TIGARD, OR – The U.S. Department of Transportation announced that a consortium of 17 cities in the Willamette Valley, including the City of Tigard, has collectively been awarded $15 million in funding through the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program.

This strong coalition of cities worked together on the grant with a shared goal of increasing the number of EV drivers in the region by providing charging stations for those who have limited access to at-home charging. The grant funding is expected to result in:

• 1,000 Level 2 networked charging ports installed in cities throughout Northwest Oregon.
• A minimum of 125 unique charging sites across 17 different cities.
• An increase in low-income drivers transitioning to electric vehicles and benefiting from the new chargers.
• Progress toward city, regional, state, and national goals related to equity, climate, air quality, and mobility.

With this funding, the Tigard community will see an expanded EV charging network, making it more convenient for residents and visitors to charge electric vehicles. The new charging stations will primarily serve low- and moderate-income residents and those living in multifamily housing where at-home charging access is limited. Additionally, chargers will be installed at publicly accessible facilities, such as libraries and parks.

This initiative is another step in Tigard's ongoing efforts to take meaningful and impactful climate action, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to a changing climate. The city recently completed a comprehensive climate resiliency planning effort, resulting in a Climate Action Report. The report identifies five "low carbon actions" in the transportation sector, with the electrification of personal vehicles being the most impactful. It suggests that fully electrifying the personal vehicle fleet by 2035 could potentially eliminate 349,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, representing 10.8% of Tigard's cumulative emissions.

Quotes from the Tigard City Council

“We are proud to be part of this consortium of 17 cities in the Willamette Valley that has secured $15 million in funding through the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program. This collaborative effort demonstrates our shared commitment to creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for our communities. With this funding, we can expand our electric vehicle charging infrastructure, making EVs more accessible for everyone and driving forward our climate and equity goals,” Mayor Heidi Lueb.

“This grant represents a major milestone in our city’s efforts to promote electric transportation. With the installation of these new charging stations, Tigard is poised to become a leader in electric vehicle infrastructure and chart the way toward a greener future,” Councilor Jake Schlack.

“We are thrilled to receive this significant investment from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This funding aligns perfectly with our commitment to creating a sustainable and accessible community. By expanding our EV charging infrastructure, we are taking a crucial step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering a healthier environment for our residents,” Councilor Jeanette Shaw.

"This is a significant achievement for Tigard and our neighboring cities. By collaborating as a coalition, we've secured crucial funding to expand EV charging infrastructure in our community. This grant will help bridge the gap for residents who lack access to at-home charging, making it easier for more people to choose electric vehicles. It's a vital step toward a greener, more sustainable future for the entire Willamette Valley," Councilor Maureen Wolf.