Center for State and Local Governance

The Center for State and Local Governance provides environmental lawyers, policymakers, and implementation partners with the governance tools and resources needed to advance environmental protection.  

Why?

State and local governments play a key role in implementing environmental protection laws and advancing climate change mitigation and adaptation. Achieving state and local environmental and climate policy goals, however, can be a daunting and resource-intensive task.

How?

The Center supports state and local environmental programs by developing model governance tools and resources based on extensive best practices research. ELI also convenes decision-makers, creates educational programming to inform and engage the public, and publishes research briefs and blog posts. The Center’s tools and resources can be tailored to the needs and interests of a wide range of local and state governments.  

Our Current Initiatives

The Municipal Climate Initiative conducts research and works with municipal staff and stakeholders to meet waste and climate mitigation and adaptation goals by advancing public policies and public-private initiatives. 

The Local Governmental Environment Assistance Network (LGEAN) a “first-stop shop” providing local governments with user-friendly information on compliance with federal environmental regulations, funding strategies, and tools for advancing healthy and sustainable communities. 

Related Initiatives

The work of ELI’s Center for State and Local Environmental Programs is closely aligned with the Water Resource Management Program, the Wetlands Program, the Water Quality Program, the Sustainable Use of Land Program, the Gulf of Mexico Program, and the Indoor Environments and Green Building Program.

Staff

Linda Breggin is the Director of the Center for State and Local Environmental Programs.

Sarah Backer is a Research Associate supporting the Center for State and Local Environmental Programs.

Ella Stack is a Research Associate supporting the Local Government Environmental Assistance Network.