Guide to Local Recovery Update: Jan. 4

The White House released an online resource to help local officials better understand how their communities can benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act. Passed in 2022, the law contains funding for programs that mitigate the effects of climate change and create more resilient communities. Also, the Local Infrastructure Hub is holding two recovery webinars for cities: one on electric vehicle charging and another on pandemic relief oversight.

White House releases guidebook to help cities advance local climate and clean energy goals

The White House released the first edition of a new recovery resource for cities, Building a Clean Energy Economy: A Guidebook to the Inflation Reduction Act’s Investments in Clean Energy and Climate Action. Signed into law in 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act is the most significant climate investment in U.S. history.

Building on similar resources, the guidebook provides clear descriptions of the law’s tax incentives and funding programs. The online resource walks through the law, program by program, and provides background on each program’s purpose, eligibility requirements, period of availability, and other key details.

In the coming weeks and months, new developments will be published on www.CleanEnergy.gov to keep stakeholders and potential beneficiaries up to date on the latest deadlines and details.

Federal oversight of pandemic relief programs and EV charging webinars

The Local Infrastructure Hub is holding two recovery webinars for cities. On Jan. 5, federal officials will discuss the oversight of the pandemic relief programs and spending. Cities will learn from federal oversight auditors and investigators what to look out for as they manage their federally funded grants, programs, and resources.

On Jan. 11, local officials, researchers, and sustainable energy advocates will hold a deep dive on the fast-changing federal funding landscape for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The webinar will also include an overview of several successful case studies.

City officials looking for additional information about the American Rescue Plan Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, or additional recovery tools can visit the Cal Cities Guide to Local Recovery portal.