Oregon Public Broadcasting

After three weeks of work and $180,000, downtown Portland’s trees are now lit-up with new energy efficient bulbs.

Clayton Herring, the former head of the Portland Business Alliance, started the lighting program 7 years ago -- after watching Donald Trump throw the switch in New York City.

Clayton Herring: “And I said to my wife, I’m going home to Portland to convince the Mayor, we need to light up Portland. Let’s create an environment that is second to none in terms of vibrancy, security, safety, a feeling that will enable people to open their wallets and have a fabulous Christmas Holiday seasons in this non-sales tax state.”

After starting with just 6 blocks, the new bulbs now decorate 70 blocks and use 80 percent less energy.