How Local Governments Can Prepare for an Electric Vehicle Future

Tim Milburn from GW2G presented for the American Planning Association at North Central College, 30 N Brainard St, Naperville, IL 60540 in the Meiley-Swallow meeting room today. Tim was joined by Edit Makra and Cheryl Scott, both of the metropolitan Mayors Caucus.  
Session Description:

The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus developed an Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Program – the first of its kind in the nation – to prepare municipalities for the increase in EVs and EV charging stations. As part of the program, the Caucus created an EV Readiness Checklist with stakeholder input, which includes approximately 150 strategic actions that communities can take to be ready for transportation electrification. During this session, EV Readiness Program team members will discuss impactful actions in the EV Readiness Checklist categories of zoning and planning, parking and access, community engagement, access to EV charging, and more. By completing items on the EV Readiness Checklist, local governments will be prepared and more competitive for EV infrastructure investment in their community. The Caucus began leading a diverse cohort of 16 communities through the EV Readiness Program in early 2023 and started a second cohort in the late summer. EV Readiness Program team members will discuss some of the guidance they have been sharing with the cohorts and the technical assistance offered to help communities take strategic actions. By taking these actions in their local governments after the conference, attendees will start earning points toward EV Ready Bronze, Silver or Gold designation, if their local government chooses to join a Caucus EV Readiness Program cohort. The presentation will cover the origin of the EV Readiness Program, strategic actions for communities to take from the EV Readiness Checklist, resources to assist local governments, lessons learned from leading two cohorts, and timely topics of interest, including current incentives and funding opportunities.

Learning Objectives

1. Analyze their local government’s existing codes and processes.
2. Consider impact of growing EV adoption on plans and community development.
3. Understand strategic actions their community can take to prepare for equitable transportation electrification.