PRESS RELEASE: First-of-its-Kind Tracker Shows How Local Governments Are Driving Clean Energy Investments Through Direct Pay
The new tool tracks the slew of clean energy projects and economic benefits local governments are bringing to their communities
Washington, D.C. (April 2, 2025) – The Local Government Direct Pay tracker, a first-of-its-kind tool showing how federal tax credits are helping support clean energy projects in U.S. cities, was launched today by Climate Mayors, C40 Cities, the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN), and Atlas Public Policy. Direct Pay allows local governments and other tax-exempt organizations to claim tax credits for investing in clean energy projects for the first time, helping bring good-paying jobs to their communities and build cheaper, safer, and more reliable energy.
The Local Government Direct Pay tracker currently accounts for more than 100 clean energy projects across 29 states and 59 jurisdictions, including Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Texas, New Mexico, Florida, and Indiana. The projects reflected in the tracker demonstrate how clean energy tax credits, which the private sector has benefited from for decades, are now helping local governments and nonprofits unlock innovative clean energy projects, from installing solar energy and creating more energy independence, to purchasing electric vehicles and reducing toxic pollution. The Local Government Direct Pay tracker’s interactive dashboard allows users to filter projects by Congressional district, project type, and tax credit.
“Cities are unlocking their energy ambitions thanks to Direct Pay, helping us go further together in pursuit of our common goals of energy security, economic prosperity, and affordability for all,” said Kate Wright, Executive Director of Climate Mayors. “The private sector has long enjoyed tax credit benefits. Now, local governments can also take advantage of this critical tool to bring back local manufacturing and deliver cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy to their communities. We’re thrilled to be able to showcase the great projects cities from all over our country have undertaken to improve people’s lives.”
“Direct Pay is allowing cities across the country to deliver benefits to their residents, from lower energy costs to new jobs in the growing sector of clean energy,” said Kate Johnson, C40 Cities Regional Director for North America. “The Direct Pay tracker shines a spotlight on exciting projects that are improving Americans’ lives, demonstrating how local leaders are continuing to implement transformative change for their communities.”
“It’s exciting to see hundreds of truly impactful projects popping up in small towns and big cities across the country,” said Julia Trezona Peek, Chief Strategy and Partnerships Officer at Urban Sustainability Directors Network. “These tax credits are helping create local jobs, saving residents dollars, and directly contributing to healthier and more resilient communities.”
“These projects provide significant benefits to their local communities. By collecting project data across cities, the Direct Pay Tracker showcases the cumulative demand for and impact of the tax credits nationwide. As Direct Pay enables more projects, we are excited to see the map grow,” said Annabelle Rosser, Senior Policy Analyst at Atlas Public Policy.
Cities with projects reflected in the Direct Pay tracker include:
San Antonio, TX: installed solar panels in 42 sites across the city , which are expected to save up to $11 million in energy costs over the next 25 years, while creating full-time jobs and reducing pollution.
Madison, WI: more than $350,000 from Direct Pay tax credits and rebates will be used in the procurement of electric vehicles (EVs) and the installation of EV charging infrastructure at city-owned sites and facilities – investments that not only increase options for commuters, but supports cleaner air and better health outcomes for all.
Pateros, WA: this small town of 611 people with almost 200 days of sunshine a year used direct pay to power its water reservoir and wastewater treatment plant using solar energy, reducing its energy costs by over 45%.
The Direct Pay tracker will be updated in real time as new projects are added. Local governments are invited to submit their clean energy projects here.
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About Climate Mayors
Climate Mayors is a bipartisan network of nearly 350 mayors, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities since 2014. Representing 46 states and nearly 60 million Americans, Climate Mayors reflects U.S. cities’ commitment to climate progress. For more information, visit our website and follow Climate Mayors on X, Bluesky, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact: climatemayors@fgsglobal.com
About C40 Cities
C40 is a global network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities working to confront the climate crisis. Mayors of C40 cities employ inclusive, science-based, and collaborative approaches to cut their fair share of emissions in half by 2030, help the world limit global heating to 1.5°C, and build healthy, equitable, and resilient communities.
About the Urban Sustainability Directors Network
The Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) is a peer-to-peer network dedicated to advancing the field of local sustainability by supporting more than 3,000 local government professionals from 330 communities across the US and Canada that serve more than 100 million people.
About Atlas Public Policy
For a decade, Atlas Public Policy has equipped businesses and policymakers with the tools and insights they need to make strategic, impactful decisions that are pragmatic and serve the public interest. Atlas builds analytical tools and dashboards using powerful, accessible technology, and offer expert advisory services to tackle a wide range of current and future pressing issues.
Media Contact: press@atlaspolicy.com