according to initial results posted just after 8 p.m. Tuesday.

The first batch of ballots showed the measure passing with just over 53% of the vote, though the numbers are not final; the tally will be updated multiple times in the coming days as the remaining ballots are counted.

The proposed new parks levy would fund the Parks & Recreation Department for another five years, but despite the city's love for its public parks and natural areas and the support of a broad cross-section of Portland's political and business leaders, the proposal has also sparked fierce backlash amid concerns about the city's tax burden.

An audit of Portland Parks this October found tha

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