For National Women's History Month, we salute the women on our team, each outstanding leaders in their states who are now helping communities lead in realizing the benefits of renewables in their communities. #NationalWomensHistoryMonth ow.ly/6puo50Nkbxh

Meet Cale Giese, #Nebraska State Director for The Center. Cale has deep roots in agriculture and grew up on the family farm, located just north of Wayne, Nebraska. bit.ly/3z4c4am

Meet Kansas Policy Advisor Cindy Wallace. A #Kansas native, Wallace has 30 years of experience in economic development both in Kansas and Wyoming, working at the county and municipal levels. bit.ly/40d9WJh

Meet #Indiana Senior Advisor Connie Neininger. She has served as the President of the Cass Logansport Economic Development Organization and Economic Development Director for White County, Indiana from 2006 through 2012. bit.ly/3lCMMNz

Big data centers are also big purchasers of renewable energy, leading the corporate transition to clean energy. States competing for data centers or large manufacturers must offer access to renewables or find themselves at a competitive disadvantage. ow.ly/nRSO50NuXoL

Rand Fisher, Iowa state director, meets with the Iowa Association of Councils of Government executives. Fisher highlighted The Center’s commitment to renewable energy policy and the services and support we can provide to ICOG and those they serve.

Meet Jacob Everett, #Indiana State Director for The Center. Everett spent a decade in various roles focused on Indiana's local and regional economic development, including at the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and in Blackford County. bit.ly/42OknVJ

Safety and security – two of the most basic functions of government. But finding funding isn’t always easy. One county in Kansas found an answer – with wind. bit.ly/3Uf8svT

Wind energy provides farmers with financial security they can take to the bank. It’s a benefit local leaders in Kingman County, Kansas, brought to their community through local wind energy projects. bit.ly/3GIZthl

The Center's Mike Johanns also points out the farmer renewable diversification benefits rural communities: "When farmers possess excess revenue, they can spend it throughout their communities, like supporting local businesses, school systems, or community outreach programs."

From fixing the water tower to sprucing up the local park, funds from wind energy are helping some rural communities make things better. bit.ly/434F4Nf

Wind energy is a reliable economic partner, as officials in Kingman County have learned over the last decade. Learn what wind has delivered to residents in this rural Kansas county. bit.ly/3nRTrE9

Center Iowa State Director Rand Fisher and Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer Adam Gregg shared time together at the rural Summit on April 12. The Lt. Governor was on hand to update the more than 350 rural leaders attending the Empower Rural Iowa Program.

Communities grappling with balancing the economic benefits of solar while addressing local concerns needn't do it alone. The Center is a resource for local officials who want to craft a balanced renewable energy policy. ow.ly/hlkS50NMpMV

The Center Kanas team meets attendees at the Kansas County Commissioners Association Annual Conference. A key topic of conversation was economic development opportunities, which renewable energy projects can deliver. #KCCA

With the region's third-highest property tax rates, O’Brien County leaders saw an opportunity with a new wind farm. The wind farm expanded the county’s tax base, and rates are now the third LOWEST in the region. Read the case study: centerforlocalpolicy.org/how-obrien-cou…

In 2023, forecasts show net farm income will decline. Farmers can reduce risk with renewable energy development, says Mike Johanns He says, "good, balanced local renewable energy policy protects farmers, neighbors and companies seeking to invest..." ow.ly/P6c050OhOwZ

The Center's Connie Neininger shares her expertise on land use and the benefits of #renewables at an Center for Energy Education event in Putnam County, IN. One concern she addressed is best practices for #solar development and drainage tiles. Learn more: centerforlocalpolicy.org/renewable-ener…

Our co-chair, former Ag Secretary Mike Johanns, has pointed out that #renewables are more important than ever because they minimize risk for farmers. A solar or wind lease can help keep farms viable when times are tough. purdue.edu/newsroom/relea…

Through extensive reviews of renewable energy ordinances around the Midwest, The Center has identified 7 elements that an ordinance should require to ensure a site is appropriately decommissioned. To find out what they are, visit our website. centerforlocalpolicy.org/7-steps-of-a-d…