daily · Clean Energy

Eugene Measure 20-388 would fund clean energy through a large-retailer license fee

Eugene voters will decide a proposed 2% license fee on qualifying large retailers. The city ballot title says collections would begin January 2029 and fund energy, workforce and green-infrastructure programs; the measure is not approved.

By Greener Numbers Editorial Team · Published October 24, 2026 · Updated 10/24/2026

Eugene, Oregon, voters will decide Measure 20-388 at the November 3, 2026 general election. The proposal would require qualifying large retailers to obtain a license and pay a 2% fee on gross profits from retail sales within the city. It is a ballot proposal, not an approved program or a fee already being collected.

The city's final ballot title defines a large retailer as one with gross profits exceeding $1 billion nationally and $500,000 in Eugene. Contractors, utilities, cooperatives and credit unions are excluded. The thresholds concern gross profits under the measure's definition, not all companies with $1 billion in revenue.

The fee calculation would exclude sales of most groceries, medicines, residential garbage and recycling services, and health care services. If approved, the licensing and fee requirements would begin January 1, 2029. Residents should not read the proposal as a new charge already added to their utility bill.

Proceeds would go to a Eugene Clean Energy Fund for renewable energy and energy efficiency, clean-energy training and apprenticeships, contractor support, green infrastructure, future innovation and administration. The ballot title caps administration at 10% starting in 2030 and calls for an expert committee to recommend uses and evaluate the fund.

Canary Media's October 20 reporting estimates potential receipts of $15 million to $37 million a year. That is an estimate, not collected revenue or a guaranteed grant budget. The outlet reports support from environmental, labor and local-business groups, and opposition from business organizations concerned about possible retail-price effects. This brief does not independently establish either side's price prediction.

The city elections page and final ballot title are the primary sources for the measure number, scope and timing. The proposal does not identify a guaranteed household rebate or establish when an individual resident could receive equipment or bill savings. Those outcomes would depend on the vote and later implementation.

Official source: eugene-or.gov ↗