By Sam Bailey, Strategic Initiatives Manager
Jeff Lawson, Cheboygan County Administrator and twelve-year NLEA Board Member, recently received Lean & Green Michigan’s 2022 Most Valuable PACEsetter award! Pictured with his plaque, Lawson received the award which honors public officials who champion the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program in their communities. PACE is a long-term financing tool for commercial property owners in Michigan to pay for energy efficiency, water efficiency, and renewable energy upgrades.
In November of 2021, the NLEA coordinated an educational meeting between Cheboygan County officials and Lean & Green Michigan to introduce them to the unique financing tool. Although PACE was approved at the state-level, local units of government must vote to adopt the tool in their jurisdiction. After the NLEA introduction, Lawson educated commissioners and community members, worked with LAGM to draft the applicable paperwork, and advocated for making this financing tool available to Cheboygan business owners.
In the press release from Lean & Green Michigan it Jeffery Lawson, Cheboygan County Administrator stated, “Thank you so much for the award and recognition. We are excited to make this economic development tool available in our county. We hope to utilize PACE in 2023 with the help of our partners at Lean & Green Michigan!”
Cheboygan County is the third county in the NLEA service area to adopt PACE. Currently, Charlevoix County is reviewing the PACE program following a NLEA facilitated introduction to the program. Learn more about the program by contacting Sam Bailey at NLEA.
