PCEF committee considers pitch to help Portland’s budget crisis with a loan from the climate fund

The Portland Clean Energy Fund committee is once again considering a proposal to use its funds toward the city’s general budget.

This time, a city councilor has suggested that Portland borrow from the voter-approved climate fund to help the city avoid layoffs and program cuts outlined in the mayor’s current budget proposal.

On Wednesday, Portland District 4 Councilor Mitch Green formally introduced the Healthy Parks, Healthy Climate Plan loan proposal to the PCEF committee. Under Green’s proposal, Portland could borrow up to $80 million from the climate action program’s reserves to help fill the city’s looming $93 million budget gap, then pay that loan back with interest over a period of three years.

This comes as Portland Mayor Keith Wilson’s proposed budget, released on Monday, would gut hundreds of jobs, including…