The Northwest Native Chamber (NWNC) has developed a program that seeks to address the critical lack of Native-owned construction businesses in Oregon that are contract-ready. With funding from the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) and congressionally directed spending from Representative Blumenauer’s office, NWNC staff has developed a culturally specific Clean Energy Construction career track for Native Americans. This program is an investment into the economic development of Native construction firms and contractors, and will incorporate clean-energy home upgrades and cooling unit installations for Native homeowners. 

NWNC identified clean energy construction as a target field for several reasons. First, it is a field that expects high growth in upcoming years due to new government incentives and increasing access to green technology. With the right training and support more Native Americans could gain access to this high-growth industry. Second, Native-owned construction firms and Native contractors traditionally face difficulty accessing contracting opportunities and navigating business resources. Through networking, procurement assistance, and resume-building hands-on experiences, this program can help bridge that gap. Third, this program will offer community members direct clean energy benefits, through the hands-on learning opportunities built into the program.