As municipalities throughout the region work to make their operations and policies more sustainable, most are likely to need technical assistance (such as energy audits) and policy advice from external experts.  Regional purchasing and assistance programs can help cities and towns to access needed support more cost effectively.  A coordinated regional technical assistance program can also help to disseminate best practices and lessons learned.  

MAPC already has considerable experience with implementing collective procurement programs that provide considerable advantages to municipalities: more competitive costs, with less municipal staff time spent on procurement activities and contract oversight.  Regional procurement of energy services (such as performance contracting, energy audits, or even energy service) would allow municipalities to realize similar benefits.  

While energy and water sustainability is a rapidly changing field, few municipalities will have the resources to provide staff dedicated to sustainability.  A regional energy circuit rider or staff member shared among multiple municipalities could provide “in house” support for sustainability efforts without the cost of adding another municipal staff member or paying for professional development of existing staff.  Such a position could be an MAPC staff member or a consultant contracted through regional procurement conducted by MAPC. 

3.a    MAPC should develop a program for regional procurement of energy services, including municipal energy audits

3.b    MAPC should work with municipalities to develop a pilot program for an energy circuit rider or shared staff. 

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