May 28, 2010

The Portland Development Commission (PDC) now has funds available in the Lents Town Center Urban Renewal Area (URA) for businesses that are interested in implementing creative, sustainable business practices and “green” building features. PDC’s Green Features Grant encourages neighborhood-based businesses and small to medium-sized wholesalers and manufacturers to consider and implement sustainable features in their businesses to increase productivity, demonstrate cost savings, reduce environmental impact and contribute to Portland’s environmental, economic and social goals. A total of $100,000 is available for fiscal year 2010-2011. Grants will be dispersed on a reimbursement basis.

“Our goal is to encourage small to medium-sized businesses in the Lents Town Center URA to think about sustainable features and what these features might mean as far as cost savings, increased productivity and improved efficiency,” said PDC Project Manager Stephen Green.

In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements detailed in the application, preference will be given to those projects which, among other things:

  • Have a high likelihood of implementation
  • Demonstrate energy savings or resource conservation
  • Use local or recycled products
  • Increase neighborhood livability
  • Can demonstrate increased productivity
  • Show cost savings
  • Have a measurable positive environmental impact
  • Leverage private resources
  • Have high visibility
  • Lead to job creation or retention

Applicants interested in a Green Features Grant are encouraged to attend an information session scheduled for Wednesday, June 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the New Day Center for Art, 5516 S.E. Foster Road.

Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, August 27. An evaluation committee representing both the private and public sector will select the grant recipients. To view the guidelines, application and a video featuring previous Green Feature Grant recipients, visit http://www.pdc.us/bus_serv/greenfeatures.asp. For more information contact Stephen Green at 503-823-3231 or greens@pdc.us.