Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) are legally binding contracts between developers and host municipalities and/or local community groups that can serve to mitigate local impacts of large infrastructure projects and other types of development. These agreements can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the host community and to address the specific impacts of a project. The host community will typically receive a combination of monetary benefits and non-monetary benefits, while the developer will typically receive increased community support and increased certainty in the approval process. The Sabin Center has compiled this database of publicly available CBAs in conjunction with the publication of a guide on Expert Insights on Best Practices for Community Benefits Agreements. More information about several of the CBAs listed below can be found here. If you have access to additional CBAs that can be added to this database, including Host Community Agreements and Good Neighbor Agreements, please contact Matthew Eisenson at [email protected] .
Expand all Collapse allTitle Town of Ripley and Connectgen Chautauqua County LLC Host Community Agreement (see also town resolution here) Date 2021-12-30 State New York Project Description 270-MW solar energy facility Benefits From year 1 through year 11, annual payments start at $1,750 per MW of nameplate capacity (i.e. $472,500), and increase by 2% per year. From year 12 through year 30, annual payments start at $1,030,000 and increase by 3% per year. Title Maui County and Kahana Solar LLC Settlement Agreement (with community benefits) Date 2021-10-15 State Hawaii Project Description 20-MW solar energy facility Benefits Annual payments equal $55,000 for a duration of 25 years totaling $1,374,000. Targeted benefits include giving preference to West Maui laborers when hiring for the project’s construction, operation, and maintenance. Title Town of Byron and Excelsior Energy Center LLC Host Community Benefit Agreement Date 2021-04-28 State New York Project Description 280-MW solar energy facility Benefits Annual payments begin at $1,006,522 and increase by 2% each year for 20 years for an expected total of $24,455,837. Title Town of Riverhead and LI Solar Community Benefits Agreement for the Calverton Solar Energy Center (see summary here) Date 2021-05-10 (amended May 3, 2023) State New York Project Description 22.9-MW solar energy facility Benefits $1.5 million to be paid out in two installments, first within 5 days of signing the CBA, and second within 5 days of issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy. The CBA included $350,000 of community health and welfare, $250,000 for protection of agriculture and open space, $250,000 for environment, $350,000 for emergency services, $150,000 for education, and $150,000 for workforce development. Title County of Merced and Wright Solar Park LLC Community Benefits Agreement (see also first amendment here) Date 2015-02-26 (amended October 2, 2018) State California Project Description 200-MW solar energy facility Benefits All sales taxes associated with the construction project will flow into the County in addition to annual payments of $25,000 for 20 years. Additionally, all contracts for construction and operation will be advertised within the county.
Title Town of Barre and Apex Clean Energy Host Community Agreement (see summary here) Date 2021-10-13 State New York Project Description 184.8-MW on-shore wind energy facility Benefits Payments will increase annually from $1.2 million in the first year of operation to $2.1 million by year 25, for a total amount in excess of $40 million. Title Town of West Union and Eight Point Wind LLC Host Community Agreement Date 2019-01-17 State New York Project Description 102-MW on-shore wind energy facility Benefits Annual payments of $3,000 per nameplate capacity. The developer also agrees to pay for professional services (e.g. legal or engineering fees) incurred by the town as a direct result of the wind project. Title McLean County and Lexington Chenoa Wind Farm LLC Wind Project Neighbor Agreement Date 2018 (est.) State Illinois Project Description 205-MW on-shore wind energy facility Benefits Upfront payments include a $6,000 signing bonus and a one-time payment of $2,000. Annual payments equal $2,000 for 30 years plus two additional periods of 10 years that may be extended by the developer. Title Town of Arkwright and Cassadaga Wind Host Community Agreement Date 2016-10-31 State New York Project Description 126-MW on-shore wind energy facility Benefits Upfront payment of about $58,000 ($1,000 per turbine constructed). Annual payments equal $3,800 per MW of nameplate capacity, escalating annually after the 6th year by the lesser of a) 2%, or b) the CPI of the previous year. The agreement expires when the turbines are decommissioned. Title Town of Charlotte and Cassadaga Wind Host Community Agreement Date 2016-10-06 State Pennsylvania Project Description 126-MW on-shore wind energy facility Benefits Upfront payment of about $58,000 ($1,000 per turbine constructed). Annual payments equal $3,800 per MW of nameplate capacity, escalating annually after the 6th year by the lesser of a) 2%, or b) the CPI of the previous year. The agreement expires when the turbines are decommissioned. Title Town of Osborne and Weaver Wind Community Benefits Agreement Date 2015-05-02 State Maine Project Description 72.6-MW on-shore wind energy facility Benefits Upfront payment of $950,000. Annual payments equal $2,000 per MW of nameplate capacity escalated by 2% annually for 20 years. The expected total payment is $3,527,978
Title Town of East Hampton and South Fork Wind LLC Host Community Agreement Date 2021-03-09 State New York Project Description 132-MW off-shore wind energy facility Benefits Annual payments equal $700,000 for the first 25 years. After 25 years, annual payments shall be the installment amount plus a 2% escalation factor each year. The developer also agrees to fund a fisheries liaison; local job opportunities; and a community trust fund of $5,550,000. Title City of New London and North East Offshore LLC Host Community Agreement Date 2021-02-25 State Connecticut Project Description Facility nameplate capacity and acreage unspecified Benefits Upfront payment of $750,000. From years two through seven, annual payments will be $750,000. If North East Offshore continues its use of the pier, from years 8 through 10, annual payments will be $750,000 plus payments ranging from $250,000 - $1,000,000. If North East Offshore subleases the pier, annual payments will be $250,000. Title City of Morro Bay and Castle Wind Community Benefits Agreement Date 2018-11-01 State California Project Description 1000-MW off-shore wind energy facility Benefits Payment of $250,000 and local economic development activities, such as local hiring and providing training opportunities. Title Monhegan Plantation et al. and Maine Aqua Ventis Community Benefits Agreement Date 2017 (est.) State Maine Project Description 12-MW off-shore wind energy facility Benefits Upfront payments include $100,000 for an energy/broadband infrastructure fund to implement grant work; $100,000 for a technical support fund; and $2,330,000 for an energy/broadband infrastructure capital fund. Annual payments begin at $40,000 and escalate by 2.5% each year. Targeted benefits include local hiring opportunities and University of Maine scholarships for Monhegan residents. Title Town and County of Nantucket and Vineyard Wind Good Neighbor Agreement Date 2020-08-27 State Massachusetts Project Description One existing 800-MW off-shore wind energy facility and four future projects of unspecified scale Benefits Upfront payments include $4 million at the financial close of the first project and $3 million at the financial close of each subsequent project. Targeted benefits include the establishment of an Offshore Wind Community Fund Title Town of Portsmouth and SouthCoast Wind Host Community Agreement Date 2024-01-16 State Rhode Island Project Description Cable landing for two-phase 2,400 MW offshore wind project Benefits Total HCA payments of $23,224,673 over the life of the project, including both phases of construction. Title Town of Brookhaven and Sunrise Wind Host Community Agreement (see summary here) Date 2023-03-20 State New York Project Description Cable landing for 924-MW offshore wind project Benefits Developer will pay $169.9 million to community over 25 years through HCA, including $28 million through separate payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement. Payments will include $5 million toward constructing a Tri-Hamlet Park, $10 million for a National Offshore Wind Training Center, and $5 million for a R&D partnership with Stony Brook.
Title Town of Medway and Medway Grid Host Community Agreement Date 2022-09-07 State Massachusetts Project Description 250-MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Benefits Payments include up to $15,000 per year for emergency preparedness training; $20,000 per year for public safety; $100,000 for town to retain independent consultants and counsel; $65,000 for independent study; $50,000 to support master plan renewal; up to $25,000 to each homeowner within 300 feet of project perimeter whose property value was diminished; $250,000 for sidewalk installation; several payments totaling $247,500 to fund a risk reduction and training position in the fire department; $150,000 to an energy conservation and resiliency fund; and $85,000 to an abutting neighbors landscaping fund.
Title Central Maine Power Company et al. Stipulation for Approval of New England Clean Energy Connect Date 2019-02-21 State Maine Project Description 1,200-MW HVDC Transmission Line Benefits While not technically a CBA, Section V.B of the stipulation (starting at p. 15) has analogous provisions, including: (a) $50 million for a low-income customer benefits fund; (b) $140 million for a rate relief fund; (c) $5 million of broadband upgrades and $10 million for a broadband fund; (d) $15 million for a heat pump fund; (e) $15 million for an electric vehicle fund; (f) $5 million for Franklin County; (g) $6 million for education; and (h) preference for hiring Maine workers. Title San Luis Obispo County Commercial Fishermen and MFS Globenet, AT&T, and Global West, Agreement Between Cable Companies and Fishermen Date 2002-01-30 State California Project Description Cable network Benefits Upfront payment of $150,000 as well as annual payments of $150,000. Targeted benefits include establishing and funding a committee to implement the agreement; provisions for safe cable installation and environmental monitoring; and grants for mitigation programs and damages.
Title City of Salem & Salem Wind Terminal LLC Community Benefits Agreement Date 2024-02-21 State Massachusetts Project Description Salem Offshore Wind Terminal Benefits The developer will provide $9 million in direct payments over the 25-year life of the agreement, including approximately $4 million in education and workforce development investments, $2.5 million in first responder training and equipment, $1.25 million to fund a harbormaster position, $850,000 in improving roadway intersections, and $500,000 in climate action funding, in addition to funds for supporting local police and fire departments. The developer also agrees to develop and implement a strategy for seaport electrification to reduce air quality impacts.
Title New Flyer of America, Greater Birmingham Ministries, and Jobs to Move America Community Benefits Agreement Date 2022-05-24 State Alabama, California Project Description Bus manufacturing plant Benefits Commitment to provide Historically Disadvantaged Groups at least 45% of new jobs and at least 20% of promotions. Title State Building and Construction Trades Council of California California High-Speed Rail Authority Community Benefits Agreement Date 2013-08-13 State California Project Description High-speed rail system construction Benefits The developer also agrees to recruit 30% of project labor from National Targeted Workers as well as develop a program to hire apprentices and disadvantaged workers. The parties also agree to form a Joint Administrative Committee to monitor and mitigate community impacts. Title LAX Coalition for Economic, Environmental, and Educational Justice and Los Angeles World Airports Community Benefits Agreement Date 2004-12-06 State California Project Description International airport modernization project Benefits Targeted benefits include developing Residential Noise Mitigation Programs, Job Training Programs, and a First Source Hiring Program. The developer also agrees to fund environmental, health, air quality, and community impact studies.
Title City of Salem and Footprint Power Salem Harbor Development Community Benefits Agreement Date 2014-12-16 State Massachusetts Project Description 674-MW combined cycle gas-fired electric generation facility Benefits Annual payments for 3 to 10 years will be used to fund benefits including but not limited to public harbor access, an off-site emission reduction program, public safety training, funding school districts, and supporting public art initiatives. The total payments are expected to equal $4,320,000. Title City of Richmond and Chevron Products Company Environmental and Community Investment Agreement Date 2014-08-04 State California Project Description Oil refinery Benefits Annual payments will be awarded as follows: $11 million for year 1; $8 million for years 2 through 6; $7 million for years 7 and 8; $6 million for year 9; and $4 million for year 10. Payments are allocated for programs including greenhouse gas reduction programs, scholarships, and public safety programs.
Title City of Moline and Lakeshore Recycling Systems LLC Community Host Agreement Date 2023-02-13 State Illinois Project Description Waste transfer facility Benefits For a minimum of 40 years, the developer will pay a host benefit fee of $2.54 per ton of waste transported into the facility. Title Town of Perinton and Waste Management of New York LLC Host Community Agreement Date 2021-12-28 State New York Project Description Solid waste landfill and composting facility Benefits Upfront payment of $300,000. Annual payments shall range from $83,000 to $1 million. For at least five-years, the developer will perform enhanced environmental monitoring activities, fund a local notification hot-line number, and fund a property value protection program to compensate qualifying homeowners. Title Town of Norridgewock and Waste Management Disposal Services of Maine Inc. Host Community Agreement Date 2019-10-16 State Maine Project Description Solid waste disposal facility Benefits Annual host fee of $1.70 - $3.80 per ton of waste transported into the facility. Targeted benefits include but are not limited to the establishment of an environmental monitoring program; a contribution of $100,000 to the Town Technical Assistance Fund; and property value guarantees. Title County of DeKalb and Waste Management of Illinois Inc. Host Community Agreement (see also first amendment here and second amendment here) Date 2009-02-26 (amended June 1, 2014 and May 17, 2017) State Illinois Project Description Expansion of an existing landfill Benefits The developer agrees to only accept non-hazardous solid waste as well as free disposal for certain county agencies. The developer also agrees to well monitoring, a property value guarantee plan, and measures to provide alternatives in the event of groundwater contamination. Annual fees include a $4.60 per ton of waste Host Benefit Fee. Title Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Community Benefits Agreement Date 2013-12-04 State Missouri Project Description Sewer system improvement and replacement program Benefits Payments include a maximum annual amount of $150,000 towards a job training program in sewer-related occupations. Target benefits include the creation of a first-source hiring program; a commitment to utilizing the services of minority and women-owned businesses; and the development of an environmental monitoring plan. Title Town of Riga and Monroe County Host Community Agreement (2011 amendment) Date 1989-07-12 (amended April 22, 1993; February 9, 2000; January 5, 2005; and January 4, 2011) State New York Project Description Solid waste landfill Benefits Annual waste volume payment that shall be the greater of a) payment of $3.65 per ton of waste or b) $450,000. Targeted benefits include funding a water supply protection program and a property value protection program. Title Lake County et al. and Veolia ES Zion Landfill Inc. Host Community Agreement Date 2010-01-28 State Illinois Project Description Solid waste landfill Benefits Host Benefit Fee of $1.41 per ton of solid waste permanently disposed of in the landfill. The developer also agrees to create a Property Value Protection Plan and an Environmental Monitoring Plan. Title Town of Waterloo and Seneca Meadows Inc Community Benefits Agreement Date 2005-08-16 State New York Project Description Solid waste landfill Benefits Upfront payment of $500,000 and an annual payment of $150,000 increasing each year by $50,000 up to a maximum of $250,000. Targeted benefits include the creation of a Groundwater Monitoring and Protection Program, a Property Value Protection Program, and an environmental reporting system. Title Township of Howell and Resource Recycling LLC Settlement Agreement Date 2024-01-16 State New Jersey Project Description NJ Class B recycling facility that processes 68,640 tons of brush, trees, and wood for sale to landscapers Benefits Host Community Benefit (HCB) payment of $5.00 per ton of material processed at the plant, increasing 2% per year (this exceeds NJSA 13:1E-28.1 statutory minimum of $0.50 per ton). Resource also must install underground water filtration system and new traffic signal.
Title Erie County et al. and Buffalo Bills et al. Community Benefits Agreement Date 2023-03-29 State New York Project Description Football stadium Benefits Annual community investment payments of at least $3 million and other provisions requiring workforce inclusion and diversity; addressing prevailing and living wage requirements; supporting youth and community programs. Title City of Chicago and Bally’s Chicago Operating Company LLC Host Community Agreement Date 2022-06-09 State Illinois Project Description Casino expansion project Benefits One-time host community impact fee of $40 million within 5 days of execution, as well as annual direct impact fee of $2 million and indirect impact fee of $2 million (see page A-1-1). Title City of Richmond and Resort Casino Host Community Agreement Date 2021 (est.) State Virginia Project Description Resort casino Benefits Upfront payment of $25 million and a minimum annual payment of $5 million. Title Stand Up Nashville Inc and Nashville Soccer Holdings Inc Community Benefits Agreement Date 2018-09-03 State Tennessee Project Description Major League Soccer stadium Benefits The ownership team agrees to pay the city $25 million in addition to $9 million annually for the next 30 years. Targeted benefits include the development of affordable housing units, local hiring opportunities, and the establishment of a childcare facility. Title Alliance for Good Jobs and Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Bucks Arena Agreement Date 2016-05-12 State Wisconsin Project Description Sports complex Benefits Targeted benefits include living wage provisions; hiring at least 50% of employees from neighborhoods with high unemployment; affirming workers' right to unionize; establishing a job training program. Title City of New Bedford and KG New Bedford Host Community Agreement Date 2015-03-19 State Massachusetts Project Description Resort casino Benefits Targeted benefits include commissioning studies to measure the project’s impact on the city. Payments include funding the mitigation of impacts identified in the Impact Studies; a preliminary economic regeneration payment of $4.5 million; PILOT payments; and annual payments of $12.5 million Note: The project was never granted final approval. Title Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance Community Benefits Program Date 2013-04 State New York Project Description Ice sports center and community space Benefits Upfront payment of $8 million to be used for developing the community space, creating a renewable energy scholarship fund, and a grant program for local businesses. Annual payments include a baseline of $1 million plus an additional 1-2% of the facility’s revenue. Title Hill District Community Benefits Agreement Date 2008-08-19 State Pennsylvania Project Description Ice sports arena Benefits Targeted benefits include committing up to $1 million in financial assistance for the development of a neighborhood grocery store; local employment and contracting provisions; and the creation of a youth community center. Title Ballpark Village Community Benefits Agreement Date 2005-09-20 State California Project Description Multi-use development adjacent to a new baseball stadium Benefits Payments include $1.5 million for job training of local residents; $100,000 in funding for a gentrification study of the development’s impacts on surrounding communities; and $50,000 in funding for arts, youth, and culture services. Targeted benefits include requirements for LEED building standards and local hiring and living wage provisions.
Title Town of West Amwell and Green Medicine NJ Host Community Agreement Date 2022-04-29 State New Jersey Project Description Marijuana retail establishment Benefits Annual payments to the township including 2% of the company’s annual gross sales, as well as a Community Fee of $100,000 in year 1 and $50,000 per year in years 2-5. Other benefits include participation in/funding of educational programs on health and drug abuse prevention. Title Town of Halifax and Green Earth Cannabis Host Community Agreement Date 2021-04 State Massachusetts Project Description Marijuana retail establishment Benefits Annual Community Impact Fee of 3% of gross sales for 5 years. The developer also agrees to observe high-security practices and implement a local hiring program. Title City of Boston and MedMen Boston Host Community Agreement Date 2019-02-07 State Massachusetts Project Description Marijuana retail establishment Benefits Quarterly host community payments of 3% of gross sales revenue for 5 years; limitations on signage that is inconsistent with the “look and character” of the neighborhood; establishment of a diversity and inclusion plan. Title UNIDAD Coalition and Palmer/Flower Street Properties LLC Lorenzo Project Community Benefits Program Date 2011-02 State California Project Description Mixed-use development project including the creation of residential units and retail space Benefits Targeted benefits include dedicated community-based health care services and funding for health care services; affordable housing; and targeted hiring and living wages. Title Hunters Point Shipyard / Candlestick Point Integrated Development Project Community Benefits Agreement Date 2008-05-30 State California Project Description Residential development project Benefits Targeted benefits include the creation of affordable housing units and payments of between $27.3 million to $32.8 million to a housing fund and $8.5 million to a workforce development fund. Title Cherokee-Gates Project Community Benefits Agreement (see summary here) Date 2006-02 State Colorado Project Description Redevelopment of the former Gates Rubber Factory into a mixed-use, transit-oriented development Benefits Targeted benefits include the construction of affordable and low-income housing; community involvement in environmental cleanup; local hiring and living wage provisions. Title Hollywood and Vine Mixed-Use Development Project Community Benefits Agreement Date 2004-04 State California Project Description Multi-use development project, consisting mostly of luxury housing and retail development Benefits Targeted benefits include the creation of a living wage and local hiring program. Payments include $75,000 in job training and $15,000 to fund a health care access outreach program. Title Marlton Square Redevelopment Project Community Benefits Program Date 2002 (est.) State California Project Description Retail and housing redevelopment project Benefits Targeted benefits include the creation of dedicated community services such as a community center, youth center, and job training center as well as a local hiring program with the aim of achieving a 70% living wage goal. Title North Hollywood Mixed-Use Redevelopment Project Community Benefits Program Date 2001-11 State California Project Description Mixed-use redevelopment project Benefits Targeted benefits include a 75% living wage commitment and monetary penalties if the commitment is not met; on-site space for a child care center with dedicated parking spaces for low- and moderate-income families; establishment of a first source hiring system; and the creation of a job training program.
Title West Harlem Local Development Corporation and the Trustees of Columbia University Community Benefits Agreement Date 2009-05-18 State New York Project Description University campus expansion project Benefits Benefits Fund of $76 million and an Affordable Housing Fund of $20 million. In-kind benefits include up to $4 million in related legal assistance benefits and $20 million in access to Columbia University facilities, services, and amenities. Title City of New Haven and Yale-New Haven Hospital Development Agreement Date 2006-06-06 State Connecticut Project Description Hospital Benefits Annual payments outlined in this agreement include $300,000 for the first four years for housing and economic development in the adjacent neighborhoods; $100,000 for at least five years for career ladder programs for hospital employees and residents; funding the creation of two new City positions for asthma and uninsured children’s outreach. Title SunQuest Industrial Park Community Benefits Plan Date 2001-1025 State California Project Description Redevelopment of an environmentally contaminated industrial site Benefits Upfront payment of $150,000 from the developer toward a neighborhood improvement fund and school art programs. Targeted benefits include limitations on truck traffic and idling, the construction of a youth center; a goal of 70% living wage jobs; and a first-source hiring policy. Title Stillwater Mining Company, Northern Plains Resource Council, Cottonwood Resource Council, and Stillwater Protective Ass'n Good Neighbor Agreement Date 2000-05-08 (as amended October 19, 2016) State Montana Project Description Platinum group metals mining and refining in Montana Benefits Payments of up to $30,000 per audit year for environmental audits; $12,000 per evaluation for reclamation plan and bond evaluations; $20,000 per year for fisheries population sampling; $135,000 per year to councils to reimburse qualifying expenses. Focus areas of the agreement include traffic, tailing facilities, and water quality.