Tualatin City Manager outlines funding strategies for climate action implementation plan

The City Council of Tualatin, Oregon, convened on May 12, 2025, to discuss the implementation of the Climate Action Plan, a critical initiative aimed at addressing climate change within the community. City Manager Sheryl Lambos presented an overview of the plan, which was adopted in May 2024 and consists of four sections, seven focus areas, and a total of 146 specific actions.

Lambos highlighted the need for a dedicated staff member to oversee the implementation of the plan, emphasizing that current resources are insufficient to manage the extensive actions outlined. The council previously prioritized expanding the two-year implementation plan into a five-year strategy and identifying sustainable funding sources for ongoing climate action efforts.

The meeting included a review of potential funding mechanisms, as analyzed by Echo Northwest, a consulting firm contracted to explore viable options. Three primary funding sources were discussed: right-of-way fees, building permit fees, and a "Share the Pennies" utility bill round-up program.

The right-of-way fees were compared with those of neighboring cities, revealing that Tualatin's rates are lower than those of Milwaukee and Gresham. The council considered various increases to these fees, which could generate significant additional revenue for climate initiatives.

In terms of building permit fees, a proposed 5% surcharge could raise approximately $68,000, linking the revenue directly to climate action efforts, as buildings contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions in the community.

The "Share the Pennies" program, inspired by a similar initiative in Memphis, Tennessee, would allow utility customers to voluntarily contribute small amounts to support climate action. The council discussed the feasibility of implementing this program, estimating potential revenue based on different participation rates.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to advancing its Climate Action Plan while addressing the need for sustainable funding and dedicated resources to ensure its success. The council plans to continue exploring these funding options and will follow up on the discussions in future meetings.