Cristal Azul Otero — Candidate for City Council, District 3
Endorsed: CEI Hub Platform
Candidate statement:
To address Portland’s energy future, I support creating a publicly owned utility that empowers our community with affordable, sustainable energy instead of prioritizing corporate profits. By shifting to public control, we can accelerate the transition to renewable energy and ensure Portlanders’ needs come first. This aligns with my commitment to fight fossil fuel risks, phase out dangerous infrastructure at the CEI Hub, and reduce reliance on oil-by-rail.
My plan also includes establishing the Division of Urban Canopy & Sustainability, which will plant 2,000 mature trees annually to increase shade equity and reduce heat islands across the city. This initiative will address the immediate needs of our most vulnerable communities while making Portland more livable and resilient for everyone.
Rather than expanding freeways, which only increase emissions, we should stand against ineffective policies and invest in community-driven energy initiatives. Capping freeways and transforming them into green spaces is an innovative way to reduce urban heat while reconnecting neighborhoods divided by past construction, like Albina. This approach not only cools heat-prone areas but also improves air quality and creates vital recreational spaces for communities affected by pollution.
As a leader on City Council, I will champion bold infrastructure projects like these to create green spaces, reconnect neighborhoods, and reduce urban heat. I’m committed to focusing on neighborhoods across Portland that have been historically overlooked, pushing for real, community-driven environmental action that meets the urgency of the moment.
Will you ensure the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) remains climate-focused in line with what voters intended?
Yes
