Portland proposes $750m investment for climate justice

The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) Committee has recommended its inaugural five-year Climate Investment Plan (CIP) to the city council.

The CIP outlines strategies and outcomes for a $750m investment in community-led clean energy projects and climate solutions from 2023 through 2028.

Climate justice

Through extensive input and engagement from community, nonprofits, and public partners, the committee-recommended CIP prioritises programmes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen communities hit first and hardest by extreme climate events.

“The Climate Investment Plan is one of many ways the City is addressing the urgency of the climate crisis,” said Bureau of Planning and Sustainability director Donnie Oliveira. “Once approved by council later this fall, these recommended solutions can help Portland realise its goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 while addressing community and infrastructure resilience.”

“By investing in Portland families and communities, the CIP will help expand access to climate solutions while ensuring that the economic benefits go to those who have historically been left behind”

At the direction of City Council, PCEF began developing the CIP in October 2022 to further define funding allocations and priorities to achieve major carbon-emissions reductions and build resilience in ways that benefit those most impacted by the climate crisis.

“We are proud of the work we’ve done and grateful for the incredible amount of community input in meeting climate goals, lifting up the voices of our community, and advancing racial justice,” said PCEF programme manager Sam Baraso.