In a recent government meeting, officials highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the City of Portland and Earth Advantage, a nonprofit organization, to advance innovative climate policies. The partnership, which has spanned over a decade, aims to develop a draft code of proposed building standards, with a focus on multifamily energy benchmarking. However, concerns from landlords regarding the administrative burden of this benchmarking led to a decision to pilot the initiative instead, allowing for a practical assessment of its feasibility.

Commissioner Mabbs emphasized the connection between this climate policy work and the health of local communities, suggesting that the outcomes could inform future Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects aimed at enhancing community well-being. The meeting also addressed the city's broader decarbonization strategy, particularly in transportation and building facilities, with officials expressing satisfaction with the progress made.

David Heslin, Executive Director of Earth Advantage, provided public testimony, praising the city's historical commitment to energy policy dating back to the 1979 Portland Energy Policy. He noted that the current efforts build upon this legacy and involve collaboration with multiple city governments and state agencies to create cohesive building performance standards.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of an ordinance to appropriate a grant of $474,244 from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to combat organized retail theft, with officials expressing gratitude for the Portland Police Bureau's efforts in addressing this issue.