City of Roanoke introduces new financing tool to help commercial property owners fund energy efficiency upgrades
Roanoke, Virginia – Commercial property owners, business operators, and nonprofit leaders in Roanoke now have access to a new financing option designed to support building upgrades and sustainability improvements. City officials announced that Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy, commonly known as C-PACE, was adopted by the city at the end of 2025, creating new opportunities for property improvements focused on efficiency and resiliency.
The program provides upfront capital for projects that improve energy performance and incorporate renewable energy solutions. Officials say the financing tool replaces traditional high-risk gap funding and can cover both hard and soft construction costs, including labor, materials, engineering, design, and legal expenses. By spreading repayment over time through a property assessment, the program is intended to make large improvement projects more manageable and financially feasible.
Funding Energy Efficiency and Resiency Improvements
Eligible projects under the C-PACE program include energy and water efficiency upgrades, renewable energy installations, and site improvements such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The program also supports green infrastructure for stormwater management, resiliency enhancements, and remediation projects that strengthen buildings against future risks.
City leaders say the initiative will help modernize commercial properties while lowering long-term operating costs and improving environmental performance. The financing structure also encourages private investment and supports local economic growth by enabling projects that might otherwise be delayed or financially out of reach.
To help developers, lenders, and regional partners understand how the program works, the city will host virtual information sessions on Monday, March 9, 2026, in collaboration with the Virginia PACE Authority. The sessions will explain eligibility requirements, financing mechanics, and how the program can be used to support redevelopment and sustainability goals.
Officials encourage interested parties to learn more by contacting City Sustainability Coordinator Leigh Anne Weitzenfeld at [email protected] or Senior Economic Development Specialist Lisa Soltis at [email protected].
By adopting C-PACE, Roanoke joins a growing number of communities offering innovative financing solutions that promote energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and long-term building performance improvements. City leaders believe the program will strengthen the local business environment while advancing sustainability and resilience goals across the region.
