Climate is the New Economy: Unlocking the Future of Community Energy
Climate Is the New Economy (CItNE) is an Urban Future Lab event series, in partnership with Brym, spotlighting how climate action, community impact, and economic transformation intersect across sectors. This final session for 2025 closes our year-long focus on community energy, exploring how projects can continue despite shifting policy incentives, evolving tax credits, tariffs, and the rise of mis- and disinformation.
🎤 Speakers
Jeannette Williams - COO, Urban Future Lab (Moderator)
Bennett Byerley - Director of Finance, S2 Strategies
Andrew Haser - Associate Director, Business Development, NYCEEC
Eloisa Marquez-Gonzalez - Working Member, Boston Community Solar Cooperative | Walking Tree
Graham Van Korff - Solar Policy and Program Manager, Solar One
This panel aims to explore:
How are current changes impacting the funding and ownership structures of community energy projects?
What steps can be taken to ensure that community energy projects center community impact and local benefits as financial and policy landscapes shift?
What’s needed to further community energy projects in the next 3-5 years?
What role can cross-sector collaboration play in building a resilient, sustainable future for community-led energy initiatives.
Bringing together leaders from community-based organizations, innovation, policy, and funding, the panel will highlight both systemic challenges and bold opportunities for ensuring that community-driven energy models are not only viable but also equitable and resilient in shaping the clean energy economy.
More about Climate is the New Economy: https://engineering.nyu.edu/news/urban-future-labs-climate-new-economy-event-series-offers-roadmap-equitable-solutions