State 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 »
“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 »
Free Technical Assistance Now Available to Local Governments in All 50 States
Washington, D.C. (Jan. 14, 2025) — Charging Smart, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-funded technical assistance and designation program, is now available in all fifty U.S. states. Charging Smart offers free technical assistance to help local governments accelerate the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure. Continue reading »
To achieve clean energy goals across the US, communities of all types and sizes must be part of the collective solution. While federal policies and programs provide critical support, the work of communities is the foundation of continuing sustained progress and realizing the numerous benefits of the clean energy transition at the local level. Continue reading »
As electric vehicles become a vital part of the transportation landscape, it is crucial to ensure that communities are equipped to effectively implement electric vehicle infrastructure. For communities with fewer resources, especially those that are smaller and rural, additional support is essential to ensure they have the capacity to develop this infrastructure. Continue reading »
GPI is thrilled to announce that Southfield, Michigan, and Dayton, Ohio, are the first cities in their states to earn designations as Charging Smart communities! These designations recognize these cities’ work to become ready for the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging equipment. Both Southfield and Dayton earned a Bronze designation. Continue reading »
Fall is a beautiful time of change and transition, and in that spirit, we have exciting news of change and opportunity to share ourselves!
It is with gratitude and celebration that we share Lola Schoenrich is evolving her leadership role at GPI, stepping back from serving as vice president of Communities and into a part-time senior fellow role where she will continue to contribute her considerable experience and expertise. Continue reading »
In March 2024, the Great Plains Institute, in partnership with the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, launched Charging Smart. Charging Smart is a free technical assistance program for local governments to increase electric vehicle (EV) adoption. The program, which is funded by the US Department of Energy, is available in several states and will expand nationwide later this year. Continue reading »
Photo by Brandon Stengel for BWBR Architects, Inc (www.bwbr.com)
The Great Plains Institute (GPI), along with our project partners, is excited to share a new report for a project focused on creating a model to overcome the significant barriers for underserved Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)- and immigrant-owned small businesses to access rooftop solar energy. Continue reading »
Minnesota cities have been working hard to prepare for transportation electrification, and GPI is proud that nine of them are the first in the nation to be designated as Charging Smart communities! Continue reading »
