Enhancing Community Impact with Agreements

A Community Benefits Plan (CBP) is an essential component of applications for funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This plan details your process for community engagement and the project's community and workforce benefits. 

You’re already familiar with the basics. Next up, agreements! 

Understand the Importance 

As part of the CBP, you’ll identify commitments to negotiate workforce and/or community agreements. These agreements are possible outcomes of a meaningful community engagement strategy incorporated into the project’s plan. Agreements foster community and collaboration, establish trust and mutual respect, and encourage open communication. While not a requirement, they are strongly encouraged as they demonstrate a firm commitment to workforce or community benefits and strengthen your CBP.  

What’s Required in the Application 

Executed agreements are not required at the application stage; however, you will need to provide a detailed strategy for each agreement you plan to negotiate. Multiple agreements are possible for one project. While they will be considered separate documents, they may address similar topics. For each agreement, you’ll need: 

• Description of intended parties and scope in concrete and specific terms 

• Key milestones to finalize the agreement, including engagement plans and reporting 

• Explain, where relevant, any benefits for residents of disadvantaged communities or underrepresented groups  

Types of Agreements 

In conclusion, incorporating a Community Benefits Plan in your application for funding under the BIL and IRA is crucial for demonstrating your commitment to community engagement and delivering tangible community and workforce benefits. Negotiating workforce and/or community agreements elevates your CBP by fostering collaboration, trust, and open communication, signifying a firm commitment to delivering meaningful benefits and enhancing the overall impact of your project. This proactive and inclusive approach enhances your project's potential and increases the likelihood of securing funding.