Communities Archives

GPI Launches 2026–2027 Charging Smart Cohort for Local Governments in the Midwest

August 13, 2026 in Communities Author: Rebecca Heisel

The Great Plains Institute (GPI) is excited to invite Midwestern communities to join its upcoming Charging Smart Bronze Cohort!

The cohort will be focused on supporting local governments to earn Bronze designation in the Charging Smart program. Charging Smart is a free-of-charge national technical assistance and recognition program that supports communities working on transportation electrification initiatives. Over 100 communities across the country have already benefited from the program, and as the technical assistance provider in the Midwest, GPI is committed to bringing the same value to our neighbors. Charging Smart has three designation levels for local governments to earn: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Continue reading »

GPI Offers Resources to Address Planner and Sustainability Professionals’ Needs for Climate Work

July 9, 2026 in Communities Author: Mackenzie Love

This article was originally published on July 9, 2026, and updated on July 30, 2026.

In 2025, the Great Plains Institute conducted a nationwide survey of local planners and sustainability staff to understand their needs for advancing climate work. Respondents said the most useful addition to their toolkits would be real-world examples of efforts to advance climate goals. Continue reading »

Expanding Transportation Electrification Support for Local Governments Across the US

May 1, 2026 in Communities Author: Rebecca Heisel

Supporting local governments in advancing transportation electrification is crucial for GPI’s efforts to drive equitable, data-driven solutions that reduce emissions and offer real community benefits. Continue reading »

Helping Wisconsin Local Governments Reduce Emissions

March 30, 2026 in Communities Author: Catherine Kemp

Local governments play a crucial role in advancing climate solutions, but knowing where to start or how to scale existing efforts can be challenging. Here at GPI, we are committed to supporting local action that leads to impactful outcomes at the state and national levels. Continue reading »

Survey Results: Key Findings from Local Planner and Sustainability Staff on Needs for Advancing Climate Work

March 6, 2026 in Communities Author: Jem Thompson

Local planners and sustainability staff are being asked to address complex climate issues faster than ever, often while juggling other responsibilities, limited capacity, and a growing set of expectations.

To better understand what is needed at the local level to support this work, GPI partnered with the American Planning Association Sustainable Communities Division (APA-SCD) and the Esther A. & Joseph Klingenstein Fund to survey practitioners across the country. Continue reading »

Charging Smart Indiana: Transportation Electrification in America’s Crossroads

February 9, 2026 in Communities Authors: Jem Thompson, Tyler Cairncross

Across the country, cities and towns are planning for electric vehicles (EVs) in earnest. Smaller, rural, and more resource-constrained communities are best positioned to succeed when they have the capacity, subject-matter support, and locally appropriate tools needed to plan and deliver EV infrastructure that fits their context. Technical assistance and designation programs like Charging Smart provide this type of support. Continue reading »

A Future Beyond Energy: Economic Diversification in Itasca County and Greater Northern Minnesota

October 31, 2025 in Communities, Energy Systems Authors: Amy Ward, Catherine Kemp

Across the United States, communities that have hosted coal-fired power plants for decades are now grappling with an urgent question: What comes next when those plants transition away from coal in the shift to cleaner, more affordable energy? Continue reading »

Local Planner and Sustainability Staff Survey on Needs for Advancing Climate Work

October 8, 2025 in Communities, News & Press Author: Mackenzie Love

What tools and resources do local planners and sustainability staff need to address pressing climate issues in their day-to-day work? A new survey from GPI, in partnership with the American Planning Association Sustainable Communities Division and the Esther A. & Joseph Klingenstein Fund, aims to answer that and other questions to help guide the development of future tools and resources. Continue reading »

Charging Smart Continues to Grow

April 29, 2025 in Communities Author: Jem Thompson

We’re excited to share that Charging Smart has been helping communities accelerate transportation electrification for over a year! The technical assistance and designation program, which GPI originally piloted in the Midwest, has now expanded nationwide. Dozens of cities and towns across the country are pursuing designation, with new communities joining every day. Continue reading »

GPI Applauds New Direct Pay Tracker

April 9, 2025 in Communities Author: Catherine Kemp

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 »