The Eugene Clean Energy Fund has achieved official ballot status for the November 2026 election following certification by the City Recorder that the campaign collected an adequate number of valid signatures. The qualification represents the culmination of a four-month grassroots collection effort involving volunteers, community organizers, and social and environmental justice groups.
Under the proposed measure, a 2% Large Retailer License Fee would be applied to corporations earning more than $1 billion in annual profits nationally and more than $500,000 within Eugene. The fee is designed to target major retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Projections indicate the initiative would generate at least $15 million annually for the city.
Revenue from the fee would be allocated through a community-led process to support renewable energy development, energy efficiency improvements, clean energy job training programs, apprenticeships, contractor support, green infrastructure projects, and future innovation initiatives. A city-appointed committee would oversee the distribution process with emphasis on directing benefits to low-income and historically marginalized communities.
The initiative draws its framework from Portland’s 2018 Clean Energy Fund, which secured passage with 65% voter approval and has subsequently invested over $1.7 billion in climate, sustainability, and clean energy projects. The Eugene campaign has garnered endorsements from more than sixty organizations, including labor unions, environmental groups, local businesses, and elected officials.
With ballot qualification secured, campaign organizers are transitioning focus toward voter education, securing pledges of support, and mobilizing turnout for the November election.
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