Our goal is to accelerate equitable and inclusive action on clean energy, resilience, and climate solutions and ensure it becomes the norm for the communities. Action by hundreds and thousands of communities and municipalities across the US is essential to achieve our emissions goals.
We connect people to resources to plan, research, identify, fund, and build projects and to make equitable, low-carbon, resilient communities a reality. We work with community organizations and local and tribal governments and partner with states and other technical assistance providers, including universities and nonprofits, to give limited-capacity communities the support they need.
We use our expertise as planners, organizers, and technical experts to provide planning assistance, community engagement, best practice-based programs, resources and tools, networks of local governments and technical assistance providers, cohort development, and hands-on support.
Geography
GPI’s Communities team works deeply in our home state of Minnesota and facilitates initiatives in Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio. We share our expertise through leadership of a national technical assistance network, the Sustainable States Network, and other partnerships.
Our Goals
- Support widespread adoption of community climate goals, plans, and high-impact policies and programs, including energy efficiency, clean energy, transportation, and climate resilience.
- Ensure that communities have the support they need to identify climate mitigation and resilience initiatives, secure funding, and complete projects, with a focus on traditionally underserved, rural, and other lower-capacity communities.
- Educate and engage local government staff and elected officials on opportunities to influence state policy and regulatory decisions that help advance local clean energy and climate goals.
- Support local governments and communities to create market conditions that enable widespread adoption of clean energy technologies, including vehicle and building electrification, distributed solar, microgrids, and energy storage. This involves planning and zoning, permitting, government operations, community engagement, and collaborations.
- Provide pathways for leading states and organizations to share successes and failures and quickly adopt what works to support community-level action
Our Communities Experts
Have questions? Get in touch with one of our communities experts.
Contact Us
Brian Ross
Interim Vice President, Communities
Lola Schoenrich
Senior Fellow, Communities
Mackenzie Love
Senior Program Manager, Communities
Rebecca Heisel
Program Coordinator, Communities
Ava Thompson
Program Associate, Communities
Diana McKeown
Metro CERT Director, Communities
Catherine Kemp
Program Manager, Communities
Aaron Backs
Metro CERT Senior Program Associate, Communities
Muntaas Farah
Program Associate, Communities
Reports & Related Materials
Report: Summary of Best Practices in Electric Vehicle Ordinances
Database: Database of Climate Action Ordinances
Our Outreach
GPI is making a difference in communities across the country
Charging Smart
Charging Smart is a technical assistance and designation program funded by the US Department of Energy that aims to support and empower local governments as they remove barriers to electric vehicle adoption. As a lead partner of this initiative, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) brings best practices nationwide from our work in the developmental phase of the program with more than 50 communities in Minnesota, Michigan, and Ohio and with Native nations. You can learn more about the history of Charging Smart here.
Community Energy Network
The Community Energy Network, facilitated by GPI and CERTs, is a peer-learning network of local government sustainability staff from across Minnesota focused on supporting action by sharing promising practices and opportunities and promoting collaboration. Visit website →
Metro CERT
Metro CERT (Clean Energy Resource Team) serves the 11-county Twin Cities metropolitan area by connecting communities and individuals to clean energy resources for their homes, businesses, and local institutions, with a focus on equitable access and underserved communities. GPI directs Metro CERT, which is part of the statewide Clean Energy Resources Teams (CERTs). Visit Website →
Minnesota Cities Climate Coalition
The Minnesota Cities Climate Coalition, facilitated by GPI, is a nonpartisan statewide group of local elected officials advancing local climate and clean energy goals by influencing state policy and regulations and sharing best practices and policy ideas. Learn more →
Minnesota GreenStep Cities
Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance, and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. GPI partners with several state agencies, nonprofits, and the League of Minnesota Cities on program development and implementation. Learn more →
Sustainable States Network
The Sustainable States Network is made up of 20 local government technical assistance programs in 16 states with the shared vision of a future where sustainability is the norm for every community. The network, managed by GPI, connects and aligns statewide sustainability programs, shares resources and best practices, fosters the success of local sustainability initiatives, and collaborates on projects that advance shared goals. Learn more →
September 27, 2024
Lola Schoenrich Stepping into New Leadership Role at GPI