The Office of Sustainability strives to create a more equitable, livable, resilient, and low-carbon Multnomah County. Guiding our work is the belief that the best solution to environmental problems is to eradicate the root causes of injustice in our community, that our entire community thrives when we meet the needs of the most vulnerable, and that community-driven solutions are more effective and long-lasting.

To achieve this vision, we:

  • Collaborate with community partners to advance policies, projects, initiatives, programs, and research that are responsive to the community's needs,
  • Lead and support sustainability efforts within County departments and programs, and
  • Work with County leadership to advance this vision within the County, region, and state.

View sustainability policies and initiatives led by the Office of Sustainability that have addressed and helped to shape sustainable internal government operations and efforts in the community.

OUR TEAM

We are a dedicated and diverse group of environmental justice warriors, sustainability advocates, educators, systems thinkers, motivators, doers, and connectors. Our team members are family-oriented and love to have fun with one another. We are volunteers, teachers, travelers, farmers, community organizers, beer brewers, and small business owners. While we work in the cozy southeast corner of the Multnomah Building's sixth floor, we can be found collaborating with staff from the County's various departments, coordinating policies with local cities, working with legislators in Salem, and building partnerships across our community.

Nicole Buchanan, Senior Climate Resilience Policy Analyst: nicole.buchanan@multco.us

Sara Mihm, Sustainability Coordinator: sara.mihm@multco.us

Tim Lynch, Senior Policy Analyst: tim.j.lynch@multco.us

Silvia Tanner, Senior Energy Policy & Legal Analyst: silvia.tanner@multco.us

Monique Smiley, Sustainability Engagement Specialist: monique.smiley@multco.us

John Wasiutynski, Director: john.wasiutynski@multco.us