C-PACE-funded projects benefit local economies

In 2022, the City of Milwaukee launched an extensive Green Infrastructure Plan aimed at implementing multiple energy-efficient improvements throughout the city while committing to create new jobs for the community. 

This ambitious plan involves upgrading drinking water and sewage infrastructure, improving roads to manage stormwater effectively, and enhancing parks and their amenities, with a focus on generating family-sustaining jobs that enhance residents' quality of life.

To make these goals a reality, the city will need the cooperation of commercial building owners to implement efficiency projects at the scale it needs to meet its goals. An effective solution that can lower the cost barrier for building owners and help the city reach its community-focused goals is financing through Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) loans.

C-PACE loans are a financing tool that enables property owners to cover the upfront costs of qualified energy, water, resilience, and public benefit projects. Because the loan is paid back via a voluntary assessment on their property tax bill, the loan carries through the life of the property rather than burdening individuals with personal debt. One of the primary advantages of C-PACE for property owners is that it can finance 100% of the costs associated with energy or resilience upgrades.

For Milwaukee, the stormwater management plan includes the construction of new retention basins, a potentially massive expense on top of an already ambitious plan. However, through the help of Slipstream, Milwaukee can finance the new basins through C-PACE programs. By choosing a local manufacturer for the stormwater projects, this initiative also benefits the community by creating jobs, stimulating the local economy, and enhancing environmental and energy conservation efforts.

With an emphasis on community enhancement and sustainable projects funded through C-PACE financing, the City of Milwaukee is confident in achieving its goal of at least 25% renewable energy by 2025. Helping cities like this is exactly why Slipstream has a dedicated team working to simplify the process for commercial property owners, capital providers, and contractors to utilize C-PACE programs within their state.

For more information about how C-PACE financing works and even more examples of how funding these projects benefit communities, listen to our latest podcast episode!