City of Portland, OR

05/08/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/08/2025 16:24

City of Portland announces appointments to new Sustainability and Climate Commission

News Article
The Mayor's twenty appointments and five alternates to the Sustainability and Climate Commission were confirmed by Council.
Published
May 8, 2025 3:00 pm

Portland, Ore.- The inaugural appointees to the Sustainability and Climate Commission(SCC) were confirmed by City Council earlier today, marking a significant step forward in advancing climate action, environmental justice, and sustainability throughout Portland.

The 20-member Commission was created to guide and champion the City's climate goals, serving as an advisory body bridging Portland City Council, City Bureaus, and the community. Commissioners will create and evaluate the City's Climate Action Plan, which outlines Portland's pathway to eliminating carbon emissions by 2050 and improving resilience, particularly for historically marginalized communities.

"We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional group of community leaders to the Commission," said Chief Sustainability Officer Vivian Satterfield. "Their diverse expertise, lived experiences, and deep commitment to climate justice will strengthen Portland's journey to build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable city for generations to come."

The Commission attracted significant community interest, with 245 applicants, including 39 youth candidates. Mayor Keith Wilson appointed individuals across four-year, two-year, and youth one-year terms, along with alternates.

The newly appointed commissionersare:

Appointment Term Category District
Damon Motz-Storey Four-years 1
Jessica Zahn Four-years 1
José Gamero-Georgeson Four-years 1
Maya Puggarana Four-years 2
Vivek Shandas Four-years 2
Charity Fain Four-years 3
Nora Apter Four-years 3
Dana Visse Four-years 4
Alina Pawchareune Two-years 2
Galen Whalen Two-years 2
Greg Retsinas Two-years 2
Dan Trifone Two-years 3
Stephanie Kaza Two-years 3
Angus Duncan Two-years 4
Sriya Chinnam Two-years 4
Suze Wehr Two-years 4
Celeste Ruiz One-year; youth 1
Eesa Taylor One-year; youth 4
Leah Almeida One-year; youth 4
Luna González González One-year; youth 4
Garrett Wong Alternate 2
Carla Chen Alternate 3
Beatrice "Bee" Sloan Alternate 4
Holland Burd Alternate; youth Student in 4
Skai Dancey Alternate Employed in 4

The SCC builds on Portland's legacy of leadership in climate justice, formalizing a dedicated governance structure to focus on environmental justice, accountability, and measurable outcomes. The Commission will work collaboratively with City bureaus and other advisory bodies to shape policy recommendations and actionable strategies to achieve Portland's climate commitments.

"Establishing the Sustainability and Climate Commission underscores Portland's commitment to climate action rooted in equity," said Satterfield. "We look forward to the leadership and vision these commissioners will bring to this critical work."

Appointees were recommended for the Portland City Council's confirmation by the Climate, Resilience, and Land Use Committeeon April 24.

The SCC will hold its first meeting this summer.

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