The First Bank’s Post

Congrats to Adrienne Etherton and team on the Helen Putnam award. Proof that local government action combined with ratepayer programs from CCAs, RENs, and IOUs can make a difference and are critical to the 200 Climate Action Plans in California! The Energy Coalition wrote the ordinance and implemented the launch of the Brisbane Building Efficiency Programs (BBEP). Here are some unprecedented outcomes in the first 5 years of the program. -- 100% compliance!!!! In the first reporting year in 2021, roughly 90% of covered buildings submitted benchmarking reports. With increased outreach and enforcement, 100% of required buildings completed their annual reporting in 2022 and 99% in 2023 and 2024 to date. -- Brisbane Mayor Terry O’Connell added, “Buildings are a huge opportunity for climate action in local governments; in Brisbane, they represent over 40% of local greenhouse gas emissions so they are key to meeting our goal of climate neutrality in 2040.” -- Green leases lower tenant utility bills: “We needed to find a way to incentivize building owners AND their tenants. The ‘Green Lease’ allows us just that – owners cover the increased capital costs of building efficiency improvements with a higher rent payment while tenants benefit from overall reduced costs due to reductions in utility bills which outweigh the increased rent,” explained Economic Development Director Mitch Bull. -- Huge carbon reduction: The team estimated the emissions reductions expected from the program in the first five years as ~3120 MTCO2e (Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide equivalent), roughly a quarter of the emissions from the commercial building sector Ivana Dorin Jake Anderson Institute for Market Transformation Rimas Gulbinas

Fantastic to see the event Aaron Demerson, keep pulling great companies into Texas, the State of the Future.  https://lnkd.in/gCiDhbzk Turning Texas into the State of the Future depends on our entire ecosystem of innovators, real estate developers, engineering firms, construction companies, infrastructure investors, property and title companies, attorneys, economic development groups, universities, technology companies, . . . YTexas, TANDO Institute, PCSI - Professional Contract Services, Inc, Strategic Office Networks, LLC, Texas Legacy Fund, Federal Infrastructure Bank, Education is Freedom By James W. Keyes, McChrystal Group, Next Wave Partners, Texas Capital, Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE), . . . ENERGY: Texas is accelerating us back on track to the Atomic Age. Producing MORE power for human thriving and executing a Water Abundance strategy. https://lnkd.in/gmu9yaab CAPITAL: Texas is establishing the CONTINUUM of Innovation Capital, which aligns Innovation funds with Infrastructure Investment.  https://lnkd.in/geVHueFz COMMERCE: Texas is leading with Intelligent Infrastructure Economic Zones, which will revitalize infrastructure in the United States.   https://lnkd.in/gWnJD877 FUTURE: Building Our Greatest Tomorrow: Movie producers working with Texas to tell our story.  https://lnkd.in/gwv2pnXe Building a Stronger and More Connected Nation Autonomy Institute #infrastructure #future #transportation #arpa-i #arpax #cybersecure #jobs #bank #digital #innovation #data #people #visionzero #continuumofcapital #dataexchange #partnerships #supplychains #digitaltwin #privacy #investment #p3programs

💡There's never been a better time to join the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. From grand opening services to custom research and expansion services, BRAC's got you covered! ✔️ When you become an investor, you can explore exclusive benefits, connect with fellow investors, and play an essential role in economic development in the Capital Region. Get plugged in: https://bit.ly/45CpPwk

A great video from the We're Right Here campaign; community leaders are ALWAYS in touch with their local communities. Community leaders don't just pound the pavements in the run up to an election. They put the miles in, they put the time in, they know what they're talking about. We're Right Here (and I) believe that people should have the power to shape their places and that communities should have the rights and tools they need to come together and take control of their own futures. Follow this link for a super clear list of actions you can take to support their call for community power 👉 https://lnkd.in/euMAVCPp It includes things like: 📩 A template letter for your local MPs 💬 A conversation guide 👏 A leaflet you can download and print So much really helpful stuff! 📽 https://lnkd.in/eK-25J5H #CommunityPower #KeepitLocal #CommunityLeadership

We are proud of what we achieved in 2023 with your support and are eager to see what we will accomplish together in the next year! Ensuring equity and justice for all Georgians will remain our top priority. Learn more about the strides we made this year in our latest newsletter, The Watcher: https://conta.cc/47dtujw #GeorgiaWatch

Great things are happening with great leaders

In the first part of this session, we will become acquainted with what ethical leadership entails and discuss three sets of decision-making skills ethical leaders can apply when faced with organizational challenges, whether they are systems-based or interpersonal. In the panel, we will do a deep dive into the various components that make up purpose, and our three amazing panelists will discuss through their own experiences how their personal sense of purpose relates to the shaping of their professional identity and how they lead their respective organizations. It’s going to be a great session. #purpose #ethicalleadership #leadership Emory University Emory University School of Law 

Thank you so much for the partnership Washington Workforce Association for your work to advance the Community Reinvestment Plan Workforce Strategies that are making an impact. State-Funded IDAs (Individual Development Accounts): Washington’s Community Reinvestment Project (CRP) reintroduces state-supported IDAs, offering low-income individuals matched savings up to $10,000 for education, homeownership, and business development. Similar to investments in neighboring states like Oregon and California, enhancing economic mobility and stability by providing essential financial tools to build long-term assets. Focus on Underemployment: The CRP and Poverty Reduction Workgroup are driving a shift in Washington’s workforce system to address underemployment alongside unemployment. Programs like the EcSA Career Accelerator provide financial incentives, job training, financial coaching, and asset-building opportunities, integrating diverse services to support long-term financial stability and prevent economic crises. Small Business Grant Program: Washington’s CRP launched its first Small Business Grant Program, focusing on equitable economic development for underserved communities. Engaging over 820 Black, Latine, and Tribal-owned businesses, the program offers grants, workforce development support, and subsidized training for hiring and skills development. Business Navigators assist with resources to drive operations growth, promote good-paying careers, and dismantle systemic barriers, fostering economic stability and job creation in historically marginalized communities.

This week, former CEO of the Black Business Council in the Built Environment (BBCBE) and current Vice President of the Black Business Council, Mr Gregory Mofokeng joins Ms Kululwa Muthwa in studio to discuss all things property 🏢 One key take away is whether government is doing enough to support businesses within the space or there is more we need to do before we reach our targets 🎯 Make sure to tune in tomorrow as we dive deeper into the property landscape and how we can contribute in levelling the playing field 🎚️ #property #saibpp #propertymarket #transformation #levellingtheplayingfield