The Climate Investment Plan's Strategic Programs (SP)

Summary

The City of Portland is adding more than 1,700 multifamily affordable housing units in the next five years. It is imperative that these buildings are built and operated in a way that reduces carbon emissions, reduces operating costs, and improves resilience and health for tenants. Carbon-reducing measures are assured in project budgets by having this dedicated source of funding.

Allocation

$60 million

Eligibility for administration

• Phase I will be administered by Portland Housing Bureau.
• Phase II has not yet been determine and may also be administered by the Portland Housing Bureau.

Other considerations

This program is divided into two phases. Phase I are projects with financial close in the near term. Requirements for these projects align with standard requirements for Portland Housing Bureau (PHB)-funded projects with the addition of energy usage modeling and reporting for PCEF funded measures. Phase II will be developed with Portland Housing Bureau and community partners. Phase II projects will include those that have financial closing 12 months or more from the date when the program design is complete.

Open request for proposals!

This is an opportunity for your organization to become our program administrator for Clean Energy in Unregulated Multifamily Housing. This program will provide energy upgrades in 2,500 existing unregulated (naturally occurring) affordable multifamily/multidwelling rental units. Ideal proposals will demonstrate experience working with this housing type, with underserved populations, and will include existing or planned community partnerships. The application period is March 7 – April 11, 2025, at 3 p.m. PST. 

Apply online

We will hold a pre-submittal meeting on March 20, 2025, at 9 a.m. via Zoom. Email Thor Haglund to RSVP. 

Summary

This strategic program‘s goal is to provide clean energy improvements in 2,500 existing unregulated multifamily rental units. The program is intended to accelerate climate projects in this sector of the housing market, generating carbon emissions reduction and financial and health benefits for renters with low income.

Allocation

$50 million

Eligibility for administration

• Nonprofit.
• For-profit.

Summary

This program will invest $140 million over five years in more than 3,000 single-family homes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decrease energy usage and utilities bills, and improve homeowner stability while increasing comfort, health, and resiliency. 

SP 3 Webpage

Strategic Program 3 is currently in the implementation phase and has its own webpage. 

Go to the SP 3 page

Summary

This program is intended to reduce energy usage and cost, create health benefits, and increase resilience for small businesses in Portland, with a focus on BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)-owned businesses. The program will take a two-pronged approach: (1) investing in turn-key clean energy building upgrades which lower utility bills and improve comfort and air quality for occupants, and (2) investing in clean-energy upgrades for business-owned appliances and equipment which lower energy use and contribute to business resiliency.

Allocation

$25 million

Eligibility for administration

• Nonprofit.
• For-profit.
• Government organizations.

Summary

This program will fund building energy upgrades for sites owned and/or managed by eligible government entities and nonprofit organizations that make a long-term commitment to provide critical services during severe weather-related events. These may include high heat events, snowstorms, and wildfire smoke events. Types of upgrades may include solar installations; battery backup; and high-efficiency heating, cooling, and air filtration systems.

Allocation

$30 million

Eligibility for administration

Eligible sites:

• Nonprofit.
• Government organizations.

Summary

This program will invest $20 million over five years to deliver more than 6,000 e-bikes to Portlanders, pre- and post-purchase education, safety training, 50 e-bike mechanic/technician training program, and innovative multi-family storage and charging of e-bikes.

This program will fund rebates for income-qualified households for new e-bike and cargo e-bike purchases to be redeemed at local bike retailers. Participating bike retailers will need be physically located within Portland and provide both sales and repair services to be eligible to accept rebates. Cargo e-bikes and adaptive electric bikes will receive a higher incentive. People receiving rebates will also be able to use a fixed amount of funds for bike safety equipment, locks, and gear. This will also fund Multi-Family E-bike Charging and Storage and a job program training 50 E-Bike Technicians/Mechanics to support the repair needs for the program.

Details

PCEF is seeking proposals from qualified proposers with demonstrated experience in E-bike Rebate Program implementation, administration, training and evaluation. This includes five roles:

1. Central Program Administrator will provide operations management and central administration for the program; functional areas include overall program coordination and communication, program development and implementation, outreach and community engagement, and safety and education programming.
2. Rebate Payment and Application Processing role will be responsible for managing the program's voucher approval and payment processing systems. Key functional areas include customer qualification, financial management, payment disbursements, retailer coordination, data management and reporting, technical training, and support.
3. E-bike Mechanic/Technician Training Initiative Administrator will be responsible for developing training curriculum, identifying participants, executing the training program, and supporting job placement for program participants.
4. Multifamily E-bike Charging and Storage Initiative Administrator will be responsible for assessing charging and storage solutions, site identification, approval of program participants, and installing the charging and storage solutions.
5. Third-Party Evaluator will be responsible for analyzing and determining successes and opportunities for improvement for the overall program and for each of the program elements. Any entity that is awarded this scope is ineligible to play a role in any other scope of this contract.

Allocation

$20 million

Eligibility for administration

• Nonprofit.
• For-profit.
• Government organizations.

Other considerations

Further clarity of roles and eligibility for this program will be informed by the transportation decarbonization workgroup.

Summary

This program expands Portland Bureau of Transportation’s (PBOT) Transportation Wallet Access for All (AFA) program by offering qualifying participants a package of free transportation options such as public transit passes, bike share (BIKETOWN), e-scooter ride credit, and ride-hailing (Uber/Lyft) or taxi credit. The program allows participants to choose transportation options that meet their individual needs with an emphasis on low-carbon transportation modes.

Allocation

$25 million

Eligibility for administration

PBOT, the current program administrator, will continue to manage the Transportation Wallet AFA program as they have the infrastructure and expertise to expand and improve the program. Partnership with community-based nonprofit organizations with deep roots and a proven track record in the community is essential for effective enrollment and engagement of participants.

Summary

This program will work in Portland’s most heat-vulnerable neighborhoods to equitably plant and establish at least 15,000 trees on public and private property. The program will establish trees over a five-year post planting period, track health and wellness of a meaningful sample of planted trees, build lasting relationships with community-based organizations, and offer tree care resources and communication to tree recipients. The program will also support the development of a diverse, well-trained workforce and contracting community for tree planting and maintenance.

Allocation

$40 million

Eligibility for administration

• Portland Parks & Recreation.

Other considerations

The Equitable Tree Canopy workgroup will advise on how optimally to distribute workforce and contractor development resources to support a strong, diverse workforce and contracting pool. Allocation: $2,000,000

Why this work is important

Learn about the Equitable Tree Canopy Workgroup

Summary

This program area includes an investment strategy to increase community-based organizations’ outcomes and capacity in regenerative agriculture, land stewardship, and land ownership. It will support the acquisition, site development, and early management of two to three regenerative agriculture sites of at least 20,000 square feet each, sequestering carbon, increasing the city’s open space and agricultural land base, and fostering greater community-based materials and food production.

Allocation

$6 million

Eligibility for administration

• Nonprofits.

Summary

This program will offer a multi-year cohort program for CBOs that includes training, technical assistance, consultation, operational funding, staff support, and other resources. The program enhances organizations' internal operational effectiveness, leading to improved outcomes in their climate-action projects and programs. The program will equip organizations with resources and support to help them fulfill their mission.

Allocation

$10 million

Eligibility for administration

• Nonprofits.
• Nonprofit organization fiscal sponsors who are supporting community groups.

Read the ordinance

Summary

This program supports and develops existing community and business leadership in the 82nd Avenue corridor to enhance the ability of current residents and business to deal with and alleviate the impacts of climate change. PCEF will allocate funding to grant programs that will reach target beneficiaries through outreach and marketing efforts.

Allocation

$5 million

Eligibility for administration

• Nonprofit organizations may apply for PCEF community responsive grant program, PCEF mini grant program, and Prosper Portland’s community event grant program focused on 82nd Avenue.
• For-profit organizations may apply for Prosper Portland’s business grants and community event grant program focused on 82nd Avenue.

Community Responsive Grants: Green Infrastructure along 82nd Ave Corridor

Mini Grants along 82nd Ave Corridor

Summary

This program increases street trees along the 82nd Avenue corridor will address a key community priority and enhance investments in critical safety repairs made by PBOT. Funding will support approximately 2,500 linear feet (equivalent to thirteen 200-foot blocks) of sidewalk widening and tree planting along 82nd Avenue. In consultation with PP&R, the investment will prioritize large tree species to maximize shade potential.

Allocation

$5 million

Eligibility for administration

• The 82nd Avenue street tree expansion will be administered by PBOT in collaboration with Portland Parks and Recreation’s Urban Forestry Division. PBOT has both the expertise and jurisdictional oversight in creating space for street trees in the public right-of-way, which will shade pedestrians, reduce the urban heat island effect, and sequester carbon. PBOT will be responsible for convening and consulting community stakeholders and reporting on program implementation.

Summary

This program will work with local lenders to reduce the total cost of purchasing EVs for people and businesses that drive high annual milage for business, delivery, or commercial use and provide social and environmental benefits. Funds will help through reducing origination fees or interest rates, credit enhancement mechanisms, matched savings programs, conditional loan forgiveness, or lending pathways with flexible terms to provide access to EVs for PCEF priority populations.

Allocation

$35 million

Eligibility for administration

• Nonprofit organizations with a track record of managing financial transactions.
• Entities registered as Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).
• Cooperative credit unions.
• Banks with a physical branch presence in Portland.

Summary

Through partnership with CDFIs, cooperative credit unions, local banks and community organizations, and public agencies with financing experience, PCEF will offer funding for projects that result in measurable carbon emissions reductions. Approaches may include low- to zero-interest loans, flexible repayment terms, community lending circles, property-assessed clean energy financing tools (i.e., PropertyFit), loan loss reserve mechanisms, conditional loan forgiveness, high-ratio matched savings accounts, credit enhancement mechanisms, culturally specific finance tools, and community-based education and support about financing options.

Allocation

$45 million

Eligibility for administration

• Nonprofit organizations with a track record of managing financial transactions.
• Entities registered as CDFIs.
• Cooperative credit unions.
• Lending institutions with a physical branch presence in Portland.
• Public agencies based in Portland with financing programs for commercial and multifamily properties.

Other considerations

A market needs assessment will be conducted prior to program launch to define the highest priority approaches and funding mechanisms for different sectors.

Summary

To guide this City-focused funding category, a PCEF-managed rapid response workgroup will review grant opportunities, review requests for match funding, and make match funding awards. The workgroup will use the CIP’s equity + climate framework to provide guidance in making match funding awards. The workgroup is intended to respond quickly to match funding requests in alignment with the equity + climate framework. The workgroup will not develop grant proposals or directly manage awarded funds. The workgroup will be composed of one person from each of the following: Office of Government Relations staff, PCEF staff, PCEF Committee member, BPS Climate policy staff, and Office of Management and Finance staff.

Allocation

$20 million

Eligibility for administration

• City of Portland bureaus and offices.

Summary

There are 149 K-12 public schools in six school districts in the city of Portland. These school districts hold significant assets in three categories relevant for PCEF funding: 1) buildings, 2) transportation, and 3) school yards. Most of this strategic program investment will be allocated amongst the school districts to implement physical infrastructure projects that reduce GHG emissions and improve climate resiliency. A smaller portion of the funding will be allocated to support student-led initiatives for five years at each middle and high school within the city of Portland.

Allocation

$50 million

Eligibility for administration

• Public school districts within the city of Portland.

Learn more about the work

Read the ordinance

Summary

The Water Leak Repair Program through the Portland Water Bureau helps reduce the financial burden of leak repairs for customers living with low incomes, helping them save water and money. The program is delivered through partnerships with the Community Energy Project, the African American Alliance for Homeownership, and Multnomah County’s Weatherization program. PCEF’s investment will allow PWB to double the number of homes served through this innovative partnership.

Allocation

$2.5 million

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by Portland Water Bureau.

Summary

This project funds energy efficiency improvements to Portland Water Bureau facilities, decreasing emissions and improving the resilience of critical facilities that provide clean and safe water to Portlanders. 

This program improves energy efficiency through: 

• An Energy Savings Performance Contract audit for select facilities.
• Improving HVAC operations controls at the bureau’s Interstate Operations building.
• Replacing the aging gas heating system at the groundwater pump station with a new electric heat pump.

Allocation

$1 million

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by Portland Water Bureau.

Summary

This program expands existing locally generated renewable electricity capacity through micro-hydro systems and solar array development. Renewable electricity generation is an essential component of transitioning the electricity grid to 100% clean energy and reducing electricity-associated carbon emissions. It increases resilience and decreases the amount of transmission infrastructure needed to bring renewable energy from other locations. 

This investment supports:

• Construction of a new micro-hydro system at reservoirs in Washington Park.
• Maintenance and repairs to existing micro-hydro system at Vernon Hydropark.
• Site assessment, design, and construction of new solar arrays at Portland Water Bureau facilities.
• Maintenance of existing solar arrays to keep them operating at peak capacity.

Allocation

$2,825,000

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by Portland Water Bureau.

Summary

The Portland Hydroelectric Project operates using two powerhouses in the Bull Run Watershed that hold the turbines and associated electrical equipment for generating the city's hydroelectric power. PCEF funding will enable upgrades to sustain operations. The current infrastructure is over 42 years old and likely to fail if not replaced in the coming years. These critical upgrades will allow for the continued production of renewable electricity for Portlanders and help reach climate targets for decarbonizing our electricity supply.

Allocation

$3.5 million

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by Portland Water Bureau.

Summary

The Bull Run drinking water system has existed since 1895 and includes two dams and two reservoirs, constructed in 1929 and 1962. The drinking water system continues to be the primary purpose of the dams and reservoirs. Set to expire in 2029, the five-year relicensing process includes scoping, study plan development, study implementation, development of a draft and final license application, and an environmental analysis, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act. Relicensing is a public process that includes outreach to inform Tribes, agencies, and other potentially interested parties of the process and opportunities to engage and provide input.

Allocation

$6 million

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by Portland Water Bureau.

Summary

The Bureau of Environmental Services plans, operates, maintains, and improves all aspects of the city’s wastewater and stormwater systems. PCEF investments support programming to protect and enhance our natural environment, while providing carbon sequestration, climate resilience, and adaptation. The program plants trees, supports watershed health through green stormwater solutions, and protects our rivers and streams while providing health benefits and enhancing livability throughout the built environment.

Allocation

$70.5 million

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by the Bureau of Environmental Services.

Summary

The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability’s Climate Policy Team focuses on solutions available at the local level, while engaging with state, federal, and international jurisdictions that also control critical levers of policy change. PCEF funds will support climate staff work on decarbonization in the following specific policy areas:

• Community-based renewable energy.
• Decarbonizing transportation and fuels.
• Eliminating carbon from buildings (with a focus on multifamily naturally occurring affordable housing).
• Decarbonizing City operations and facilities.

Allocation

$2,850,000

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability.

Summary

Portland Parks and Recreation (PP&R) will provide continued implementation of private property tree planting and establishment program, previously managed by Bureau of Environmental Services. The private property tree program particularly helps multifamily, commercial, and industrial properties plant and care for trees that provide shade as well as stormwater and habitat value, with a focus in North and Northeast Portland.

Allocation

$7 million

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by Portland Parks and Recreation.

Summary

The Portland Housing Bureau is responsible for leading housing policy for the City of Portland. They administer programs to produce affordable rental housing, increase and stabilize homeowners, prevent and end homelessness, and regulate and assist landlords and tenants in the rental housing market. PCEF funding will be used for energy efficiency, renewable energy improvements and eligible life, health, and safety retrofit upgrades to address the ongoing need to preserve and update existing regulated multifamily rental housing.

Allocation

$40 million

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by the Portland Housing Bureau.

Summary

This program will enable CityFleet, the City division responsible for the entire ecosystem of essential fleet services (e.g., vehicle acquisition, maintenance, fueling, disposition, compliance), to implement its Green Fleet Strategy to achieve a net-zero carbon fleet by 2050. This allocation will scale up the fleet acquisition, charging infrastructure and maintenance for electric on-road and off-road vehicles and equipment. This program involves multiple elements needed to transition the current liquid fossil fuel infrastructure to a similar, seamless EV infrastructure for City bureaus to maintain their 24/7 operations and serve the public.

Allocation

$29,172,000

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by the Portland Bureau of Fleet and Facilities.

Summary

The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall is Portland’s premier large concert hall and is visited by approximately 275,000 people from Portland and beyond each year. The ASCH hosts over 180 diverse events and performers annually and is the primary venue for the Oregon Symphony. The venue is overseen by the City of Portland Office of Arts and Culture, and is one of the Portland’5 Center for the Arts facilities operated by Metro. This PCEF investment reduces the climate impact by incorporating energy efficiency upgrades into critical repairs for the historic building. PCEF funding will also increase insulation to reduce the building’s energy consumption and replace the aging cooling tower to reduce energy use for cooling.

Allocation

$1 million

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by the Portland Office of Arts and Culture.

Summary

Portland Streetcar is the third largest transit system in Oregon and provides approximately 9,000 rides each weekday using 100% clean energy while supporting the growth of dense, walkable development communities. This program funds replacing aging streetcars which provide an important transit connection for the thousands of residents, employees, and students in Portland’s central city.

Allocation

$30 million

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by the Portland Bureau of Transportation.

Summary

This program will address the need for more frequent cleaning of almost all our city’s bike lanes so people cycling or rolling have cleaner, safer bike lanes. Cycling for commuting and small trips (in comparison to trips via motor vehicle) is a well-known carbon emissions reduction strategy. Removing obstacles to maintain and increase ridership supports carbon emissions reduction. 

This investment supports:

• Acquisition of two bike lane sweepers, with a preference for electric versions.
• Procurement of electric backpack leaf blowers for supplemental cleaning of bike lanes.
• Ongoing staffing of the maintenance operations associated with servicing bike lanes throughout the city.

Allocation

$10 million

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by the Portland Bureau of Transportation.

Summary

The quick build program delivers small- and medium-scale capital investments to improve biking, walking, and transit networks. These projects provide community members with safe, convenient ways to get around while reducing GHGs. The projects in the quick build program are drawn from existing plans, including modal plans (e.g., PedPDX, 2030 Bike Plan), subarea plans (e.g., North Portland in Motion, SW in Motion, Lower SE Rising), and community requests.

Allocation

$20 million

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by the Portland Bureau of Transportation.

Summary

Community programs provide vital connection between clean energy transportation investments and the people they serve. Community programming focuses on educating, encouraging, incentivizing, and rewarding people in choosing low-carbon modes. Equity is integrated within each project strategy, making sure that PCEF priority populations are served first through thoughtful partnerships, geographic selections informed by the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s Equity Matrix, and the design of activities and events to meet people where they are.

Allocation

$15 million

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by the Portland Bureau of Transportation.

Summary

The city’s streetlights work to brighten our streets and sidewalks to improve visibility and safety for all travelers. LED streetlights consume about 50% less energy than older high-pressure sodium (HPS) streetlights. New LED streetlights will be in high-crash corridors to help reduce traffic crashes resulting in fatalities and serious injuries. Portland Bureau of Transportation’s equity matrix will be used to help identify locations, with priority areas largely focused on East Portland. These lights are also compliant with dark sky standards to help ensure efficient utilization of light and minimize wildlife impacts.

Allocation

$37 million

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by the Portland Bureau of Transportation.

Summary

Portland Parks and Recreation is rehabilitating and expanding Mt. Scott Community Center to better serve current and future generations of Portlanders. This allocation of PCEF funding enables the addition of energy efficiency, resilience, and accessibility measures that will reduce GHGs and help make the center a community hub of climate resilience during extreme weather and other catastrophic events. The project is currently on track to attain LEED Gold certification.

Allocation

$6.2 million

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by Portland Parks and Recreation.

Summary

Portland’s urban forest plays a critical role in public health, responding to the climate crisis, and providing services to Portland residents. Maintaining and increasing tree canopy is instrumental in achieving PCEF’s goals of reducing and sequestering GHGs and provides opportunities to build a diverse and well-trained work force and contractor pool. This allocation to Portland Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry programs will continue to improve the preservation and care of trees across the city.

Allocation

$100,840,000

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by Portland Parks and Recreation.

Summary

This program will phase out gas-powered handheld and backpack leaf blowers used in City operations and replace them with electric battery powered versions. Portland Parks and Recreation will also pursue a broader goal of transitioning gas-powered landscaping equipment to electric alternatives. This equipment will support the bureau’s commitment to work towards sustainability and achieve goals in decarbonizing City operations. PCEF funds will also be used to assess and upgrade the capacity of electrical infrastructure at bureau sites where landscaping equipment is stored and charged.

Allocation

$1.6 million

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by Portland Parks and Recreation.

Summary

This program will allow income-qualified property owners to access funds for the maintenance and care of existing established trees on their property. The fund will help reduce cost and burden associated with tree care for lower-income households and ensure that existing trees throughout the city receive professional health and safety assessment, pruning, and if needed, removal, and replanting. The program will be administered by Portland Parks and Recreation’s Urban Forestry division with input on program design from the Equitable Tree Canopy Workgroup.

Allocation

$5,250,000

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by Portland Parks and Recreation.

Summary

Cooling Portland is a climate-resilience program that provides efficient portable cooling units to low-income, vulnerable Portlanders. Local organization Earth Advantage was selected by the PCEF committee and approved by City Council to serve as Equipment Purchasing Partner. Earth Advantage is tasked with identifying high-efficiency heat pump and air conditioning units, purchasing and warehousing those units, and effectively distributing them to community distribution partners (CDPs). CDPs are community-based organizations and housing providers that are responsible for identifying and prioritizing recipients, scheduling delivery, installing cooling units, and providing educational materials. PCEF funding will expand this program from 15,000 to 25,000 total units.

Allocation

$10.3 million

Eligibility for administration

• Administered by Earth Advantage.