Contact:
Damon Motz-Storey, Portland Clean Energy Fund Coalition, damon@oregonpsr.org, 303-913-5634
Donnie Oliveira, City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, Donald.Oliveira@portlandoregon.gov, 503-823-4748
[PORTLAND, OR] - The Portland Clean Energy Fund coalition and City of Portland today announced the hiring of Sam Baraso to lead the development of the groundbreaking Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund. Baraso will start work on June 6th at the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability where he will coordinate the creation of the Fund’s grant program and grant committee. The hire is a new milestone in the implementation of the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund, which was passed by voter initiative in November 2018 and will bring a projected $54-71 million in clean energy projects and job training, with an emphasis on supporting low-income Portlanders and communities of color.
“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to work on building this historic and innovative fund for climate justice,” said Baraso. “I look forward to collaborating with the phenomenal coalition of folks that passed the Portland Clean Energy Fund at the ballot and the numerous stakeholders throughout the City to ensure the program accomplishes its goals and becomes a model for climate action across cities globally.”
“We are so thrilled that Sam is stepping into this essential leadership role at the City,” said Khanh Pham, Organizing Director at OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon and a leader in the Portland Clean Energy Fund coalition. “This is a major milestone in the implementation of the Portland Clean Energy Fund and we are so excited to support Sam as he works to build the program and support its grant committee. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Sam for many years. His broad connections and extensive skills in equitable sustainability work position him and the community for success.”
Sam Baraso will be available for phone and in-person interviews from 7:00AM to 9:00AM Wednesday, May 15th at Cellar Door Coffee Roasters, 2001 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR. Please email or text Damon at damon@oregonpsr.org or 303-913-5634 if you would like to conduct a phone interview. Drop-ins at the Cellar Door for in-person interviews during the above timeslot are welcome.
Baraso has served as a Senior Policy Advisor in Multnomah County’s Office of Sustainability for four years and brings broad experience in environmental management, economics, finance, and social equity. He serves on various boards including the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission, the Portland African American Leadership Forum (PAALF), and the Willamette Partnership. In the Program Manager position, Baraso will work closely with public officials and members of the Portland Clean Energy Fund coalition to establish the Fund’s grant program and grant committee and coordinate its efforts to begin funding clean energy projects in 2020.
The City of Portland is now accepting applications for persons interested in serving on the nine-person grant committee that will receive, review, and recommend applications for funding from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund. Applications are due June 2nd and may be found at the following link: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/civic/article/731718
Announcement also in: Spanish: Español | Vietnamese: Tiếng Việt |Chinese: 中文 | Russian: Русский | Romanian: Română | Ukrainian: Україньска | Japanese: 日本語 | Somali: Soomaali | Arabic: عربي | Laotian: ລາວ
The City of Portland is also hiring for the other members of the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund startup team who will work collaboratively with Sam Baraso to build and support the PCEF grant program. Applications are due May 20th. More information and instructions for applying may be found at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portlandor