Local Power: Building Community-Owned Clean Energy with Direct Pay

Building Local Power

We are so excited to welcome you to Minneapolis, MN on June 17–18, 2025, for the Local Power Convening—a free, in-person gathering designed to spark community-led clean energy across Minnesota. We’re bringing together community organizations, local government officials, union leaders, technical experts, and leaders like you to build community-owned clean energy solutions that clean up our air and water, create good green union jobs, and move power into community hands. 

  • Timely updates on potential federal changes to clean energy tax credits, including legislative developments.

  • Hands-on workshops highlighting practical tools, innovative models, and strategies for implementing community-based renewable energy projects. 

  • Step-by-step guidance on how to file and claim Direct Pay tax credits.

  • Support for planning and financing projects that center equity, justice, and worker power.

  • Opportunities to connect with peers and experts to help bring your projects to life—and maximize their long-term impact. 

Registration is now closed. If you have a question or can no longer attend, please contact Graham Steinberg at graham@progressivecaucuscenter.org.

AGENDA

AGENDA

  • 9:00 - 10:00 AM - Breakfast & Check-In

    10:00 - 11:15 AM - Opening Session

    Welcome to the convening and hear from community leaders including:

    • Gohar Sedighi, Executive Director of the CPC Center,

    • Amanda Otero, Co-Executive Director of Take Action Minnesota,

    • Neeraj Mehta, Vice President of Programs, McKnight Foundation,

    • Aru Shiney-Ajay, Executive Director of the Sunrise Movement

    11:15 AM - 12:15 PM - Equitable Clean Energy in 2025: Threats, Opportunities, & Updates from the Federal Level

    Hear timely updates about changes to federal clean energy policy,  including threats to federal funding, tax credits, and programs – including a Q&A session with our experts.

    • Mandela Barnes, Founder and President, Forward Together Wisconsin

    • Katie Thomas Carol, Energy and Environment Program Director, CPC Center

    • Olivia Smith, Region 5 Community Outreach Associate, Environmental Protection Network

    • A.C. Meyer, Supervising Attorney, Clean Energy and Tax, Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG)

    • Gohar Sedighi, Executive Director of the CPC Center (moderator)

    12:15 - 1:15 PM - Lunch & Networking Time

    1:15 - 2:00 PM - Leading the Way on Clean Energy: Minnesota State Resources for Clean Energy Projects  

    We’ll hear from Minnesota state leaders on how the state has led the way to build a clean energy future, how you can access support and funding to move clean energy forward in your community, and how other states can follow Minnesota’s lead.

    • Pete Wyckoff, Deputy Commissioner of Energy Resources, Minnesota Department of Commerce

    • Aurora Vautrin, Legislative Director, 100% Campaign

    • Minnesota State Representative Jamie Long (61B)

    • Katie Thomas Carol, Energy and Environment Program Director, CPC Center (moderator)

    2:00-2:45 PM - Centering Racial Justice & Community Benefits in Clean Energy 

    Join us for a panel on how to build a clean energy future that centers racial and economic justice. We’ll hear from community leaders who’ve worked on projects that build Indigenous Sovereignty, help heal environmental injustice, and truly meet community needs. 

    • Tara Houska, Founder, Giniw Collective

    • Tee McClenty, Executive Director, Minnesota 350

    • Emilia Gonzales Avalos, Executive Director, Unidos MN

    • Amanda Otero, Co-Executive Director, TakeAction Minnesota Education Fund

    2:45-3:00 PM - Break

    3:00-3:45 PM - Fireside Chat on Community Ownership 

    Join Christina Hollenback, a global leader and strategist in ESG Impact Investing and Joseph McNeil Jr., CEO of a 100% Native-led organization chartered by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Christina and Joe will share success stories and explore how financial tools can center racial justice and preserve community ownership.

    • Christina Hollenback, Founder and CEO, Justice Capital,

    • Joseph McNeil Jr., Chief Executive Officer, SAGE Development Authority

    3:45-4:45 PM - Success Stories from Minnesota

    Get inspired as we hear from successful community clean energy projects in Minnesota. We’ll explore lessons learned and best practices from groundbreaking clean energy projects in the midwest. 

    • Commissioner Mai Chong Xiong, Ramsey County, District 6

    • Bobby King, Minnesota Program Director, Solar United Neighbors

    • Tom Lucy, Social Worker with Saint Paul Public Schools

    • Roger Miller, Minneapolis Friends Meeting

    • Peter Ebnet, Director of Policy and Program Development, Minnesota Housing Fund

    • Robert Blake,Founder and CEO, Solar Bear 

    • Graham Steinberg, Outreach and Organizing Associate, CPC Center (moderator)

    5:00 - 7:30 PM - Dinner & Reception (Off-site)

    Join us for a casual dinner and reception at Day Block Brewing Company to celebrate, connect and refuel for the work ahead! This reception is located one block walk from the McKnight Foundation headquarters. The address is 1105 S Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415.

  • 9:00 - 10:00 AM - Keynote Remarks

    • Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan

    • Rhiana Gunn-Wright, writer and consultant, former Climate Policy Director at the Roosevelt Institute

    • Gohar Sedighi, Executive Director, CPC Center (moderator)

    10:00 - 11:00 AM - Worker Power & Building a Just & Equitable Clean Energy Future 

    Join us for a powerhouse panel on advancing worker power, job quality, and workforce development opportunities in communities through clean energy projects. We’ll explore tools including bargaining for the common good, project-labor agreements, prevailing wages, apprenticeship programs, and deep solidarity between community and the labor movement.

    • Jigme Ugen, Executive Vice President, SEIU Healthcare Minnesota

    • Kevin Pranis, Marketing Manager of Great Lakes Regional Organizing Committee (GROC), LiUNA

    • Rick Martagon, Executive Director, Building Strong Communities

    • Sara Steffens, Worker Power Director, CPC Center (moderator)

    11:00 - 11:15 AM - Break

    11:15 AM - 12:15 PM - Community Clean Energy Clinic

    Track 1: Filing for Direct Pay Tax Credits and Protecting Your Federal Grants

    Join Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) and other experts to make sure your project maximizes the Direct Pay tax credits, get the latest guidance on protecting your federal funds, and use the Clean Energy Tax Navigator to answer your filing questions. Get ready to shout your success from the rooftops. Bring your questions!

    Track 1 workshops include:

    • Defending Your Federal Grants and Understanding Possible Changes

    • Registration, Filing, and the Clean Energy Tax Navigator 

    • Clean Energy Tax Navigator Office Hours

    Track 2: Planning & Financing for Public Entities

    Led by the Minnesota State Department of Commerce, the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs), Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority (MNCIFA), Blue Green Alliance, and more to understand the planning process, learn about community and worker-power best practices, and find out how to secure financing for your projects.  Make affordable clean energy and local union jobs a reality in your community.

    Track 2 workshops include:

    • Designing Public Projects that Center Community Voices and Benefits

    • Public Financing Models and Opportunities

    • Public Financing and Planning Breakout Clinic

    Track 3: Planning & Financing for Community Based Organizations

    Join Justice Capital and the Non-Profit Finance fund for a workshop for community organizations building community owned clean energy projects that put power and revenue in community hands. Learn how to prepare your organization to secure financing, structure a project to build power for the long-term, and make community dreams real. 

    Track 3 workshops include:

    • Designing a Community-Owned Project 101

    • Financing Your Community Project

    • Community Financing Breakouts and Training

    12:15 - 1:15 PM - Lunch & Networking Time

    1:15 - 2:15 PM - Community Clean Energy Clinics Continue (see descriptions above)

    2:15 - 2:30 PM - Break

    2:30 - 4:15 PM - Community Clean Energy Clinics Continue (see descriptions above)

    4:30 PM - Closing Session

  • Location: The convening will take place from June 17-18 at the McKnight Foundation’s office at 921 South Washington Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55415.  A reception dinner will be held the evening of June 17 at 5:00-7:30 at Day Block Brewing Company at 1105 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415. 

    Parking: Limited parking is available on site. If these spaces are full, metered parking is available near the office.  

    Public transportation: You can ride the Metro Blue Line or Green Line to the stop closest to the convening venue: U.S. Bank Stadium  

    Transportation to/from Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP) International Airport: You can ride the Metro Blue Line to/from the stops closest to MSP: Terminal 1 Lindbergh and Terminal 2 Humphrey

  • There will be ample vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, from the following caterers. Please be sure to note any changes to your dietary restrictions recorded in your RSVP form submission by emailing heejin@progressivecaucuscenter.org

  • To ensure the safety and health of all convening participants, we have provided COVID-19 tests with your welcome materials. Before attending any convening events, please use the COVID-19 test kit provided to you. Follow the instructions carefully for accurate results. If you receive a positive test result, please notify a CPC Center staff member and do not attend the convening to protect the health of others. 

    As part of our commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy environment during the convening, we have provided masks in your welcome packets. Additional masks will be available throughout the convening. We ask that you kindly consider using them to protect your health and the health of those around you. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and will help create a safe experience for everyone!

  • Please review our Community Safety, Nondiscrimination, and Mutual Respect Guidelines. By adhering to these guidelines, we aim to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all attendees. Violating these guidelines may result in your being asked to leave the convening. Thank you for your commitment to promoting a positive experience for all!

  • If you need accommodations, you can look for union hotels here. If you need support to cover lodging expenses, please contact our team regarding scholarships at heejin@progressivecaucuscenter.org

  • We encourage you to wear whatever makes you comfortable and best prepared to engage. All convening activities will be indoors at McKnight Foundation’s office.

  • We want to ensure the convening is an accessible and welcoming space for all. The McKnight Foundation headquarters is an ADA accessible building and has both gendered and gender-neutral restrooms. If you need specific accommodations, please contact Heejin Hahn at heejin@progressivecaucuscenter.org or make a note in your RSVP.

    A designated room is available for lactation, prayer, or other personal needs. If you would like to use this space, please inform a CPC Center staff member, and they will assist you.

  • To enhance networking and foster collaboration among attendees, we will be sharing the names, email addresses, and organizations of all participants after the event. This will allow you to connect with fellow attendees and continue discussions initiated during your time in Minneapolis. If you prefer not to have your information shared, please notify CPC Center staff at the event.

  • Videographers and photographers will be documenting the convening. By attending, you consent to the CPC Center’s use of these images. If you prefer not to be photographed or have your image used, please notify a staff member at the event. We look forward to capturing memorable moments together!