Olivia Clark — Candidate for City Council, District 4
Endorsed 350PDX CJ platform? No
Will you support PCEF? No
Candidate statement:
There are many issues linked to climate change, environmental justice and/or sustainability but I will list just three that interest me the most and where I have been a leader.
1. First is the CEI Hub. This has been a policy priority for me since I was elected. It is a climate change issue, environmental justice issue, a safety issue and an economic issue. I introduced a successful budget amendment to commit additional resources to working on this issue. I will continue to advocate for a draw down and decommissioning of the dormant tanks. This must go hand-in-hand with increased support for other energy strategies if we are ever to meet our goals.
2. Second, I am deeply concerned with the future of TriMet, particularly given that the transportation sector is responsible for at least 1/3 of our emissions. As someone who successfully secured the resources to build the Tilicum bridge and two light rail lines, I am painfully aware of service cut backs. This is a climate issue, environmental equity issue and economic issue at the very least. I am interested in pursuing PCEF funds for TriMet (which is why I marked “no” on the following question). Supporting and expanding transit services in our region should fall squarely in the PCEF goals.
3. Last, I want to ensure that our bureaus are climate resilient and prepared for the impacts of climate change and care for the $85 billion in deteriorating assets that we all own (this includes parks). As Chair of the Public Works Committee (formerly Transportation and Infrastructure) I have been the leader on asset management and passed a budget ordinance requiring the City to develop both an asset management plan, followed by a finance plan. I was also the leader of the ordinances to establish a transportation utility fee and a street damage restoration fee as well as the sidewalk improvement program.
