Author: Daniel Lebiednik

DC Green Bank today announced Brandi Colander as its next Chief Executive Officer. The DC Green Bank Board of Directors chose Ms. Colander to serve as permanent CEO based on her extensive experience at DC Green Bank, including leading the organization as Interim CEO since June and serving as Chair of the Board of Directors since its inception.

“Brandi has shown tremendous leadership of DC Green Bank both on the Board and as Interim CEO, and the Board is confident that she has the expertise, skills, and experience to ensure the organization’s continued success,” said Ed Hubbard, Acting Chair of the Board of Directors. “Brandi’s deep knowledge of DC Green Bank supports a seamless transition, ensuring the organization continues to deliver on its mission while also growing its reach and impact.”

Ms. Colander has extensive experience across the public and private sectors, including serving as the Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of the Interior and Deputy General Counsel at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. In these roles, she advised Cabinet leaders on regulatory, policy, and infrastructure matters. In the private sector, she has led corporate functions and advised Fortune 500 company executives.

“This opportunity is an honor, particularly during an exciting time in our maturation. Together with our team, board, and partners, we will strengthen our foundation, deepen our mission-driven focus, and chart bold new paths for sustainable investments in resilient infrastructure,” said Ms. Colander.

Since launching full operations in April 2020, DC Green Bank has invested more than $80 million in affordable housing, renewable energy, electric transportation, and resilient infrastructure projects across the District. This financing has unlocked a further $800 million in private investment into the DC economy. Just in the last few weeks, DC Green Bank announced its first financing for transportation electrification, which will help small business owners purchase electric vehicles, and also a new investment in a DC-based solar developer that will benefit low-income residents.

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DC Green Bank today announced $1 million in financing for FinEV to provide loans for DC small businesses to purchase electric vehicles. The financing will be used to help approximately one dozen businesses – such as transportation providers, florists, dry cleaners, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and solar developers – make the switch to fully electric vehicles. By electrifying their fleets, businesses can save thousands of dollars each year through reduced fuel and maintenance costs, while also lowering pollution in their communities and cutting their climate impact.

FinEV is filling a gap in the industry, as electric vehicle manufacturers often do not offer in-house financing for small businesses. FinEV will offer affordable credit options, helping to ease small businesses’ transition to electric vehicles. DC Green Bank’s loan will help FinEV expand its footprint and scale its lending operations.

“Making it easier for pioneering businesses to electrify their fleets will help them save money and energize their businesses,” said Brandi Colander, Interim CEO of DC Green Bank. “Our loan to FinEV is DC Green Bank’s first investment in resilient infrastructure for vehicle and fleet electrification, and we look forward to helping small business owners invest in what is best for both their needs and their communities.”

“The market for converting fleets to electric is already there, what lacks is the supply to fulfill this demand. FinEV is filling this gap, which will lead to more business owners in the DC area jumping at the opportunity to invest in electric vehicles,” said Nic Abel, CEO and Founder of FinEV. “DC Green Bank’s partnership will help us attract further investments that will continue to support small businesses and help the District reach its sustainability goals.”

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DC Green Bank and PACE Equity joined Valor Development to celebrate the opening of Sixty DC, a new energy-efficient hotel in Dupont Circle. Financed through DC Green Bank’s leadership of the DC PACE program, this new development converted an empty office building into a boutique hotel featuring a restaurant and rooftop bar. The hotel will create a new anchor to boost the growth of downtown DC and the Golden Triangle.

C-PACE funding, provided by PACE Equity, financed the installation of a highly efficient HVAC system, improved insulation, LED lighting, and water-efficient fixtures that will save nearly $50,000 in annual utility costs. The hotel is also expected to create nearly 150 hospitality jobs.

Investments in projects like Sixty DC are supporting the Mayor’s Downtown DC Action Plan by repurposing underutilized office space into dynamic businesses that bring people to the neighborhood and create opportunities for communities to thrive.

“A vibrant Downtown is the energetic, cultural, and economic heart of our city,” said Deputy Mayor Nina Albert. “The Sixty DC Hotel will add to the choices available for DC’s visitors and serve as a new employer in the Downtown area. Supported by DMPED’s Downtown Recovery Grant, this project is a great example of how we can convert underutilized office space into a dynamic new use.”

“PACE financing is a catalyst for economic growth, and PACE Equity’s investment in Sixty DC is a prime example,” said Brandi Colander, Interim CEO of DC Green Bank. “By making it easier for developers to invest in energy efficiency and resiliency, the DC PACE program is supporting investment in downtown, cutting utility costs, and creating jobs.”

“We’re excited to bring Sixty DC to this vibrant neighborhood and provide a new destination for visitors and locals alike to experience,” said Will Lansing, Founding Principal of Valor Development. “DC Green Bank and PACE Equity not only made this project possible, but helped us realize the benefits and savings of investing in energy efficiency.”

“Sixty DC was our first C-PACE project in DC and shows how our capital can transform buildings and communities,” said Beau Engman, president and founder at PACE Equity. “We are thrilled to be partners in this project and look forward to making more projects like this happen by providing low-cost, strategic capital.”

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DC Green Bank and the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) joined the Howard Theatre Development Group today to celebrate new solar energy and HVAC systems that will save the historic theater nearly $2 million over their lifetimes. These upgrades were financed by a $775,000 loan from DC Green Bank and more than $35,000 in incentives from the DCSEU.

The highly efficient HVAC system will cut heating and cooling energy use by an estimated 40 percent and the solar and battery system will cut utility costs by an estimated $21,000 per year.

DC Green Bank provided loan readiness support and technical assistance through its Community Impact Initiative, which provides low-interest loans to community-serving organizations. The DCSEU also provided engineering reviews and support to make the project possible.

Uprise Solar, a District Certified Business Enterprise, installed the solar and battery system. Based in Ward 6, Uprise has grown from a single employee in 2021 to 30 employees today, with the support of incentives for homeowners to install solar energy provided by the DCSEU and investments from DC Green Bank.

The Howard Theatre is the oldest theater built for African American entertainment in U.S. history and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The upgrades were also supported by a $700,500 African American Civil Rights Grant from the National Park Service, through the DC Preservation League.

“The Howard Theatre’s solar, battery storage, and chiller installation directly aligns with the Mayor’s goals,” said Richard Jackson, Director of the DC Department of Energy and Environment. “This project is a model of sustainable preservation, paired with cultural heritage in climate leadership. These are the type of projects the District government wants to support so our city can ensure a reliable grid for future generations to come.”

“This project shows the power of partnership to benefit the community and grow small businesses,” said Brandi Colander, Interim CEO of DC Green Bank. “The Howard Theatre has long been a leader in DC’s culture and is now leading the community into an energy-efficient and resilient future.”

“The Howard Theatre stands as a significant cultural landmark in our city, and we are proud to support enhancements that will maintain its legacy while improving its energy efficiency and sustainability,” said Ben Burdick, Managing Director of the DCSEU. “DC Green Bank’s financing combined with DCSEU incentives exemplify the positive outcomes of collaboration among local government, contractors, and programs that promote clean energy and the conservation of a historic site within the District.”

“DC Green Bank and the DCSEU provided more than funding, their teams provided support and guidance from our first conversation to the end of construction,” said Roy “Chip” Ellis, owner of The Howard Theatre. “These new systems will help The Howard Theatre stay open for a new generation and continue to serve as a cornerstone of the DC community.”

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DC Green Bank today announced $1.275 million in financing for Uprise Solar for the installation of solar energy systems at 74 homes and three churches across DC. The building owners will receive the energy from the solar arrays at no cost. More than two-thirds of the households that will benefit are located in Wards 5, 7, and 8, and at least 75% are low and moderate income. The loan will also finance solar arrays at 10 buildings in Maryland that are part of the DC grid, adding additional energy resilience to the District. The solar arrays are expected to generate over 1 MWh of renewable energy annually, reducing carbon emissions by the equivalent of 1.8 million miles driven by an average passenger vehicle each year.

This investment is DC Green Bank’s third loan to Uprise Solar, enabling $5 million in total investment and supporting a DC-based small business and certified business enterprise (CBE).

Uprise Solar’s partnership with DC Green Bank has helped it grow from a single employee to a staff of 30 in just over 3 years. With the support of DC Green Bank financing, Uprise has expanded from a solar construction company to owning and operating solar arrays, keeping the revenue and value of these systems in the District, rather than selling them to outside investors. Additionally, Uprise now installs battery storage, EV chargers, and roofing. Because of the growth and expansion of its business, Uprise employs its installers and construction team directly, providing steady, good-paying jobs.

“This financing shows DC Green Bank’s catalytic impact: saving families money, supporting local businesses, and creating jobs,” said Brandi Colander, Interim CEO of DC Green Bank. “Our continued partnership with Uprise Solar has grown a business dedicated to the community, helping more District residents benefit from solar power and building the local economy.”

“DC Green Bank has helped accelerate our growth, bringing clean energy and utility bill savings to hundreds of DC families and helping us keep jobs and dollars in the District,” said Chris Sewell, Managing Director and Founder at Uprise Solar. “Our mission is to build an employee-focused culture at Uprise. Well-taken-care-of employees take great care of their customers. This is our way to do the best job we can sharing the benefits of solar power to DC residents regardless of income. DC Green Bank has helped us make that happen all along the way.”

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City First Enterprises (CFE), DC Green Bank, and Evergreen Energy Investments today announced $5.25 million in financing that will deliver clean, affordable solar energy to approximately 335 District households. Three-quarters of the households will be in low- to moderate-income communities, and approximately 200 homes will receive the solar energy generated at zero cost.

With this financing, Evergreen Energy Investments – through a subsidiary – will lead the installation of more than 3 MW of solar systems across these households. The solar arrays are expected to generate 3,685 MWh of renewable energy annually, reducing carbon emissions by the equivalent of 9million miles driven by an average passenger vehicle each year. These projects are also expected to create approximately 50 jobs.

CFE and DC Green Bank each contributed $2.625 million to finance the $10 million project. This deal builds on a yearslong partnership between CFE and DC Green Bank that serves as a model for how CDFIs and green banks across the country can expand access to capital for clean energy projects and local economic development.

“This project is proof that the transition to clean energy starts at the community level,” said CFE President & CEO Oswaldo Acosta. “Through investments like these, CFE builds on its commitment to expand access to capital, grow our local economy, and catalyze private resources on behalf of community development initiatives.”

“We are proud to support our partners and drive investments in resilient infrastructure that create jobs, reduce energy costs, and put money back in the pockets of DC residents,” said Brandi Colander, Interim CEO of DC Green Bank. “We’re thrilled to have a strong partnership with CFE, together we are creating tangible solutions to support the District’s thriving energy economy.”

“Projects like these prove the transition to clean energy can be both profitable and equitable,” said Lawrence Brown, Founder & CEO of Evergreen Companies. “Evergreen is proud to advance District goals surrounding sustainability, and we look forward to continuing that mission in the years to come.”

The solar power systems are expected to be installed by the second half of 2026.

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DC Green Bank, The Community Preservation Corporation (CPC), American Housing, Amazon, and J.P. Morgan today announced the closing of $26.7 million in construction financing for energy-efficient upgrades to an affordable housing complex developed in Ward 3. The loan will fund renovations to fully electrify 52 affordable homes and add solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, and energy-efficient building upgrades. These upgrades are estimated to cut both the building’s utility costs and greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 10%. The project is also expected to create dozens of jobs.

The Townley Court affordable housing development is expected to achieve Enterprise Green Communities Certification, one of the highest building standards for energy-efficient affordable housing in the country. The full renovation will include adding seven additional apartments to the building’s existing 45 units.

CPC brought together DC Green Bank and J.P. Morgan to deliver $15.7 million in combined financing for the project. Additional financing includes $5.2 million from Amazon, $5.8 million from American Housing, and a $15.695 million Freddie Mac TAH Forward Commitment arranged by CPC Mortgage Company.

“This renovation is helping us support inclusive prosperity by delivering affordable homes for families just blocks from an elementary school, grocery stores, parks, and job opportunities,” said Brandi Colander, Interim CEO of DC Green Bank. “Projects like Townley Court show how our creative financing tools make it possible to build healthier, more affordable homes in DC.”

“Townley Court advances CPC’s mission of supporting high-performance, affordable housing that meets the evolving needs of our neighborhoods,” said Andrew D’Agostino, Senior Vice President for CPC. “This project demonstrates how intentional investments in housing can create healthier, more resilient homes, drive affordability, create jobs, and benefit local communities. We are proud to partner with mission-driven organizations to help deliver safe, affordable homes for families in the District. My thanks to the DC Green Bank, American Housing, and all of the stakeholders who have supported this important project.”

“Sustainability is a core part of our mission at American Housing, and working with organizations like DC Green Bank and CPC will allow us to transform this property into a model for green affordable housing in DC,” said Jason Wiles, Partner at American Housing. “These energy efficiency upgrades will reduce utility costs for residents while creating healthier, more comfortable living spaces.”

“J.P. Morgan is proud to support the transformation of Townley Court through innovative financing strategies,” said Lionel Lynch, Head of Workforce Housing Solutions at J.P. Morgan. “This project demonstrates our commitment to increasing housing options in prime locations that are available for families at a broad range of incomes.”

“We are energized by the closing of financing for Townley Court, a development that exemplifies our vision for affordable housing that contributes to thriving communities,” said Senthil Sankaran, managing principal for Amazon’s housing fund. “We’re grateful to DC Green Bank, The Community Preservation Corporation, American Housing, and J.P. Morgan for their commitment to high-quality affordable housing.”

The renovation to 2315 40th Place NW is expected to be completed in September 2026.

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