Upcoming Events.
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Upcoming Events. *
Canva Basics: Digital Design for Climate Justice 101
Beginner‑friendly Canva training for climate justice communicators. Learn layout, color, templates, and presentation tools to create clear, consistent movement visuals.
Health Working Group
We bring together public health experts, community advocates, and other professionals to understand and address the health and air quality impacts of fossil fuel combustion in buildings.
Through collaboration, capacity-building, and policy advocacy, the group works to ensure healthy homes and buildings for all.
Check out some of the Health WG’s recent projects on this page, including a fact sheet on health and building decarbonization, presentation and Q&A with Stanford researcher Yannai Kashtan, and a blog post detailing the process the working group took to successfully submit comments to the Consumer Product Safety Commission on the health impacts of gas stoves.
Policy Power Hour | ENERGY JUSTICE & DATA CENTERS-
This month, we will ground ourselves in justice frameworks before revisiting what data centers are and why they’re growing so rapidly across the Midwest. We’ll examine how this expansion shapes grid stress, job creation, air quality, infrastructure, and long‑term community planning. Participants will leave equipped with tools to understand trade‑offs, ask informed questions, and advocate for upcoming state legislation, community‑centered protections for frontline communities, and health‑impact reparations.
Coalition Orientation and Coalition Building 101
UPCOMING ORIENTATION
Orientation | July — Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition
Curious about building decarbonization? Want to see what an equitable, coalition-led method of organizing looks like? Join our monthly Midwest BDC Orientation meeting. Attending this orientation is the first step in getting more deeply involved with the Coalition and becoming a member
Advocacy Working Group | July
Join us for our Advocacy Working Group on the 3rd Tuesday and 2 pm EST
Canva Basics: Digital Design for Climate Justice 102
Intermediate Canva training for climate justice campaigns. Learn advanced layouts, branded templates, and movement‑aligned visuals that elevate Midwest decarb stories.
Affordable Housing Working Group
The Affordable Housing WG works to advance energy efficiency, decarbonization, and electrification in affordable housing programs so low-income renters are able to equitably benefit from the clean energy transition.
Working group membership features a mix of green building experts, affordable housing non-profits, and community advocates in Midwest BDC states. Past and on-going topics include affordable housing developer tax credits and energy benchmarking of multi-family buildings.
Midwest BDC Data Center Strategy: Aligning Grasstops & Grassroots Power
This interactive strategy workshop brings together organizers, advocates, and partners from across the Midwest to examine how communities are responding to data center expansion — and what tactics are proving effective at the state level. Participants are encouraged to come prepared to share what they and their allies are doing to push back on harmful data center proposals, elevate community concerns, and shape policy conversations. Together, we’ll map the distinct roles of grasstops and grassroots actors, identify where each holds power, and explore how those strengths can be leveraged in coordinated campaigns. Through collaborative discussion and real‑world examples, we’ll clarify why our movement operates the way it does, how influence flows across sectors, and what strategic opportunities exist to protect Midwestern communities from extractive data center development.
Policy Power Hour: Grid Resilience, Energy Infrastructure & Data Center Impacts
Join Midwest BDC’s monthly Policy Power Hour
—a dynamic, one-hour session where coalition members unpack the latest legislative updates, regulatory shifts, and advocacy opportunities across the Midwest.
This Month’s topic:
GRID RESILIENCE & ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE
As electrification accelerates, the Midwest grid is under growing pressure.
This Policy Power Hour is designed to help members feel confident navigating complex energy issues—and to ensure our movement is prepared for the infrastructure challenges ahead.
Communities, utilities, and policymakers are all asking the same questions:
What does grid resilience actually mean in our region? Where are the gaps? And how should we plan for the infrastructure we’ll need?
This month, we’re building on that foundation. Together, we’ll examine how data centers, electric vehicles, and energy conversion technologies contribute to grid stress, and what that means for long‑term community planning. We’ll explore how these trends intersect with state‑level policy, utility decision‑making, and local advocacy efforts.
What Participants Will Gain
By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with tools to:
Understand the core components of grid resilience in the Midwest
Identify where grid vulnerabilities intersect with data center growth and EV adoption
Recognize how infrastructure decisions shape community outcomes
Spot policy windows and regulatory levers that can strengthen resilience
Connect these insights to ongoing campaigns and coalition strategy
Who Should Attend:
Residents, community leaders, local government staff, environmental justice advocates, and anyone interested in how digital infrastructure affects energy systems and community well‑being.
Midwest BDC Monthly Coalition Meeting
Learn more about joining the Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition
Want to take your advocacy and involvement to the next level? Learn how you can become a member of Midwest BDC - we need your voice in this work.
Monthly Coalition Meeting- Register
Policy Power Hour | ENERGY JUSTICE & DATA CENTERS
Join Midwest BDC’s monthly Policy Power Hour
—a dynamic, one-hour session where coalition members unpack the latest legislative updates, regulatory shifts, and advocacy opportunities across the Midwest.
This Month’s topic:
ENERGYJUSTICE & DATA CENTERS
AI Data Centers and the Hidden Costs of Energy, Water, Air, and Noise
Last month, we explored the types of data centers, their impacts on community health and affordability, and what our members are doing to respond.
This month, we will ground ourselves in justice frameworks before revisiting what data centers are and why they’re growing so rapidly across the Midwest. We’ll examine how this expansion shapes grid stress, job creation, air quality, infrastructure, and long‑term community planning. Participants will leave equipped with tools to understand trade‑offs, ask informed questions, and advocate for upcoming state legislation, community‑centered protections for frontline communities, and health‑impact reparations.
Each session features:
• 🔍 Updates from the ground across the Midwest
• 🧭 Strategic insights on building decarbonization and energy justice
• 🗣️Interactive: Open discussion and Q&A with fellow advocates
• 📣 Calls to action and upcoming engagement opportunities
Who Should Attend:
Residents, community leaders, local government staff, environmental justice advocates, and anyone interested in how digital infrastructure affects energy systems and community well‑being.
Orientation | June
Curious about building decarbonization?
Want to see what an equitable, coalition-led method of organizing looks like?
Join our monthly Midwest BDC Orientation meeting. Attending this orientation is the first step in getting more deeply involved with the Coalition and becoming a member – we hope to see you there!
Expect to meet some of our staff, learn about our working groups, meeting schedules, membership, and how you can plug in with our work.
Strategic Powermapping
A hands‑on powermapping training for advocates and organizers working on decarbonization and energy justice. Learn how to identify key decision‑makers, map influence pathways, and build a power map you can immediately apply to your campaign. Come with a governing body in mind—or find one during the session.
Advocacy Working Group | June
Join us for our Advocacy Working Group on the 3rd Tuesday and 2 pm EST
Tenant Rights: From Redlining, Equity to Energy Justice
Explore how historic redlining and discriminatory housing policies shaped today’s unequal energy burdens and tenant challenges. This session connects past harms to present‑day energy and housing injustices and highlights tenant‑centered solutions emerging across the Midwest. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how housing justice, energy justice, and decarbonization intersect—and what meaningful action looks like in 2026.
Energy Justice 101: How Communities Benefit | Water, Data Centers, Utility Bills, Indoor Air — Why Energy Justice Matters More Than Ever
Do you want lower utility bills?
Do you want healthier air in your home?
Do you want your community protected as data centers and water demands grow?
If you answered yes, this session is for you.
Energy justice is about making sure every community—especially those historically overburdened by pollution, high energy costs, and poor housing conditions—benefits from the transition to clean, affordable, and healthy energy systems. And with Summer and Fall 2026 bringing rising utility bills, increased water demand, rapid data‑center expansion, and growing indoor air concerns, understanding these issues has never been more urgent.
You’ll learn how today’s energy systems work, where inequities show up, and how utilities, technical partners, and community organizations influence a fair transition. We’ll also share a practical roadmap for community‑centered decarbonization that prioritizes health, affordability, and resilience.
What We’ll Cover
- What “energy justice” means and why it matters in 2026
- How communities benefit from equitable decarbonization
- The basics of how buildings and energy systems work
- Utility roles, responsibilities, and opportunities for partnership
- How water, data centers, and rising energy demand shape community outcomes
- Indoor air quality and health impacts
- A roadmap for community‑centered planning and engagement
- How residents and advocates can influence local decisions
Who Should Attend
Residents, community leaders, local government staff, environmental justice advocates, and anyone interested in how clean energy and building decarbonization can support healthier, more affordable, and more resilient communities in 2026 and beyond.
Policy Power Hour | The Cloud Isn’t Invisible: Data Centers, Grid Stress, Jobs, and What Communities Can Do About It
Join Midwest BDC’s monthly Policy Power Hour
—a dynamic, one-hour session where coalition members unpack the latest legislative updates, regulatory shifts, and advocacy opportunities across the Midwest.
This Month’s topic:
The Cloud Isn’t Invisible
Let’s discuss Data Centers, Grid Stress, Jobs, and What Communities Can Do About It
As the Midwest moves toward cleaner and more affordable energy systems, energy demand is shifting rapidly. We will recap building decarbonization—what it is, why it matters, and how it supports community health, affordability, and resilience. Participants will learn how buildings use energy, why electrification is a key strategy, and how the Midwest’s housing stock and climate shape our path forward.
Each session features:
• 🔍 Timely policy briefings from across the region
• 🧭 Strategic insights on building decarbonization and energy justice
• 🗣️ Open discussion and Q&A with fellow advocates
• 📣 Calls to action and upcoming engagement opportunities
We then turn to one of the fastest‑growing drivers of regional energy demand: data centers. These facilities—central to cloud computing, AI, and digital storage—are expanding quickly and placing new pressures on local grids, land use, and community resources.
The session explains what data centers are, why they’re growing, and how their energy needs intersect with community decarbonization goals. We’ll explore impacts on grid stress, job creation, air quality, infrastructure, and long‑term planning. Participants will leave with tools to understand trade‑offs, ask informed questions, and advocate for upcoming state legislation, community‑centered protections for frontline communities, or health‑impact reparations.
Who Should Attend:
Residents, community leaders, local government staff, environmental justice advocates, and anyone interested in how digital infrastructure affects energy systems and community well‑being.
Advocacy 101: Why Advocacy Matters Now? | May
Are you ready to harness the power of storytelling for advocacy?
Join us for a compelling training session designed to equip you with the art of crafting stories that highlight your wins, needs, and the urgency of your cause.
Advocacy Working Group | May
Join us for our Advocacy Working Group on the 3rd Tuesday and 2 pm EST
Missouri Advocacy Day
Missouri Deserves Better Buildings. Join us in online, instead of Jefferson City on March 15 as advocates, residents, and partners come together to push for healthier, more affordable, low‑carbon buildings across the state. Building pollution drives poor air‑quality days and harms Missourians with asthma and respiratory conditions—this Advocacy Day is our moment to demand solutions that protect our communities.
Orientation
Curious about building decarbonization?
Want to see what an equitable, coalition-led method of organizing looks like?
Join our monthly Midwest BDC Orientation meeting. Attending this orientation is the first step in getting more deeply involved with the Coalition and becoming a member – we hope to see you there!
Expect to meet some of our staff, learn about our working groups, meeting schedules, membership, and how you can plug in with our work.
Policy Power Hour
Join Midwest BDC’s monthly Policy Power Hour
Whether you're a seasoned policy wonk or just getting oriented, this space is designed to keep you informed, inspired, and ready to act.
Each session features:
• 🔍 Timely policy briefings from across the region
• 🧭 Strategic insights on building decarbonization and energy justice
• 🗣️ Open discussion and Q&A with fellow advocates
• 📣 Calls to action and upcoming engagement opportunities
Come as you are, stay as long as you can, and leave with tools to move the work forward.
Advocacy 101: Why Advocacy Matters Now?
Are you ready to harness the power of storytelling for advocacy?
Join us for a compelling training session designed to equip you with the art of crafting stories that highlight your wins, needs, and the urgency of your cause.
Orientation
Curious about building decarbonization?
Want to see what an equitable, coalition-led method of organizing looks like?
Join our monthly Midwest BDC Orientation meeting. Attending this orientation is the first step in getting more deeply involved with the Coalition and becoming a member – we hope to see you there!
Expect to meet some of our staff, learn about our working groups, meeting schedules, membership, and how you can plug in with our work.
What is Building Decarbonization? | DECARB 101
Join Midwest BDC's Stephanie Bowman (Communications & Campaigns Manager) and Joanne Lee (Policy Manager) for Decarb 101, a welcoming, no-jargon session where you'll explore the differences between efficiency and decarbonization, the role buildings play in climate and health, and how electrification can drive justice.
Whether you’re skeptical, curious, or ready to dive in, this training is your entry point.
In this introductory session, you'll learn:
Common Key Terms: Get familiar with the essential vocabulary of building decarbonization.
What is Building Decarbonization? Understand the fundamentals and why it's crucial for our future.
Why Does It Matter to Me? Discover the personal and community benefits of decarbonization.
What is Midwest BDC Doing About It? Learn about the initiatives and projects led by Midwest BDC.
How Can I Get Involved? Find out how you can contribute and make a difference.
By the end of the session, you'll be well-prepared to inspire others in the journey towards a sustainable future.
Missouri “Let’s Keep the Lights On” Virtual Roundtable
Missouri “Let’s Keep the Lights On” Virtual Roundtable
6:00 PM EST
We’re convening a VIRTUAL roundtable to align on our priorities ahead of Advocacy Day. This session will help us refine our targets—especially around data centers and energy affordability—and shape the strategy we bring to the Capitol.
Please RSVP: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2h81ITvJSiWNMLOWXItlOQ
Michigan “Let’s Keep the Lights On” Virtual Roundtable
Michigan “Let’s Keep the Lights On” Virtual Roundtable
6:00 PM EST
We’re convening a VIRTUAL roundtable to align on our priorities ahead of Advocacy Day. This session will help us refine our targets—especially around data centers and energy affordability—and shape the strategy we bring to the Capitol.
Please RSVP:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Onh9bc0rSW-1tmdFdSGswQ
Advocacy 101: Why Advocacy Matters Now?
Are you ready to harness the power of storytelling for advocacy?
Join us for a compelling training session designed to equip you with the art of crafting stories that highlight your wins, needs, and the urgency of your cause.
Policy Power Hour
Join Midwest BDC’s monthly Policy Power Hour
Whether you're a seasoned policy wonk or just getting oriented, this space is designed to keep you informed, inspired, and ready to act.
Each session features:
• 🔍 Timely policy briefings from across the region
• 🧭 Strategic insights on building decarbonization and energy justice
• 🗣️ Open discussion and Q&A with fellow advocates
• 📣 Calls to action and upcoming engagement opportunities
Come as you are, stay as long as you can, and leave with tools to move the work forward.
Advocacy Working Group
Join us for our Advocacy Working Group on the 3rd Tuesday and 2 pm EST
HOW TO KEEP IT LOCAL WITH DECARB & DELIVER.
Decarb & Deliver: brings the message of building decarbonization home. That means tackling the systems that affect our everyday lives—heating, cooling, cooking, and ventilation—and transitioning them away from fossil fuels toward clean, all-electric solutions. It’s about improving indoor air quality, lowering energy bills, and making homes safer and healthier for everyone.
Orientation
Curious about building decarbonization?
Want to see what an equitable, coalition-led method of organizing looks like?
Join our monthly Midwest BDC Orientation meeting. Attending this orientation is the first step in getting more deeply involved with the Coalition and becoming a member – we hope to see you there!
Expect to meet some of our staff, learn about our working groups, meeting schedules, membership, and how you can plug in with our work.
Advocacy 101: Why Advocacy Matters Now?
Are you ready to harness the power of storytelling for advocacy?
Join us for a compelling training session designed to equip you with the art of crafting stories that highlight your wins, needs, and the urgency of your cause.
Policy Power Hour
Join Midwest BDC’s monthly Policy Power Hour
Whether you're a seasoned policy wonk or just getting oriented, this space is designed to keep you informed, inspired, and ready to act.
Each session features:
• 🔍 Timely policy briefings from across the region
• 🧭 Strategic insights on building decarbonization and energy justice
• 🗣️ Open discussion and Q&A with fellow advocates
• 📣 Calls to action and upcoming engagement opportunities
Come as you are, stay as long as you can, and leave with tools to move the work forward.
Advocacy Working Group
Join us for our Advocacy Working Group on the 3rd Tuesday and 2 pm EST
Orientation
Curious about building decarbonization?
Want to see what an equitable, coalition-led method of organizing looks like?
Join our monthly Midwest BDC Orientation meeting. Attending this orientation is the first step in getting more deeply involved with the Coalition and becoming a member – we hope to see you there!
Expect to meet some of our staff, learn about our working groups, meeting schedules, membership, and how you can plug in with our work.
What is Building Decarbonization? | DECARB 101
Join Midwest BDC's Stephanie Bowman (Communications & Campaigns Manager) and Joanne Lee (Policy Manager) for Decarb 101, a welcoming, no-jargon session where you'll explore the differences between efficiency and decarbonization, the role buildings play in climate and health, and how electrification can drive justice.
Whether you’re skeptical, curious, or ready to dive in, this training is your entry point.
In this introductory session, you'll learn:
Common Key Terms: Get familiar with the essential vocabulary of building decarbonization.
What is Building Decarbonization? Understand the fundamentals and why it's crucial for our future.
Why Does It Matter to Me? Discover the personal and community benefits of decarbonization.
What is Midwest BDC Doing About It? Learn about the initiatives and projects led by Midwest BDC.
How Can I Get Involved? Find out how you can contribute and make a difference.
By the end of the session, you'll be well-prepared to inspire others in the journey towards a sustainable future.
IOWA ADVOCACY DAY
When national power feels out of reach, the Midwest turns to state power—from representatives and policy to utility commissions—because the Midwest deserves better.
Amid instability and federal rollbacks, Midwest BDC is launching State Advocacy Days to advance bold, community-centered climate action rooted in energy and utility justice.
On February 5th, we mobilize in Iowa, bringing together everyday Iowans, coalition members, and climate champions from Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Iowa City, Ames, Waterloo, and Sioux City.
Together, we’ll share stories and speak directly to legislators about how building emissions and energy burdens affect real lives across the state.
Location: Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines. Details provided after RSVP.
