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Roanoke council adopts CPACE program to expand clean‑energy financing for commercial properties
Summary
Roanoke City Council voted unanimously Dec. 15 to join Virginia's statewide CPACE program, enabling commercial property owners, nonprofits and certain multifamily buildings to access long‑term financing for energy efficiency, renewable and resiliency upgrades.
Roanoke City Council voted unanimously Dec. 15 to adopt an ordinance joining Virginia's Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE) program, a statewide financing tool that provides upfront capital for energy‑efficiency, renewable‑energy and resilience projects on private property.
The council adopted the ordinance after a staff presentation from LeeAnne Weitzenfeld, the city's sustainability coordinator, who described CPACE as a voluntary program administered through the Virginia PACE Authority and authorized under state law. Weitzenfeld said eligible projects include HVAC and building‑envelope upgrades, solar and battery installations, EV infrastructure, stormwater green infrastructure and, in some cases, asbestos remediation tied to a project.
"This is a powerful economic development tool," Weitzenfeld said, noting CPACE can provide up to 100% of project capital and that loans are tied to the property rather than the owner, allowing repayment to transfer on sale. She told council that 21 localities already participate in the state CPACE program and Roanoke would become number 22.
Council members asked how mixed‑use and smaller property owners would qualify; staff and a Virginia PACE Authority representative said mixed‑use buildings can count commercial space toward eligibility and the city has set aside outreach funds in the budget to reach small and minority‑owned businesses. Vice Mayor McGuire noted the city reserved plastic‑bag tax revenue to fund education and outreach, and Weitzenfeld said economic development staff would help onboard property owners.
The ordinance replaces chapter 32.3 of the Roanoke code and sets a voluntary assessment (lien certificate) recorded in land records; city staff said the locality assumes no liability under the program and lien enforcement can be delegated to CPACE lenders. The council's vote followed a public hearing and questions from members; the roll call returned unanimous approval.
The ordinance authorizes city participation, directs staff to complete program agreements and positions Roanoke to provide a new financing option for building owners who want to reduce energy use and emissions while improving building resilience.
Council next steps include finalizing local program documents and launching outreach to eligible property owners.
