The Green Bank Partners with the City of Rockville to Boost Climate Resilience

Montgomery County, MD (July 25, 2024) – The City of Rockville and the Montgomery County Green Bank (MCGB) are excited to announce a new partnership to enhance Rockville’s Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (RFMAP). This collaboration aims to improve community resilience to climate change impacts through expanded outreach and increased support for low- and moderate-income communities.

Rockville’s Climate Action Plan, adopted in January 2022, focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping the community adapt to a changing climate. One key initiative is the creation of the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program, designed to help property owners reduce flood risks.

In 2023, the Montgomery County Council authorized MCGB to engage in climate resilience activities, building on their work in energy efficiency and renewable energy. MCGB launched a Climate Resilience Piloting Phase to implement projects that strengthen community resilience to climate change.

“Partnering with the Montgomery County Green Bank and the Chesapeake Bay Trust allows us to significantly enhance our Flood Mitigation Assistance Program,” said Heather Gewandter, Stormwater Manager for the City of Rockville. “This collaboration will ensure that more residents, especially those in low- and moderate-income communities, can protect their homes and businesses from flood risks.”

The pilot project will strengthen Rockville’s Flood Mitigation Assistance Program by increasing community outreach and education, as well as unlocking program benefits to vulnerable communities. Currently, RFMAP requires work to be completed before applying for rebates. The pilot project will provide education and structured financial support, including non-reimbursable resources, to increase program impact and resilience capacity among city residents.

“Our partnership with the City of Rockville is a crucial step in building climate resilience across the county,” stated Stephen Morel, CEO of Montgomery County Green Bank. “By enhancing the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program, we aim to support those most vulnerable to climate impacts and ensure equitable access to resources that help protect our communities.”

“We are dedicated to providing accessible financing options that enable residents and businesses to adopt green technologies and practices. These partnerships represent a significant step forward in achieving our mission to support the community in transitioning to sustainable energy sources,” Morel added.

The City of Rockville and MCGB share the common goal of improving the capacity of local communities, homes, businesses, and the natural environment to withstand and recover from climate change impacts such as rising temperatures, heat waves, drought, heavy rainfall, and severe storms.

Collaborating with the Green Bank offers the advantage of its flexible financing options. MCGB provides innovative financing solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of each project. In this instance, this flexibility ensures that Rockville’s Flood Mitigation Assistance Program can secure the funding required to implement effective flood mitigation measures and climate-resilient solutions, making these resources accessible to low- and moderate-income communities without imposing financial strain. “MCGB pilot projects are intended to make communities part of the solution structuring phase, not bring them solutions that are far from their reality,” stated Laura Mondragon, Director of Climate Resilience at the Green Bank.

About the Montgomery County Green Bank

The Montgomery County Green Bank is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping businesses and residents affordably implement energy efficiency, clean energy, and climate-resilient solutions. The Montgomery County Green Bank supports Montgomery County, MD by driving investment into energy efficiency and clean energy through lending and investment partners in the region. These efforts include working with homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and commercial entities of all varieties. For more information, visit www.mcgreenbank.org.

Media contact: Tyniah McDuffie, Director, Communications and Community Engagement