Workshop | How Community Power Built a Model for Equity-Centered Government Investment

In 2018, more than 65% of Portland voters approved the creation of the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF), the first climate fund in the United States created and led by communities of color. This historic ballot measure emerged from years of grassroots organizing by frontline communities that have been disproportionately impacted by climate change and systematically excluded from clean energy programs and sustainability investments.

Today, PCEF generates $150–200 million annually through a surcharge on large retailers. These funds support community-led climate solutions focused on clean energy, green infrastructure, regenerative agriculture, workforce development, and transportation decarbonization. Administered by the City of Portland, PCEF prioritizes investments that benefit low-income residents, communities of color, and people living with disabilities.

This workshop will highlight how a community-led vision became a city-administered, equity-driven fund, and how public sector staff are embedding DEI into the daily work of government. Attendees will explore strategies for inclusive engagement, grantmaking, and strategic programs through real examples from PCEF’s grantees and partners.

Participants will also engage in a structured, small-group activity designed to spark reflection and discussion on key equity challenges in public service, including barriers to community participation, use of disaggregated data, inclusive procurement practices, and internal decision-making. The activity will promote peer learning and help participants identify one practical step they can take to strengthen equity in their own roles or departments.

Wendy Serrano manages community engagement and equity for PCEF. She has built her career around advocacy, community engagement, and outreach as well as policy development with various nonprofits, government leaders and public agencies in efforts to engage the communities closest to the challenges these organizations aim to solve. Some of her previous work includes serving as Equity Manager at the Portland Bureau of Transportation and working for the German Federal Foreign Office through a Bosch Fellowship exchange program for American leaders.

Wendy grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico but has called Oregon home since the early 2000s. Her Mexican-American roots have instilled in her a passion for working to address injustices and its causes. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time outdoors with her family, dancing to cumbia music and baking with her toddlers.

Hamdi Ali is the Community Engagement Coordinator at the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF), where she supports community engagement across programming within the fund. She previously supported the engagement, outreach, and community feedback sessions for PCEF's Climate Investment Plan, which deepened her commitment to climate justice and equitable clean energy solutions.

Hamdi brings experience in the nonprofit sector and holds a master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on social innovation. Her work centers on strategy, community development, and advancing inclusive systems that serve all communities.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, to a Somali refugee family, she has called Portland home for the past 15 years. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring the outdoors, and experiencing Portland’s vibrant food scene. Her lived experience and deep connection to the city fuel her dedication to creating sustainable and inclusive change.

Ayano Healy has a strong background in public health and urban planning, with experience across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. She brings an interdisciplinary approach to projects, focusing on creating effective and equitable systems that promote healthier communities. Ayano specializes in culturally responsive public engagement, strategic communications, scenario planning, survey design, and data analysis. An experienced facilitator, she has led community-centered discussions as well as technical advisory committees.

Before joining PCEF, Ayano served as a Senior Associate at Cascadia Partners and worked at JLA Public Involvement. At PCEF, she guides engagement strategy development and supports advisory bodies, while also working on community engagement for the Climate Investment Plan - particularly focusing on youth audiences.

In addition to her professional work, Ayano is passionate about continuous learning and enjoys teaching herself new skills. She’s an avid prankster, loves crafting and sewing with reused materials, and enjoys staying active in nature - especially near water. She’s also into improv, soccer, and creating new lyrics to existing songs.