How Local Governments Can Prepare for an Electric Vehicle Future

Tim Milburn from GW2G presented for the American Planning Association at North Central College, 30 N Brainard St, Naperville, IL 60540 in the Meiley-Swallow meeting room today. Tim was joined by Edit Makra and Cheryl Scott, both of the metropolitan Mayors Caucus.

Session Description:

The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus developed an Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Program – the first of its kind in the nation – to prepare municipalities for the increase in EVs and EV charging stations. As part of the program, the Caucus created an EV Readiness Checklist with stakeholder input, which includes approximately 150 strategic actions that communities can take to be ready for transportation electrification. During this session, EV Readiness Program team members will discuss impactful actions in the EV Readiness Checklist categories of zoning and planning, parking and access, community engagement, access to EV charging, and more. By completing items on the EV Readiness Checklist, local governments will be prepared and more competitive for EV infrastructure investment in their community. The Caucus began leading a diverse cohort of 16 communities through the EV Readiness Program in early 2023 and started a second cohort in the late summer. EV Readiness Program team members will discuss some of the guidance they have been sharing with the cohorts and the technical assistance offered to help communities take strategic actions. By taking these actions in their local governments after the conference, attendees will start earning points toward EV Ready Bronze, Silver or Gold designation, if their local government chooses to join a Caucus EV Readiness Program cohort. The presentation will cover the origin of the EV Readiness Program, strategic actions for communities to take from the EV Readiness Checklist, resources to assist local governments, lessons learned from leading two cohorts, and timely topics of interest, including current incentives and funding opportunities.

Learning Objectives

Analyze their local government’s existing codes and processes.
Consider impact of growing EV adoption on plans and community development.
Understand strategic actions their community can take to prepare for equitable transportation electrification.

Edith Makra She/her/hers, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus

Edith Makra directs sustainability initiatives for the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, a coalition of 275 mayors in the greater Chicago region. Makra developed the

Greenest Region Compact, a consensus sustainability pledge now adopted by 154 Chicago-area communities, forming the largest regional municipal sustainability collaborative in the U.S. She has led the creation of the first climate action plan for the Chicago region and is now leading municipalities to prepare for transportation electrification. Makra previously served as the first environmental advisor to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and has directed state-wide and regional environmental programs in Illinois and Massachusetts. She has a B.S. in Forestry from the University of Illinois; an Executive Sustainability Certificate from Harvard University; and is an International Society of Sustainability Professionals –Sustainability Excellence Professional; and is a Climate Change Professional, Certified by the Association of Climate Change Officers.

Tim Milburn He/him/his, Green Ways 2Go

Tim Milburn has been a Partner with Green Ways 2Go since 2011, focusing on assisting businesses, governments and multi-family dwelling clients to make educated decisions related to clean transportation and clean energy solutions and providing turnkey systems for EV charging. Since 2018 he has also been a Steering Team member of the US DOE’s Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation (formerly Chicago Area Clean Cities) and Project Advisor for the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ EV Readiness Program.

Cheryl Scott She/her/hers, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus

Cheryl Scott is the Sustainability Specialist at the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and works on a variety of environmental initiatives. Some of her work includes creating the Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Checklist to prepare local governments for the future increase in EVs and helping to manage the Caucus’ EV Readiness Program. Before starting at the Caucus, she worked in local government for eight years. She has a master’s degree in public administration from Northern Illinois University.

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