Multnomah County commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the county’s first Climate Justice Plan, a 160-page framework aimed at cutting carbon emissions over the next decade while directing resources toward communities hit hardest by heat waves, wildfire smoke and other extreme weather. The plan sets a goal of reducing county emissions to 50% below 1990 levels by 2030, with a longer-term target of net-zero community greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The vote caps a process that began when a draft was presented to the board and shared publicly in April 2025, according to KOIN. The Office of Sustainability led development of the plan alongside the county health department, and commissioners received an update following a month-long public comment period in September 2025 before final passage. Brendon Haggerty said climate change is “the greatest public health challenge of the century,” resulting in illness and premature death in the community, per the same report.
Frontline Communities Steered the Drafting Process
The plan was shaped by a 13-member steering committee of local advocacy organizations, including APANO, Coalition of Communities of Color, Community Energy Project, Unite Oregon and Verde, according to Multnomah County. Those groups represent frontline populations defined as communities harmed first and worst by climate hazards like extreme heat and wildfire smoke. Marcus Mundy said frontline communities led the plan’s development, and the Office of Sustainability hosted 12 community forums focused on the plan’s goals, per the koin.com account.
John Wasiutynski said the plan was sharpened through public and board input to maximize accountability and prioritize key areas, and that it works directly with communities most impacted by climate change. Strategies span clean energy, air, water and food access, and include more climate-resilient homes, increased access to air cleaners, and public health education to improve indoor air quality. The plan also includes policy to protect vulnerable communities from nearby pollution sources and works toward drinking water, stormwater and sewer affordability measures.
Union Concerns Reshaped a Key Strategy
Labor groups raised concerns that the clean energy transition could negatively impact their industries, prompting the Office of Sustainability to partner with unions and the BlueGreen Alliance to add a strategy prioritizing skilled and trained workers, according to Multnomah County’s announcement. The board also encouraged the sustainability office to continue working with labor groups going forward. That compromise appears to have helped clear the way for a unanimous vote…