I’ve called Eugene home for more than 10 years. My son went to both elementary and high school here. I’ve watched neighborhoods grow, new businesses open and families build their lives here. Through all those years, one thing has remained consistent: Eugene is a community that believes in taking care of the place we call home.

Lately, I’ve noticed changes that are hard to ignore. Summers are hotter. Wildfire smoke has become more common. And energy bills continue to rise, making it harder for families to make ends meet.

That’s why I support Measure 20-388, the Eugene Clean Energy Fund. What appeals to me most is its practicality. The Eugene Clean Energy Fund would invest in making homes and buildings more energy efficient, helping families lower their utility bills while supporting clean energy jobs. The fund is paid for through a 2% fee on the gross profits of the largest retailers in Eugene, ensuring that these billion-dollar corporations pay their fair share for their climate impact.

We’ve already seen this model work in Portland through the Portland Clean Energy Fund. Eugene now has the opportunity to make similar investments in our own future. I’ve always believed Eugene does its best work when thinking beyond today. Voting yes on Measure 20-388 is about protecting the community we’ve built, lowering costs for families and ensuring Eugene remains a great place to live for generations to come.

Mary Addams
Eugene