Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund announces new committee co-chairs and appointments

Portland, Ore. – The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF), is proud to announce new leadership and appointments to its committee. Tracy Scott and DeAngelo Moaning have been selected as the new Co-Chairs to replace Ranfis Villatoro and Meg Horst, bringing deep community insight and strategic vision to the fund’s mission to advance climate justice in Portland.

The nine-member committee will continue to make recommendations to staff for the PCEF program, including oversight on program accountability in the five-year Climate Investment Plan.

"We’re honored to serve as co-chairs at a time when PCEF’s work is more critical than ever,” said Moaning and Scott. “We’re committed to building on the strong foundation laid by previous leadership and advancing community-led solutions that prepare Portlanders for a changing climate.”

In addition to new leadership, City Council confirmed the Mayor’s appointment of two new Committee members and the reappointment of two existing members for a second term:

• Anna Allen, is a proud member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and currently serves as the Regional Government Affairs Director at the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC). She leverages 15 years of experience in advocacy, community engagement, and equitable policy development to strengthen relationships between tribal governments, public agencies, and community organizations.
• Andre Lightsey-Walker, is a transportation planner and community activist with a deep commitment to climate justice, equity, and community-centered solutions. With experience in regional planning, policy development, and grant management, he has worked to advance sustainable transportation and land use strategies that prioritize underserved communities and improve the quality of life for all Portlanders. As a 4th generation Portland resident and advocate for inclusive decision-making, he brings a place-based perspective to his work ensuring investments drive meaningful and lasting community impact to be enjoyed today and into the future.
• Robin Wang, is a seasoned business, nonprofit, and community leader with a passion for deploying capital and harnessing business to benefit the greater good. As a former owner of a sustainable lifestyle business, He brings a wealth of expertise in both sustainability and small business operation.
• Meg Horst, is a Senior Associate in Climate Equity planning at Cascadia Consulting, where she helps local municipalities plan for climate equity and resilience. She possesses substantial green infrastructure, urban agriculture and local food systems expertise that is recognized both locally and nationally. 

“We are thrilled to welcome new and returning members to the Committee,” said Sam Baraso, PCEF Program Manager. “This team reflects the depth of knowledge, lived experience, and community connection needed to shape a climate-resilient and just future for Portland.”

The PCEF Committee plays a vital role in recommending the Climate Investment Plan to City Council, reviewing grant recommendations, and evaluating the overall effectiveness of the program. Committee members are volunteers appointed by City Council and represent a diverse range of expertise and lived experience.

The Committee meets the third Thursday of each month. Meeting details can be found on the PCEF website.

About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability

The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) oversees a world-renowned waste and recycling system and leads the country in its commitment to digital equity, open data, and protecting communities in the application of technologies. Staff collaborate with partners on neighborhood, economic, historic, and environmental planning and provide research, policy, and technical services to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as policies and actions to address climate change. The bureau also oversees the innovative Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF).

About the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund

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.