May Blog: Verde’s Strategic Plan

Verde recently completed a new three-year strategic framework that will guide our work through 2009. At its core, this framework is about building healthy environments, strong communities, and shared prosperity across Oregon.

For more than 20 years, Verde has worked alongside communities most impacted by environmental injustices to create solutions rooted in lived experiences. That work continues today through clean energy programs, leadership development, community partnerships and advocacy for healthier neighborhoods.

Our new strategic framework builds on what we have learned from our community, our partners, and our program over the years. As communities continue facing rising costs, climate impacts, and barriers to healthy living, Verde is focused on expanding practical solutions that strengthen neighborhoods, grow community leadership, and create lasting change. 

Community voice shaped every part of this process. Over the past year, we organized eight focus groups with community members, program participants, partner organizations, former staff and board members, and funders. Their feedback helped shape the goals and priorities that will guide Verde’s next chapter.

Together, our staff and board developed five goals that reflect both our external impact and internal investments needed to sustain our work long-term. Each goal is supported by concrete actions across Verde’s programs and partnerships.

Here are a few examples of what that work will look like in practice:

Advancing Climate Accountability

As part of a statewide coalition, Verde will support community organizing efforts to help pass the Climate Resilience Superfund. This proposal would require the largest fossil fuel companies to contribute to the costs of climate related harms. This would help fund wildfire prevention, climate resilience projects, and community recovery efforts across Oregon.

Expanding Workforce Opportunities
Verde is developing a new workforce development program that will help community members build skills for clean technology and green infrastructure careers. With support from PCEF, this work represents an important step toward expanding access to living wage opportunities in the growing clean energy economy.

Growing Community Solar Access

In partnership with Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Verde will complete our second community solar project. Together, our project will help nearly 1,000 households access affordable solar energy and reduce utility costs by an estimated 30-40%.

Throughout the planning process, we also heard clearly that strong relationships and organizational stability matter deeply to our community. As Verde continues to grow, we are committed to strengthening internal systems, deepening community connections, and investing in the long-term sustainability of our work.

This strategic framework is ultimately about collective power. It is about Verde working alongside communities to create healthier neighborhoods, expand opportunities, and build a more resilient future together.