In a letter to the editor, Tomoko Sekiguchi calls on Eugene residents to support Measure 20‑388, the Eugene Clean Energy Fund, which would require the city’s wealthiest corporations to contribute 2% of their local gross profits. The money would be earmarked for clean‑energy projects, home‑energy upgrades, climate‑resilience initiatives and the creation of good local jobs.
Broad Community Support
More than 100 businesses, labor unions, faith‑based groups and community leaders have publicly endorsed the measure, signaling a broad coalition that believes the city must move beyond discussion to concrete action on the climate crisis. Supporters argue that the fund would keep corporate profits circulating within Eugene, rather than allowing them to leave the community.
What the Fund Would Do
The proposed fund would provide a reliable source of financing for projects such as solar installations on municipal buildings, energy‑efficient retrofits for low‑income homes, and upgrades to the city’s electric grid to make it more resilient against extreme weather. Proponents say these investments will lower utility bills for families, create skilled‑trade jobs, and position Eugene as a regional leader in sustainable development.
Opposition’s Concerns
Large business interests have pushed back, warning that the contribution could raise costs for consumers. Critics contend that the measure interferes with free‑market principles and could make Eugene less attractive to new investment.
Supporters counter that the modest 2% levy is a fair trade‑off: corporations benefit from the city’s infrastructure, workforce and market, so a small reinvestment is justified. They also note that the fund would target only the most profitable companies, leaving smaller businesses untouched.
Why the Vote Matters
Measure 20‑388 will appear on the November ballot, giving voters a direct say in whether Eugene chooses to prioritize corporate profit or community well‑being. The decision will shape the city’s climate‑action roadmap for years to come, influencing everything from local job creation to the affordability of energy for families.
As the election approaches, supporters encourage residents to look for the fund’s signage around town and to consider how a modest corporate contribution could translate into tangible benefits for neighborhoods across Eugene.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
