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Each year, the Virginia Clean Cities team gives a comprehensive update highlighting current initiatives, funding opportunities, and workforce development efforts across the Commonwealth, as well as how your organization can benefit from these programs. In case you missed it or would like a recap, here’s our 2026 update.
Watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1Xha9boGqI
View the presentation slides: vacleancities.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/THH-Program-Update-2026.pdf
Overview
Presented by Alleyn Harned
Executive Director Alleyn Harned opened the session with a re-introduction to Virginia Clean Cities and the nationwide Clean Cities and Communities network. He introduced a brief look into VCC’s suite of projects that aim to positively impact communities across the Commonwealth.
GUMBO [6:58]
Our Sustainable Transportation & Infrastructure Manager, Greg Brennan, introduced the audience to our key workforce education program, GUMBO.
In partnership with Louisiana Clean Fuels, this initiative develops and supports the deployment of electric vehicle infrastructure installation, maintenance, and repair curriculum in community colleges and other workforce focused educational institutions across the country.
Nationally, there is a growing demand for EVSE technicians. Here locally, we are partnering with regional organizations to study the implementation in local community colleges.
Learn more: https://chargertraining.com/
Southwest Virginia Expansion [11:43]
Presented by Tarah Kesterson, our Clean Communities and Economic Development Director, Southwest Virginia.
Joining us in February 2025 as our newest member, Tarah gives an introduction to herself and her impactful work in Southwest Virginia. Brought on as part of the Mid-Atlantic Clean Cities and Communities Expansion (MACCCE) program, she coordinates clean transportation engagement and outreach south of Roanoke. In this session, she gives an update on her adventures doing workshops, outreach, relationship-building, and more.
If your group operates in Southwest Virginia, this is your person!
tkesterson@active-fuchsia-cobra.67-208-42-13.cpanel.site
LODESTAR [19:43]
Our Deputy Director, Matt Wade, spoke on progress in the LODESTAR program.
The Logistics Decarbonization in Strategic Areas (LODESTAR). Entering the final phase (started in 2023). This project aims to identify gaps in knowledge and infrastructure for on last mile delivery electrification, and to develop data, tools, and resources for replication. We’re partnering with FedEx contractor Advanced Logistics Systems and Dominion Energy to deploy electric delivery trucks and charging infrastructure.
The second part of this program is the Last Mile Leadership scholarship, a scholarship to support Virginia students interested in clean transportation as a career. In the program, they gain financial assistance and a valuable learning experience about the industry.
CMAQ [34:31]
Presented by Russ Presnell, our Clean Fleet Engagement Coordinator, we summarized our continued success with implementing the CMAQ program.
The Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) Program provides funding for fleet vehicles to transition to alternative fuels such as electric, natural gas or propane autogas. Reimbursements are up to an average of $10,000 for the incremental cost of new vehicles or reasonable aftermarket conversions.
Eligible for non-containment areas
This program has successfully funded 80 vehicles in 2025! These include school buses, police cruisers, parks and recreation vehicles, and more.
Learn more about CMAQ: https://active-fuchsia-cobra.67-208-42-13.cpanel.site/reports-2/cmaq-incentive-program/
Events Update [40:29]
Presented by our Clean Communities & Economic Development Director Graham Sheridan, we briefly reviewed our three big events coming up this year:
- Electric School Bus Workshop: in partnership w/ WRI: https://active-fuchsia-cobra.67-208-42-13.cpanel.site/event/2026-esb-workshop/
- Rally in Richmond: https://active-fuchsia-cobra.67-208-42-13.cpanel.site/event/2026rally/
- 2026 Mid-Atlantic Advanced Transportation Summit & Expo (MAATSE): https://maccce.org/mid-atlantic-advanced-transportation-summit-expo-2026/
Q&A [43:33]
The session ended with a brief Q&A Session, where staff answered questions about workforce, electric vehicle infrastructure, and where we see our organization a year from now.
Get Involved
Become a Coalition Member: Gain specialized insights, discounts on events, technical assistance, and more when you become a coalition member of Virginia Clean Cities. vacleancities.org/become-a-member
Get Involved With a Grant or Program: Contact a member of our team if you are interested in one or more of the programs we mentioned or are on our website: vacleancities.org/about/about-us
Join us at an Event: VCC and our partners hold many clean transportation and energy events throughout the year; find one you like and join us in the field! vacleancities.org/events
Stay Connected: Want to make sure you don’t miss more events like this? Sign up to our email list and check the “Events and Webinars” box: vacleancities.org/about/stakeholders-update/