Through ICMA’s TCTAC Program, local and tribal government stakeholders as well as community organizations can access free technical assistance to advance and support their environmental and energy justice priorities. These services are made available through an award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

The EPA defines environmental justice as “…the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.”

What is EJ TCTAC?

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center Program (EJ TCTACs) is a national initiative that provides free services to communities, organizations, tribes, and local governments. Support and services include navigating federal, and state grant application systems, grant proposal review, and effective grant management. ICMA, alongside the Institute for Sustainable Communities and the National Indian Health Board, serves a National TCTAC for the TCTAC Program.

Specific examples of our TCTAC services:

• Launch and continuously update a National EJ TCTAC website.
• Identify pro bono grant funding advisors.
• Support Regional TCTACs with training, resources, technical assistance, and opportunities for peer learning.
• Provide technical assistance-based training workshops for local and tribal governments, and community partners.
• Raise awareness and engagement through our online platform, conferences, and events.

Seventeen organizations and their partners have been selected to establish a network of technical assistance centers across the nation that provides direct technical assistance, training, and capacity-building support to communities and organizations. The 17 organizations feature 14 Regional Centers and 3 National Centers. The Regional Centers are located in designated EPA regions across the nation. These EPA Regions are strategically located across the country to oversee and implement environmental policies and programs at a regional level.