The Moda Center on Oct. 22, 2025 in Portland, Ore.
Saskia Hatvany / OPB
The Portland Clean Energy Fund was passed by voters in 2018. The 1% tax on retail sales of companies that make a billion dollars or more has generated a fund much bigger than expected.
Many non-climate projects have asked for some of this money. Now the mayor and other officials want to spend $75 million in PCEF funds to go toward Portland’s share of the $600 million in total taxpayer money for the Moda center remodel.
We talk with Portland City Councilor Steve Novick, who is opposed to this plan, about how he’d like to see the fund spent, and what he thinks of the city’s current approach to climate change.
“Think Out Loud®” broadcasts live at noon every day and rebroadcasts at 8 p.m.
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