Mayor Mondale Robinson of Enfield, North Carolina, has big clean energy plans for his town of about 2,000 people, including a solar farm, a new substation, and a thermal energy network. But Enfield is one of the poorest towns in the state, and Robinson lacks the staff and resources that larger cities have. He announced in September the launch of a new coalition for small-town mayors.
The National Conference of Small Cities and Rural Mayors is open to officials of towns with fewer than 30,000 residents. Robinson noted that the U.S. Conference of Mayors does not grant full membership to such small towns, even though they make up 93% of incorporated municipalities and house about 60 million people. He also pointed out that 90% of philanthropy goes to urban areas.
The coalition is still early, aiming to recruit its first 100 founding mayors and anchor foundations. Longer-term plans include training, peer-to-peer networks, regional collaboration, and a shared voice in federal advocacy. Robinson believes small towns can be nimble testing grounds for new clean energy models, as Enfield is attempting with its geothermal project and utility work.