Consider whether the grant application or voucher submission is right for your city.

Lesley Fore emphasized that there are two options when considering the EECBG program, the traditional grant or the voucher. When deciding between the traditional grant and the voucher option, there are key points to consider. The traditional grant offers maximum flexibility for project use, can cover significant administrative costs, and funds can be drawn down as an advance or on a reimbursement basis. The voucher significantly reduces the administrative burden and is ideal for cities with limited capacity or resources. The voucher also features a shorter application process with fewer reporting requirements. Therefore, cities should consider their needs and priorities to decide which option works best.

Use DOE Blueprints to make planning and applying for EECBG easier.

The Department of Energy provided several “blueprints” that cities can use to guide their applications for different types of projects. Cities are able to use these blueprints whole cloth or tailor them to specific local needs. Both St. Paul and Jacksonville used the blueprints to develop their applications.

The EECBG program can accelerate your city’s climate goals.

Cecilia Gorvik discussed how in 2019, St. Paul set an ambitious goal to be carbon neutral citywide by 2050, with an accelerated target of carbon neutrality for municipal operations by 2030. Recognizing the opportunity, the city utilized the $317,000 EECBG grant to hire a technical consulting firm to develop a decarbonization plan for its building portfolio. This plan serves as a strategic roadmap to achieve the 2030 carbon neutrality goal. 

With EECBG’s wide range of eligible activities, cities can use their funding for planning purposes or shovel-ready projects.

Leverage flexible funding sources to adapt and reallocate resources as project needs evolve.

Cassie Lacy emphasized that one of the most important parts of the EECBG program is its flexibility. Bend is utilizing its $152,000 EECBG allocation to update its Community Climate Action Plan and explore electrification policies. The city is focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conducting extensive public engagement, and considering best practices from other cities; however, there are fourteen eligible use areas that cover a wide range of potential projects. Meaning, if your city has an idea on how to reduce carbon emissions, EECBG is a great avenue to help fund it.

Engage with partners to maximize the impact of EECBG initiatives.

Jacksonville is using EECBG funds to support energy efficiency improvements in historically underserved neighborhoods. The city is partnering with Jacksonville Electric Authority to  improve 75-100 homes and leverage the grant as seed money to attract additional private donations. The initiative is also seen as a model for scaling efforts citywide, leveraging grant flexibility and partnerships to maximize impact. Janie Smalley and Tim Hunt encouraged cities to lean into these partnerships, but also advised them to be patient as subrecipients have a longer process for receiving funds.