Hello public agencies and partners!
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As we move into the summer months, June brings new opportunities to connect, share insights, and advance energy and community resilience efforts. This edition highlights upcoming CELC events, resources exploring the link between energy efficiency and air quality, and ways to stay engaged across the network.
SPEER is also partnering with the Capital Area Council of Governments and the Alamo Area Council of Governments to host free, informational workshops in their respective regions—designed to support local communities with practical tools and insights. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements and registration details.
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In this edition:
- Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming CELC Events
- Texas Energy Advocates – University Program (TEA-UP)
- Spotlight on CELC: Member Events and Updates
- Energy in Air Quality Resources
- Funding and Resource Opportunities
- Professional Development and Job Opportunities
| | *Interested in becoming a CELC member? | | CELC Webinar: Introduction to Community Efficiency Leadership Coalition (CELC) | | |
June 18 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Join Shaun Auckland, SPEER’s Senior Manager of Government and Community Engagement, for an introduction to the Community Efficiency Leadership Coalition (CELC)—a collaborative network that helps public entities align priorities, share what’s working, and accelerate progress across energy, sustainability, and resilience efforts.
Learn how cities, counties, utilities, and regional organizations are using CELC to partner more effectively, turn plans into action, and access shared tools and opportunities. This session is designed for organizations new to CELC and will include time for Q&A.
Register here.
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July 7th @ 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Join fellow CELC coalition stakeholders for an hour filled with peer learning, including a 10-minute presentation on boosting energy efficiency in our communities, followed by an open group discussion and thought sharing. Learn more on our event page and see our current CELC members.
Registration: Sign up to be apart of the coalition to receive the invitation. *current coalition stakeholders can email cities@eepartnership.org if you do not have the reoccurring meeting invitation.
| | Build Your Sustainability Expertise – Exclusive Discount | | |
Take your impact to the next level with the UT Dallas Sustainability Certificate program—designed for professionals looking to lead in energy, climate, and sustainability.
Partners of the SPEER / TEA-UP network can receive 10% off with code ExecEd10 (case sensitive).
Learn more and apply here.
| | TEA-UP Coalition 4th Quarterly Meeting | | |
Join us on July 22 at 10:00 AM for the TEA‑UP Coalition’s 4th Quarterly Meeting. Connect with regional partners, hear key updates, and contribute to shaping priorities for 2026–2027. The session will include a roundtable, a featured presentation (TBD), and collaborative discussion focused on advancing education and workforce outcomes.
Audience: Education leaders, employers, industry partners, workforce organizations, nonprofits, and community stakeholders engaged in strengthening regional education-to-career pathways.
Register here.
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Spotlight on Coaltion Stakeholders: Events and Programs
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New Stakeholder Spotlight
Please join us in welcoming two new stakeholders to CELC:
Curious about the coalition? Head here to learn more and see a list of current stakeholders!
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San Antonio Climate Ready (SACR) 2035 Speaker Series: Climate Change & Public Health
Thursday, June 11 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
The first session will be presented by Dr. Adelita Cantu, focusing on the intersection of climate, extreme heat, and public health. As temperatures rise and extreme heat events become more frequent, communities face increasing challenges in protecting health and building resilience. This presentation will highlight emerging risks, community impacts, and strategies for creating more resilient communities.
Register here.
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City of Austin Releases New Climate Action Plan
SPEER recognizes and applauds the City of Austin for launching the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP). We appreciate the City’s leadership and the many community members whose input through surveys, workshops, and discussions helped shape this important effort.
The CCAP outlines 27 strategies to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and strengthen regional resilience, supported by new resources including a regional greenhouse gas inventory, strategy summaries, and county-level fact sheets.
Explore the plan and resources.
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Call for Partners: Energy Storage Pilot
Maxari Energy Solutions is seeking public agencies interested in piloting battery energy storage or solar-plus-storage at a municipal or government facility.
Pilots are structured as no-capex programs where the agency hosts the system and sees a reduction in energy costs and backup power with no upfront investment. Contact raya@maxari.us for more information.
| | Energy in Air Quality Resources | | Storyboard Spotlight: The Air Quality–Energy Efficiency Nexus | | |
Air quality is typically worse in the summer months in Texas. The combination of more sunlight, extreme heat, and stagnant air creates the a recipe for ground-level ozone, also known as smog, which often spikes during the hotter months.
Ever wonder how saving energy and breathing clean air go hand-in-hand? SPEER put together this quick visual storyboard to break down a complex topic into simple jargon and help it all make sense. We invite you to use this guide to help you make smart, healthy choices for your indoor environments and learn how saving energy helps you breathe easier every day.
Interested in bringing more resources like these to your community and team? SPEER offers tailored presentations, tools, and guidance on available funding opportunities - request a session and learn how to reduce emissions through smarter energy decisions.
| | Funding and Resource Opportunities | | Texas Water Development Board Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Loan Program | | |
The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, authorized by the Safe Drinking Water Act, provides low-cost financial assistance for planning, acquisition, design, and construction of water infrastructure.
Head here for more information.
| | Texas Water Development Board Water Supply and Infrastructure Grants (WSIG) | | |
This is a one-time opportunity for a limited number of Texas communities to receive grant funding to implement water supply/water infrastructure projects. Once this initial appropriation is provided to communities by August 31, 2027, the TWDB will no longer have these grant funds available to provide financial assistance.
Learn more here.
| | Professional Development and Job Opportunities | | | | |
