Bend ECC maps work plan: electrification workshops, energy navigator and waste priorities set for early 2025

Staff told the Environmental and Climate Committee that, after a period focused on electrification policy, the ECC should use the next biennium to move toward several CCAP implementation priorities including a public workshop series, an energy navigator program, electrification policy input, public EV charging expansion and waste-reduction efforts.

Staff presented seven ECC priorities adopted for the biennium and identified three where ECC input is most needed over the next six months: review and provide feedback on a proposed electrification workshop series (targeted to different audiences), revisit and refine a proposed energy navigator program (which staff postponed after earlier council direction), and clarify the committee’s desired scope for waste reduction and reuse initiatives.

Staff said the workshop series is being designed as an electrification primer (topics include what electrification and weatherization look like for homeowners, renters and low-income households) and is planned for spring; the navigator program—originally intended to launch sooner—remains budgeted for the year but may be re-scoped depending on how incentive and fee policies evolve. Staff said the navigator could operate independently of a fee but could be adapted if the council adopts financial incentives.

Committee members raised sequencing questions: some asked whether a centralized navigator resource should exist before workshops so presentations can point attendees to a ready resource, while others said workshops can help identify navigator needs. Members also suggested leveraging partner grants and existing grantees to avoid duplicating effort.

Staff noted other priorities (EV charging, vehicle miles traveled reduction, and city clean-energy projects) and suggested scheduling focused presentations over the coming months so the committee can track progress, inform outreach and identify where ECC input would be most useful.

The ECC did not take final votes but agreed to place the workshop deep dive on the January agenda and to schedule a navigator discussion for February.