Patrick Hilton — Candidate for City Council, District 3
Endorsed 350PDX CJ platform? No
Will you support PCEF? Yes
Candidate statement:
As climate change affects communities around the globe, Portland has a responsibility to lead by example. We should pursue higher standards for urban efficiency, responsibly source renewable energy, and preserve and promote development and business practices that reduce pollution and our carbon footprint across the city and the greater metropolitan area.
Because of my background in ecological education as an Oregon park ranger and as a architectural designer I have a perspective and passion on this topic that is holistic and deeply in tune with the nuances that arise from this issue.
I think that efficiency and thoughtful design in every aspect of our lives is the way to truly address climate change mitigation. Government policies can be created that reward long term thinking over short term profits. I agree with most of the 350 PDX platform but I have to take this opportunity you have given me to highlight one new city policy that sounds like a solution to climate change but is really an undermining of everything that climate activists have been fighting for. As people passionate about reversing climate change we must be aware of these kinds of policies that reverse progress but sound good at first because the lobbying groups have good marketing.
My biggest issue is the current Eastside Rezoning Project. Rezoning one of the most densely populated areas of the city, with some of the most spectacular urban forests and gardens in the world, is a catastrophe in the fight against climate change. At first glance, it seems beneficial: create dense 4–8 story buildings on all lots to create walkable areas that don’t require a car. But as a designer and urbanist who has studied cities my whole life, I don’t believe this is a solution to climate change. It is wasteful and will not help in the fight for equity. Investment firms will gain profit but we will lose the architectural and natural beauty that we love so much about Portland.
The first wave of demolitions will be existing affordable homes and apartment buildings. This rezoning will displace low-income renters first. Mature street trees will be removed for construction, and new buildings will be made from non-natural materials shipped from overseas. Buildings will cover entire lots, limiting tree growth and creating roof surfaces with little canopy to cool them. We risk becoming a city of heat islands, negating tree-canopy benefits generated by the shade equity program.
I live east of 82nd and am a renter. There are few street trees on my block. We need policies that lift every area of Portland to a higher design and canopy standard so our city can truly lead the fight against climate change. Thoughtless policies like the Eastside Rezoning Project negate positive efforts toward a healthy city and planet.
