The Montgomery County Green Bank is a publicly chartered 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation dedicated to accelerating energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean energy investment in Montgomery County, MD. They partner with the private sector to provide more affordable and flexible financing options for County residents and businesses for clean energy and climate-resilient projects. These projects save energy, lower greenhouse gas emissions, create healthy living and working environments, foster a more resilient economy and environment, and help the county achieve its environmental goals.
Laura Mondragon is the Director for Climate Resilience of the Montgomery County Green Bank (MCGB). She comes to the Green Bank with a professional background in international climate finance, with experience in designing, assessing, and implementing climate and sustainable finance programs with public stakeholders in emerging economies.
Prior to the MCGB, Laura worked at an international development bank supporting Public Banks in their actions transitioning to a net zero business model. She coordinated the technical assistance program related to climate risk management. She also supported the design and preparation of regional green bonds programs and worked with international climate funds and donors. Laura is from Colombia, South America and has lived in Montgomery County for 15 years.
Show Notes:
[2:56] - Laura shares her background and the differences she experienced in working on a global scale versus on local initiatives.
[4:52] - She has been able to deep dive into international issues, including Latin American countries which are very impacted by climate change.
[5:40] - Now working in Montgomery County, she gets her “hands dirty” and works on multiple facets of initiatives.
[7:20] - Although different, there are transferable skills between international and local work.
[9:53] - The Montgomery County Green Bank is the first green bank established in the United States. Laura explains funding.
[13:30] - Laura explains different partner programs and collaborations, and how to get in touch with the Montgomery County Green Bank.
[16:07] - Laura breaks down some of the goals of resiliency at the green bank, and how different partnerships are moving them forward.
[18:09] - To be able to achieve climate resiliency at a county level, they must be mindful of all stakeholders’ needs.
[20:35] - Knowledge is power for communities.
[22:05] - One major initiative is education in the community that allows small business owners and farmers access to resources that will improve their business.
[23:49] - What are some of the challenges faced in climate resilience initiatives?
[26:05] - Selling resiliency is tough because it is usually very reactive.
[28:33] - Reflecting from her experiences, Laura gives advice to those starting out.
Links and Resources:
