Greetings to our wonderful Spark Northwest supporters. We are grateful for you. This is especially true as we anticipate a spicy year ahead for climate justice work. We are glad to have you on the journey with us. Here are a few things that give us hope:

The power of community. When times are urgent, slowing down to collaborate is more important than ever. Trusted relationships have an evergreen quality, able to withstand challenges with flexibility and shared purpose. We look forward to crafting solutions with our partners in the years ahead.

Local resilience. Spark Northwest believes in the importance of local clean energy, where benefits are shared fairly. We are lucky that the Pacific Northwest has strong policies in place for an equitable transition to clean energy. We see many exciting opportunities to demonstrate successful models for other areas of the country.

Future focus. We are looking to the far horizon, envisioning an energy future for the next generation. This means we develop energy projects while also supporting emerging leaders in the new green economy. We believe this long-term vision is building a foundation for our energy system for decades to come.

We are excited to have your support and look forward to connecting with you in the year ahead.

Andrea

Exciting news: Spark Northwest is expanding! We are looking for an experienced clean energy project manager who understands how to work with community groups. If you or someone you know is interested in work that involves supporting community partners to develop their clean energy plans and projects, please learn about our open position.

November marked the completion of all 12 solar installations on Proud Ground’s permanently affordable homes located in Portland, Oregon. In partnership with Proud Ground, Solar for All, and Portland Clean Energy Fund, Spark Northwest managed homeowner solar education, installer selection, and customer experience. As a result, not only are these homes powered by the sun, but residents are more resilient during extreme weather events like winter windstorms and summer heat waves. Congratulations to everyone involved!

It has been an energizing time for Spark Northwest. Several of our team attended the NW Energy Coalition conference, where Eriq Acosta co-led the Tribal energy panel (pictured), and John Seng was honored with an Emerging Clean Energy Leader Award. Team members Haya Muñoz and Lindsey Bear joined Swinomish community members and students at La Connor Middle School for a STEAM night where they engaged with curious students about renewable energy technologies.

Our staff got together on the Olympic Peninsula and enjoyed homemade pozole and frijoles charros. After our delicious feast, some of us adventured to forage for chanterelles. It was a sweet month of being together.  

This past October over 100 Spark Northwest friends and supporters came together to talk about how to forge a more equitable clean energy transition. During the evening, guests engaged in conversations sparked by the question: “What does the future look like if we get the clean energy transition right?” Above is our group’s collective response. Spark Northwest is proud to help bring these visions to life!

Thank you to all those who came, and who have generously supported our work to build an equitable clean energy future.

For those who haven’t donated yet this year, there’s still time to support our work. Your donation will help Spark Northwest promote clean energy and help to battle disparate impacts of climate change. Together we can create pathways to a healthier, more resilient future.