Cooling Portland

Project Lead: Wanna Lei

Funder: PCEF

Grant Administrator: Earth Advantage

Number of Clients Served: 650

Number of Contractors Developed: 2

Cooling Portland is a climate resilience program that provides and installs portable heat pump cooling units for Portland residents most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, particularly low-income individuals and people of color. Launched in response to the deadly June 2021 heat wave, whichclaimed nearly 100 lives in Oregon, the program aims to reduce the risk of future heatwave deaths. With guidance from community partners such as APANO and the PCEF Grant Committee, the program began in 2022 and plans to distribute up to 15,000units over five years. In December 2024, the Portland City Council approved a $10.3 million expansion through the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund, enabling Cooling Portland to reach10,000 more households by 2026.

APANO has already installed more than 650 units year to date.