Signature reports

Nuclear Closure Assistance

Nuclear Community of Practice

From July 2021, through a virtual Community of Practice (CoP) the Nuclear Communities Technical Assistance Team (TA Team) brought together representatives from across the country in a three-phase program designed to share experiences, resources, and strategies for navigating the economic, social, and environmental impacts of nuclear facilities.

Phase 1: Building a Foundation (July-September 2021)

  • Group Sessions: Tailored discussions addressed the specific needs of each community stage (closed, announced decommissioning, operating). Participants identified key challenges like resource limitations and navigating the decommissioning process.
  • Open Dialogue: A safe space for communities to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other's successes

Phase 2: Expanding the Network (April-November 2022)

  • National Nuclear Forum: Convening over 100 stakeholders, this virtual event fostered collaboration on a national scale.
  • Midwest Nuclear Economic Resilience Conference: This in-person event provided practical workshops and networking opportunities for CoP attendees, focusing on economic diversification and resilience strategies.

Phase 3: Sharing Best Practices and Moving Forward (July-September 2023)

  • Final Events: Participants gathered to share lessons learned and explore economic resilience through discussions and presentations from experts.
  • Building a Sustainable Future: The CoP fostered a sense of community and offered guidance for economic resilience, encouraging participants to leverage local assets and engage stakeholders.

A Lasting Impact

The TA Team's efforts concluded in 2023, but the connections and knowledge-sharing established within the CoP will continue to serve these communities. Participants gained valuable insights and a sense of solidarity as they navigate the complexities of living in a nuclear host community.

Partnerships

This initiative was made possible through a partnership between Smart Growth America, the Nuclear Decommissioning Collaborative (NDC), the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), and the Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR), with support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).

Moving Forward

While our grant period has ended, our partner organizations remain dedicated to supporting you. Here's how to stay connected:



To inquire about our FREE technical services, please email [email protected].

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