Medford Seeking Input on Energy Action Plan

Medford program will design and implement action steps for reducing energy consumption, energy costs & greenhouse gas emissions

The city of Medford and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) will host the first in a series of workshops on reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in Medford on Wednesday, May 2 and Thursday, May 3 in Medford City Hall.

Medford is working with MAPC to develop the Medford “Local Energy Action Program” (LEAP), which will plan for and launch innovative and financially-sustainable projects that reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in Medford’s municipal, residential, and commercial/industrial sectors.

Over a two year period from 2012 through 2013, MAPC and the city will engage with Medford municipal staff, the Medford Energy Committee, residents and local businesses to create and implement a local energy action plan. The plan will build upon Medford’s decade-old Climate Action Plan, and will serve as a guide for future energy projects and programs in the city.

“We are excited about this opportunity to revisit the City’s Climate Action Plan and update it with initiatives to help reduce energy consumption and costs for municipal buildings, residents, and businesses,” said Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn. “Public input is critical in order for the city and MAPC to understand specific objectives held by the community.”

As part of developing the action plan, MAPC and Medford officials recently met with more than 15 local stakeholders to introduce the program and begin brainstorming goals for the program.

To increase public input in the development of the action plan, Medford will hold two Community Vision Workshops in May. The workshops will take place on Wednesday, May 2 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, and on Thursday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to Noon in the same location.

Both workshops are open to the public; all residents, local business owners, students, and community members are encouraged to attend.

The workshops will include an introduction to the Local Energy Action Program, an overview of Medford’s past energy accomplishments, and will feature brainstorming sessions focused on energy opportunities and interests in Medford.

The information gathered from the workshops will help inform the energy reduction goals and strategies identified in the energy action plan. Once the plan is drafted, the public will have an opportunity to comment on it before the city and local stakeholders begin project implementation.

Medford is one of eight municipalities selected to participate in the LEAP program and to receive technical assistance from MAPC staff. The Local Energy Action Program was funded by the Barr Foundation.

For more information on LEAP and the Community Visioning Workshops, visit mapc.org/medford-leap or contact MAPC Energy Planner Erin Brandt at ebrandt@mapc.org and 617-451-2770 ext. 2044.

– Information from MAPC