Vote on local bond measures that align with climate

By Chibueze Ejiegbu

Participating in smaller, local elections is a great way to have an outsized influence in your community. Local elections have notoriously small turnout, so each vote makes a big difference. Also, bond measures tend to be more tangible and short-term, so you can actually see the results of what you helped pass. Good examples are improved transit infrastructure, biking or walking trails, or utility improvements.

When millions of people were voting in November 2025, the spotlight was on the high-profile races. Very few noticed that the people of Portland, Oregon, voted for a local bond measure to keep parks safe, preserve natural areas, plant trees, and reduce the risk of wildfires for the next five years.

Only 30.9% of registered voters turned up for that election, and the measure passed by a margin of about 18,000 votes in a city where more than 630,000 people live. It means if you live in Portland and voted “yes” on the measure, your vote held more weight than it would in a state or national election.

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Image from the Legion of Oregon Cities

Local bond measures raise money for short-term projects (things like bike lanes, public transit, energy-efficient streetlights) that you can see and benefit from. Some of these projects lower emissions and protect natural areas, too.

And since very few people show up to vote for local bond measures, just one vote can go a long way in making real climate progress in your community. Here’s what you can do to stay aware of bond measures in your community and make sure your vote counts.

  • Check your city or county website for upcoming bond measures in your area of residence.
  • Read local voters' pamphlets. They will tell you everything that each local bond measure will fund. You can visit your county website to sign up for them.
  • Sign up for election reminders on your council website or on vote.org.
  • Attend a town hall or virtual meeting if your community offers one. There, officials will explain how bonds up for a vote will improve everyday life in your community.

You can tell your friends and neighbors about any upcoming elections that contain bond measures that will drastically improve your community and help the planet. The more people who are aware of them, the more votes they could get.

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