Julia Brim-Edwards — Candidate for Multnomah County Chair
Endorsed 350PDX CJ platform? No
Candidate statement:
Climate action has been an important part of my public service, and as Multnomah County Chair I will continue turning our climate goals into measurable results. Climate change is a public health, public safety, economic, and environmental justice challenge, and local government has a responsibility to act.
At Multnomah County, I have focused on climate action and communities most vulnerable to climate impacts, including much of my Commission District in East Portland. On August 27, I voted to adopt Multnomah County’s first Climate Justice Plan, a 10-year roadmap for reducing emissions and protecting residents from extreme heat, wildfire smoke and other climate impacts. I also successfully amended the plan to require the Board to identify annual priorities, helping ensure the plan produces action rather than sitting on a shelf.
I also sponsored a budget directive that the County transition its gas powered motor pool to an all electric fleet. County staff are developing plans to accomplish this and they will be brought to the Commission for review and approval.
As a school Board member in 2022, I led the development and adoption of one of the nation’s most ambitious school district climate action and climate justice plans. Working with students, educators, and community members, we adopted the Climate Crisis Response, Climate Justice and Sustainable Practices Policy. It set goals to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, phase out fossil fuel infrastructure in school buildings, transition toward electric and low-emission transportation, and integrate climate justice and sustainability into education. I also chaired the successful 2025 bond campaign, which secured voter approval to fund the construction of three new all-electric schools. These investments are modernizing schools, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and advancing climate goals.
Accountability is essential. I voted to authorize Multnomah County’s climate accountability lawsuit against fossil fuel companies following the deadly 2021 heat dome. I will continue supporting the County’s effort to hold companies accountable for the enormous public costs climate change imposes on our residents.
As Chair, I will continue to build on my climate record. I support reducing fossil fuel and hazardous-material storage and oppose expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure. I will strengthen our preparation for extreme heat, wildfire smoke and other climate emergencies; expand access to cooling and clean air; support resilience hubs; and prioritize communities experiencing the greatest climate and pollution burdens.
I will also work with regional partners to expand safe walking, biking, rolling and reliable public transit and support a just transition to clean energy that creates good family-wage jobs with benefits.
I recognize that many priorities in 350PDX’s Climate Justice Platform — including PCEF, Portland building standards, City transportation policy, and management of Portland’s urban forest — are under City rather than County jurisdiction. As County Chair, I will be a strong regional partner on these issues while respecting jurisdictional boundaries and responsibilities. I support protecting PCEF’s voter-approved climate and environmental justice mission.
Climate change demands urgency and effective implementation, and my record demonstrates that I will deliver both.
