Resources to Support Community Planning and Action
Connecting communities with the right resources is essential to addressing immediate challenges, planning for economic impacts, and advancing opportunities for growth and resilience. This section features practical toolkits, community impact stories, and external resources, including funding opportunities and technical assistance programs, to support local planning, project development, and implementation of community priorities.
Note: Funding opportunities, programs, and resources change regularly. Visit the linked sources for the most current information on availability, eligibility, and application deadlines.
Toolkits
Community toolkits
Developed during Phase 3 of MiVTTP, a partnership between EGI and Michigan Clean Cities, these guides help local leaders plan for EVs and talk with residents about the transition.
PDF toolkit · 22 pages
Planning for EVs: A Getting-Started Toolkit for Local Governments
A practical starting framework for city, village, township and county staff who are beginning to plan for electric vehicles. Each section ends with an action checklist and suggested lead departments, so planning, building, fire, public works and fleet teams can move from “where do we begin?” to a concrete first step.
What’s inside
- Common EV terms every team should know
- Assessing grid readiness and working with utilities
- EV safety considerations and governing codes
- Putting EVs into local plans and zoning
- Streamlining permitting for charging installations
- Long-term success, with a Michigan funding snapshot
PDF toolkit · 16 pages
EV Community Engagement Toolkit: Facilitator Guide
A step-by-step guide for hosting public conversations about the EV transition that are well organized, inclusive and grounded in accurate, sourced information. It is written for municipal staff, elected officials, economic development and planning organizations, and community groups, whether or not they are EV experts.
What’s inside
- Identifying stakeholders and setting meeting goals
- Making meetings inclusive and accessible
- A sample agenda, ground rules and tips for difficult questions
- Following up after the meeting
- Talking points for common resident questions
- Michigan examples from Lansing and Ann Arbor
- Key figures with sources, checked September 2026
Success stories
Communities moving forward
Click on each image below for a full PDF of the success story.
Resources
Programs and services that can help
Programs, funding, training and tools from state, federal and community partners, grouped by topic. Each link opens the partner’s website in a new tab.
Funding directories
- Clean Fuels Michigan Funding Hub A running list of grants and incentives for clean mobility projects in Michigan, maintained by Clean Fuels Michigan.
- MI Funding Hub A Michigan Municipal League and LEO initiative that helps communities find and apply for state and federal funding.
- Funding Opportunities for EV Infrastructure Deployment Funding programs for EV charging projects, compiled in the State of Michigan Community EV Toolkit.
- EGLE Energy Funding Opportunities State and federal funding from EGLE for energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean technology and EV charger projects.
- Joint Office of Energy and Transportation Funding Resources Federal funding opportunities for zero-emission vehicles and for EV charging and fueling infrastructure.
- U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Funding Programs A matrix from the U.S. DOT Rural EV Toolkit showing which federal transportation programs can fund EV projects.
- State Planning and Funding for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure A summary from the Alternative Fuels Data Center of the major federal programs that help states fund EV charging.
- Michigan Laws and Incentives Current Michigan laws, incentives, regulations and funding related to alternative fuels and vehicles, compiled by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Grants & funding programs
- Clean Fuel and Charging Infrastructure Program EGLE grants for EV charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure, with at least 40% of funds directed to disadvantaged communities.
- Community Energy Management Program EGLE financial assistance that helps local and tribal governments improve energy management and add efficiency and renewable energy projects.
- Renewables Ready Communities Award Per-megawatt awards from EGLE for Michigan communities that host or permit eligible utility-scale renewable energy projects.
- Michigan Mobility Funding Platform: Real World & Test Site Deployments MEDC grants that help companies test and deploy mobility and electrification solutions in public spaces and at approved Michigan test sites.
- Michigan Community Revitalization Program MEDC grants, loans and other assistance for redevelopment on contaminated, blighted, functionally obsolete or historic properties.
- Public Spaces Community Places An MEDC program that matches community crowdfunding dollar for dollar, up to $50,000, for projects that activate public spaces.
- Going PRO Talent Fund State awards that help Michigan employers train, develop and retain current and newly hired employees.
- Low or No Emission Grant Program – 5339(c) Federal Transit Administration funding for state and local agencies to buy or lease low- and zero-emission transit buses and supporting facilities.
- EDA Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs U.S. Economic Development Administration funding for construction, planning, technical assistance and revolving loan fund projects in distressed areas.
- EDA Research and National Technical Assistance (RNTA) U.S. Economic Development Administration funding for research and technical assistance that supports job creation and investment in distressed areas.
- Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) Grant Program Grants that help communities plan for, and benefit economically from, new electric transmission projects.
- Demonstration of Energy & Efficiency Developments (DEED) Grants and Scholarships American Public Power Association funding for pilot projects, technology demonstrations and research at member public power utilities.
EV charging & fleet planning
- State of Michigan Community EV Toolkit A one-stop site with Michigan EV data, zoning and ordinance examples, fleet guidance, funding and local case studies.
- Drive Electric Technical Assistance Free technical assistance from the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation for EV charging and zero-emission transit and school bus projects.
- Charging Smart Free technical assistance and Bronze, Silver and Gold designations that help local governments adopt EV charging best practices.
- Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Playbook Interactive modules on planning, engagement, siting, funding, policy and procurement for public charging.
- Charging Forward: A Toolkit for Planning and Funding Rural Electric Mobility A U.S. Department of Transportation toolkit to help rural communities plan, fund and build EV infrastructure.
- EV Charging: A Primer for Municipal Officials A National League of Cities brief with key questions for local leaders, municipal examples and a glossary of EV terms.
- Community Engagement Tips for EV Infrastructure Deployment A short tip sheet on engaging residents and stakeholders when planning EV charging.
- Equitable EV Action Plan Framework Policy tools, real-world examples and planning strategies for local governments developing equity-centered EV action plans.
- Developing Infrastructure to Charge Electric Vehicles Alternative Fuels Data Center guidance on charging installation, equipment and maintenance costs.
- Electric Vehicle Charging Stations An overview of charging levels, equipment and station resources from the Alternative Fuels Data Center.
- Charge at Home Free EV charging guidance, tools and support for multifamily property owners, managers and residents.
- PowerMIFleet Consumers Energy planning help, expert guidance and rebates for organizations moving their fleets to electric.
- Federal Fleet EV Training NREL video trainings that help fleet managers evaluate EV potential for their sites and campuses.
- ChargePoint An EV charging network and software provider serving workplaces, fleets and public charging sites.
- EVgo One of the largest public DC fast charging networks in the U.S., with more than 1,100 stations nationwide.
Plans & policy
- MI Healthy Climate Plan Michigan’s statewide climate plan, released in April 2022 with input from hundreds of residents and leaders.
- Electrification Coalition Michigan EV Policy A Michigan factsheet on the policies, strategies and partners that can accelerate transportation electrification.
- EVHybridNoire Public Policy Toolkit A toolkit that helps policymakers understand past and present transportation inequities and where to improve.
- Redevelopment Ready Communities Voluntary MEDC technical assistance that helps communities build strong planning, zoning and economic development practices.
Workforce & career pathways
- MI Auto Workforce Hub A LEO hub offering technical assistance to help Michigan communities and partners address auto industry workforce challenges.
- Building Michigan’s Infrastructure Workforce: Michigan Statewide Infrastructure Workforce Plan LEO’s statewide plan for growing the workforce Michigan needs for infrastructure, energy and EV projects.
- Registered Apprenticeships Connections to registered apprenticeship programs and supportive services for learners through LEO.
- SEMCA Michigan Works! EV Job Services Free job training, mobility career information and upskilling services for job seekers and employers in southeast Michigan.
- Michigan Workforce Development Institute Training and job placement assistance in high-demand occupations for job seekers and employers across Michigan.
- Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) A national consortium of energy companies, unions, educators and government partners building a skilled energy workforce.
- Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium (MEWDC) An industry-led partnership of more than 50 industry, workforce, education and veterans representatives building Michigan’s energy workforce.
- Drive Electric Workforce Development Resources Example resources for building an electrified transportation workforce, including responder training and maintenance guidance.
- US States Are Creating a Pipeline of Trained EV Workers — Here Are the Emerging Trends A World Resources Institute article (January 2025) on how states are building EV training programs.
- Clean School Bus Workforce Development and Training Resources EPA resources to help school districts plan their fleet transition and train staff for electric school buses.
- MDOT Technical Training Michigan Department of Transportation training that builds a skilled workforce for roads, bridges, aviation and rail.
- Michigan Department of Education Office of Career and Technical Education Support for regional career and technical education programs, including help developing new CTE programs.
- National Energy Education Development (NEED) Curriculum Resources Energy curriculum and teacher training for K–12 classrooms.
- Michigan Green Schools A statewide program that supports and recognizes Michigan schools working toward environmental goals.
EV & energy training programs
- ChargerHelp! Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Technician Training Program A 4- to 6-week program at Michigan Central that prepares Detroiters to become certified EV charging station repair technicians.
- Blast Detroit EV Automotive Training An 8-week certificate program in combustion, hybrid and electric vehicle technology for aspiring automotive technicians.
- EV Service Technician Certificate A Washtenaw Community College certificate covering entry-level EV service skills and high-voltage safety.
- Electric Vehicle Technician Training Program Oakland Community College training in EV technology, with an introduction to automated guided vehicles and programmable logic controllers.
- Electric Vehicles Fundamentals and Safety Course A Macomb Community College course on EV and hybrid propulsion components and high-voltage safety.
- Electric Vehicle Fundamentals (EVF) A Central Michigan University credential course, with exam voucher, that serves as a starting point for EV careers.
- Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) Certification training for qualified electricians who install EV charging equipment.
- ASE xEV High-Voltage Electrical Safety Certifications Automotive Service Excellence certifications in high-voltage safety for technicians working on hybrid and electric vehicles.
- EV Hub: Building EV Apprenticeships of the Future An American Association of Community Colleges hub for launching or scaling EV apprenticeship and training programs.
- Energy Efficiency Academy A DTE Energy and Walker-Miller program offering training, certifications and mentorship for energy-efficient home repair careers in Detroit.
- Training for Residential Energy Contractors (TREC) EGLE-funded training in solar installation, energy storage and efficiency upgrades that opens career pathways for workers from disadvantaged communities.
First responder & safety training
- Alternative Fuel Vehicles Training National Fire Protection Association training on emergency response for electric, hybrid, fuel cell and gaseous fuel vehicles.
- Lithium-Ion Battery Safety NFPA resources on the safe use, charging and storage of lithium-ion batteries.
- EVsafe Safety knowledge and tactics for responders, tow operators and line workers handling EV, solar and battery storage incidents.
- AFV Educate Virtual and on-site alternative fuel vehicle training for first responders, second responders and automotive technicians.
- Rescue Redefined Fire and rescue courses, including hybrid, EV and lithium-ion battery training, for fire, EMS and towing professionals.
- Illinois Fire Service Institute Hands-on fire service training, education and research, including a course on renewable energy hazards.
Business, manufacturing & mobility
- Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) The state office that builds public and private partnerships to grow Michigan’s mobility and electrification ecosystem.
- MI Hub for Manufacturers A free, one-stop resource connecting Michigan manufacturers with capital, expert advisors and support.
- Michigan’s Industry 4.0 Knowledge Center MEDC’s free network of Industry 4.0 experts and resources for Michigan manufacturers.
- Talent Action Team MEDC support for EV, mobility and semiconductor employers with upskilling, talent attraction and retention.
- Stellantis Is Spending $400 Million to Revamp US Factories for EVs A September 2024 article from The Verge on Stellantis investments in Michigan plants for EV production.
Carsharing & transportation options
- Affordable Mobility Platform (AMP) A Forth program that brings affordable EV carsharing to affordable housing communities.
- Mobility Development Operations (MDO) A carshare platform, app and operational support for community-based carsharing programs.
- Sway Mobility A carshare-as-a-service platform for organizations that want to launch their own EV carsharing program.
- Michigan Clean Cities EV Carshare Program in West Michigan News on Michigan Clean Cities’ EV carshare launch in West Michigan, a model for community carsharing.
- Miocar Electric Vehicle Carsharing Service An all-electric carsharing service in rural California communities, useful as a model for rural programs.
- Exploring the Future of Mobility: Understanding Electric Car Sharing A Blink Mobility explainer on how electric carsharing works and what it offers communities.
- Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) on EV Car Sharing Programs A 2021 NRDC article on how cities across the country use carsharing to expand EV access.
- Paving the Way: Enabling Equitable Electric Vehicle Shared Mobility Programs An IREC report on how utilities and regulators can support charging for equitable EV shared mobility programs.
- Sustainable On-Demand Transit NREL research and advising that helps communities and transit agencies design and evaluate on-demand transit.
- Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Alliance A public-private partnership advancing Mobility as a Service, which brings many transportation options into one platform.
- Safe Routes to School Program Funding and support to make walking and biking to school safer and more appealing for Michigan students.
- Community Spark Grant League of American Bicyclists grants for projects that make bicycling safer and more accessible, with half reserved for GM facility communities.
- DALMAC Fund Grants for Michigan projects that advance bicycle safety, awareness, trails, routes and events.
- PeopleForBikes Grants Grant guidance from PeopleForBikes, whose own grants are by invitation, with pointers to other bicycle funding sources.
Idle reduction & clean air
- Anti-Idling Sample Ordinances Michigan Municipal League sample ordinances communities can adapt to reduce noise and air pollution from idling vehicles.
- Ann Arbor Idling Reduction Ordinance The City of Ann Arbor’s adopted ordinance limiting unnecessary vehicle idling.
- City of Mount Clemens Anti-Idling Ordinance A Michigan ordinance that limits diesel vehicle idling to five consecutive minutes.
- Wayne County Commissioners Pass Resolution for Anti-Idling Law BridgeDetroit coverage of Wayne County’s resolution to curb idling by trucks and commercial vehicles.
- Denver Sample Anti-Idling Policy A sample anti-idling policy from the City of Denver that businesses and organizations can adapt.
- Ogden City Anti-Idling Ordinance Work session materials from Ogden, Utah, on developing an anti-idling ordinance.
- Compilation of State, County, and Local Anti-Idling Regulations A 2006 EPA compilation of idling rules from across the country.
- Idle-Free Schools Toolkit for a Healthy School Environment EPA tools and materials for launching an idle-free campaign at a school.
- IdleBox Toolkit A U.S. Department of Energy education and outreach toolkit for vehicle idle-reduction campaigns.
- Idle Reduction Benefits and Considerations An Alternative Fuels Data Center overview of the fuel savings, emissions reductions and other benefits of reducing idling.
- Community Action to Promote Healthy Environments (CAPHE) A University of Michigan community-academic partnership working to improve air quality and health in Detroit.
Solar, energy efficiency & utilities
- Michigan Saves Financing for energy upgrades and other improvements for Michigan homeowners, building owners, businesses and developers.
- Michigan Energy Options Community solar services that handle development, financing, construction and maintenance for individuals, businesses and communities.
- Michigan Solar Communities Guidebook A Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association guide for local governments and residents on solar, geothermal and community solar.
- Solarize Program A model program for educating communities about solar, growing local renewable energy and tracking progress.
- SolSmart Free technical assistance and recognition for local governments that adopt solar best practices.
- Technical Assistance Fund Clean Energy Group support for community-serving organizations exploring solar and battery storage, including one-on-one help.
- Michigan Solar Incentive Programs An overview of solar incentives in Michigan, including property tax exemptions, net metering and utility rebates.
- Michigan Public Power Association (MPPA) Power supply, financial and other services for Michigan’s municipally owned electric utilities.
EV basics & cost tools
- Alternative Fuels Data Center Vehicle Cost Calculator Compare the total cost of ownership and emissions of EVs, hybrids and gas vehicles based on how you drive.
- My Plug-in Hybrid Calculator Estimate fuel use and costs for a plug-in hybrid based on your driving, fuel prices and charging schedule.
- Electric Vehicle Explorer A UC Davis tool for checking whether an EV fits your travel needs by comparing costs for up to four vehicles.
- PlugStar Enter a ZIP code to find EV and charging incentives, local events and buying information from Plug In America.
- Alternative Fuel Life-Cycle Environmental and Economic Transportation (AFLEET) Tool An Argonne National Laboratory tool that estimates fuel use, emissions and cost of ownership for fleet vehicles.
- Electric Vehicles Factsheet A concise U-M Center for Sustainable Systems overview of EV energy use, emissions, charging, costs and market trends.
- Personal Transportation Factsheet A U-M Center for Sustainable Systems overview of energy use, emissions and impacts across personal transportation.
- National Drive Electric Month An annual fall celebration with in-person and online events where people can learn from EV owners.
Research & expertise
- Center for Automotive Research (CAR) An independent nonprofit producing research on critical issues facing the auto industry and its impact on the economy.
- Electric Vehicle Center The University of Michigan’s center for education, research and engagement to accelerate electric mobility.
- Kettering University GM Mobility Research Center A proving ground in Flint for research on autonomous, hybrid and electric vehicle technologies.
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Research partnerships, technology licensing and support for organizations working on energy innovation.
- Electric Vehicle Tools and Datasets An American Public Power Association list of more than 80 EV and charging datasets and tools for utilities.
- Clean Cities and Communities Contacts Contacts for U.S. Department of Energy staff and Clean Cities coalitions nationwide, including Michigan Clean Cities.
Reentry & second-chance employment
- Nation Outside A statewide Michigan organization, staffed largely by formerly incarcerated people, building solutions with system-impacted communities.
- The FreeWorld Program Covered trucking training and five years of career support for people with criminal histories.
- Reentry Employment Opportunities U.S. Department of Labor funding for employment programs serving justice-involved youth and adults returning from incarceration.
- Second Chance Act Program Tracks and Funding Opportunities Funding for governments and nonprofits working to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for people returning home.
Community health & food access
- Food Environment Atlas USDA county-level data on food access, health and community characteristics.
- SNAP and WIC Outreach Toolkit National Recreation and Park Association guidance on connecting community members to SNAP and WIC.
- Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program (CFPCGP) USDA grants for community-led projects that address food and nutrition security.
- Michigan Health Endowment Fund Capacity Building Funding, tools and training to help Michigan health-focused nonprofits strengthen their organizations.
Lansing & Ingham County
- City of Lansing Sustainability Action Plan 2022 Lansing’s data-driven plan for a more sustainable future, building on the city’s comprehensive and climate action plans.
- City of Lansing Renewable Energy City resources and partners for renewable energy, including BWL, Michigan Saves and the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association.
- Plug-In Electric Vehicles (PEV) Lansing Board of Water & Light information for customers considering an EV, including home charging rebates and a local charger map.
- Install My Own Solar A Lansing Board of Water & Light program for customers who want to install solar and send excess power to the grid.
- Ingham County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Encourages Infrastructure Support for Electric Vehicles Lansing Economic Area Partnership news on the county’s resolution encouraging EV charging in brownfield projects.
- Ingham County Ingham County government services, departments and contacts.
- Lansing Community College Lansing’s community college, offering degrees, certificates and workforce training.
- Lansing School District The public school district serving the City of Lansing.
Automotive history & heritage
- The Henry Ford Dearborn’s museum complex, including the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour.
- Gilmore Car Museum A Hickory Corners museum that tells the history of America through the automobile.
- Petersen Automotive Museum A Los Angeles museum exploring the history, design and cultural influence of the automobile.
- Preservation, Conservation, and Restoration (Yes, They’re Different!) at the Car and Carriage Museum An article from The Frick Pittsburgh on how museums care for historic vehicle collections.
- Public Humanities Projects National Endowment for the Humanities funding for exhibitions and historic site interpretation.