Direct pay, also known as elective pay, is an unsung hero for local governments and community organizations to accelerate economic investment and job creation and achieve climate and energy goals for their residents and stakeholders. Its concept is simple, and its results are clear, but now is the time to tune in if you haven’t heard about it. Continue reading »
Scaling Local Climate Action Part Two: Shaping State Decisions Through Peer Networks
March 12, 2025 in Communities Authors: Ava Thompson, Catherine KempState policy and regulatory decisions can significantly impact local governments’ ability to advance climate resilience and mitigation. Often, local governments have climate or clean energy goals that far exceed their local authority to make them a reality. Therefore, supportive state policy, programs, funding, and regulatory decisions are essential. Continue reading »
Scaling Local Climate Action Through Peer Networks: Part One
January 16, 2025 in Communities Authors: Ava Thompson, Catherine Kemp“In the 50-year history of the Minnesota Regional Development Commission’s network, until now, we have never collectively realized the authentic relationships with state agencies and philanthropy partners in the space of climate mitigation,” shares Cheryal Hills, executive director of the Region Five Development Commission in Central Minnesota and member of a GPI-led peer network. Continue reading »