Bold Funding Strategies - Member Interviews
Updated 7/16/19 - MAD has completed 15 interviews to-date
Members were asked: What one or two bold funding strategies do you think LCCMR should pursue? Answers to that question are summarized below. 
Some members who were interviewed indicated that they like the current way that the LCCMR determines which projects to fund. Other ideas for new, innovative, or bold funding strategies are described briefly below. 
Bold funding strategies within existing statute
* Require projects to have multiple benefits or impacts. For example, require projects that protect land around a well to also place solar panels on the land.
* Create new opportunities, or enforce current requirements, for projects that will return money to the trust. This included ideas for recouping cost savings from renewable energy, land management, and consumer good/patentable projects.
* Set-aside funds for specific priorities up-front. Ideas for specific "pots" of money included research and emerging/emergency issues. 
* Fund pilot and test programs to address climate change.
* Fund more demonstration projects.
* Limit the scope for proposals each year or for the duration of the next strategic plan.
* Stay involved with projects longer-term - research through execution, for example.
Bold funding strategies that are or could be outside of existing statute or constitution
* Allow for more than 5.5% of the principal be made available for projects each year.
* Use more funds for waste water/sewer treatment facilities in small communities.
Other bold strategies that may relate more to Commission operation/process
* Have research projects go through a peer review or other process, rather than being reviewed and approved by the full LCCMR membership.
* Require research project proposals to identify how the research will lead to action. 
* Partner more closely with Commissioners and Executive Branch.
* Coordinate more with Legacy Amendment Funds.
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