Volunteer; Non- Position - Sustainability and Climate

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The Sustainability and Climate Commission (Commission) advances climate action across the City with a focus on environmental justice and accountability. The Commission's chief responsibility is to create and evaluate the City's Climate Action Plan. This means identifying specific actions to accomplish our sustainability and climate goals, outlining expected outcomes, and holding the City accountable to those commitments.

• Buildings and homes
• Climate change resiliency and adaptation
• Energy and renewables
• Environmental justice and equity
• Green workforce and labor
• Urban forest, natural systems, and carbon management
• Urban form and transportation
• Waste prevention, recycling, and solid waste
• Youth

• Advising City Council, the Mayor, and the City Administrator
• Reporting to the Chief Sustainability Officer
• Holding public hearings and discussions on climate and sustainability
• Briefings and work brought to the Commission by City staff
• Reviewing, evaluating, and providing recommendations on past and current climate programs and policies
• Convening joint meetings with other advisory bodies
• Advocating to external decision-making bodies

Number of seats available: 4 dedicated youth seats (ages 16-24) for one-term terms. 3 are full Commissioner positions and 1 is an alternate position.

Total number of seats on the Commission: 20, of which four are dedicated youth seats (ages 16-24), and four alternates.

To be eligible for the Sustainability and Climate Commission, members must live in the City of Portland and not be City staff.

• You want to inform, guide, and shape the City’s next climate action plan.
• You believe government is better when community is involved
• You are an advocate for racial equity: you want positive and long-lasting outcomes for racial and ethnic communities who have been left out before. You can bring discussion about racial and ethnic communities who need it the most.
• You have a perspective on navigating the community as a person with a disability.
• You are available to attend all meetings and participate in the discussions.

• Minimum meeting frequency is once per month to take place on weekday evenings. Currently regular meetings are scheduled on every third Thursday of each month from 6-8 pm online and in-person at the Portland Building.
• Members are involved for the following terms:
• Four youth seats: one-year
• The anticipated time per meeting is 3-4 hours with additional preparation time.
• Members are expected to prepare for meetings on their own time. Meeting materials for review may be sent with minimal time to review, possibly as few as twenty-four hours (or one day) in advance.

Applications are due on March 23, 2026. Please use the Smartsheet link to apply.

• For "Interests and Experiences" questions, written and/or video responses are accepted. Any other attachments are also accepted as supplemental information (e.g., resume, examples of work, etc.). You may need to email videos and/or attachments to sccinfo.
• Applications will be reviewed beginning March 2026. Interviews will take place on April 13 through April 24, 2026.

To talk with someone about this opportunity or to receive assistance completing the application, please contact the advisory body staff liaison at sccinfo or  (text ok).

Do you have questions or need more information? Email sccinfo or call/text .

We welcome you to browse our website to learn more about the Sustainability and Climate Commission /SCC