Juarez interviews OR State Rep. Pham on Portland Clean Energy Fund
Switzer Fellow Zully Juarez interviewed Oregon State Representative and community advocate, Khanh Pham, a founding leader of and spokesperson for the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) about her involvement with PCEF, campaign challenges and words of advice for any cities interested in adopting a similar model
In 2018, PCEF was passed as a ballot measure initiative to provide funding for climate action that advances racial and social justice. According to the City of Portland’s website, the Fund is “anticipated to bring $44 - $61 million in new annual revenue for green jobs, healthy homes and a climate-friendly Portland”.
With overwhelming community support, voters were able to accomplish passing PCEF after many years of organizing, community-building, policy development and fundraising. PCEF is the nation’s first municipal climate justice fund created and led by communities of color.
Zully is a Senior Research & Policy Analyst at Just Solutions Collective, where Representative Pham is also a Senior Fellow/Strategist on community reinvestment.
