Atlanta, GA — [7/8/2025] — Clean Cities Georgia is proud to announce a successful collaboration with the Russell Parking Management (RPM) to install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in one of Atlanta’s opportunity communities located in a charging desert at Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE). As the asset manager, RPM Parking proposed the value add of standing up EV Chargers and the owners approved the investment funding. The commitment to sustainability and innovation is an early signal of the plans to redevelop the community nested in the southwest corner of downtown Atlanta.
This is part of a nationwide effort, through the EMPOWER Workplace Charging Program, a nationwide initiative to make EVs more accessible for all by encouraging workplaces to install charging for their employees. Clean Cities Georgia partnered with an Atlanta-based Energy Services Company (ESCO), Integrated Solutions, [PF1] to conduct a comprehensive assessment of RICE’s campus to determine the optimal strategy for implementing EV charging solutions. This critical first step enabled the organization to design a plan that supports both environmental sustainability and community access.
Key to the success of the project was support from Georgia Power’s Make Ready Program, which significantly reduced infrastructure costs by preparing the site for charging installation. This cost-saving initiative made the project more accessible and achievable for Russell Parking Management, which is deeply committed to supporting local entrepreneurs and community members.
In alignment with its values of equity and inclusion, RICE selected Integrated Solutions, a Black-woman-owned small business with deep expertise in EV infrastructure and a proven commitment, to expanding charging access in minority communities to lead the installation. This decision reflects RICE’s ongoing dedication to empowering underrepresented businesses and driving inclusive innovation.
The installation marks a transformative step for the surrounding communities which have, and still are, considered charging deserts, with six new charging ports available and one specially designed for ADA compliance. By offering charging services to both its customers and the general public, RICE is helping to close the EV access gap and contributing to a cleaner, more connected future for all.
With this installation, Clean Cities Georgia contributed to expanding the opportunity clean transportation adoption and workforce development at a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
