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At HBA’s monthly Portland Building and Urban Development (PBUD) Council meeting, members connected with staff from the office of Mayor Ted Wheeler, the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, and the Bureau of Development Services. Sam Diaz and Amanda Watson provided key updates on the Mayor’s current priorities, notably COVID-19 economic recovery, the Expiration Date Extension Project, and the Residential Infill Project. They discussed the importance of ensuring that the Bureau of Development Services continues to operate effectively, despite city-wide budget cuts. For more information, view Sam and Amanda’s presentation here. Cady Lister with the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability presented the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF), which will provide $44-61 million in new annual revenue for green jobs and homes with required investments in frontline communities. These funds are accessed through nonprofit grant applications and can be used for green infrastructure and regenerative agriculture, contractor training and support for workforce development, clean energy programs, and innovation. To learn more about PCEF, view Cady’s presentation here. Mark Fetters, the Bureau of Development Services Liaison to the Development Review Advisory Committee (DRAC), gave an overview of the Committee's purpose and activities as well as current opportunities for engagement. DRAC was established as the city’s standing advisory body on development review, with 17 member positions meant to provide broad representation of stakeholders in the review process. It’s mission is to foster a timely, predictable, and accountable development review process and advise city bureaus as needed. There are currently five vacant positions on DRAC, and HBA members are encouraged to apply here. To learn more, view Mark’s presentation here.