Hi everyone,

Thank you to everyone taking action to reform the Portland City Charter! Whether you submitted public testimony, showed up to a Charter Commission meeting, or donated to support 350PDX’s work on this campaign, we appreciate you.

This campaign is just heating up! In the next few weeks, we’ll be hard at work advocating for a stronger commitment to a full fossil fuel phase-out in the final Charter draft. And we’ll keep working with our partners at Portland United for Change to pass the Portland Charter Reform Measure on Nov 8th, which would establish ranked-choice voting for City Council positions, expand the City Council itself, and create a more efficient governance structure overall. Portlanders fought hard for this measure, because it is a key first step in establishing a healthy, representative democracy.

Join 350PDX in canvassing our neighbors on Oct 28 or Nov 5 to help pass the Portland Charter Reform Measure! More info on those canvassing events:

Read on for more opportunities to take action to reform the Portland City Charter, and more! Thank you for being a part of this work. Together, we will keep building the just, resilient future we all deserve.

In solidarity,

350PDX Staff and Community

Take Action

For quick actions like petitions, check out our Take Action Page. See here for our broader Volunteer Opportunities.

Keep up the pressure on the Charter Commission

The City is in the middle of a once-in-a decade Charter Review process that could transform how we tackle key problems, from the climate crisis to racial injustice. Last Tuesday, the Charter Commission voted on a set of key amendments. From establishing a citywide Climate Commitment to committing the City to participatory budgeting, these amendments could lead to massive positive change for our city. Make your voice heard on these amendments at one of the two public hearings in November:

You can also Submit a written comment to the Charter Commission by 7:00 PM on November 28th, calling on them to make sure the new Charter sets us up to prioritize environmental and climate justice!

Tell your Senators: Stop the GTN XPress Pipeline Expansion!

For years, communities in the Pacific Northwest have been standing up to fossil fuel corporations. Now, TC Energy (the company behind Keystone XL) is trying to quietly expand the GTN pipeline with an additional 150 million cubic feet of gas per day while also adding a new gas compressor station in Morrow County, OR. This proposed expansion project is called GTN Xpress. This proposal is expected to result in more than 3.24 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year, akin to adding 754,000 passenger vehicles on the road per year until 2052! This would be a massive step backwards for our community.

Instead of investing in dirty fossil fuels, like GTN XPress, our communities need investment in a just transition to clean energy and energy efficiency. Email Senators Wyden and Merkley here calling for investments in clean energy, not GTN XPress. 

Vote yes on the Portland Charter Reform Measure 26-228

This November 8th, you can vote yes on a key Portland Charter Reform Measure. These reforms will establish ranked-choice voting for City Council positions, expand the City Council itself, and create a more efficient governance structure overall. Portlanders fought hard for this measure, because it is a key first step in establishing a healthy, representative democracy.

Sign the 350PDX Pledge of Action!

Climate change is scary, but there are meaningful actions that anyone can take to fight back. Help us build the just, resilient world we all deserve by signing the Pledge of Action! Whether you are brand-new to the movement or a seasoned activist, we want you to join us by taking the pledge.

Events & Opportunities

350PDX Spooktacular Halloween Party

Wed, Oct 26, 7pm onwards — In the backyard at this address: 3547 NE 45th Ave, Portland, 97213 — register here

Join us for our Halloween Party! Bring your best climate-themed costumes for a night of spooky fun and games. We’ll have an evening of food, drinks, music, and halloween games – a chance to connect and spend time with each other. We’ll provide a bunch of food and drinks. Feel free to bring food or drinks to share, or just bring yourself. Come alone or bring a climate-interested friend or partner! Email chris@350pdx.org with any questions. RSVP and more info here. There will be a roaring fire and mulled wine!

City Charter Canvass from the 350PDX office

Sat, Nov 5th, 10:30am-12:30pm and 1:00-4:00pm — 350PDX office, 3625 N Mississippi Ave – RSVP here.

Join 350PDX and Portlanders United for Change on November 5th at 10:30 am-12:30 pm and/or 1-4 pm from the 350PDX office, 3625 N Mississippi Ave. We’re excited to work with you to amplify the voices of Portlanders in every corner of the city for a more representative and accountable city government, and a more hopeful future for all of us. Training will be provided! Info and RSVP here.

Portland Black Lives Matter Protests

Throughout the week @ across the city – details here

Worker Solidarity Actions

Throughout the week @ across the city – visit the Portland Jobs with Justice page for more info (PJWJ is a coalition of over 100 labor, faith, community and student organizations and individual activists taking action for workers rights and economic justice). Also see their list of solidarity actions.

News & Updates

Lawsuit Against Feds’ Use of Chemical Weapons on Portlanders in 2020 Heads to Appeals Court

In 2020, 350PDX joined a broad coalition of environmental justice and civil rights advocates in filing a legal challenge against the Department of Homeland Security — calling out their use of unprecedented amounts of teargas, pepper spray, and other chemical munitions on people calling for racial justice and an end to police brutality. Judge Karen Immergut dismissed this case before any of the facts could come before the court, but we joined our allies in appealing the dismissal. On Oct 7th, 350PDX Climate Forest Manager Brenna Bell delivered arguments supporting the appeal. Missed the oral arguments? Watch the recording here.

You can also read this article in the Portland Mercury on the case, and to hear more from Brenna.

Our friends at the Rebuilding Center are hiring!

We are grateful to share an office space with our friends at the Rebuilding Center. The Rebuilding Center is a climate justice organization on a mission to make reuse and repair accessible to all as a means to reduce waste, end overconsumption, and empower homeowners and renters by making better use of our existing resources. They are currently hiring a Store Manager to join their team! Learn more and apply here.

News Highlights

In love and gratitude,
Anissa, Brenna, Chris, Dineen, Eloise, Emily, Indi, Julia – the 350PDX staff

Vote Climate November Team & Campaign Updates