Local Government Initiatives

The City of Ashland has established the Ashland Green Business Program which provides resources and incentives to businesses for reducing environmental impacts. Resources to businesses include a set of program standards and guidelines, and assistance from energy and water analysts from the City of Ashland's Conservation Division. Incentives for businesses include press releases, program advertisements and access to a logo.

For further information contact Dick Wanderscheid, (541) 488-5357

Baker City

Baker City's Destination Downtown program promotes preservation of historic buildings in the city's downtown. This results in a revitalized downtown and improved economic development activity in the city. Vacancy rates of downtown buildings have fallen from 25% in 1992 to approximately 8% in 1999. Citizens of Baker City have indicated the downtown restoration efforts results in a more desirable place to live.

For further information contact:
Diane Adams of Historic Baker City Inc. (541) 523-5442 (or)
Jennifer Watkins of Baker City Community Development Department (541) 524-2032.

City of Beaverton

The City of Beaverton, Oregon is making important decisions to encourage the smart redevelopment of its downtown. Beaverton’s growth must be mindful of resource use, while creating a business climate that encourages growth and creates places where people want to live. Wise use of energy resources and promoting sustainable development will create economic opportunities to position Beaverton businesses for success in an increasingly competitive world. An important element of the City’s activity includes a highly-efficient centralized heating and cooling plant, which has been designed to support smart growth.

For further information contact:
Lonnie Dicus, Business Services & Plant Manager, Office of the Mayor (503) 526-2631

City of Eugene

The City of Eugene is committed to effectively managing its impact on the economy, the environment and the people of Eugene. By considering both the short and long-term costs and impacts of the City’s operations, the City can steer towards a more sustainable system that provides the best value and service in the community. In addition, through education and adoption of policies, we encourage environmentally responsible actions by community members in such areas as development, waste generation and use of the public infrastructure.

For further information contact Felicity Fahy (541) 682-5017

City of Gresham

The City of Gresham GREAT Businesses Program (Gresham Resource Efficiency Assistance To Businesses) offers businesses free assistance in: water conservation, waste reduction and recycling, stormwater pollution prevention, wastewater management, and energy efficiency.

For further information contact (503) 618-2525.

City of Portland

The City of Portland's Office of Sustainable Development provides leadership and coordination for conservation and sustainable development programs for the City of Portland. The City merged the Solid Waste and Recycling program, the Energy Office, the Green Building Initiative and the Sustainable Portland Commission in order to create this new office. Visit their site for more information on all of these programs and recent sustainability projects and programs.

For further information contact (503) 823-7224

Metro (Portland)

Solid Waste and Recycling Department is responsible for seeing that waste is disposed of safely and efficiently. It operates a recycling information hotline and promotes waste prevention and recycling. Information on natural gardening is also available.

City of Salem

The City of Salem, Department of General Services has adopted sustainable practices when it is cost effective to do so. It has found that when the City can reduce the amount of a product purchased, install equipment or machinery which uses and environmentally positive alternative, and/or reduce the amount of waste that must be properly disposed of, there is a secondary cost reduction benefit.

Examples of sustainable practices the City of Salem has adopted include:

• Purchase of an anti-freeze filtering machine resulting in cost savings.
• Purchase of longer lasting carpets made primarily from recycled plastic bottles.
• Installation of park benches made from recycled plastic reducing the maintenance needs compared to wood benches.
• Elimination of oil based inks in the Printing Services Division. This has resulted in a healthier work environment for the employees.
• Elimination of solvent based cleaners in the auto shop of Fleet Services division. Steam cleaning of parts is used, resulting in a healthier environment for workers and reduction repair times of city vehicles.

For further information contact John Elegant, at (503) 588-6441

Other Featured Sections:
Governor Kulongoski
Former Governor Kitzhaber
Oregon State Agencies
2003 Executive Order
Oregon Sustainability Act