Carlisle | Wortman Associates, Inc. presented at the American Association of Planning’s National Planning online Conference
Carlisle | Wortman Associates’ Senior Associate Mike Auerbach, AICP and Madeleine Krol of the University of Michigan Center for EmPowering Communities spoke at the American Association of Planning’s National Planning Online Conference on May 27, 2026.
Carlisle | Wortman Associates’ (CWA) Senior Associate Mike Auerbach, AICP co-presented on planning for Battery energy-storage systems (BESS)
Battery energy-storage systems (BESS) are rapidly transforming our energy landscape, yet many planners and communities are just beginning to navigate the planning and zoning implications. Mike Auerbach, AICP and Madeleine Krol of the University of Michigan Center for EmPowering Communities spoke at the American Association of Planning’s National Planning Conference about the foundational elements of BESS and their applications — from small-scale residential installations to large utility projects.
Michigan communities have needed to adapt their zoning ordinances in light of statewide energy storage targets and siting laws. Mike and Madeleine shared their expertise about new battery technology, localized impacts, land use considerations in diverse communities, and practical zoning approaches for integrating BESS into local ordinances.