Alan Zelenka

Alan Zelenka

Eugene City Councilor, Ward 3

Term: January 2023- January 2027


101 West 10th Avenue, Suite 203, Eugene, OR 97401

Phone: 541-682-8343

Cell: 541-337-6714

Fax: 541-682-5414


Email Councilor Zelenka

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Community Service / Involvement

  • Oregon Global Warming Commission,  Governor appointment, 2012 - present
  • Chair, City of Eugene Budget Committee, 1993-1996, member 1991-1999
  • Chair, City System Improvement Subcommittee, 1995-1996
  • Chair, Lane County Human Services Commission, 1995-2000
  • President, City Club of Eugene, 1996-1997, Board member 1995-1999
  • Chair and Founder, Safe & Sound Project, Eugene, 1997-2001
  • President, Leadership-Eugene, Eugene Chamber of Commerce, 1990-1991
  • Chair, Fairmount Neighbors UO Basketball Arena Committee, 2005-2007
  • Chair, Climate Trust of Oregon, 2004-2010
  • Founder and Treasurer, Renewable Northwest Project, 1994-2008
  • Executive Committee, Public Power Council, 2000-2006
  • President, Solar Energy Association of Oregon, 1990-1993, Board member1988-1998
  • Board Member, Northwest Energy Coalition (NWEC), 2000-2004
  • Oregon GHG Task Force on Transportation and Land-Use, Governor appointment, 2009-2010
  • Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission Advisory Committee on SB 1059 Target Rulemaking for GHG Targets, Governor appointment, 2009


Current Council Assignments

  • Budget Committee 
  • Lane Area Commission on Transportation (alternate)
  • Police Commission


Professional Background

  • Division Administrator, Planning & Innovation, Oregon Department of Energy, 2018-present
  • Energy Services Leader, Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, 2007-2018
  • IT Manager, Emerald PUD, 2005-2007
  • Power Manager, Emerald PUD, 2000-2005
  • Resources and Energy Services Supervisor, Emerald PUD, 1995-2000
  • Senior Resource Specialist, Emerald PUD, 1988-1995
  • Resource Specialist, Emerald PUD, 1986-1988


Educational Background

  • M.S., University of Oregon, Interdisciplinary Degree in energy and environmental policy and planning, 1990 
  • B.A., University of California at Berkeley, Political Economy, 1982 
  • United States Air Force Academy, Colorado, 1978-1980 


Special Interests and Concerns

  • Sustainability and environmental protection
  • Neighborhood protection, livability and safety
  • Strong neighborhood associations
  • Human services
  • Civil liberties and social equity
  • Sustainable economic development
  • Citizen involvement
  • Effective and efficient city services


Personal Statement

I have lived in Eugene for nearly 30 years and I am thrilled to serve the people of Ward 3. As your City Councilor, I will be working to ensure that the City focuses at least some of its efforts in three areas.


First, the City should continue and enhance its efforts to protect our environment and promote sustainability. We need to create a future based on sustainable use of resources, innovative thinking, and creative solutions. It is of particular importance to me that we successfully shepherd into existence the new Office of Sustainability and Citizen Sustainability Commission.


Second, we need to be smart in our approach to development, growth and density; and consider livability and the protection of our neighborhoods in all of our decisions. We need to work harder to preserve the unique character and livability of our neighborhoods, enhance our safety, and reduce the impacts of traffic.


Third, we must have a City government that is fair and open, which listens to its citizens, puts people’s interests above special interests, and gets things done.


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