Feb. '26 Newsletter: Building Upon Legacies this Black History Month

Dear Community,

Happy Black History Month.

At the Coalition of Communities of Color, we honor and celebrate the rich legacy of Black leadership, resilience and vision that helped secure many freedoms and rights that we have today. At a time when so much of that hard-fought process is now at risk, we invite our diverse and interconnected communities not only learn and reflect this month, but take action. Let us continue building the legacy shaped by Ella Baker, John Lewis and Fannie Lou Hamer, among many others – a legacy grounded in courage, collective-care and pursuit of a more just and equitable future for all. 

At the end of this newsletter, we share upcoming events honoring Black History Month, along with opportunities to show up and support one another during this critical time in our nation’s history. In the words of Ella, “We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes.”

As we honor our 25th anniversary, we do so with the same resolve – moving forward together, and continuing our work until freedom comes for everyone.

In Solidarity,

Marcus C. Mundy

Executive Director

Coalition of Communities of Color

Join the Fight: Support the Protect PCEF Fund

Since 2018, the Coalition of Communities of Color has helped lead efforts to invest in environmental justice through the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF). Now, this groundbreaking program is under attack. The Portland Police Association has filed a ballot measure to divert 25% of PCEF funds to expand the police. In addition to the community grants that promote community-led climate solutions, PCEF plays a critical role in fulfilling the City of Portland’s climate action goals and large-scale projects. 

We are leading a legal challenge to stop this from getting on the ballot. Oral arguments are coming up on February 13, and we need your help. You can be a part of this fight by making a tax-deductible contribution to the Protect PCEF Fund to support legal fees and CCC and partners’ work to protect the future of community-based climate investments.

Chip in today

The Growing Cost of Cuts for Oregon Nonprofits

CCC partnered with the Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO) to document how government funding cuts were affecting nonprofits and the communities they serve across Oregon. Drawing on 180 responses from 501(c)(3) organizations spanning more than 19 subsectors, the findings revealed a clear and urgent reality: 84% of nonprofits had already experienced funding cuts or expected them soon. These reductions directly threatened essential services, particularly for communities that rely most on essential services.

To survive, nonprofits were cutting programs, reducing operations, and drawing down reserves, short-term fixes that put long-term community impact at risk. As leaders looked ahead to the next 6–12 months, many anticipated even deeper cuts, underscoring the urgent need for new strategies to navigate these challenging times, for example reforming government contract practices with nonprofits and enhanced coordination between public and private investments to better address community needs.

You can dive deeper into our two-pager summary sheet and a 14-page full report on NAO’s website here: How Funding Cuts are Affecting Oregon Nonprofits

Building More Resilient Communities

Recently CCC, in collaboration with the Sierra Club, Verde, and Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility hosted a two-part community workshop in North Portland focusing on emergency preparedness and policy advocacy, particularly related to the Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub. The CEI Hub is a six-mile stretch of industrial development along the west shore of the Willamette River where more than 90% of all liquid fuel in Oregon is stored. Speakers included staff from the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management and District 2 City Councilor, Sameer Kanal.

The City of Portland is currently working to update Comprehensive Plan policies and City code as part of the Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub Policy Project. 

For upcoming opportunities to engage please see the project website.

Shaping Building Policy in Milwaukie. Join us!

Since 2019, the Coalition of Communities of Color has partnered with community leaders and local organizations to shape community-driven building policies in Portland that improve health, lower energy costs for frontline communities, and reduce carbon emissions. Next month, we’re launching a three-part community workshop series in the City of Milwaukie to bring together local voices and help inform future policy. Interested in learning more or getting involved? Reach out to Nikita Daryanani at Nikita@coalitioncommunitiescolor.org.

New! Utility Consumer Protections You Should Know About:

✅ Easier to start service

More forms of ID are now accepted, so setting up utility service is simpler and faster.=

💸 No or lower reconnection fees

If your service can be turned back on remotely, there’s no reconnection fee.

Income-qualified customers and those with medical needs are never charged reconnection fees.

If you were displaced by a wildfire or severe weather, eligible customers can restore service without paying past-due balances or fees.

⏳ More time to pay past-due bills

You now have up to six billing cycles to catch up on overdue balances after reconnection—giving you more breathing room.

🌧️ Protection during severe weather

Utility shutoffs are paused during severe weather and for 48 hours after the event ends.

📢 Clear, easy-to-find information

Utilities will clearly explain available customer protections on bills, online, through customer service, and with help from community partners.

Read more about protections

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Celebrate and Honor Black History Month

Happening in and around Portland, follow the links to learn more!

Legislative Action Opportunities

The legislative session is almost here, and there are so many opportunities to make your voice heard at the Legislature. Our members and partners are bringing Oregonians together to take action—get involved!

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