Special Projects

MCEDD supports a variety of special projects that align with the regional economic development strategy.

Hood River County Energy Council

The Hood River County Energy Council is a community-led advisory body that supports implementation of the Hood River County Energy Plan in collaboration with the governing bodies that adopted the plan: Hood River County, the City of Hood River, the Port of Hood River, and the Port of Cascade Locks. The 11-member council includes representatives from all four  governing bodies and Energy Council–appointed community members with expertise and interest in energy topics. Council members work with stakeholders to advance the Energy Plan through subcommittee work, fundraising, and strategic planning.

The Energy Council is staffed by the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District. MCEDD provides professional economic development, grant management, project management, and administration support to oversee the implementation of the Hood River County Energy Plan and other regional clean energy initiatives.

The Hood River County Energy Council typically meets quarterly via video conference. Please see the MCEDD calendar or email lindsay@mcedd.org to get on the mailing list and confirm the time and venue for the Energy Council meeting.

Hood River County Energy Plan

Hood River County has a long-standing history of energy efficiency and renewable energy development — as a means to reduce energy costs, hedge our bets against future increases in energy costs, and increase our community’s resilience to warming temperatures and natural disasters, both natural and human caused.

In 2016, Hood River County invited local partners and stakeholders to jointly develop the Hood River County Energy Plan. In doing so, the county joined a growing list of communities around the world that are addressing climate change and energy concerns with a long-term vision and plan.

The plan sets community-wide energy reduction goals while also endeavoring to produce more renewable energy locally. The plan also identifies long-range objectives, strategies, and actions to meet those targets by 2050. The plan was adopted in 2018 by the Hood River County Commission, Hood River City Council, the Port of Hood River and the Port of Cascade Locks. In adopting the plan by resolution, the agencies agreed to voluntarily work toward meeting the goals of the plan in a collaborative way.

Hood River County Energy Council 2022-2025 Work Plan

The Hood River County Energy Council adopted its 2022-2025 work plan on April 14, 2022. The work plan is a guide for Energy Council and staff efforts in supporting implementation of the Hood River County Energy Plan over a four-year timeline. The plan was prepared by the Energy Council through the leadership of its subcommittees and with input from community partners. The Energy Council’s key projects and priorities are highlighted in the work plan.

Hood River County Energy Council 2022-2025 Work Plan