Sustainable Portland
During Jim's time as Mayor and City Councilor in Portland he made sustainability a priority. He spearheaded the City's effort to promote economic, environmental and community sustainability.
The entries below highlight Jim Cohen's sustainability work as a public servant:
- Prior to joining the City Council, Jim was active in forming The North Deering Neighborhood Association, and served as the president of Portland Trails. Based on this background, Jim set out as Mayor to help develop a formal approach to sustainability called Sustainable Portland.
- Jim Cohen discussed his plans to create a Sustainable Portland Task Force in his Mayor's Inaugural Address.
- Jim convened a stakeholder group, and served on it for a year. In 2007, the group developed a report that addresses Portland's environmental, economic and community needs which became part of the City's comprehensive plan in 2010. The group also developed a website and logo for Sustainable Portland.
- In 2006, Jim became the first mayor to sign onto the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Action Plan. Jim was recognized by the Sierra Club for this effort.
Sustainable Portland included many recommendations, including a plan for the City to invest in municipal buildings to lower energy costs. In 2008, Jim served on the City Council's energy and Environmental Committee which started this process.
