City Climate Action Committee Evaluates Home Energy Efficiency and Carbon Fee Strategies

The Milwaukie City Council meeting on July 15, 2025, spotlighted critical discussions surrounding community energy initiatives and climate action strategies. Council members expressed a strong commitment to enhancing outreach efforts aimed at upgrading homes, particularly focusing on filling 20 slots for energy efficiency upgrades.

Councilor Savinjord praised the ongoing work with communities of color and emphasized the importance of establishing an advisory body to bolster these initiatives. "We need to focus on strategies that have the lowest budget impact," she stated, highlighting the necessity of careful resource allocation as the council navigates budget constraints.

Concerns were raised about the potential implementation of new programs that could impose additional fees on residents. Councilor Rabote voiced caution regarding the home energy score program, stressing the need for effective compliance and the risk of creating ineffective initiatives. However, he also underscored the importance of the carbon pollution fee, which, despite its high staff capacity requirements, could generate revenue and help meet climate goals.

The council's discussions also touched on the significance of energy efficiency home upgrades, which were seen as a dual benefit for affordability and environmental impact. Council President echoed these sentiments, advocating for the integration of these strategies into the Climate Action Committee's ongoing work.

As the council prepares for future budget conversations, the emphasis remains on balancing immediate community needs with long-term climate objectives. The next steps will involve assessing the effectiveness of current programs and exploring new avenues to ensure Milwaukie meets its ambitious climate goals by 2035.