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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Village of Whitefish Bay’s rooftop solar array on the Dept. of Public Works building
Commercial Energy Tax Credits Brief
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
Elective 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:
Elective Pay Overview
The Elective Pay Overview document provides a comprehensive guide on how local governments from Wisconsin can leverage elective pay tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for clean energy projects. The document includes the eligibility, application steps, and tax credits for renewable energy systems and alternative vehicles. It also includes real-world examples from Dane County, City of Sun Prairie, and Village of McFarland, along with other useful resources to streamline the filing process.
Case Studies on Elective Pay
Check out the case studies below to see how local governments are leveraging elective pay for clean energy projects, overcoming challenges, and maximizing tax incentives.
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The Village of McFarland developed a Public Safety Center incorporating solar and geothermal energy, leveraging municipal bonds and tax incentives. This case study highlights lessons learned from IRS pre-registration challenges and how other municipalities can take advantage of similar opportunities.
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Dane County purchased eight electric vehicles for various departments, utilizing elective pay under the IRA to secure $60,000 in tax credits. The county overcame documentation and IRS system hurdles and plans to expand its clean energy initiatives, including more EVs and solar installations.
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Sun Prairie acquired three electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles and expects to receive an $18,250 elective pay credit. The city navigated IRS system glitches and shares key lessons on pre-registration, while planning future projects including solar installations, EV charging, and geothermal systems.
The Dane County Sustainability Leaders Collaborative hosted a webinar in which local governments shared their experiences filing for Elective Pay credits
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.
Lawyers for Good Government Elective Pay & IRA Tax Incentives Resources page has lots of great fact sheets, webinars, etc.
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.
