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Consideration of agreement with Grow Solar Milwaukee-Waukesha for use of the City of Wauwatosa logo for the 2025 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 2025 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 and 2024, the Common Council approved agreements for the use of the City logo by Grow Solar Greater Milwaukee, a program of the non-profit organization Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA). The 2025 iteration of the program is Grow Solar Milwaukee-Waukesha and 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 70 programs since 2013 resulting in 3,400 solar arrays installed across 6 states.
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 on-site solar, supported by the Grow Solar program can support the City’s sustainability goals.
MREA is interested in renewing a logo use agreement for 2025 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 and 2024 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 2025 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 2025 program.