Current Projects

We take on projects that address one or more of our three focus areas:

Advancing Sustainable Communities through:

⇒ Rural Leadership Development
⇒ Infrastructure Education and Outreach Tools
⇒ University-Community Collaborations

For Upcoming Events in Any of Our Focus Areas Please See Our Events Page

The Public Management and Finance Program (PMFP)

The PMFP is a multifaceted project and is the hallmark of the EFC at Syracuse University. Through this program, the EFC delivers technical assistance to rural communities in need of assistance with their water or wastewater infrastructure projects as well as other environmental improvement projects. Through the PMFP, we promote holistic approaches to planning in a neutral, collaborative setting. For more information, click here.

Financing Green Capital Projects

It’s not always easy being green, but at the EFC we make it easier. As our built environment takes on a greenish tint, you may find it attractive to start your own “green” project. The good news is that there is an abundance of funding opportunities for your next green capital project. The better news: We’ve done the dirty work for you and made it easier to find the sources of grants and loans specific to green capital projects.

Through our partnership with the Maxwell School and the US Green Building Council we have made it even easier by creating the Field Guide of Financial Support for Sustainable Capital Projects. This product was created by Maxwell School graduate students. For a pdf version of the guide, please click here.

Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure projects are gaining attention in communities of all sizes as they struggle with stormwater. This ecological design approach is most often implemented in settings where there is a high percentage of impervious cover in order to restore ecosystem function. Green infrastructure systems capture stormwater, act as a natural water filter, recharge groundwater or can used for watering gardens and flushing toilets. Common green infrastructure techniques include green roofs, rain gardens, porous pavement and bioretention basins or bioswales, also are used to slow the velocity of stormwater so as to decrease the scouring effect and to allow infiltration into the soil and groundwater below.

Green infrastructure elements are planned and managed primarily for stormwater control, but also exhibit other social, economic and environmental benefits. The EFC has been developing outreach materials on green infrastructure for local elected officials which will be released soon.

Technical Assistance Partnership Forums (TAPF)

TAPFs bring together technical assistance providers from the public and private sectors to discuss water and wastewater infrastructure issues. These forums are structured to facilitate networking and discussion. In addition to promoting camaraderie, the forums enable providers to:
•    Share information on current projects and new policies;
•    Hear news on infrastructure funding;
•    Learn about new technology, guidelines and project requirements;
•    Talk with providers from organizations around the state.

TAPF events are held 4 times a year. Please check our events link for upcoming events.

Municipal Green Building Projects

Coming soon!

The Technical Assistance and Training Program (TAT)

This USDA funded project offers training and technical assistance to rural and low-income Lake Ontario communities in the areas of water and wastewater management. Training focuses on establishing collaborations among government officials and nonprofit and private sector programs that provide technical assistance. The project team builds on partnerships with the EFC and the Lake Ontario Coastal Initiative (LOCI). For more information about the TAT, click here.

Got a project idea? Contact us at EFC@syracusecoe.org and tell us about it!