Portland Councilor Eric Zimmerman Pushes Consumer Pricing and EV Charging Ordinances

Portland City Councilmember Eric Zimmerman is drafting legislation aimed at stopping surveillance‑based, algorithmic pricing on retail goods. The proposal would forbid retailers from using personal data and algorithms to charge different customers different prices for the same product, while preserving existing loyalty‑program discounts, coupons and sales. Public testimony on the measure is scheduled for August 11 after registration opens on August 7.

In a separate action, the council unanimously approved Zimmerman’s Electric Vehicle Charging Standards Ordinance. The ordinance requires that electricians working on city‑funded EV‑charging projects be supervised by or work alongside an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP)‑certified electrician. It ties the city’s Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund projects to the same workforce‑training standards recently adopted by the state, aiming to grow a qualified EV‑charging installation workforce.

Both measures reflect the council’s focus on consumer protection and workforce development in emerging technology sectors.