At every stage, Praxis serves as a neutral convener and strategic facilitator, ensuring that trust, transparency, and equity define the path to development. Our commitment is to support tight timelines that balance the need for energy infrastructure in the US. Praxis recognizes the national security/ resilience standpoint, with the need for communities to effectively digest and respond to the changes posed by this project
Modernizing America’s transmission system
Addressing the skills gap with targeted training
National stability in times of crisis
The Success
Praxis Energy draws inspiration from a range of successful community engagement models across the U.S., demonstrating how inclusive, collaborative approaches lead to stronger, more resilient projects:
San Bernardino Water Rights Project (CA)
Steve Shapiro led multi-stakeholder negotiations to secure equitable access and sustainable management of critical water resources in partnership with water rights owners, fishermen, federal agencies, tribal leaders, local agencies, and utilities.
Toledo Bend Hydroelectric Project (TX/LA)
A precedent-setting engagement effort involving state agencies, utility partners, and local communities to balance energy production with environmental (flood controls) and community interests.
West Baltimore Health Care Collaborative (MD)
Steve Shapiro facilitated trust-building among hospitals, community leaders, and residents to deliver equitable health outcomes and drive long-term investment in underserved neighborhoods.
Augusta Canal Hydroelectric Project (GA)
A heritage-based energy project where Steve Shapiro helped align city planners, engineers, and community groups to restore and modernize a historic energy asset.
South Bronx Greenway Project (NY)
A community-led infrastructure project that integrated resident feedback into every phase, transforming industrial corridors into safe, sustainable public spaces.
Los Angeles River Revitalization (CA)
A national model for engaging diverse communities in long-term planning and redevelopment of urban waterways.
Wind Energy Siting in the Midwest
Collaborative permitting processes that brought landowners, developers, and municipal leaders to the table to reduce legal disputes and enhance local benefit agreements.
Phases of energy
From First Contact to Signed Community Agreement _A Collaborative 12–18 Month
1: Mobilization & Structure (Months 1–3)
1a
Organizational Launch
Establish the collaborative governance model, tailored to the developer, community, and permitting agency.
1b
Community Assessment Begins
Launch the Praxis App alongside PSAs, bus ads, mailers, flyers, and door-to-door outreach to gather broad input.
1c
Early Site Input
Identify potential siting options with direct community and landowner input, building trust and strategic alignment.
1d
Leadership Council Formed
Convene a representative informal team of community members, the developer, and permitting authorities.
1e
Working Groups Kick Off
Launch collaborative working groups to identify key concerns, questions, resources, and a shared response schedule.
Phase 2: Study & Transparency (Months 4–7)
2a
Developer Disclosures
Developer presents all support service plans including environmental, economic, cultural, and resilience studies.
2b
Data Collection & Reporting
Studies are conducted with regular two-way reporting through the Praxis App and in-person check-ins.
2c
Adaptive Feedback Loops
Continuous meetings with the leadership council refine the process based on new findings and stakeholder feedback.
Phase 3: Negotiation & Agreement (Months 8–18)
3a
Drafting Solutions
For smaller projects, begin drafting community-benefit articles and agreement terms as early as Month 8.
3b
Extended Collaboration for Larger Projects
For larger or more complex projects, continue study and negotiation cycles for up to 12 months.
3c
Finalization & Convergence
Between Months 12–18, finalize all studies, agreements, and protections—economic, environmental, and social—ensuring all parties' interests are addressed and aligned.
