Clayton County Searches for Local Clean Energy Champion
The Clayton County Conservation Board (CCCB) and the Clayton County Energy District (CCED) Board have forged a new path for partnership between county government and non-profit energy districts. As a result of this partnership CCCB began the search for a full-time Coordinator, employed by the county, to serve as an advocate, educator, and communication specialist. The Coordinator will work to uphold the shared values of both boards including natural resource protection, community strength and welfare, inclusive educational opportunities, and informative public engagement. Eventually, this new partnership is intended to serve as a model to integrate energy district efforts into county governments everywhere.
Discussions of a partnership began with the need for a communication specialist in the Energy District. Jenna Pollock, Director of Clayton County Conservation and a board member of the CCED, offered for conservation staff to adopt these responsibilities. After the initial overlap of the two organizations, they considered more opportunities for connection toward similar goals. The Inflation Reduction Act provided opportunity and renewed motivation for action from the Energy District. To avoid leaving Clayton County behind in the clean energy transition, the two boards agreed to take a bold step forward. Instead of relying on mostly volunteer and part time work, CCCB and CCED Board pioneered a new partnership to best serve the people of Clayton County.
The funding for this pilot program was provided by a grant awarded by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD). They have provided support for the Energy District movement since its inception, representing a major ally for the Clayton County Energy District and the Clean Energy Districts of Iowa network. Specifically, the CFGD mission of federal investments dedicated to inclusively lower energy costs to retain wealth in the rural communities closely aligns with the goals of the partnership between CCCB and CCED.
The Coordinator will work to strengthen Clayton County communities by providing clean energy education and resources, reducing energy burden (wealth retention), and leading a locally owned transition to clean energy. Energy efficiency and clean energy are both great for the environment and for residents’ bottom line. Plus increased efficiency in homes and business combined with locally owned clean energy resources keep local dollars in the local community instead of the pockets of utility companies. The Energy District strives to accomplish a transition to clean, efficient energy electrification across the county while ensuring equitable access for everyone.
Specific tasks for the Coordinator include public programs and classroom education in an effort to spread and implement the county’s clean energy good news. Additionally, the Coordinator will provide digital communication and updates through various social media sites and through the CCED website to reach as many county residents as possible. The Coordinator also has a focus on facilitating energy coaching resources for the community. Energy coaching represents a first step toward identifying potential efficiency upgrades for individual residents, businesses, and farms. Beyond local community engagement, the Coordinator will maintain a network of state and regional relationships with other energy districts, contractors, and various clean energy networks. By working with other like-minded entities, the Energy District and Conservation Board can engage closely with current clean energy research, analysis, and advancement.
To connect with Clayton County Energy District Coordinator, Kelsi Davis, reach out with by email kdavis@claytoncountyia.gov or give her a call at 563-880-2404.