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Community Climate Planning Resources & Considerations

Local jurisdictions across the state are faced with the responsibility of addressing clean energy and sustainability goals while supporting healthy and resilient communities. During this session learn about how state and local leaders are working with community stakeholders to create and implement decarbonization strategies. This panel will provide an overview of resources and programs to support and enhance these efforts, highlighting assistance for disadvantaged communities and low to moderate income households.

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MODERATOR

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Brandy Espinola, MPP, MS

Program Manager, Environmental Finance Center
University of Maryland

Program Manager,

Environmental Finance Center University of Maryland

Brandy has 13 years of experience providing technical assistance across social, environmental, and fiscal policy issues. She leads EFC’s climate change, sustainability and equity programs, collaborating with communities to identify issues, goals, and opportunities to facilitate local solutions. She serves on the American Society of Adaptation Professionals Ready-to-Fund Resilience Expert Group, leads the Sustainable States Network GHG Working Group, and is a member of the Maryland Commission on Climate Change Adaptation and Resiliency Working Group.

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PANELISTS

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Kimberly Armstrong

Advocacy & Policy Director
Baltimore Green Justice Workers Cooperative

Advocacy & Policy Director,

Baltimore Green Justice Workers Cooperative

Ms. Armstrong is the Co-founder of Baltimore Green Justice Workers Cooperative and consultant for Urban Clean Energy Advisors, LLC. She has several years of experience as a sustainability adviser, author, and community advocate and has been recognized nationally for her work on social justice and equality issues. She has been newly elected to the Board of Directors of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters (Maryland LCV). She will serve a three-year term beginning June 2022. Kimberly has several years working with community grassroots organizations which provides her with a unique integrated perspective that is needed in today’s complex community challenges and social demands. She enjoys spending time with her immediate family and traveling.

"My life work consists of teaching and raising the awareness of unequal justice and providing information and education to vulnerable communities and families in hopes of building their skills and helping them become their own advocates. My aim is to build sustainable lives, opportunities, and communities." -Kimberly M. Armstrong

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Chris Castro

Chris Castro

Chief of Staff, Office of State and Community Energy Programs
US DOE
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Allison Tjaden

Special Projects Manager
Maryland Dept. of the Environment

Special Projects Manager,

Maryland Dept. of the Environment

Allison Tjaden is the Special Projects Manager for the Climate Change Program at the Maryland Department of the Environment's Air and Radiation Administration. She provides coordination and project management support for implementation of Maryland's Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022, the federal Inflation Reduction Act, and other major state and federal climate policies. Allison received her Master of Public Health degree from the University of Maryland School of Public Health, with a focus on environmental health, and her BA from the University of Virginia. Fun fact: Allison lives with her family on their farmstead in the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve where they grow vegetables, native plants, and raise chickens.

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Nicola Tran

Nicola Tran

Deputy Director, Energy Programs
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
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