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County rejects ordinance to sunset CPACE program, directs staff to file revised ordinance to continue program
Summary
The Board of Commissioners voted to reject Ordinance 906 (which would have repealed the County's CPACE program) and directed staff to file a new ordinance to continue the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy program indefinitely with annual program assessments to the board.
The Washington County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 2 voted to reject Ordinance 906, which would have repealed the county’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE) program, and directed staff to file a new ordinance to continue CPACE indefinitely with a required annual program assessment.
Background and staff recommendation: Land Use & Transportation director Steven Roberts and economic development manager Adrian Shelley presented findings from a program assessment and outreach. Shelley summarized two completed transactions (a $9.9 million hotel recapitalization and an $8.6 million self‑storage loan) and said interest from developers and capital providers had increased. Staff recommended rejecting the repeal and instead continuing the program while strengthening guidelines, marketing and a regional outreach strategy.
Board action and votes: Commissioner Snyder moved to reject Ordinance 906; Commissioner Fye seconded. The board’s rejection of the repeal was approved unanimously. After discussion, the board also directed staff to file a new ordinance that would amend county code to continue CPACE indefinitely and require a program assessment to be provided to the board by June 30 of each year; the board approved that direction unanimously.
Why it matters: CPACE allows commercial property owners to secure long‑term, assessment‑backed financing for energy efficiency, resilience and clean energy improvements. Staff said continuing the program with clearer guidelines and annual evaluation would support market uptake while giving the board regular oversight.
Next steps: staff will prepare program guidelines, update outreach and marketing materials, and file an ordinance for board consideration reflecting the continued program with an annual assessment schedule.
Ending: Commissioners asked staff to pursue regional coordination with neighboring jurisdictions launching or considering CPACE and to return with a draft ordinance and program guidelines.
