Solar is becoming an increasingly popular option for communities and regions looking to diversify their energy supply, especially as the price of solar installations has continued to decrease. The SolSmart team works free of charge with communities and regions around the country to obtain Gold, Silver, and Bronze designations by incorporating best practices for solar planning, zoning, permitting, and inspection. This session will provide an overview of the SolSmart program and its benefits and highlight how regional development organizations can participate in the process and achieve designation.
-Andrew Light, Program Manager, Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Washington, DC
-Introduction: Chris Rietow, Executive Director, Apalachee Regional Planning Council, Tallahassee, FL
CEDS, Resilience, and Recovery Showcase, Part 1 - Deb Smithnado-web
As events over the past several years make all-too-clear, regions need to be better prepared to anticipate, withstand, and recover from multiple types of shocks and disruptions. Resilience planning and recovery will require regions to think creatively in the face of new and emerging threats. This two-part showcase will highlight different examples of how regions across the country have responded to the current challenges of our time in creative and collaborative ways by enhancing their CEDS process, embracing resilience planning, addressing climate change, and forging new partnerships.
-Deb Smith, Regional Economic Development Planner, Clearwater Economic Development Association, Lewiston, ID
-Lee Umphrey, Executive Director, Eastern Maine Development Corporation, Bangor, ME
-Dorthy Jackson, Regional and Economic Development Manager, Heart of Texas Council of Governments, Waco, TX
-Moderator: Ciara Ristig, Senior Program Manager, Washington, DC
Kim Marousek - Setting the Stage for Regional Resiliencenado-web
As events over the past several years make all-too-clear, regions need to be better prepared to anticipate, withstand, and recover from multiple types of shocks and disruptions. Resilience planning and recovery will require regions to think creatively in the face of new and emerging threats. This session will highlight examples of how regions have responded to the current challenges of our time in creative and collaborative ways in an effort to become more resilient and better prepared for the future.
Learning Lab: Brownfields Redevelopment to Support Growing and Diversified Ec...nado-web
Brownfields offer tremendous potential and opportunities that include improving quality of life, the environment, and a future that is prosperous and sustainable for communities. Learn how key partners, various resources, and funding sources are leveraged throughout the brownfields process to realize successful redevelopment and hear what it takes to assemble all the components to enhance communities with new housing, food establishments, and other build outs.
-Ignacio Dayrit, Program Director, Center for Creative Land Recycling (TAB), Berkeley, CA
-Blase Leven, Director, KSU Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB), Manhattan, KS
-Sean Vroom, Director, NJIT Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB), Newark, NJ
WealthWorks Network Peer Learning Event: Workforce Development, Energy, and F...nado-web
On March 22, 2021, 40 members of the rural wealth creation network attended a peer learning event to discuss economic development and workforce development, forestry, and energy. Rural wealth creation, or WealthWorks, is a framework for doing economic development that focuses on building upon assets in the community and connecting to real market demand to create lasting livelihoods in rural communities. This video captures the introductory general session moderated by NADO Associate Director Carrie Kissel, and also reporting out from breakout groups, but not the individual breakout group discussions.
Matthew weaver - Creative Collaborations for Economic Developmentnado-web
Economic development is a team sport. From the early planning stages through the full realization of a project or initiative, success requires a high-level of coordination and communication across multiple organizations, stakeholders, and funders. During this session, learn the stories and partnerships behind three projects: an RLF program, an economic resiliency initiative, and a tech training facility.
How do you make sure your EDA project is both competitive and technically accurate? What makes a strong project versus a weak one, and what about the ones when the scope just doesn’t tell the story? Staff from the EDA Austin Regional office will discuss how they review project applications and what can make or break a project.
A strong workforce is one that is inclusive and provides opportunities for all residents seeking employment and opportunities for growth. Learn from colleagues that have developed promising workforce development programs tailored to their communities that tap into local and regional assets to target a diverse group of individuals.
-Joe Barker, Executive Director, Southwest Tennessee Development District, Jackson, TN
-Judge Steve Henry, Webster County, KY, and Secretary, Green River Area Development District, Owensboro, KY
-Terry Treadaway, Director of Workforce Development, Three Rivers Planning and Development District, Pontotoc, MS
-Moderator: Matt McCauley, CEO, Networks Northwest, Traverse City, MI
CEDS, Resilience, and Recovery Showcase, Part 1 - Deb Smithnado-web
As events over the past several years make all-too-clear, regions need to be better prepared to anticipate, withstand, and recover from multiple types of shocks and disruptions. Resilience planning and recovery will require regions to think creatively in the face of new and emerging threats. This two-part showcase will highlight different examples of how regions across the country have responded to the current challenges of our time in creative and collaborative ways by enhancing their CEDS process, embracing resilience planning, addressing climate change, and forging new partnerships.
-Deb Smith, Regional Economic Development Planner, Clearwater Economic Development Association, Lewiston, ID
-Lee Umphrey, Executive Director, Eastern Maine Development Corporation, Bangor, ME
-Dorthy Jackson, Regional and Economic Development Manager, Heart of Texas Council of Governments, Waco, TX
-Moderator: Ciara Ristig, Senior Program Manager, Washington, DC
Kim Marousek - Setting the Stage for Regional Resiliencenado-web
As events over the past several years make all-too-clear, regions need to be better prepared to anticipate, withstand, and recover from multiple types of shocks and disruptions. Resilience planning and recovery will require regions to think creatively in the face of new and emerging threats. This session will highlight examples of how regions have responded to the current challenges of our time in creative and collaborative ways in an effort to become more resilient and better prepared for the future.
Learning Lab: Brownfields Redevelopment to Support Growing and Diversified Ec...nado-web
Brownfields offer tremendous potential and opportunities that include improving quality of life, the environment, and a future that is prosperous and sustainable for communities. Learn how key partners, various resources, and funding sources are leveraged throughout the brownfields process to realize successful redevelopment and hear what it takes to assemble all the components to enhance communities with new housing, food establishments, and other build outs.
-Ignacio Dayrit, Program Director, Center for Creative Land Recycling (TAB), Berkeley, CA
-Blase Leven, Director, KSU Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB), Manhattan, KS
-Sean Vroom, Director, NJIT Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB), Newark, NJ
WealthWorks Network Peer Learning Event: Workforce Development, Energy, and F...nado-web
On March 22, 2021, 40 members of the rural wealth creation network attended a peer learning event to discuss economic development and workforce development, forestry, and energy. Rural wealth creation, or WealthWorks, is a framework for doing economic development that focuses on building upon assets in the community and connecting to real market demand to create lasting livelihoods in rural communities. This video captures the introductory general session moderated by NADO Associate Director Carrie Kissel, and also reporting out from breakout groups, but not the individual breakout group discussions.
Matthew weaver - Creative Collaborations for Economic Developmentnado-web
Economic development is a team sport. From the early planning stages through the full realization of a project or initiative, success requires a high-level of coordination and communication across multiple organizations, stakeholders, and funders. During this session, learn the stories and partnerships behind three projects: an RLF program, an economic resiliency initiative, and a tech training facility.
How do you make sure your EDA project is both competitive and technically accurate? What makes a strong project versus a weak one, and what about the ones when the scope just doesn’t tell the story? Staff from the EDA Austin Regional office will discuss how they review project applications and what can make or break a project.
A strong workforce is one that is inclusive and provides opportunities for all residents seeking employment and opportunities for growth. Learn from colleagues that have developed promising workforce development programs tailored to their communities that tap into local and regional assets to target a diverse group of individuals.
-Joe Barker, Executive Director, Southwest Tennessee Development District, Jackson, TN
-Judge Steve Henry, Webster County, KY, and Secretary, Green River Area Development District, Owensboro, KY
-Terry Treadaway, Director of Workforce Development, Three Rivers Planning and Development District, Pontotoc, MS
-Moderator: Matt McCauley, CEO, Networks Northwest, Traverse City, MI
Andrew Coker- Broadband Leads to Economic Growthnado-web
As this past year has shown more than ever, fast, and reliable broadband service is critical resource to support regional economic development, grow and sustain local businesses, and improve overall quality of life in communities. This session will share promising practices from small and rural communities working to develop and assure coverage.
Across the nation, the tourism and outdoor recreation sectors are playing a significant role in a region’s overall economic strategy and success. Many regions and communities have included tourism, recreation, and outdoor activities as key components of their CEDS or other strategic plans. Hear about ways local areas are prioritizing tourism and recreation as they look at new ways to bring economic prosperity to their regions.
Proposed Int' Relief Organization Template to address socio-economic challenges and improving livelihoods of individuals, communities and regions as a whole.
TIF Making The Best Economic Development Decisions For Your CommunityVierbicher
This presentation provides a history and basics of tax incremental financing in Wisconsin,Greater Economic Development Efforts, Assistance Packages, TIF Assistance Request, Case Study, Important Considerations, Municipal Funding Assistance and Best Practices.
TIF-102 Development Incentives vs. Community GoalsVierbicher
This presentation provides the history and basics of tax incremental financing in Wisconsin, TIF as part of Greater Economic Development Efforts, Assistance Packages, Evaluation fo TIF Assistance, Case Studies, Important Considerations when reviewing Municipal Funding Assistance Requests and Best Practices.
Dennis Williamson - Workforce Development nado-web
Learn from colleagues that have developed promising workforce development programs tailored to their communities. Pick up ideas about ways communities are working with federal and local partners to implement impactful programs.
Local Government Collaboration Case StudiesVierbicher
This presentation provides an overview of the work of the Local Government Institute, lessons learned from recent studies, factors for success in intergovernmental cooperation for service delivery and a review of some case studies.
Designing a Crime Prevention Community Based Program - Abid Jan OttawaAbid Jan
Abid Jan (Ottawa) shares all key components of a crime prevention program from his experience of successfully implementing a crime prevention model in Ottawa.
Listening Session: Aligning EDDs with State Economic Development Planningnado-web
The Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness
(CREC) is partnering with the NADO Research
Foundation and other organizations to better
coordinate state and regional economic development
planning efforts, including addressing challenges and
opportunities for aligning the Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy (CEDS) with state economic
development plans. Join this discussion to learn more
and share your experiences and input to help guide
this multi-year project that will support NADO members
and their state partners with training, resources, and
networking.
-Bob Isaacson, Senior VP, Center for Regional Economic
Competitiveness, Arlington, VA
Sustainable Rural Development Funding: Lessons from the Field ruralxchange
A webinar from NARP
Presented by Don Macke (RUPRI Center for Rural Entrepreneurship), David Dangler (National Alliance for Rural Policy Network)
The funding environment for rural development is changing dramatically and Don will share the Center's experience with robust and sustainable funding strategies. He will weave three stories from the field that illustrate a new framework for visioning, designing and executing capitalization game plans in support of regional rural development. Don will then summarize the key building blocks of robust and sustainable funding in the Post-Great Recession environment. There will be time allocated during the webinar for discussion and questions.
Intergovernmental Cooperation for the Delivery of ServicesVierbicher
This presentation served as the introduction to a 3 hour workshop on Intergovernmental Cooperation for the League of Wisconsin Municipalities. Local leaders from around the state attended the workshop and learned about 4 key elements to successful intergovernmental cooperation: Leadership, Analysis, Negotiation and Implementation. Other presentations from this workshop may be found here: http://www.localgovinstitute.org/content/intergovernmental-cooperation-workshop
How to successfully utilize Tax Increment Financing (TIF) on downtown and infill real estate development projects. Presentation made by Ben Zellers to the American Planning Association Wisconsin conference in June 2014.
Soalr Ready NWI: U.S Department Of Energy SunShot Initiative Rooftop Solar Ch...South Shore Clean Cities
Anyone interested in clean energy, especially residential and commercial Photovoltaic, green builders, homeowners, solar installers and local government officials, is invited to view these slides.
These slides cover Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission’s Rooftop Solar Challenge II Grant: Purpose and Goals, Rooftop Solar 101 Benefits and Barriers, Solar Myth Busters and Best Practices.
Designed to dramatically increase the amount of solar installed in Westchester County, Solarize Westchester supports our cities, towns and villages in the adoption of solar-friendly processes and helps residents and businesses install solar more easily and at a lower cost.
Andrew Coker- Broadband Leads to Economic Growthnado-web
As this past year has shown more than ever, fast, and reliable broadband service is critical resource to support regional economic development, grow and sustain local businesses, and improve overall quality of life in communities. This session will share promising practices from small and rural communities working to develop and assure coverage.
Across the nation, the tourism and outdoor recreation sectors are playing a significant role in a region’s overall economic strategy and success. Many regions and communities have included tourism, recreation, and outdoor activities as key components of their CEDS or other strategic plans. Hear about ways local areas are prioritizing tourism and recreation as they look at new ways to bring economic prosperity to their regions.
Proposed Int' Relief Organization Template to address socio-economic challenges and improving livelihoods of individuals, communities and regions as a whole.
TIF Making The Best Economic Development Decisions For Your CommunityVierbicher
This presentation provides a history and basics of tax incremental financing in Wisconsin,Greater Economic Development Efforts, Assistance Packages, TIF Assistance Request, Case Study, Important Considerations, Municipal Funding Assistance and Best Practices.
TIF-102 Development Incentives vs. Community GoalsVierbicher
This presentation provides the history and basics of tax incremental financing in Wisconsin, TIF as part of Greater Economic Development Efforts, Assistance Packages, Evaluation fo TIF Assistance, Case Studies, Important Considerations when reviewing Municipal Funding Assistance Requests and Best Practices.
Dennis Williamson - Workforce Development nado-web
Learn from colleagues that have developed promising workforce development programs tailored to their communities. Pick up ideas about ways communities are working with federal and local partners to implement impactful programs.
Local Government Collaboration Case StudiesVierbicher
This presentation provides an overview of the work of the Local Government Institute, lessons learned from recent studies, factors for success in intergovernmental cooperation for service delivery and a review of some case studies.
Designing a Crime Prevention Community Based Program - Abid Jan OttawaAbid Jan
Abid Jan (Ottawa) shares all key components of a crime prevention program from his experience of successfully implementing a crime prevention model in Ottawa.
Listening Session: Aligning EDDs with State Economic Development Planningnado-web
The Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness
(CREC) is partnering with the NADO Research
Foundation and other organizations to better
coordinate state and regional economic development
planning efforts, including addressing challenges and
opportunities for aligning the Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy (CEDS) with state economic
development plans. Join this discussion to learn more
and share your experiences and input to help guide
this multi-year project that will support NADO members
and their state partners with training, resources, and
networking.
-Bob Isaacson, Senior VP, Center for Regional Economic
Competitiveness, Arlington, VA
Sustainable Rural Development Funding: Lessons from the Field ruralxchange
A webinar from NARP
Presented by Don Macke (RUPRI Center for Rural Entrepreneurship), David Dangler (National Alliance for Rural Policy Network)
The funding environment for rural development is changing dramatically and Don will share the Center's experience with robust and sustainable funding strategies. He will weave three stories from the field that illustrate a new framework for visioning, designing and executing capitalization game plans in support of regional rural development. Don will then summarize the key building blocks of robust and sustainable funding in the Post-Great Recession environment. There will be time allocated during the webinar for discussion and questions.
Intergovernmental Cooperation for the Delivery of ServicesVierbicher
This presentation served as the introduction to a 3 hour workshop on Intergovernmental Cooperation for the League of Wisconsin Municipalities. Local leaders from around the state attended the workshop and learned about 4 key elements to successful intergovernmental cooperation: Leadership, Analysis, Negotiation and Implementation. Other presentations from this workshop may be found here: http://www.localgovinstitute.org/content/intergovernmental-cooperation-workshop
How to successfully utilize Tax Increment Financing (TIF) on downtown and infill real estate development projects. Presentation made by Ben Zellers to the American Planning Association Wisconsin conference in June 2014.
Soalr Ready NWI: U.S Department Of Energy SunShot Initiative Rooftop Solar Ch...South Shore Clean Cities
Anyone interested in clean energy, especially residential and commercial Photovoltaic, green builders, homeowners, solar installers and local government officials, is invited to view these slides.
These slides cover Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission’s Rooftop Solar Challenge II Grant: Purpose and Goals, Rooftop Solar 101 Benefits and Barriers, Solar Myth Busters and Best Practices.
Designed to dramatically increase the amount of solar installed in Westchester County, Solarize Westchester supports our cities, towns and villages in the adoption of solar-friendly processes and helps residents and businesses install solar more easily and at a lower cost.
Staff presented this material to the Anna City Council on the many challenges and concerns for FY19/20, to get feedback and consensus to prepare the annual budget. Later in the year the actual budget will be presented for review, approval and implementation.
South Shore Clean Cities (SSCC), in partnership with the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC), presents the latest edition of its “Promoting Sustainability” webinar series “Solar Up Northwest Indiana.”
Representatives from Boston-based, Meister Consultants Group will be the guest presenters for the webinar. Anyone interested in clean energy, especially residential and commercial Photovoltaic, green builders, homeowners, solar installers and local government officials, is invited to attend this free webinar.
The webinar will cover: Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission’s Rooftop Solar Challenge II Grant: Purpose and Goals, Rooftop Solar 101 Benefits and Barriers, Solar Myth Busters and Best Practices. SSCC and NIRPC will be assembling a stakeholder advisory group for this project.
Resilient King County Fall Summit PresentationResilientKC
An overview of the Resilient King County initiative, workshop themes, and key outcomes. This also includes a case study of Christchurch and how the city was transformed through its recovery process.
Funding and project development strategies for energy improvementESRConline
This presentation was provided during a webinar for technical assistance providers by the ESRC on March 22, 2017. The purpose was to increase awareness about the community development approach to energy-related technical assistance and financing by two certified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), incentive programs and lessons learned from a utility/government program administrator with a successful track record of project conversion.
The webinar was recorded and can be viewed on the Environmental Sustainability Center website at:
http://esrconline.org/webinars/funding-project-development-strategies-energy-improvement/
This session focused on the key roles cities can play in support their own energy procurements, as well as key roles of local government can play to catalyze clean energy adoption community-wide.
Similar to A Brighter Energy Future for Regions: An Introduction to SolSmart’s Regional Organization Pathway (20)
Even though the mid-term elections are in the rearview and the 2024 elections already in motion, Congress has a full agenda over the coming months. During this session, learn about the latest development impacting the federal agencies that you work with on a daily basis.
Plenary - Stars of the Southwest: Lifting Regional Economiesnado-web
Each year, the SWREDA Board of Directors selects five Star of the Southwest Awardees—one from each state—to showcase their positive impact on a community’s or region’s economic vitality. Learn about the projects, including funding, partnerships, impact, and future plans during this session.
Affordable and Accessible Housing: Imperative for Strong Economies nado-web
Accessible and affordable housing for existing and prospective workforce housing is a challenge nationwide. Lack of housing presents challenges to communities and regions that are hoping to attract new businesses and industries, not to mention meeting the needs of current residents. During this session you will learn about successful approaches to creating housing opportunities from across the Austin region.
West Texas Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Coalitionnado-web
West Texas Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Coalition: Susannah Byrd, Director, Economic Development and Workforce Excellence Division, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX
Tulsa Regional Advanced Mobility (TRAM) Corridor: Jennifer Hankins, Chief of Strategic Partnerships, Tulsa Innovation Labs, Indian Nations Council of Governments, Tulsa, OK
Northern New Mexico Workforce Integration Network (WIN)nado-web
Northern New Mexico Workforce Integration Network (WIN): Monica Abeita, Executive Director, North Central New Mexico Economic Development District, Santa Fe, NM
Maggie Belanger, Assistant Director and Technical Assistance to Brownfields Regional Manager, Kansas State University, KS
Kate Lucas, AICP, Planner, Adaapta and KSU TAB Partner, Denver, CO
Christina Wilson, Acting Branch Manager, US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8, Denver, CO
Scott Hobson, Acting Director of Planning and Community Development, City of Pueblo, CO
Russian anarchist and anti-war movement in the third year of full-scale warAntti Rautiainen
Anarchist group ANA Regensburg hosted my online-presentation on 16th of May 2024, in which I discussed tactics of anti-war activism in Russia, and reasons why the anti-war movement has not been able to make an impact to change the course of events yet. Cases of anarchists repressed for anti-war activities are presented, as well as strategies of support for political prisoners, and modest successes in supporting their struggles.
Thumbnail picture is by MediaZona, you may read their report on anti-war arson attacks in Russia here: https://en.zona.media/article/2022/10/13/burn-map
Links:
Autonomous Action
http://Avtonom.org
Anarchist Black Cross Moscow
http://Avtonom.org/abc
Solidarity Zone
https://t.me/solidarity_zone
Memorial
https://memopzk.org/, https://t.me/pzk_memorial
OVD-Info
https://en.ovdinfo.org/antiwar-ovd-info-guide
RosUznik
https://rosuznik.org/
Uznik Online
http://uznikonline.tilda.ws/
Russian Reader
https://therussianreader.com/
ABC Irkutsk
https://abc38.noblogs.org/
Send mail to prisoners from abroad:
http://Prisonmail.online
YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5nSOdU48O8
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/libertarianlifecoach/episodes/Russian-anarchist-and-anti-war-movement-in-the-third-year-of-full-scale-war-e2k8ai4
A process server is a authorized person for delivering legal documents, such as summons, complaints, subpoenas, and other court papers, to peoples involved in legal proceedings.
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the latest updates to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly known as the Uniform Guidance) outlined in the 2 CFR 200.
With a focus on the 2024 revisions issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), participants will gain insight into the key changes affecting federal grant recipients. The session will delve into critical regulatory updates, providing attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and comply with the evolving landscape of federal grant management.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the rationale behind the 2024 updates to the Uniform Guidance outlined in 2 CFR 200, and their implications for federal grant recipients.
- Identify the key changes and revisions introduced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the 2024 edition of 2 CFR 200.
- Gain proficiency in applying the updated regulations to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements and avoid potential audit findings.
- Develop strategies for effectively implementing the new guidelines within the grant management processes of their respective organizations, fostering efficiency and accountability in federal grant administration.
Presentation by Jared Jageler, David Adler, Noelia Duchovny, and Evan Herrnstadt, analysts in CBO’s Microeconomic Studies and Health Analysis Divisions, at the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists Summer Conference.
ZGB - The Role of Generative AI in Government transformation.pdfSaeed Al Dhaheri
This keynote was presented during the the 7th edition of the UAE Hackathon 2024. It highlights the role of AI and Generative AI in addressing government transformation to achieve zero government bureaucracy
3. Agenda
Introduction to SolSmart
The Technical Assistance Process
Benefits of SolSmart to Regional Organizations
The Regional Organization Pathway
Questions
4. Acknowledgment and Disclaimer
• Acknowledgment: “This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy,
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), under Award Number DE-EE0007155.”
• Disclaimer: “This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the
United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor
any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or
responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus,
product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned
rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name,
trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement,
recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views
and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United
States Government or any agency thereof.”
5. What is SolSmart?
SolSmart is a national designation and technical assistance program that helps local
governments make it faster, easier, and more affordable for residents and businesses to go
solar
SolSmart provides no-cost technical assistance to
help communities meet their solar goals and earn
SolSmart designation
Recognizes communities that have…
• Addressed local barriers to solar energy
• Fostered the growth of mature solar
markets
Demonstrates that a community is “open for
solar business”
6. Benefits of Solar Development
• Economic development (new businesses and jobs)
• Increased property tax income
• Local power generation that benefits the community
• Helps local climate change and sustainability goals
• Reduces utility bills for residents and businesses
• Reduces air pollution and improves local health outcomes
• Enhances local resilience
• Low-impact large scale development can provide water quality protection, habitat value,
agricultural opportunities
7. What is SolSmart’s Role in Solar Development?
SolSmart provides best practices and guidance in areas that lead to decreasing the soft costs
of solar and increasing solar development within a community.
• Soft costs can account for close to 66% of the total cost of a solar PV system’s cost
• Streamlining local regulatory processes can reduce the cost of a typical system by $2,500.
Onerous permitting procedures can add $700 to the installed cost.
• SolSmart increases solar development through guidance in areas such as municipal
installations, Solarize campaigns, utility engagement, etc.
8. Key Accomplishments: SolSmart by the Numbers
• 41 states + District of Columbia
• Represents about 101 million people (over
1 in 4 U.S. residents)
• Regional Organization Pathway: 9
Designated Regional Organizations
• SolSmart increases installed capacity by
67% or 69kW/month, and the number of
installations by 62% or 3 systems/month on
average in a community.
• Across the country, SolSmart is associated
with an additional 25MW/month of
installed capacity and 1,068
installations/month.
160
98
150
Total Left to 500 Goal
408
Designees
9.
10. Program Design and Execution
Technical Assistance Program Designation Program Administrator
Designation Program Administrator
12. Designated Regional Organizations
9 total:
Metropolitan Council (SolSmart Gold) in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region of Minnesota
Northern Virginia Regional Commission (SolSmart Gold) in the Northern Virginia region of Virginia
South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SolSmart Gold) in the South Bay region (Los Angeles
County area) of California
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Council of Governments (SolSmart Silver) in the greater Cincinnati tri-state
area
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (SolSmart Silver) in the Central Ohio region
South Central Regional Council of Governments (SolSmart Silver) in Connecticut
North Central Texas Council of Governments (SolSmart Bronze) in the Dallas-Fort Worth region
New River Valley Regional Commission (SolSmart Bronze) in the Southwest Virginia region
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (SolSmart Bronze) in the Greater Philadelphia
region
13. SolSmart Designation Pathways
• Standard Pathway
• 2 foundational categories plus 3 special
focus categories
• 7-8 pre-requisite credits
• Modified Pathway
• 5 pre-requisite credits plus 4 special focus
categories
• Regional Organization Pathway
• 7 pre-requisite credits plus 5 special focus
categories
15. Technical Assistance
• SolSmart technical assistance providers work with elected officials, local government
staff, and community members to help communities update processes using
established best practices
• The technical assistance is funded by SolSmart, and there is no cost to the
community
• Communities must commit staff time to working toward SolSmart designation
• Communities must demonstrate a commitment to achieving designation
• Delivery of technical assistance can be tailored to fit the community needs
• Online – resource library, email, webinars, templates
• Phone – conference calls
16. Regional Organization Designation Structure
To receive designation, regional organizations must complete the following:
Complete 5 prerequisites Attain SolSmart Bronze and Attain SolSmart Silver and
50 total points Complete 1 Silver pre-reqs Complete 1 Gold pre-reqs
80 total points 110 total points
17. Core Competencies: Criteria and Designation
• 38 unique credits in 5 different categories that promote best
practices to help local governments improve their solar markets
• Each credit has a corresponding point value ranging from 5 to 20
• Special Focus Categories:
o Planning, Zoning and Development
o Solar Rights
o Utility Engagement
o Community Engagement
o Market Development & Finance
"The SolSmart program
created a national
benchmark for
communities to reach and
provided the guidance
and resources to support
adoption of best practices
in solar policy.”– Maurice
Jones, City Manager,
Charlottesville, Virginia
18. Technical Assistance
• Establish your community’s solar baseline by
using the SolSmart Scorecard Excel
• Develop a plan to achieve goals and reach
designation
• Work with technical assistance providers to
complete necessary credits (for at least
bronze designation)
• Gather proper documentation to verify a
credit has been achieved:
• Web Link
• PDF (E.G. Memo, meeting minutes)
20. Designation Review Process Objectives
• Ensure that applicants are evaluated
fairly
• Ensure that the SolSmart designation is
meaningful, robust, and highly valued
• Provide input regarding possible
improvement to solar policies
• Discover particularly noteworthy
accomplishments to highlight for press
releases
22. SolSmart Program Evaluation: What We Found
SolSmart commissioned a third-party evaluation led by four universities (Missouri
University of Science & Technology, Florida State University, University of Miami,
and University of Texas at Austin) to look at the impact of the program on local
governments and make recommendations for improvement.
• SolSmart-designated communities increased their solar capacity by 69 kW per month
on average — a 67% increase. The number of installations increased by 62%, or 3
systems per month on average.
• Across the country, SolSmart led to approximately 300-450 MW of additional solar
capacity and 12,800-19,200 new installations.
23. Key Findings
• SolSmart speeds up the permitting process for solar installations by 7.5 days on
average — reducing delays for local governments, solar companies, and consumers.
• In surveys, local government and industry officials say the biggest impact of
SolSmart is increased local knowledge about solar energy.
• SolSmart delivers for communities: $10 million in taxpayer funds for SolSmart led to
$1-2 billion in additional solar investment.
• While it has a positive impact on the permitting process, data show that SolSmart
does not speed up the process for inspection and interconnection or the overall
installation process.
24. How We’ll Follow Up
The research also provided useful information on why communities become involved with
SolSmart and possible barriers to success. To follow up, the SolSmart program is:
• Increasing outreach to encourage new communities to participate in SolSmart,
particularly communities that are under-resourced or have difficulty meeting staff
needs.
• Working to ensure that SolSmart encourages equitable outcomes and improves
access to solar for all populations.
• Evaluating and improving the SolSmart criteria to focus on actions that achieve the
greatest impact.
• Considering new strategies to improve inspection times to create a faster installation
process overall.
25. Addressing Local Capacity via Regional
Organizations
As SolSmart increases efforts to reach underserved and under-resourced communities,
one response we often receive is that the community has a lack of capacity
• Time
• Resources
• Staff
• Expertise
Regional Organizations are key to bridging this gap so all communities have an equitable
opportunity to participate in the clean energy revolution.
26. Addressing Local Capacity via Regional
Organizations
Involvement of Regional Organizations in the SolSmart program provides several
advantages in the capacity it offers to the communities it serves:
• Create a cohesive plan for the entire region
• Bring a local perspective to adoption of best practices
• Provide a platform for the communities to share ideas and problem solve
• Provide economies of scale with respect to training sessions and engagement with
utilities and community
In short, regional organizations help remove capacity barriers for communities that would
otherwise be unable to benefit from the SolSmart program.
27. Benefits of SolSmart to Regional Organizations
SolSmart Designation:
• Earn a nationally recognized designation at the Bronze, Silver, or Gold-level, from the
premier solar program for local governments and regional organizations, which is
backed by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office
• Receive national recognition for your leadership in advancing solar across the region
• Raise awareness of your regional organization’s expertise in solar
• A SolSmart designation is a great way to distinguish yourself from other organizations as you apply
for funding and grants
• Once designated, SolSmart will showcase your regional organization’s achievements
via:
• SolSmart website, social media, and newsletter
• Press and media opportunities
• Public events and announcements
28. Benefits of SolSmart to Regional Organizations
SolSmart Technical Assistance:
• Access no-cost technical assistance and training to better serve your local
communities
• SolSmart’s team of national solar experts have decades of combined experience in solar energy,
along with thousands of hours of previous technical assistance provision to municipal and county
governments
• Support your region in becoming more competitive and open new doors to business
growth, workforce development, and wider economic prosperity
• Enhance your region’s solar market and signal to solar installers and developers that
it’s “open for solar business”
29. Benefits of SolSmart to Regional Organizations
Strengthen the regional resources on solar:
• Permitting
• Planning, Zoning and Development Regulations
• Inspections
• Construction Codes
• Solar Rights
• Utility Engagement
• Community Engagement
• Market Development & Finance
30. Regional Organization Designation Structure
To receive designation, regional organizations must complete the following:
Complete 5 prerequisites Attain SolSmart Bronze and Attain SolSmart Silver and
50 total points Complete 1 Silver pre-reqs Complete 1 Gold pre-reqs
80 total points 110 total points
31. Bronze Requirements
1. Post a public statement of solar goals in the form of a SolSmart
commitment letter. (PR-1)
2. Provide guidance on solar PV planning, zoning and development
best practices to communities and counties in the entire region
through webinars, in-person meetings, one-on-one calls or
trainings. Must have occurred within the last 5 years. (PR-2)
3. Collaborate with local inspection departments to develop an
inspection checklist for the region, and share results region-wide
through webinars, in-person meetings, training and/or the
regional website. Encourage communities to integrate the
checklist into their inspection processes. Must have occurred
within the last 5 years. (PR-3)
32. Bronze Requirements continued
4. Post regional training or discussion on best
practices in solar permitting for communities and
counties and introduce the SolSmart program
and process. Must have occurred within the last 5
years. (PR-4)
5. Post a solar landing page on the regional website
with information on the region’s solar goals and
local resources for solar development, including
the inspection checklist developed in PR-3. (PR-5)
6. 50 points Total
33. Silver Requirements
1. All Bronze Pre-requisities
2. Include quantifiable metrics and/or specific actions for
solar PV development in the most current version of
relevant region-wide plans (e.g. energy plan,
comprehensive plan, economic development plan). (PR-6)
3. 80 Points Total
34. Gold Requirements
1. Meet all Bronze and Silver Pre-requisites (PR-1 – PR-6)
2. Meet the following thresholds based on number of localities
in your region SolSmart designated (PR-7):
3. 110 Points Total
Localities in the Regional Org. Number of SolSmart Designees
Up to 10 40% of Localities (1 – 4)
11 – 25 35% of localities (4 – 9)
26 – 50 30% of localities (8 – 15)
51+ 16+ designations
35. Key Regional Organization Credits
Planning, Zoning, & Development
Review existing region-wide planning documents and identify new opportunities (not already included) to integrate solar PV into
planning goals. Compile findings in a memo (5 points)
Provide guidance, technical assistance or incentives for solar PV development on parking lots, vacant lots, buffer lands around uses
with nuisances (e.g. refineries, wastewater plants), brownfields, airport safety zones (with FAA approval), and non-building
structures (20 points)
Solar Rights
Post an online summary of state policies related to a property owner’s solar access and solar rights, including links to state-level
policy (5 points)
Post consumer protection resources on solar PV online (5 points)
Utility Engagement
Discuss community or shared solar PV programs with the local utilities. Compile summary and next steps into a memo (5 points)
Encourage low-to-moderate income (LMI) participation in utility-provided community solar program through program design and/or
financing support options (10 points)
Community Engagement
Convene an active energy task force or solar working group of member government representatives that meet at least three times
per year (10 points)
Distribute solar job training and career opportunities in coordination with local colleges and/or workforce development
organizations (20 points)
Market Development & Finance
Provide online resources on active installers and/or local incentives for solar (5 points)
Provide local incentives (e.g. permit fee waivers or rebates) or locally-enabled finance (e.g., a revolving loan fund) for solar
PV (5 points)
SolSmart Technical Assistance providers work with elected officials, local government staff, and community members to update processes for local solar development using established best practices
The Technical Assistance is funded by SolSmart with no cost to the community
Communities must demonstrate a commitment to achieving designation
Community staff time is essential to successful designation of a community
Technical Assistance delivery includes the following methods:
Online including an extensive resource library, email, and webinars
Phone calls including individual attention and larger conference calls
In person site visits and technical workshops
49 communities designated in Illinois
Urbana is not included in picture but is designated