Bronzeville Community Development Partnership - EV Institute
The Bronzeville Community Development Partnership (BCDP) is at the forefront of preservation and innovation in the Black Metropolis National Heritage Area. A trusted 501C3 nonprofit with over three decades of leadership and engagement in Black Metropolis, it has a mission grounded in Tourism, Technology, and Transportation and is spearheading sustainable development initiatives that use renewable, clean energy as a catalyst for economic opportunity. One such initiative is the creation of the EV Institute—an electric mobility hub set to open in Bronzeville’s historic Motor Row District.
To help shape and guide the EV Institute's vision, the Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation partnered with BCDP to develop connections with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) through NREL's Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) Program. The C2C program provides access to national laboratory experts and customized analysis for community-based organizations, local governments, tribes, and electric utilities to achieve clean energy systems that are reflective of local and regional priorities.
As a part of the C2C program, BCDP implemented a community-first engagement process. Using a methodology rooted in People, Place, and Process, the project sought to elevate community voices in the planning and design of the EV Institute. This effort included outreach through surveys, meetups, and public events, all designed to increase awareness, gather input, and foster meaningful dialogue around clean mobility solutions.
Read the project report here.