The Sustainability and Climate Commission (Commission) brings public accountability, community wisdom, and a shared sense of urgency while serving as the official climate connection to other governance bodies at the City of Portland. The Commission allows City Council members to continue their legislative work as it helps shape climate action for Portland by serving as a bridge between staff and elected leaders.
This Commission helps guide City climate action and sustainability goals and will help shape Portland’s next climate action plan. In their advisory capacity, and through public hearings and discussions, convening joint meetings with other advisory and decision-making bodies, commissioners review and propose actions to City Council, the Mayor and the City Administrator. Together, they will help Portland achieve City-adopted goals to eliminate carbon emissions by 2050 and make Portlanders more resilient.
The Sustainability and Climate Commission will further the resolutions outlined in Portland’s 2020 Climate Emergency Declaration, including advancing climate justice and climate action initiatives led by and in support of frontline communities including Black and indigenous people communities of color, immigrants, refugees, low-income individuals, labor and workers, people living with disabilities, youth, individuals experiencing homelessness and those most at-risk and vulnerable to impacts of climate change.
Project background
In January 2009, the Sustainable Development Commission and the Planning Commission merged to create the Planning and Sustainability Commission (PSC). At that time, the Bureau of Planning and the Office of Sustainable Development merged to create BPS. The PSC had a dual focus, and its responsibilities increased as the need for climate action grew.
In April 2022, an organizational consultant informed City leadership that the PSC needed clarity on its vision, roles, expectations, power and priorities. Commissioner Rubio then directed BPS to split the PSC back into two distinct commissions: planning and sustainability.
In March 2023, the Planning Commission was created, and research phases for the new Sustainability and Climate Commission began. Council then approved the creation of the Sustainability and Climate Commission and its framework on May 8, 2024, as Ordinance 191710.
In fall 2024, recruitment began and 245 community members applied to serve on the Commission. The Chief Sustainability Officer gave recommendations to the Mayor in March 2025, and the appointments were finalized and confirmed by City Council in May 2025.
Project timeline
- Research – Connect with other climate commissions and review previous Portland community input.
- Internal City engagement – Input and comments from City leadership, staff and Climate Practitioners Group.
- Community feedback – Gather input through workgroups, events and surveys.
- City processes – City restructuring vote and move through the City Ordinance approval process.
- Recruitment – Commissioner recruitment, interviews held and appointments made.
- Sustainability and Climate Commission in effect – Commission seated, and work begins.
The 20-person Commission is designed for Portland’s new form of government and reports to the Chief Sustainability Officer. The commission will advise City Council, the Mayor and the City Administrator, and their first charge is to create the City’s next Climate Action Plan.