Portland, Ore.— The inaugural appointees to the Sustainability and Climate Commission (SCC) were confirmed by City Council earlier today, marking a significant step forward in advancing climate action, environmental justice, and sustainability throughout Portland.
The 20-member Commission was created to guide and champion the City’s climate goals, serving as an advisory body bridging Portland City Council, City Bureaus, and the community. Commissioners will create and evaluate the City’s Climate Action Plan, which outlines Portland’s pathway to eliminating carbon emissions by 2050 and improving resilience, particularly for historically marginalized communities.
“We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional group of community leaders to the Commission,” said Chief Sustainability Officer Vivian Satterfield. “Their diverse expertise, lived experiences, and deep commitment to climate justice will strengthen Portland’s journey to build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable city for generations to come.”
The Commission attracted significant community interest, with 245 applicants, including 39 youth candidates. Mayor Keith Wilson appointed individuals across four-year, two-year, and youth one-year terms, along with alternates.
The newly appointed commissioners are:
| Appointment | Term Category | District |
|---|---|---|
| Damon Motz-Storey | Four-years | 1 |
| Jessica Zahn | Four-years | 1 |
| José Gamero-Georgeson | Four-years | 1 |
| Maya Puggarana | Four-years | 2 |
| Vivek Shandas | Four-years | 2 |
| Charity Fain | Four-years | 3 |
| Nora Apter | Four-years | 3 |
| Dana Visse | Four-years | 4 |
| Alina Pawchareune | Two-years | 2 |
| Galen Whalen | Two-years | 2 |
| Greg Retsinas | Two-years | 2 |
| Dan Trifone | Two-years | 3 |
| Stephanie Kaza | Two-years | 3 |
| Angus Duncan | Two-years | 4 |
| Sriya Chinnam | Two-years | 4 |
| Suze Wehr | Two-years | 4 |
| Celeste Ruiz | One-year; youth | 1 |
| Eesa Taylor | One-year; youth | 4 |
| Leah Almeida | One-year; youth | 4 |
| Luna González González | One-year; youth | 4 |
| Garrett Wong | Alternate | 2 |
| Carla Chen | Alternate | 3 |
| Beatrice “Bee” Sloan | Alternate | 4 |
| Holland Burd | Alternate; youth | Student in 4 |
| Skai Dancey | Alternate | Employed in 4 |
The SCC builds on Portland’s legacy of leadership in climate justice, formalizing a dedicated governance structure to focus on environmental justice, accountability, and measurable outcomes. The Commission will work collaboratively with City bureaus and other advisory bodies to shape policy recommendations and actionable strategies to achieve Portland’s climate commitments.
“Establishing the Sustainability and Climate Commission underscores Portland’s commitment to climate action rooted in equity,” said Satterfield. “We look forward to the leadership and vision these commissioners will bring to this critical work.”
Appointees were recommended for the Portland City Council’s confirmation by the Climate, Resilience, and Land Use Committee on April 24.
The SCC will hold its first meeting this summer.