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Consideration of agreement with Grow Solar Milwaukee-Waukesha for use of the City of Wauwatosa logo for the 2026 solar group purchasing program
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Submitted by:
Megan Conway, Sustainability Manager
Department:
Department of Public Works
A. Issue
Authorization of the use of the City of Wauwatosa logo by Grow Solar Milwaukee-Waukesha, a program of the non-profit organization Midwest Renewable Energy Association, in conjunction with its 2026 solar group purchasing program for residential and commercial properties in Wauwatosa, as well as the broader Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties.
B. Background/Options
In 2017, 2024, and 2025, Wauwatosa’s Common Council approved agreements for the use of the City logo by Grow Solar Greater Milwaukee and Grow Solar Milwaukee-Waukesha, programs of the non-profit organization Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA). The 2026 iteration of the program provides property owners in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties the opportunity to participate in a solar group buy to receive solar panel installation at discounted prices from a vetted installer. To select an installer for the program, MREA conducted a competitive RFP process reviewed by an Advisory Committee of local stakeholders. MREA has significant experience in managing solar group buy programs in the Midwest and has conducted annual programs across six states since 2013. In the 2025 Grow Solar Milwaukee-Waukesha program alone, 36 properties installed 287 kilowatts of renewable solar energy systems.
In order to meet the goal of community carbon neutrality by 2050 adopted in the 2020 City of Wauwatosa Energy Resolution, renewable energy generation on privately owned residential and commercial buildings will need to significantly expand. Increased adoption of rooftop solar, supported by the Grow Solar program can support the City’s sustainability goals.
MREA is interested in renewing a logo use agreement for 2026 that will include City of Wauwatosa within a larger group of participating municipalities in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties to encourage installations of solar equipment resulting in electricity cost savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The agreements between the City and MREA in 2017, 2024, and 2025 allowed for the use of the City of Wauwatosa logo for the purpose of promoting the program, particularly to Wauwatosa residents and businesses. The agreement protected the City’s interests, including intellectual property rights in its logo. An updated version for 2026 is attached.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority Area Three: Infrastructure
Priority Area Five: Quality of Life
D. Fiscal Impact
There is no cost to the City. Limited staff time is expected to promote the program and answer resident inquiries.
E. Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the attached agreement for use of the City logo by Grow Solar Milwaukee Waukesha, limited to the 2026 program.