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Label:
Ordinance
Add Electric Vehicle Charging Systems Funding Code (add Code Chapter 26.11)
Passed
The City of Portland ordains.
Section 1. The Council finds:
- The number of electric vehicles (EV) on U.S. roads is projected to reach more than 25 million vehicles by 2030. This correlates to approximately 12.9 million necessary charge ports to support the projected number of EVs on the road. It is critical that Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) equipment be properly installed to the highest standards to safety and quality.
- Training a skilled and local workforce capable of installing EV chargers is essential to meeting the City of Portland's clean energy goals and aligns with the priorities outlined in the Portland Clean Energy Fund.
- By requiring that 25% of the workers installing commercial chargers hold an electric vehicle infrastructure training program certification or equivalent certification the City of Portland can invest in advancing the local workforce.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs:
- Add City Code Chapter 26.11 as shown in Exhibit A.
- The Bureau of Fleet and Facilities and the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund will report to Council annually on electric vehicle charger projects that qualified for EVITP or equivalent training program requirements if the workforce requirements were met.
Exhibits and attachments
An ordinance when passed by the Council shall be signed by the Auditor. It shall be carefully filed and preserved
in the custody of the Auditor (City Charter Chapter 2 Article 1 Section 2-122)
Passed by Council
Auditor of the City of Portland
Simone Rede
Impact Statement
Purpose of proposed legislation and background information
According to estimates, nearly one out of every five vehicles on U.S. roads by 2030 — about 30 million — is expected to be electric. As electric vehicles are become more commonplace, the need for high-speed chargers is increases. When the City of Portland funds the installation of a commercial grade charger, the charger needs to be installed correctly. Additional training requirements for specialized electrical work helps to ensure quality and helps develop the skilled and local workforce we need for the future.
Financial and budgetary impacts
There will be variances in market availability for EV chargers and components. This ordinance does not impact brand of charger or create a product preference.
Economic and real estate development impacts
PCEF's priorities include transportation decarbonation projects and Climate action-related workforce development and contractor support programs. This code change looks to better align city dollars going towards commercial grade EV chargers.
Community impacts and community involvement
This ordinance seeks to expand the certifications of the skilled, local workforce.
100% renewable goal
This ordinance seeks to ensure that city funded EV chargers are installed correctly.
Economic and real estate development analysis
Analysis provided by Prosper Portland
Prosper Portland staff has reviewed the Economic and Real Estate Development Impact Analysis submitted for this action and finds that it does not satisfy the requirements set forth in City Council Resolution 37664. The analysis is insufficiently detailed and could benefit from the following additions to be considered a final statement for purposes of this action.
- Obtain feedback from a broader and more representative group of impacted stakeholders.
- Evaluate the financial impact on certified electricians, including the approximately $350 certification cost and the loss of income associated with completing roughly 30 hours of training. Particular attention should be given to non-union electricians who do not already receive this training through apprenticeship programs.
- Conduct a cost-benefit analysis that weighs the value of standardizing industry safety practices against the additional costs imposed on contractors and electricians.
- Assess the benefits of aligning with state requirements, including a review of which states currently require Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) certification and how Oregon's approach compares to those jurisdictions.
Document history
Document number: 2026-209
President's referral: City Life Committee