Zone 5
Zone 5
Director of UO Sustainability Program
Elected May 2021, May 2023
Term expires June 30, 2027
Email: mitals@lanecc.edu
Zone 5 represents downtown, south Eugene and the Harlow Neighborhood.
Steve came to Eugene in 1998 to pursue two graduate degrees at the University of Oregon. He is thankful for his education and very aware of the opportunities it created for him. He would like to ensure others have similar experiences. In 2001, Steve founded the University of Oregon Environmental Leadership Program (ELP). The ELP provides students opportunities to work with local non-profits, businesses, and government agencies on mapping, monitoring, and environmental education projects. Hundreds of students have used their ELP experience to get their first jobs in the environmental field, something Steve is incredibly proud of.
Steve is also the founding Director of Sustainability at the University of Oregon. He works to reduce the university's environmental footprint and create opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to engage with social and environmental sustainability issues.
Steve joined the LCC board in 2021 following eight years of public service as a commissioner for the Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB). While there, he championed investments in low-income programs and earthquake preparations while pushing for and implementing debt restructuring and capital plan reviews that are saving ratepayers millions of dollars.