Helena adopts CPACE program to finance commercial energy and resilience projects

The Helena City Commission on Sept. 8 voted 5-0 to establish a Commercial Property Assessed Capital Enhancements (CPACE) program, creating a local mechanism for long-term financing of certain commercial and nonprofit sustainability and resilience projects.

Public Works Director Leland described the program as coming via recent state legislation and said it allows “low term low cost, long term funding to be able to do sustainability projects such as water, stormwater control, seismic, for structural, and firearms storage was added in the, last legislative legislative bill.” He noted eligibility is limited to projects with a total cost above $100,000.

Commissioners praised the item and staff work. One commissioner recalled a first conversation in April 2023 and said it had been “two long years” of work to reach adoption. Director Leland and commissioners thanked the city’s sustainability coordinator and the Montana Department of Commerce’s PACE team for their assistance.

The resolution directs staff to establish the CPACE program framework locally so commercial property owners and eligible nonprofit entities can access the assessment-based financing tool. Staff told the commission the program is intended for projects that reduce energy use, increase resilience, or otherwise meet statutorily eligible categories.

The item drew no recorded public opposition; the clerk reported no online public comment for this agenda item. The commission adopted the resolution on a unanimous roll call: Commissioner Shurtleff (Aye), Commissioner Dean (Aye), Commissioner Reid (Aye), Commissioner Logan (Aye), Mayor Wilmot Collins (Aye).

Next steps identified during the discussion include administrative work to establish program procedures, outreach to interested businesses, and coordination with the Montana Department of Commerce and any third-party program administrator the city may select.