ORDINANCE NO. 179856

* Accept a $150,000 grant from PacifiCorp to develop and implement a program to assist small businesses to conserve energy, water and other resources and improve sustainability practices (Ordinance)

The City of Portland ordains:

Section 1 the Council finds that:

1.  The Sustainable City Principles direct City elected officials and staff to “use resources efficiently and reduce demand for natural resources, like energy. . .” and “act locally to reduce adverse global impacts of . . . ozone depletion and global warming, and support and implement innovative programs that maintain and promote Portland’s leadership as a sustainable city. Binding City Policy BCP-ENN-3.01.

2.  The City of Portland’s Local Action Plan on Global Warming establishes a goal of reducing local emissions of greenhouse gases by 10 percent below 1990 levels by 2010 (Resolution No. 35995). This target exceeds the seven percent reduction target identified for the United States in the Kyoto Protocol. The Local Action Plan on Global Warming also directs City agencies to “help small businesses. . . gain access to energy-efficiency services.”

3.  Ninety-four percent of businesses in Portland employ fewer than 50 people.

4.  Conserving resources produces substantial local economic benefits, supporting job growth and making local businesses more efficient and competitive.

5.  Interest in sustainability and resource conservation as a business strategy is growing, and OSD intends to partner with energy, water, waste, and economic development programs to offer a menu of resource conservation services to small businesses.

6.  PacifiCorp has a history of supporting energy efficiency in Oregon and has demonstrated a commitment to fostering economic development throughout its service territory.

7.  No City matching funds are required in this agreement. OSD is currently exploring partnerships with other public and private agencies to support a program to provide sustainability-related services to small businesses.

NOW THEREFORE, The Council directs:

a.  The Mayor is authorized to accept a $150,000 grant from PacifiCorp to develop and implement a program to assist small businesses in conserving energy, water, and other resources and in improving sustainability practices.

Section 2. The Council declares that an emergency exists because PacifiCorp has indicated that the funding under this agreement will be available only for a limited period of time, and any delay may jeopardize the funding;therefore this ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by the Council.  

BACKING SHEET INFORMATION

AGENDA NO. 15-2006

ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION/COUNCIL DOCUMENT NO. 179856