About Communities LEAP

The DOE Communities LEAP (Local Energy Action Program) aims to facilitate sustained community-wide economic and environmental benefits primarily through DOE’s clean energy deployment work. This opportunity is specifically open to low-income, energy-burdened communities that are also experiencing either direct environmental justice impacts, or direct economic impacts from a shift away from historical reliance on fossil fuels. Under Communities LEAP, DOE matches selected communities with technical assistance providers who assist them with bringing their clean energy planning and economic development vision to life.   

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Meet Our Communities

Meet our 24 pilot communities! Selections were announced on March 29, 2022.

Communities LEAP Cohort 2

The application for Communities LEAP cohort 2 closed Dec. 14, 2023.

Communities participating in cohort 2 will be announced in the spring of 2024.

News and Blog

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Important Dates

Cohort 2 Opportunity Announcement IssuedSept. 27, 2023 
Deadline to Apply for Cohort 2Dec. 14, 2023
Cohort 2 Communities AnnouncedSpring 2024

­­­Communities LEAP Pilot Testimonials

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“Communities LEAP has been an invaluable opportunity for Louisville. It has supported us with experts who really care, provided customized approaches to our unique challenges, and facilitated stronger relationships with important community partners. What’s more, our Communities LEAP project managers have proactively helped us identify aligned funding opportunities to build on this work. Communities LEAP is an important catalyst for Louisville’s equitable clean energy transition!”

Sumedha Rao, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, Louisville Metro

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"Communities LEAP is an invaluable partner for communities, including tribal communities and our clients, seeking clean energy solutions. It offers tailored support, fosters collaborations, and proactively identifies funding opportunities, empowering communities to take control of their clean energy future and drive progress towards a more sustainable tomorrow."

David Yuen Tam, CEO, Grey Snow Management Solutions

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"The communities LEAP project is offering new spaces to talk and reflect about electric mobility in Hennepin County.  We are working hard with local organizations to understand concerns, challenges, and opportunities that our communities are facing for a cleaner future that is inclusive and equative for all!"

Didier Bolaños Gonzalez, Community Liaison, Hennepin County, Minnesota 

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“Our partners through Communities LEAP were essential in helping us identify pathways and solutions to clean energy for our community. They were a valuable partner, listening and learning about our unique community, then connecting us with opportunities and providing analysis and data to help us move forward.”

Mindy Granley, Sustainability Officer, City of Duluth