Local Government Resources Hub

Resources developed under Resilient and Efficient Buildings Program

Click here to see other resources that we have developed under the Resilient and Efficient Buildings Program. These resources are specifically tailored for local governments and have tools such as a comprehensive Policy Tracker, a Financial Resources Summary, and more to support sustainability initiatives and resilient community planning.

Local governments and elected officials are uniquely positioned to be leaders on climate action in Wisconsin. Many local governments, including our members, have already taken action to significantly reduce carbon emissions both internally and community-wide. We believe that we can reach our carbon reduction goals faster, together.

This Resource Hub is intended to provide relevant information to help advance your government’s climate-related goals. For additional technical assistance, resource sharing, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities, consider becoming a member of WLGCC.

  • Climate change is already happening, but we can still work to mitigate its effects and make our communities more resilient. Making a lasting impact involves creating a strategy with clear timetables, strategies, and objectives.

    Learn more

  • The transportation sector accounted for 27% of 2018 greenhouse gas emissions in Wisconsin according to the State Office of Sustainability & Clean Energy. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act dedicate significant funding to establish a nationwide network of EV charging stations and incentivize EV purchases to reduce GHG emissions from the transportation sector. Local governments have an important role to play in the equitable and effective expansion of EVs and EV infrastructure.

    Learn more

  • Energy efficiency (EE) is the use of less energy to perform the same task or produce the same result- eliminating energy waste. EE can help local governments and community members save money, create jobs, reduce emissions, and improve public health.

    Learn more

  • The electricity production sector generated 32% of all GHG emissions in Wisconsin in 2018, the largest share of emissions by sector according to the State Office of Sustainability & Clean Energy.

    Local governments can significantly reduce GHG emissions from the electricity sector by increasing end-use energy efficiency measures, reducing electricity use and demand, and by ‘greening the grid’ via renewable energy investments.

    Learn more

Commercial Energy Tax Credits Brief

Direct Pay for Local Governments & Nonprofits

IRA includes a provision called “direct or elective pay” that makes non-taxable entities eligible for clean energy and electric vehicle tax credits. Learn more by checking out these resources:

Many local governments have found the IRS “Pre-Filing Registration Tool User Guide and Instructions to be a helpful resource as they are pre-registering for elective pay credits.

Village of Whitefish Bay’s rooftop solar array on the Dept. of Public Works building

Clean Energy Tax Credits

In partnership with Slipstream, WLGCC has developed information sheets to help community members navigate the clean energy tax credits available through the Inflation Reduction Act!

Residential Energy Tax Credits Brief

Lawyers for Good Government Elective Pay & IRA Tax Incentives Resources page has lots of great fact sheets, webinars, etc.

The Dane County Sustainability Leaders Collaborative hosted a webinar in which local governments shared their experiences filing for Direct Pay / Elective Pay credits

Join us!

As a member, you’ll have access to our network of peers and a variety of resources and technical support to help your community reach its climate action goals.

Contact us for more information.