Media Advisory: Commissioner Carmen Rubio Releases Five-year Climate Investment Plan - 08/23/23
Members of the media are invited to get the first copy of the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund’s inaugural five-year Climate Investment Plan, hear from City staff and community
NOT FOR PUBLICATION
Portland, Ore.: Commissioner Carmen Rubio is pleased to invite members of the Portland media to attend a press conference introducing the final version of the inaugural five-year Climate Investment Plan (CIP).
WHO: The event will feature five speakers including City staff and community members who have been integral in shaping the development of the CIP:
- Portland Commissioner Carmen Rubio
- Alan Hipólito, suma
- Indi Namkoong, Verde
- Paul Lumley, Former Director of NAYA, PCEF Committee member
- Nik Blosser, Portland General Electric
Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) Director Donnie Oliveira will serve as event emcee.
WHAT: A press conference highlighting key elements of the CIP and its development. After a short speaking program, members of the media will be invited to ask questions to Commissioner Rubio, speakers, and BPS staff.
WHERE: City Hall, 1221 SW Fourth Ave., North Atrium. Upon entering City Hall, follow the signs.
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 24, 12 noon to 1 p.m.
RSVP: Your RSVP is requested to attend this press conference. Please contact Jimmy Radosta by phone at 503.865.6666 or by email at Jimmy.Radosta@portlandoregon.gov. Those who RSVP will be provided with a digital press kit, which will include the final CIP.
BACKGROUND: The CIP outlines strategies and outcomes for a five-year $750 million investment in local efforts that reduce carbon emissions. The CIP preserves the community responsive grants program and makes bigger and bolder investments in Portland’s tree canopy, energy efficient/clean energy upgrades for affordable housing —and also adds transportation decarbonization as an investment category. Commissioner Rubio changed city code last October to allow these new investments, and the detailed plan was developed through extensive collaboration between the City, community, nonprofits, and public partners over the last six months.
About Commissioner Rubio
Commissioner Carmen Rubio joined the Portland City Council in January 2021. She oversees the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, Bureau of Development Services, Portland Housing Bureau, and Prosper Portland.
About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) develops creative and practical solutions to enhance Portland’s livability, preserve distinctive places and plan for a resilient future. BPS collaborates with community partners to provide comprehensive land use, neighborhood, district, economic, historic, and environmental planning, and urban design; research, policy and technical services to advance green building, energy efficiency and the use of solar and renewable energy, waste prevention, composting and recycling, and a sustainable food system; and policy and actions to address climate change.
About the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund
The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) initiative was passed by 65% of Portland voters in November 2018. It provides a consistent, long-term funding source and oversight structure to ensure that our community's climate action efforts are implemented to support social, economic and environmental benefits for all Portlanders, particularly communities of color and low-income residents. The initiative was supported by a broad coalition of groups and individuals and represents the first environmental initiative in Oregon led by communities of color.