Portland, OR – The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) has announced the appointment of Dr. Anya Sharma and Mr. David Chen as co-chairs of its Grant Committee, effective early October. Their combined expertise in regional planning, policy development, and grant management is expected to significantly bolster the fund's strategic direction and operational efficiency. This leadership transition comes as PCEF, a voter-approved initiative, continues to scale its investments in climate action and environmental justice across the city.

Established in 2018 through a voter-approved measure, PCEF is unique in its funding mechanism, drawing revenue from a 1% surcharge on large retailers' Portland sales. Its core mandate is to fund projects that reduce carbon emissions, create green jobs, and improve public health, with a strong emphasis on benefiting communities disproportionately impacted by climate change and pollution, particularly communities of color and low-income residents. To date, PCEF has committed over $100 million to various projects, ranging from solar installations on affordable housing developments to energy efficiency upgrades for community centers and green infrastructure initiatives.

Dr. Sharma brings a robust background in urban planning and community development, having previously worked on sustainable transportation and land use policies for regional government agencies. Mr. Chen offers extensive expertise in environmental policy and grant administration, with a proven track record in managing large-scale public funding programs. "We are deeply committed to ensuring PCEF's investments are impactful, equitable, and transparent, maximizing benefits for all Portlanders," stated Dr. Sharma. Mr. Chen added, "Our immediate priority is to streamline the grant review process and enhance collaboration with community partners to accelerate the deployment of critical clean energy projects."

The fund represents a significant local climate policy, demonstrating how municipalities can generate dedicated revenue streams for climate action and environmental justice. Its success is closely watched by other cities and regions considering similar community-driven funding models. The new leadership's focus on operational efficiency and equitable distribution is crucial as PCEF enters a new phase of project implementation and evaluation, aiming to deliver tangible benefits and reinforce public trust. The committee's role will be pivotal in shaping future grant cycles, project selection, and performance monitoring, ensuring the fund meets its ambitious goals of fostering a resilient, equitable green economy.