We Are Verde
Verde serves communities by building environmental wealth through social enterprise, outreach, and advocacy.
What we do
Since 2005, Verde brings new environmental investments to Portland’s neighborhoods, involves community members in the planning and building of these investments, and ensures that low-income people and people of color directly benefit from these investments.
Social Enterprise
Our licensed general contracting social enterprise can conceive, design, and implement environmental infrastructure projects.
Outreach
Our outreach programs engage community members, peer organizations, and policymakers about the connection between protecting the environment and building community.
Advocacy
Our advocacy program moves our work forward with a legislative agenda by building coalitions on a local, state, and national level.
WHY WE DO IT
At Verde, all of our programs work at the intersection of environmental, racial, and economic justice. We believe that our environment is at the heart of all issues of livability, security, and wealth.
Our Programs
Verde Builds
Verde Builds works to make clean, efficient and affordable infrastructure accessible to low income people and people of color throughout the Portland region.
Outreach
Our Outreach programs, such as Club Aves, Lideres Verdes, and our Verde Urban Habitat program, provide education, engagement, and leadership opportunities.
Advocacy
Our advocacy programs currently focus on leading coalitions in energy, transportation, air quality, and water justice through a legislative policy agenda statewide.
VERDE Latest News
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‘It's amazing’: New community solar site brings benefits of renewable energy without the upfront costs
By Kale Williams | KGW
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150 Cully neighborhood families to see reduced power bills through new solar project
By Karli Olson | KPTV
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Solar project offers low-income Portland residents relief from high energy bills
By Monica Samayoa | OPB
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Oregon drafts a reboot of the state’s flagship climate program
By Monica Samayoa | OPB
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Readers respond: Oregon needs climate protection program
By Xitlali Torres | Oregonian
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Client Story: Leading Change at Verde
By Ciara Pressler | [PREGAME]
OUR CORE VALUES
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We are a grassroots, intergenerational, and diverse movement that reflects the communities we serve.
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We value environmental, economic, social, and human resilience in all aspects of our programs and operations.
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We promote empowerment by centering frontline communities in environmental justice.
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We show optimism for our shared future through innovation and ingenuity.
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We adapt to the needs of our community, balancing urgency with purpose.
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We leverage our partnerships locally, regionally, statewide, and nationally to make change.
Our Priority: Building Environmental Wealth
We believe that true wealth is health, access, community, opportunity, and resiliency.
We believe that all people deserve environmental wealth regardless of socioeconomic status, race, citizenship, or where they call home.
We believe that a healthy economy and a clean environment can and should co-exist.
We believe in people-centered public policy.
We believe that the places where people live, work, and play can be integrated with nature equitably and sustainably.
We believe authentic relationships are for the long term and must be built over time.
