News Releases, Stories▪October 26th, 2026▪

Portland manufacturing and industrial businesses can soon apply for an Industrial Modernization Grant

Industrial Modernization Grant Launches Sunday, November 1

Portland manufacturing and industrial businesses can soon apply for an Industrial Modernization Grant

October 26, 2026
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Shawn Uhlman, Prosper Portland; Eli Bonilla, Portland Bureau of Planning & Sustainability

Prosper Portland and the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability announce the launch of the Industrial Modernization Grant, which opens Sunday, November 1.

Prosper Portland and Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability and are pleased to announce that applications for the Industrial Modernization Grant will open Sunday, November 1. This program will provide funding to help manufacturing and industrial businesses, hospitals, and universities modernize their facilities and processes through carbon reduction and energy efficiency projects.

Portland’s industrial and manufacturing sectors are a key component of the city’s economy. Industry accounts for roughly 12% of Portland’s total emissions, and infrastructure upgrades can be capital intensive. By providing grant funding for carbon reduction and energy efficiency projects, the City hopes to increase industry competitiveness and productivity, build a future-ready industrial economy, and pave the way for cleaner air, healthier neighborhoods, and better jobs.

Funded by the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) and administered by Prosper Portland, this first-of-its-kind program brings together community members, local government, and businesses, providing an opportunity to reduce pollution and waste while improving quality of life for people who work or live close to industry. Grant awards will range between $25,000 and $300,000.

“This program is an important step in making our industrial and manufacturing sector more resilient and future ready,” said Cornell Wesley, executive director of Prosper Portland. “It not only helps to reduce emissions, but it strengthens a key sector providing quality jobs, helping employers to make the investments they need to stay and grow in Portland.”

Partners in this initiative include the City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning & Sustainability, Prosper Portland, Neighbors for Clean Air, Portland State University, Portland Partnership for Clean Industry, Portland Metro Chamber, Energy 350, Worksystems Inc., and the Columbia Corridor Association.

“Portland’s industries and manufacturers are looking ahead and asking how we can work together to modernize facilities that support our climate goals, quality jobs, and long-term neighborhood vitality,” said Deputy City Administrator for Community and Economic Development Donnie Oliveira. “By aligning the technical expertise of Prosper Portland, the Bureau of Planning & Sustainability, and our community partners with the funding and goals of the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund, we’re creating meaningful opportunities to do exactly that.”

Manufacturing and industrial businesses, hospitals, or universities located in the City of Portland or property owners who lease to eligible businesses are all eligible for the Industrial Modernization Grant. Eligible project costs must be associated with an industrial decarbonization project.

The first round of the Industrial Modernization Grant opens on Sunday, November 1 and will close on Thursday, December 31. Before submitting an application, all applicants must undergo a free Technical Analysis with the Energy Trust of Oregon. To get started on the required and free technical analysis, contact your Energy Trust account manager or fill out a form.

Prosper Portland will hold an informational workshop at Daimler Truck North America’s campus on Monday, November 9 from 8:30 – 10 am. Register to attend.

About Prosper Portland
Prosper Portland is the economic and urban development agency for the city of Portland. The agency serves the city and its residents by growing family-wage jobs, advancing opportunities for prosperity, collaborating with partners for an equitable city, and creating vibrant neighborhoods and communities.

About BPS
The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) oversees a world-renowned waste and recycling system and leads the country in its commitment to digital equity, open data, and protecting communities in the application of technologies. Staff collaborate with partners on neighborhood, economic, historic, and environmental planning and provide research, policy, and technical services to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as policies and actions to address climate change. The bureau also oversees the innovative Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF).

About PCEF
The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) initiative was passed by 65% of Portland voters in 2018. It provides a consistent, long-term funding source and oversight structure to ensure that our community’s climate action efforts are implemented to support social, economic, and environmental benefits for all Portlanders, particularly communities who have been historically under-resourced. The initiative was supported by a broad coalition of groups and individuals and represents the first environmental initiative in Oregon led by communities on the frontlines of climate change.

About Energy Trust of Oregon
Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping communities thrive through clean, affordable energy for all. They offer services and cash incentives to help more than 2 million customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas, and Avista in Oregon and NW Natural in Southwest Washington save energy and generate clean power. Energy Trust has technical experts across industries to help guide the way to save on energy costs, with cash incentives for equipment upgrades to system optimization and custom capital projects of all sizes.