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News Article
The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) is requesting proposals for our Clean Energy in Unregulated Multifamily Housing strategic program. Get the details and learn how to apply to become our program administrator!
Published
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.
We will hold a pre-submittal meeting on March 20, 2025, at 9 a.m. via Zoom. Email Thor Haglund to RSVP.
The need
Residential and commercial buildings account for 41% of carbon emissions in Multnomah County.
There are roughly 58,000 households in Portland earning less than 80% Area Median Income (AMI) and living in multifamily housing. Around a quarter of these households can access regulated affordable housing; the remainder live in unregulated multifamily rentals (sometimes called naturally occurring affordable housing).
The solution
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. Multifamily rentals have been historically difficult to access for clean energy programs. Property owners may be reluctant to participate because of barriers related to complexity and insufficient incentives.
We will address these barriers:
- Property owners don’t usually pay the utility bills. When they do, they can pass on costs to tenants, resulting in a lack of financial incentive to reduce energy use.
- Property owners have limited time and/or may not understand the benefits of energy improvements.
- Property owners have found existing programs complex to navigate and with requirements they are unwilling to accept.
- Tenant income verification is difficult and can create privacy issues.
We will also support workforce and contractor development by:
- Training 350-400 workers on green building and equipment installation.
- Providing 5,000 hours of science technical mentorship for contractors.
- Provide retention awards to support employment for up to 50 new workers.
The schedule
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Pre-Proposal meeting | March 20, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. |
| Deadline for questions | April 4, 2025 |
| Written proposals due (Phase 1 response) | April 11, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. |
| Posting of the short list and Phase 2 instructions (if applicable) | April – June 2025 |
| Notice of Intent to Award posted | June 2025 |
Learn more
This program is part of our five-year Climate Investment Program. To learn more about Clean Energy in Unregulated Multifamily Housing, visit us online.