As electricity demand surges nationwide, state and local governments are facing urgent pressure to accelerate utility-scale clean energy. Yet restrictive local siting policies and community opposition are blocking or delaying projects at a critical moment—limiting progress toward clean energy goals and cutting communities off from economic, environmental, and social benefits that they could otherwise capture.

Across the country, new models of capacity building are helping local officials and communities navigate these challenges, providing the technical, regulatory, and engagement support needed to update restrictive or outdated local ordinances, strengthen community trust, mitigate community opposition, and unlock environmental and economic benefits. 

Join World Resources Institute for a one-hour webinar exploring these emerging solutions and WRI’s latest research on practical, transparent, and community‑centered siting policies. Participants will hear from experts working directly with local governments and community partners to expand local capacity, reduce barriers, and ensure renewable energy development reflects community needs and values.

Whether you are a local official, planner, state policymaker, energy practitioner, or community stakeholder, this session will offer timely insights into how communities have successfully increased local capacity to meet local needs, access benefits, and pave the path to a clean energy future.

Speakers:

  • Cleo Carter, Policy Analyst, NC Clean Energy Technology Center, NC State University
  • Jennifer Jenkins, Chief Engagement Officer, Mana Group Consulting
  • Kendra Kostek, Siting Resources Center
  • Devashree Saha, Director, U.S. Clean Energy Economy Program, WRI U.S. Polsky Center (moderator)

Register for this webinar