Commercial PACE Financing and the Special Assessment Process: Understanding Roles and Managing Risks for Local Governments

Abstract

This issue brief is for local governments that are well-positioned to participate in a commercial property assessed clean energy (C-PACE) program but are looking to inform a decision about whether to join or create a program. This resource addresses two specific barriers these local governments may face regarding C-PACE programs: (1) uncertainty about the likelihood of tax foreclosure on properties in default of C-PACE payments and the risks local governments bear, and (2) uncertainty about the staff labor commitment associated with administering the program, including the execution of the special tax assessment process.