News from the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability

9 June 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Roy Kaufmann | 503-823-4799

Roy.Kaufmann@ ci.portland.or.us

Julia Thompson | 503-823-0229

Julia.Thompson@ci.portland.or.us

CITY AND COUNTY SEEK INPUT ON PROPOSED CLIMATE ACTION PLAN

Neighborhood Town Halls make it easy to join the discussion on global warming

www.portlandonline.com/bps/climate

How do you feel about altering your everyday choices to protect the climate? What actions should the City and County take to lead our community forward in the charge against global warming?

In June and July at six Town Halls, Portlanders are invited to help set the direction for the proposed 2009 Climate Action Plan for Portland and Multnomah County. The draft plan was developed jointly in response to a city-county commitment to reduce carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050. We need your input to shape this strategy.

“Portland has been a pioneer in addressing global warming, but there’s much more we need to do. Climate change is an incredible challenge, and a business-as-usual approach will simply not solve this problem,” said Mayor Sam Adams. “We need the continued commitment of Portland’s residents and businesses to help shape this strategy, and then take action to lower carbon emissions at home, school, and work.”

The plan identifies high-level goals and specific actions to be accomplished in the next three years to accelerate local efforts to address this issue. The broad vision of the plan emphasizes improved quality of life and aims to make Portland a “low-carbon” society, while further strengthening the local economy, advancing public health, and creating jobs.

Actions proposed in the plan will be felt at the neighborhood level – such as public education campaigns, residential composting service, improved bicycling networks, more green buildings, and increased access to affordable local foods and renewable energy. Portland’s businesses also stand to gain as dollars previously spent on fossil fuels stay in the local economy. During five neighborhood events and one business-focused event, Mayor Sam Adams will provide an overview of the plan’s proposed goals and actions, discuss the challenges and opportunities and ask for your input.

Tell us what you think of the draft plan! Attend a Town Hall on one of these dates:

Business Focus

Monday, June 15, 2009

Souk

322 NW 6th Avenue Suite 200

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Southeast

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Mt. Scott Community Center

5530 SE 72nd Avenue

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Southwest

Monday, June 22, 2009

Fulton Park Community Center

68 SW Miles Street

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Northeast

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Dishman Community Center

77 NE Knott St

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Downtown/Central Westside

Monday, June 29, 2009

Lincoln High School Cafeteria

1600 SW Salmon Street

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

North

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

University Park Community Center

9009 N Foss Ave

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Refreshments will be provided. To help ensure equal access to city programs, services and activities, the City of Portland will reasonably modify policies/procedures and provide auxiliary aids/services to persons with disabilities. Call seven days in advance to request special assistance for ADA accessibility or language interpretation. TTY 503 823-6868

The proposed plan was released for public comment on April 17, and the City and County have extended the deadline through July 13, 2009. You can also read and comment on the City of Portland and Multnomah County proposed 2009 Climate Action Plan, visit www.portlandonline.com/bps/climate.

About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS)

The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) promotes integrated land use planning and development based on sustainability principles and practices. BPS also develops and implements policies and programs that provide environmental, economic and social benefits to residents, businesses and government, which strengthen Portland's position as an international model of sustainable practices and commerce.

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