Apply to serve on City of Portland’s new Sustainability and Climate Commission, helping address climate crisis

Applications are being accepted for the Sustainability and Climate Commission, a new advisory body at the City of Portland that will elevate the importance of building resilience and sustainability in our communities to address the climate crisis.

The 20-person commission will review and propose actions to the Portland City Council to achieve City-adopted goals to eliminate carbon emissions by 2050 and make Portlanders more resilient - especially communities of color and those most at-risk and vulnerable to impacts of climate change.

"Portlanders have an important voice in making sure our city government prioritizes sustainability and climate action," said Sustainability Officer Vivian Satterfield, who is based in the Office of the City Administrator. "As Portland moves forward with a new form of government, we are also advancing the city's commitment to be a climate leader."

The Sustainability and Climate Commission will be the leading authority on climate and sustainability, creating the City's next Climate Action Plan and providing accountability for the City and its service areas.

Four seats are dedicated to youth, ages 16-24 for one-year appointments. Eight of the remaining 16 seats will be for two-year appointments, and the other eight for three-year appointments.

The volunteer commission will meet at least once a month, on weekday evenings. Work will be organized by eight initial focus areas:

• Building and homes

• Climate change resiliency and adaptation

• Energy and renewables

• Environmental justice and equity

• Urban forest, natural systems and carbon management

• Urban form and transportation

• Waste prevention, recycling and solid waste

• Youth

People from every part of Portland are encouraged to share their voices on this committee, especially people who have not been involved before and those with lived experiences from climate change. If you want to serve your community and to help governmentmake better choices, then we want to see your application.

How to Apply

Applications are due Jan. 17, with review beginning soon after. Interviews will take place Feb. 18 through March 14, with the option reserved to extend this timeline.

Do you have questions or need more information? Email [email protected]or call/text 503-260-4182.

Learn more about the Sustainability and Climate Commission at Portland.gov/SCC.