| | | NPSG13-201 | | California’s Next Gold Rush: Local Energy Program Increases Jobs, Economic Development and Climate Resilience Speakers: Liz Yager, Energy and Sustainability Manager, County of Sonoma, CA; Sammy Chu, Director, Long Island Green Homes; Barbara Spoonhour, Director of Energy and Environmental Programs, Western Riverside Council of Governments. Moderator: Kate Meis, Associate Director, Local Government Commission. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) is one of the most exciting new mechanisms to advance climate and energy goals and local economic development. PACE allows property owners to finance renewable energy and efficiency projects repaid through an assessment on their property taxes with costs spread out over the expected life of the improvements. A recent study showed that if just 1% of homes were to invest in PACE projects the results would be $15 billion in gross economic output, $4 billion in combined federal, state, and local tax revenue, and 226,000 jobs. Sonoma County’s PACE program alone has funded $57,013,184 in residential and commercial projects completed primarily by local contractors helping to create or retain nearly 700 jobs. The session highlights how three communities with active residential PACE programs have overcome barriers (including Federal Housing Finance Agency opposition) and contributed to their community’s energy, climate change and economic development goals. Audio CDs: 1 | | Audio CD | | $15.00 | | $15.00 | |
