Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia

Dialogue + Design facilitated the award-winning Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia, a group of nonprofit and community action agencies, colleges, state agencies, planning district commissions and other interested citizens and businesses seeking to develop a renewable energy industry cluster in the seven coalfield counties of Southwest Virginia from 2016 until 2025. The Workgroup is co-convened by the UVA-Wise Office of Economic Development & Engagement, People Inc. and Appalachian Voices. Dialogue + Design coordinated the planning team and steering committee for this effort, facilitated meetings, develops meeting summaries and project reports, and conducted outreach and communication with the public. As a result of this collaboration, a Roadmap for Solar Development in Southwest Virginia was released in 2017 and is currently being implemented by Workgroup members. Additional information about the effort may be found on the website: swvasolar.org.