By Jeff Risley, REFA Executive Director
Survey stakes on a nearby property. Land agents at the coffee shop. A neighbor mentioning they signed a solar or wind lease.
These are common scenes in rural communities across the country as renewable energy development expands. Most of the conversation focuses on what these projects mean for the landowners directly involved. But a broader question often follows: what does a project like this mean for the community as a whole?
Some communities shape that outcome early. Others react to it later. The difference often comes down to timing and preparation.
Beyond the Landowner
Renewable energy projects extend beyond individual lease agreements. They can affect local roads, emergency services, school funding and day-to-day life in ways that are not always obvious at first.
Yes, these projects pay property taxes (in most cases). But communities that engage early often have more opportunities to shape how benefits are structured beyond standard taxation. According to researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy and National Renewable Energy Laboratory, early engagement and clear communication between communities and developers are central to successful outcomes.
This kind of early planning is sometimes called community benefit planning. It means having local conversations about what matters and what residents want to see from a project before key decisions are locked in. In some cases, those conversations lead to written community benefit agreements that set clear expectations for both sides.
What This Looks Like in Practice
In New Mexico, several communities have already seen results from this approach.
In Curry County, the Village of Grady worked with Pattern Energy to structure an agreement that directs payments to specific community priorities. According to Pattern Energy project information, the arrangement channels funds directly to Curry County, Grady Schools and Texico Schools. The company also maintains a community benefits program that has contributed voluntary donations to local fire departments and schools over the years.
In Lincoln, Torrance and Guadalupe counties, Pattern Energy’s Western Spirit Wind project pays standard property taxes, but also established a voluntary Community Benefits Program. According to the company and Senator Heinrich’s office, that program sponsors three county fairs, donates school supplies to six local schools and contributes to the Community Foundation of Lincoln County. These commitments are shaped through community engagement, not provided automatically.
One of the most striking examples comes from Sherman County, Oregon. According to Oregon Business, when wind development arrived, the county worked to negotiate an agreement on behalf of residents. The result: residents of four towns receive $590 annually in compensation for hosting wind turbines in their viewsheds. A Lewis & Clark Law School study found that in the 2017-2018 tax year alone, Sherman County received over $12.5 million from renewable energy projects. That revenue has supported local schools, county government and infrastructure improvements. None of that was automatic. It came from a community that decided early what it wanted to prioritize.
Five Ways Communities Can Make the Most of a Project
1. Start the conversation early. Before decisions are final, there is more room to shape outcomes. Communities that engage early often see smoother processes and more predictable results.
2. Identify what matters locally. Every community has different priorities. Some care most about road maintenance. Others focus on school funding, emergency services or local hiring. The priorities should come from local conversations, not outside assumptions.
3. Include both landowners and neighbors. Projects affect more than just the people signing leases. Bringing in a broader set of voices helps avoid tension and builds trust within the community.
4. Put expectations in writing. Conversations are important, but clarity matters. Community benefit agreements can address everything from road repairs to financial contributions for local priorities. They help create accountability and make it easier to track whether commitments are being followed.
5. Learn from other communities. Plenty of counties have already been through this process. Talking to other landowners or county leaders who have experience is often more useful than relying on outside opinions. Organizations like REFA can also help communities prepare for development through programs designed to build local capacity and clarify priorities before developers arrive.
Having a Say in What Happens Next
Not every community will land in the same place, and that is fine. The goal is not to reach a particular outcome but to have a say in what happens next.
If a renewable energy project is being discussed in your area, taking time now to ask questions and define priorities gives your community more influence over the results. The landowners who host projects are making decisions about their property. The community can shape the broader picture.
