How to apply
Please read the important information on this page before starting your application process. The application period is open Nov. 21, 2025, through Jan. 23, 2026.
Apply for the High Road Advisory Council
The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) invites community and industry leaders to apply for the High Road Advisory Council (HRAC). This Council advises PCEF staff on workforce and contractor development to ensure climate action investments create equitable economic opportunities for Portlanders. Council members bring experience in diverse trades, contracting, equitable procurement, and climate-related industries.
This document provides a brief overview of PCEF and HRAC, along with application instructions.
Background
PCEF is a historic initiative that invests approximately $200 million annually in climate actions that advance equity, expand economic opportunity, and provide broad community benefit. This brief video provides valuable context about the history and intent of the PCEF legislation.
The Climate Investment Plan, which outlines the funding programs and allocations over five years is approved by a nine-member PCEF Committee that is comprised of diverse experts and community members who collectively represent the diverse perspectives and geographic areas of Portland. PCEF program staff are employees of the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability.
PCEF advances fair and inclusive workforce and contractor practices by establishing requirements for wages, reporting, worksite safety, nondiscrimination, and access to contracting opportunities.
Purpose
HRAC provides advice and guidance to inform PCEF staff and leadership on workforce and contractor development goals and requirements. The guidance helps ensure that PCEF programming advances key goals while being responsive to field conditions.HRAC provides input on workforce and contractor development and equity policies and several key items that include, but are not limited to:
- Recruitment and Retention of Diverse Workforce and Contractors – Guidance on approaches that expand access to climate-related job opportunities and career pathways for Portland residents, including those who may experience barriers to employment or contracting.
- Workforce and Contractor Equity Plan – Recommendations on measurable goals, Request for Proposals (RFP) priorities, and strategies that strengthen inclusive workforce and contractor ecosystems.
- Workforce and Contractor Equity Agreements – Input on requirements related to nondiscrimination, safe and inclusive worksites, wages, reporting, and timely contractor payment.
- Workforce and Contractor Equity RFP Criteria – Advice on scoring elements used to evaluate proposals, including the incorporation of program evaluation findings.
Roles and Responsibilities
HRAC is an advisory body to PCEF program staff. Responsibilities include providing ideas and input, reviewing drafts, and making recommendations for consideration.
Time Commitment
HRAC members should be ready to commit to the following time commitment:
- The Council meets approximately six times per year.
- There will be a full-day retreat on March 6, 2025, in lieu of that month's scheduled meeting.
- The term of service is two years.
- Meetings are hybrid – occurring both virtually and in person.
Composition
HRAC members are selected based on subject-matter expertise and experience relevant to workforce and contractor development in climate-related industries. HRAC includes between 7 and 11 members and may engage additional stakeholders through work sessions, interviews, or surveys.
While we welcome all applicants with relevant experience, to fill vacancies of areas that we serve, at this time, we encourage individuals with the following areas of expertise to apply:
- Construction labor trades, especially apprenticeship training programs connected to climate-related occupations
- Equitable procurement and compliance in climate-focused occupations.
- Large contractors performing energy efficiency, retrofit, or clean-energy projects on commercial and/or multifamily housing.
- Small businesses, including minority-owned, women-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, or emerging contractors working in clean energy or home retrofit sectors.
Compensation
HRAC members are eligible for stipends of up to $500 per year. Reimbursement for travel, childcare, or other approved expenses is available as permitted by City policy.
Conflicts of Interest
Current or former PCEF grant applicants, grantees, and contractors may serve on HRAC. Participation on HRAC does not influence funding decisions, and HRAC members do not participate in funding recommendations. HRAC members may participate in scoring and review panels, while following established practices related to PCEF's conflict-of-interest policies.
Governance
HRAC uses a modified consensus process for making decisions, consistent with the process used by the PCEF Committee.
Application
The application period is open Friday, Nov. 21, 2026, through Jan. 23, 2026.
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact Abby Bandurraga at abby.bandurraga@portlandoregon.gov.
About PCEF
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 who have been historically under-resourced. The initiative was supported by a broad coalition of groups and individuals and represents the first environmental initiative in Oregon led by communities on the frontlines of climate change.