Lewis Center Staff Host: Shraeya Madhu, Manager, Decarbonization

Speakers: Laura Mondragon, Senior Director of Climate Resilience and Adaptation at Montgomery County Green Bank & Shalini Vajhala, Founder of PRECollective

Description: Access to capital is one of the biggest barriers to advancing local climate action. Climate finance, which can include innovative lending models, public-private partnerships, and community investment, has the power to unlock opportunities to decarbonize buildings, support small businesses, and make the energy transition more equitable. In this conversation, hear from the Montgomery County Green Bank, one of the nation’s first local green banks, on how they pioneer financing solutions that accelerate clean energy and energy efficiency projects across Maryland. Laura and Shalini will explore how green banks are bridging the gap between private capital and community needs, fostering a more resilient economy and community.