CDFA - Energy Finance Resource Center

Financing clean energy is a fast-growing field, and successfully financing energy can catalyze the economic development efforts of communities nationwide. This section contains resources on understanding the basics of energy financing.

Financing Low-Carbon Buildings and Energy Efficiency in the Green Bond Market Members only

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There are substantial opportunities to leverage green bonds to finance low-carbon buildings and energy efficiency in the country. Issuance across the world shows that capital markets can be accessed to finance energy efficiency and buildings. Financing climate adaptation and resilience also presents opportunities.

Solar Lending Practices by Community and Regional Financial Institutions Members only

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Current projections of solar photovoltaic (PV) system costs and deployment in the United States indicate substantial capital requirements over the next 30 years and beyond. Concurrently, community and regional financial institutions (CRFIs), including community banks and credit unions, collectively hold $3.6 trillion in assets. These institutions could provide a significant portion of the required PV capital while creating a large investment opportunity for themselves. Looking ahead, access to additional credit and market information is critical for accelerating the role of CRFIs and other financial institutions in supporting U.S. PV growth.

Energy Investment Partnerships: What Is It & How to Get Started

CDFA and the U.S. Department of Energy have partnered to produce the Energy Investment Partnerships Webinar Series and a set of four Fact Sheets. Each Fact Sheet will summarize the best practices covered in the corresponding webinar and provides quick and easy access to the best practices and information available in the webinar.

Green Revolving Funds: A Guide to Implementation & Management Members only

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This guide from ICF International for the Sustainable Endowments Institute provides a comprehensive overview of green revolving funds including anatomy of a revolving fund, steps to a successful fund, common obstacles to implementation and more.

Solar Energy Investment Tax Credits Members only

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This fact sheet from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency provides a details on the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) program as it relates to solar energy. The sheet overviews the program and discusses how the tax credits can benefit banks.

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-Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)

Looking for the PACE Resource Center? Click Here!

Retroactive PACE Financing: Eligible States

Energy Finance | Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)

This map includes states where projects are eligible for Retroactive PACE financing and includes a summary of state-by-state guidelines.

CDFA-Bricker PACE Webinar Series: Retroactive PACE

Development Finance Toolbox | Energy Finance | Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)

During this installment of the 2021 CDFA-Bricker PACE Webinar Series: Retroactive PACE, we explored the in-depth consideration for making Retroactive PACE a reality for an eligible property owner.

Large-Scale Solar Development: A Playbook for Southwest Virginia Members only

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To ensure that Virginia's coal country doesn't miss out on opportunities in large-scale solar, the Solar Foundation and the Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia have developed a step-by-step guide for how municipalities and counties can encourage utility-scale or commercial solar projects. The playbook includes guidance on engaging stakeholders, identifying and resolving barriers, reviewing development proposals, and adopting local planning and zoning regulations to facilitate solar energy in legacy coal country. The publication also discussing financing options for using PACE, Opportunity Zones, and other programs to support solar projects.

CDFA Charter Schools Financing Initiative: Development Finance Strategies for Charter Schools

CDFA's first publication of the CDFA Charter Schools Financing Initiative series, funded with support from the National Alliance For Public Charter Schools. This paper demonstrates how charter schools can access development finance tools and public finance and provides real-world examples of how these tools have been successfully implemented.

CDFA-Bricker PACE Webinar Series: PACE Program Capitalization

Development Finance Toolbox | Energy Finance | Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)

This is the fifth webinar of the 2020 CDFA-Bricker PACE Webinar Series: PACE Program Capitalization. Speakers included: Colin Kalvas, Associate Attorney, Bricker & Eckler LLP; Lain Gutierrez, CEO, CleanFund; Michael Linder, Loan Officer, Saint Paul Port Authority; Andrew Meyer, Senior Vice President, Petros PACE Finance; and Paul Scharfenberger, Executive Director, Colorado Clean Energy Fund.

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-Renewable Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

COVID-19 Rebirth Using Proven Tools

This white paper looks at how 5 successful programs can be used to finance the recovery from COVID-19. The 5 programs are C-PACE and R-PACE, State Historic Tax Credits, State Opportunity Zones Programs, State New Markets Tax Credits, and Solar and Energy Tax Credits (ITCs).

Summary of the GREEN Act Discussion Draft Members only

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This is a section-by-section summary of the Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now ("GREEN") Act. The GREEN Act would extend the renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) and investment tax credit (ITC) until 2024. It would also extend the Section 25D, Section 179D and Section 45L energy-efficiency deductions and credits through 2024, as well as create energy credits for manufacturers.

Reducing Energy Burden for Low-income Residents in Multifamily Housing with Solar Energy Members only

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When paired with energy efficiency measures, cost effective solar energy systems can support state and local program administrators’ goals to reduce low-income household energy burden. Energy burden is the share or percentage of annual household income that is used to pay annual home heating and cooling costs.

Solar Lending Practices by Community and Regional Financial Institutions Members only

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Current projections of solar photovoltaic (PV) system costs and deployment in the United States indicate substantial capital requirements over the next 30 years and beyond. Concurrently, community and regional financial institutions (CRFIs), including community banks and credit unions, collectively hold $3.6 trillion in assets. These institutions could provide a significant portion of the required PV capital while creating a large investment opportunity for themselves. Looking ahead, access to additional credit and market information is critical for accelerating the role of CRFIs and other financial institutions in supporting U.S. PV growth.

Direct Federal Financial Interventions and Subsidies in Energy in Fiscal Year 2016 Members only

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This report—an update based on Fiscal Year 2016 data—continues a series of U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports on federal direct financial interventions and subsidies into energy markets. EIA assigns within-scope U.S. tax and direct expenditures to a set of discrete energy system categories.

View more Renewable Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) Resources

-Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit (PTC)

Summary of the GREEN Act Discussion Draft Members only

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This is a section-by-section summary of the Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now ("GREEN") Act. The GREEN Act would extend the renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) and investment tax credit (ITC) until 2024. It would also extend the Section 25D, Section 179D and Section 45L energy-efficiency deductions and credits through 2024, as well as create energy credits for manufacturers.

Direct Federal Financial Interventions and Subsidies in Energy in Fiscal Year 2016 Members only

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This report—an update based on Fiscal Year 2016 data—continues a series of U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports on federal direct financial interventions and subsidies into energy markets. EIA assigns within-scope U.S. tax and direct expenditures to a set of discrete energy system categories.

Minnesota Clean Energy: Economic Impacts and Policy Drivers Members only

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Energy Finance

A new University of Minnesota study projects that the extension of the PTC and ITC programs may, in combination with other factors, create up to 5,000 jobs in the renewable energy industry in Minnesota.

Brownfields to Renewables: Redeveloping Contaminated Lands with Renewable Generation Facilities Members only

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Bjorn Jensen's 2010 Thesis for MIT focuses on using renewable energy generation to facilitate brownfield remediation, examining three successful and one unsuccessful case study to understand best practices and common hurdles.

Equity, Tax Credit & Incentive Program Members only

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Energy Finance | Tax Credits | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | U.S. Dept. of Treasury

Stephen Pearlman with Pearlman & Miranda, LLC shares detailed information on solar power purchase agreements including: advantages and disadvantages, risks, deal structuring, and several case studies.

View more Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit (PTC) Resources

-State Energy Tax Credits

California Rural Infrastructure Finance Guidebook

CALED knows from its work supporting economic development throughout California that infrastructure financing is a challenge for many rural communities. CALED collaborated with CDFA to develop this guidebook to meet the need for a resource to help build capacity in those areas, as well as move economic development projects forward.

Available CFA Resources - New York Regional Economic Development Councils Members only

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In 2011, Governor Cuomo created ten Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC) and the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) to advance the administration’s efforts to improve New York’s business climate and expand economic growth. This 2019 document outlines information about each agency’s grant programs, including eligibility, scoring criteria, applicant requirements, and agency contact information.

Energy Investment Partnerships: Product Offerings & Market Assessment

Factsheet 2 of the Energy Investment Partnerships covers clean energy through bond markets, credit enhancements and capital markets, property assessed clean energy, and market assessment.

Measuring Success in the States

Energy Finance | Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) | State Finance Program | U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) | Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)

Sandy Fazeli from the National Association of State Energy Officials will present ways some states have financed and already seen success with energy programs on the state levels

Making it Count: Understanding the Value of Energy Efficiency Financing Programs Funded by Utility Customers Members only

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Energy Finance | Green Finance | Local Finance Program | State Finance Program

The State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network examines various policy and regulatory mechanisms that can be used to ensure that efficiency financing initiatives provide value for society and protection for consumers. Featuring case studies from around the United States, Making it Count explores emerging questions that jurisdictions will need to answer when considering an increased reliance on financing.

View more State Energy Tax Credits Resources

-Energy Revolving Loan Funds

Measuring Success in the States

Energy Finance | Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) | State Finance Program | U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) | Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)

Sandy Fazeli from the National Association of State Energy Officials will present ways some states have financed and already seen success with energy programs on the state levels

Local EIP Example of Evaluating Impact

.Duanne Andrade from Solar Energy Loan Fund talk about lessons learned and the success seen from SELF as they have adapted to meet the needs of the community.

Opportunities in Debt and Capital Financing Markets Members only

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Bond Finance | Economic Development | Energy Finance | Green Finance

Teveia Barnes from IBank gives a brief overview of IBank's various financial programs.

Assessing the Appropriate Finance Tool for Energy Development Members only

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Laura Franke with Public Finance Management gives an overview of the options available for energy development.

Financing for Energy Efficiency and The SAVES Platform Members only

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Greg Montgomery of Abundant Power provides an overview of several programs involving energy efficiency financing. This includes PACE and SC Saves.

View more Energy Revolving Loan Funds Resources

-Energy Efficiency Programs

California Rural Infrastructure Finance Guidebook

CALED knows from its work supporting economic development throughout California that infrastructure financing is a challenge for many rural communities. CALED collaborated with CDFA to develop this guidebook to meet the need for a resource to help build capacity in those areas, as well as move economic development projects forward.

Precedents for the National Climate Bank - Federal Financing via Independent Institutions Members only

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The National Climate Bank Act of 2019 was introduced in the U.S. Senate on July 8, and in the House on December 12, 2019. This paper discusses their lessons and precedents for the National Climate Bank, including relevant details of their formation, legal status, capitalization, governance, mission, and accomplishments.

Clean Energy For Low Income Communities Toolkit Members only

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Community Development | Energy Finance | Green Finance | U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE)

The Clean Energy for Low Income Communities Accelerator (CELICA) was a voluntary partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and state and local governments to lower energy bills for low-income communities.

RI Clean Energy Industry Report 2018 Members only

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Energy Finance

With aggressive targets, Rhode Island’s overall clean energy economy continues to grow. The industry’s workforce has grown by 72 percent since 2014, resulting in 6,650 new jobs across the state.

Financing the Energy Efficiency Market - Fannie Mae Members only

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Energy Finance | Housing Finance

Rita Ballesteros with Fannie Mae presents on their role in energy-related financing solutions.

View more Energy Efficiency Program Resources

-State Energy Finance Programs

California Rural Infrastructure Finance Guidebook

CALED knows from its work supporting economic development throughout California that infrastructure financing is a challenge for many rural communities. CALED collaborated with CDFA to develop this guidebook to meet the need for a resource to help build capacity in those areas, as well as move economic development projects forward.

NMEDD - Economic Development Innovation Task Force Report Members only

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In 2019, the Governor signed House Memorial 16 directing the Economic Development Department (NMEDD) to bring together stakeholders and convene an Economic Development Innovation Task Force to spur collaboration and innovative discussions on methods to create new economic development concepts and ideas to enhance New Mexico's economy. This report is the result.

Precedents for the National Climate Bank - Federal Financing via Independent Institutions Members only

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The National Climate Bank Act of 2019 was introduced in the U.S. Senate on July 8, and in the House on December 12, 2019. This paper discusses their lessons and precedents for the National Climate Bank, including relevant details of their formation, legal status, capitalization, governance, mission, and accomplishments.

Available CFA Resources - New York Regional Economic Development Councils Members only

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In 2011, Governor Cuomo created ten Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC) and the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) to advance the administration’s efforts to improve New York’s business climate and expand economic growth. This 2019 document outlines information about each agency’s grant programs, including eligibility, scoring criteria, applicant requirements, and agency contact information.

Regional Resilience Toolkit: 5 Steps to Build Large Scale Resilience to Natural Disaster Members only

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Cities, regions, and states across the country are facing natural disasters that can have devastating effects on life, property, the economy, and ecosystems. Climate change is already having observable effects on the environment, and past conditions are no longer a reliable indication of the type or extent of disasters communities will face in the future.

View more State Energy Finance Program Resources

Search the map below for energy finance programs by state. This specialized search is part of CDFA's State Financing Program Directory, the only online resource cataloging the development finance programs offered by state governments. Click on a state to see a sample of state energy programs available. Login with a CDFA Member account at the top of the page to view full results.

Success Factors, Challenges, and Early Impacts of the POWER Initiative: An Implementation Evaluation Members only

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This evaluation was designed to help ARC and its stakeholders learn from the POWER Program's implementation successes and challenges; identify technical assistance needs; and report on the qualitative impact of investments made, to date, with POWER funds.

POWER Initiative Evaluation: Factors and Results of Project Implementation Members only

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This report by Chamberlin/Dunn offers an evaluation of two consecutive years (FY19-FY20) of the Appalachian Regional Commission's POWER Initiative. The report aims to understand successes, challenges, and lessons learned through implementation, and it also examines early results of POWER projects.

CDFA–Bricker PACE Webinar Series: Focusing on Sustainability Using PACE

This is the third webinar of the 2020 CDFA-Bricker PACE Webinar Series: Focusing on Sustainability Using PACE. Speakers included: Brooke A. Mangiarelli with Bricker & Eckler LLP, Eric Alini with Counterpointe Real Estate Solutions, Mayor Ben Kessler of Bexley, Ohio, Steve Melink with Melink Corporation, and Maryrose Myrtetus with Philadelphia Energy Authority.

CDFA–Bricker PACE Webinar Series: PACE Program Efficiency - Managing An Effective PACE Program

This is the second webinar of the 2020 CDFA-Bricker PACE Webinar Series: PACE Program Efficiency - Managing An Effective PACE Program. Speakers included: Chris Jones with Bricker & Eckler LLP, Josh Campbell with Missouri Energy Initiative, Jeremy Druhot with Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority, Colin Kalvas with Bricker & Eckler LLP, Jennifer Kuzma with Northeast Ohio Advanced Energy District, Jason Stringer with Slipstream / PACE Wisconsin, and Jason Tiemeier with Bricker & Eckler LLP.

CDFA–Bricker PACE Webinar Series: PACE 101 - The Basics of PACE Financing

This is the first webinar of the 2020 CDFA-Bricker PACE Webinar Series: PACE 101 - The Basics of PACE Financing. Speakers included: Caleb Bell with Bricker & Eckler, Norma Horwitz with Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council, John Costlow with Sustainable Energy Fund, and Bali Kumar, Lean & Green Michigan, LLC .

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U.S. Department of Energy Announces $52.5M to Support U.S. Manufacturers and Industrial Workers
U.S. Department of Energy | Mar. 8 | Energy Finance | Federal | U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE)

A Legacy of the New Deal, Electric Cooperatives Struggle to Democratize and Make a Green Transition
Insider Climate News | Mar. 1 | Energy Finance | Green Finance | Resiliency

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Practitioner's Guide to Economic Development Finance

The Practitioner's Guide to Economic Development Finance 2nd Edition is the only comprehensive resource dedicated to building and utilizing the development finance toolbox. The Practitioner's Guide provides the insight and practical information needed to critically understand how economic development is financed and the tools, strategies and techniques used to build strong communities. From bonds, tax increment finance and special districts to tax credits, seed & venture capital, revolving loan funds and much more, this Guide outlines the financing tools required for succeeding in today's competitive economic development climate.

Unlocking Capital: A Handbook for Becoming a High Performing Development Finance Agency

Unlocking Capital: A Handbook for Becoming a High Performing Development Finance Agency (Handbook) serves as a companion to the Practitioner’s Guide to help illuminate the structures of development finance agencies (DFAs), essential conduits to access development finance tools. The Handbook provides an overview of DFAs and their myriad roles in various development efforts. Included in this discussion is a comprehensive look at over a dozen high-performing DFAs throughout the country. The Handbook is designed to be a starting point for local leaders to engage in the creation or acceleration of a DFA to build and utilize the development finance toolbox.

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Intro Opportunity Zones Finance WebCourse
April 28-29, 2021
12:00 - 5:00 PM Eastern

The Intro Opportunity Zones Finance WebCourse will bring together program designers, fund managers, communities, investors, and policy experts to educate and review the most up-to-date thinking and strategies on how to maximize Opportunity Zone designations and how best to attract zone investments. This interactive webcourse will help communities bring all economic development stakeholders to the table, and have a firm understanding of how the development finance toolbox can both encourage and supplement Opportunity Fund investments.

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Intro Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Finance WebCourse
June 23-24, 2021
Daily: 12:00 - 5:00 PM Eastern

The Intro Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Finance WebCourse will explore the process of creating, operating, and maintaining a community-based PACE program. This two-day course will feature a comprehensive overview of PACE including program design, capital markets analysis, investor attraction, legal and regulatory considerations, market potential, and operations.

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CDFA // BNY Mellon Development Finance Webcast Series: Rural Broadband & Telehealth Financing
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern

During this webinar, experts will explain how rural communities can embrace the challenges of financing high-speed internet for the economic and societal gains provided by broadband.

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Intro Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Finance WebCourse
June 23-24, 2021
Daily: 12:00 - 5:00 PM Eastern

The Intro Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Finance WebCourse will explore the process of creating, operating, and maintaining a community-based PACE program. This two-day course will feature a comprehensive overview of PACE including program design, capital markets analysis, investor attraction, legal and regulatory considerations, market potential, and operations.

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CDFA-Bricker PACE Webinar Series: Advancing Multi-Family Housing & Renewable Energy Goals with PACE
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Eastern

Certain property and project types have not taken full advantage of PACE, however, during this workshop we’ll explore what is being done to advance the goals in these market areas.

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CDFA-Bricker PACE Webinar Series: Best Practices for Marketing & Selling PACE Across All Market Sectors
Tuesday, September 29, 2021
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Eastern

Now that the PACE marketplace has been “built”, how does it become mainstream so that all property owners know about PACE? This workshop will explore proven methods for marketing and selling PACE to contractors, economic development agencies, commercial real estate professionals, and ultimately the property owner.

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CDFA-Bricker PACE Webinar Series: PACE 2.0 - The Next 10 Years
Tuesday, November 20, 2021
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Eastern

It has been approximately 10 years since the first PACE programs began. During this workshop, our speakers will provide insights related to expanding PACE assessments to benefit buildings and properties for other non-energy related improvements such as indoor air quality, lead water pipe replacement, surface storm water mitigation, and sewer overflows.

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CDFA - Ice Miller Broadband Financing Series: Financing Tools for Broadband Projects

COVID-19 has highlighted the need for broadband and the gaps in broadband access. As part of our collaboration with Ice Miller, this video is designed to provide a review of the various approaches to expanding broadband access and how to assess which approach best accommodates community needs and capabilities.

CDFA // BNY Mellon Development Finance Webcast Series: P3s That Fuel The Economy Members only

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Energy Finance | Public-Private Partnership (P3) Financing | Webcasts

During this installment of the CDFA // BNY Mellon Development Finance Webcast Series, we will explore how major projects are able to access private and public capital to construct extra large P3 deals in the U.S.

CDFA // BNY Mellon Webcast Series: Picking Up the PACE State by State Members only

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Energy Finance | Green Finance | Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) | Webcasts

During this installment of the CDFA // BNY Mellon Webcast Series, Caleb Bell with Bricker & Eckler LLP and David Gabrielson with PACENation discussed the best practices in crafting PACE enabling legislation as well as case studies of some of the most effective legislation to date.

2019 CDFA Brownfields Financing Webinar Series: Brownfields to Brightfields - Redevelopment for a Brighter Future

Brownfield Financing | Energy Finance | Green Finance | Webcasts | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

During this webinar, our panel of experts discussed when developing a Brightfield makes sense, how to overcome obstacles to Brightfield projects, and how to catalyze investment in the area surrounding a Brightfield.

CDFA // BNY Mellon Webcast Series: The Food System - Thinking Outside of the Silo Members only

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Agriculture Finance | Economic Development | Energy Finance | Food Systems Finance | Webcasts

During this installment of the CDFA // BNY Mellon Webcast Series, Barry Kukovich with Peoples Gas, Glenn Ford with InCity Farms and Rick Terrien with Artisan Food Networks, thought outside the silo and recognized the food system as an economic development tool by discussing innovative financing to fill the gaps of regional food systems.

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