US Business Development Lead and Consultant Sustainability Solutions Group Austin, Texas
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will provide billions of dollars to advance climate action nationally, including opportunities for local governments looking to develop and accelerate their climate goals. Included in the IRA is the new Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, through the Environmental Protection Agency, is providing $4.6 billion in competitive planning grants to states, Tribes, and large metropolitan areas to create, update, and expand climate action plans. In this innovation talk, attendees will learn how to design an effective climate action plan to make your city a competitive applicant for receiving federal funding to implement mitigation and adaptation initiatives. Attendees will also learn concrete strategies for leveraging the IRA’s funding for local climate action solutions that promote equitable community development, including but not limited to tax credits and rebates. The session will showcase how communities can benefit economically and socially from effective climate action plans, ensuring a just transition for all, and highlight successful case studies to inspire attendees to take on transformative climate strategies that are integrated into planning processes. By the end of the session, planners will have a clear path and practical tools for accessing federal funds that support their on-the-ground work.
Compare funding opportunities in the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, and other federal bills, that can support their city in developing a climate action or implementation plan.
Design an effective climate action plan to make their city competitive when applying for federal funding.
Speak to the economic and social benefits for integrating climate action planning into all city departments and activities.
