Lean & Green Michigan: Residential PACE Program | Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

Lean & Green Michigan: Residential PACE Program

January 2020 - April 2020

Summary

The students worked with PACENation on policy research and recommendations regarding a potential residential PACE program in Michigan.

Community partner

Lean & Green Michigan

Students

Leah Adelman (BA ‘21)
Sharanya Pai (MPP ‘21)

Project overview

Lean & Green Michigan helps commercial, industrial, multifamily and nonprofit property owners finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that are profitable for all parties – property owners, contractors, financial institutions and local governments.  PACENation is the national nonprofit association that advocates for PACE financing.  They envision a future in which PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing is universally available to fund energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation and building resiliency upgrades for all property owners.

The students worked with PACENation on policy research and recommendations regarding a potential residential PACE program in Michigan.  By researching other states that offer residential PACE and interviews with market participants, including capital providers and administrators the students were able to offer recommendations of how to structure a residential PACE program that provides appropriate oversight and consumer protection.