Jamie Dunphy — Candidate for City Council, District 1
Candidate statement:
1. Prioritizing the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF): The PCEF is a crucial tool for achieving our climate goals. I have been an advocate of it from its inception as a policy director for Comm. Fish. I will advocate for the expansion and strategic use of PCEF funds to support projects that reduce carbon emissions and promote energy efficiency and community climate resilience.
2. Aligning the City Budget with PCEF Goals: I believe that a city budget is a moral document and that public dollars are sacred. Climate change is THE issue of our generation and as a city official I will fight to make sure we are always aware of climate impacts and resilience. To ensure comprehensive climate action, I will work to align the entire city budget with the objectives of the PCEF. This means integrating climate resilience and sustainability into every aspect of our budget planning and allocation. By doing so, we can ensure that all city projects and initiatives contribute to our overarching goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental justice.
3. Expanding Tree Canopy and Green Spaces, and increasing equity of access: Urban tree canopy and green spaces are vital for mitigating the effects of climate change and improving public health. I will prioritize expanding tree canopy cover and creating more green spaces, especially in the outer east side of Portland which has been so underprioritized. This includes planting more trees along streets, in parks, and in residential areas to provide shade, reduce heat islands, and enhance air quality. Additionally, developing green business districts where environment and city infrastructure are centered for more pedestrian and community friendly business corridors making a more culturally vibrant city, especially in D1 which has faced decades of infrastructure inequality.
4. Supporting Small Businesses and Green Jobs: I will work to develop programs that create pipelines for jobs in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green infrastructure. Partnering with local educational institutions and businesses, I will promote job training and apprenticeship programs that prepare our workforce for a green economy. I will also work to ensure that we work with labor to transition fossil fuel workers into the green economy. Supporting small businesses, particularly those that are eco-friendly and community-focused, will drive economic growth and resilience in Portland.
5. Strengthening Local Climate Resilience: Climate change is already impacting our city, and we must be prepared to adapt. I will lead efforts to strengthen Portland’s climate resilience by investing in infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events, expanding our response preparedness for extreme weather events, protecting our natural resources, and enhancing our emergency response systems. This includes expanding green infrastructure like parks and urban forests, which can mitigate the effects of climate change and improve public health.
6. Building Coalitions and Engaging the Community: Passing Green New Deal legislation requires broad support and collaboration. I will build coalitions with environmental organizations, community groups, labor unions, and small businesses to advocate for bold climate action. Engaging the community through town halls, workshops, and public forums will be essential to ensure that our policies reflect the needs and aspirations of all Portland residents. Additionally, I will fight for stipends to be made available for positions on city committees and commissions so that more people from marginalized and low income households are able to participate in creating a Portland that works for everyone.
7. Leading by Example: As an elected official, I will lead by example by ensuring that city operations are sustainable. This includes transitioning municipal buildings to renewable energy, implementing zero-waste policies, and promoting sustainable practices within city departments. By demonstrating our commitment to sustainability, we can inspire other cities and regions to follow suit.
Will you ensure the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) remains climate-focused in line with what voters intended?
Yes
