Ahlam K Osman — Candidate for City Council, District 3
Endorsed: Shade Equity Platform
Candidate statement:
As a Portland City Council candidate, my priorities center on tackling the climate crisis with bold, equitable policies that ensure the most impacted communities lead and benefit from solutions. As the daughter of Somali refugees, a lifelong SE resident and public transit user, I have seen how environmental and economic inequities intersect. My policies aim to make Portland a leader in climate resilience while committing to justice for historically underrepresented communities. I fully support strengthening the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) to ensure more resources are directed toward renewable energy projects, energy efficiency, and workforce development in underserved, low-income, and Black, Indigenous and POC communities. I believe we can do more than PCEF; we must make sure we are following through on our Climate Emergency Workplan, and supporting policies such as the Clean Air Act, The Green New Deal, and supporting environmental justice focused CBO’s who are already doing this work.
I will also advocate for emissions reduction policies that focus on transitioning away from fossil fuels, supporting electrification, and promoting clean energy alternatives. Investing in safe, reliable, and affordable public transit is key to reducing carbon emissions, and I will push for improvements that enhance accessibility and walkability for pedestrians and cyclists alike. I am committed to climate resilience policies that prioritize public health, such as increasing shade equity in SE Portland, an urban heat island, and addressing critical infrastructure vulnerabilities. The transition away from oil by rail and divesting from Zenith Energy is important for protecting our environment and public safety. As being part of the generation living with the consequences of climate inaction, I will fight for lasting change for Portlanders.
Will you ensure the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) remains climate-focused in line with what voters intended?
Yes
