APANO
Good Growth
Join our FREE Home Energy Assessment Program today!
What is Good Growth?
APANO’s Good Growth Workforce and Contractor Development Program advances economic justice by investing in the leadership, skills, and collective power of Asian and Asian American communities across Oregon. Grounded in APANO CUF’s Theory of Change, Good Growth recognizes that lasting economic mobility is achieved when communities most impacted by inequity are centered, resourced, and supported to shape their own futures.
We focus on building a strong, high-quality workforce and contractors by preparing community members for living-wage, sustainable careers in critical and growing sectors such as green construction, early childhood education, and healthcare. Through culturally responsive workforce development, hands-on training, and contractor support, we address systemic barriers that have historically limited access to opportunity for Asian and Asian American workers and entrepreneurs.
Good Growth is more than a workforce program, it is a pathway to long-term stability, dignity, and generational prosperity. By strengthening individual skills, supporting small businesses and contractors, and shifting systems to be more equitable and inclusive, we help ensure Asian and Asian American individuals and families are not only surviving, but thriving. Together, we are cultivating community-driven solutions that contribute meaningfully to Oregon’s evolving economy while building power, resilience, and shared prosperity for the future.
Our Impact
Our Impact
1000+
Cooling units delivered in Portland
800+
Families served through our community health programs
50+
Households assessed and retrofitted for energy efficiency
250+
Community events hosted
Our Current Programs
-
Cooling Portland
Cooling Portland is a climate resilience program that provides and installs portable heat pump cooling units for Portland residents most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, particularly low-income individuals and people of color.
-
Home Energy Assessments
APANO plays a key role in delivering a free home energy assessment program designed to help low- to moderate-income households, communities of color, and other underserved groups improve energy efficiency and create healthier living spaces. ​
-
Healthy Homes Grant Program
APANO serves as a grantee and implementer of Oregon’s Healthy Homes Grant Program, a state initiative established by the 2021 Legislature through HB 2842 to support low-income households and communities impacted by environmental justice factors.
-
Portland Solar Access Program
The Portland Solar Access Program, led by Energy Trust of Oregon and partners like APANO, proposes a transformative investment in residential rooftop solar for low-income Portlanders. By utilizing a $25 million Collaborating for Climate Action grant from PCEF, the initiative aims to deliver deep and targeted solar benefits to households most in need.
-
Trimet 82nd Avenue​ Transit Project Workforce and Contractor Development
The 82nd Avenue Transit Project will introduce high-capacity FX (Frequent Express) bus service along SE 82nd Avenue, from Clackamas Town Center to the Cully neighborhood, improving travel times, reliability, and access to jobs, schools, and other key destinations.
-
Preschool for All
APANO plans to serve as a sponsor organization for Workforce Development for Preschool for All initiative, supporting early childhood educators through the Oregon STEP program’s progression to Step 7 and Step 8 while increasing community awareness of Preschool for All. Our priority is to expand both the depth and breadth of pathways into early childhood education by supporting STEP accreditation and providing culturally responsive education and training for childcare providers on topics related to early learning and development.
-
Thriving Communities
The EPA Thriving Communities Grant, funded through the Inflation Reduction Act, supports community-based organizations working in EPA-designated disadvantaged communities to advance environmental justice, climate resilience, and local capacity building.
-
Portland's Child Levy
The Portland Children’s Levy (PCL) prepares children for school, supports their success in and out of the classroom, and works to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes. Approved by voters in 2002, the Levy has been overwhelmingly renewed four times. Current funding runs through June 2029.​
-
Family Wellness Program
APANO's Family Wellness program aims to establish a community-rooted program that promotes holistic wellness for families and multiple generations through culturally relevant education, healing practices, and support systems
Ask Us Anything
Want to know more about any of Good Growth’s opportunities, programs, or initiatives? Ask away!
