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The New Landscape of Green Housing Policy. Melissa Peterson Program Officer, Portland Office Enterprise Community Partners. Recent Green Policy Initiatives. New Federal Programs: Neighborhood Stabilization Program Green Retrofit Funding Competitive Grants to Public Housing Authorities
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The New Landscape of Green Housing Policy Melissa Peterson Program Officer, Portland Office Enterprise Community Partners
Recent Green Policy Initiatives • New Federal Programs: • Neighborhood Stabilization Program • Green Retrofit Funding • Competitive Grants to Public Housing Authorities • Legislative Vehicles: • Green Resources for Energy Efficient Neighborhoods Act • American Clean Energy & Security Act • ARRA – Weatherization, Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant Program, State Energy Program
Benefits of Equitable Climate Change Solutions New job opportunities: home inspections, energy audits, retrofits for single- and multi-family buildings, green infrastructure. One study found that weatherizing 12,000 homes in Ohio avoided more than 24,000 tons of CO2, while cutting average utility costs for low-income homeowners by an average of several hundred dollars per year.
Green Public Policy • Cities and States that have Adopted Green Communities Criteria: • Cleveland, OH • Denver, CO • San Francisco, CA • Washington, DC • New York City • Miami, FL • Iowa • Minnesota • Washington State
State and Local Leadership - Utah • Current QAP contains Sustainable Design section • Energy Star certification – Home Performance • Utah Energy Conservation Coalition plan review • Consideration for more comprehensive approach next year • Closely tied to training, education, and advocacy
Policies in Action • Washington, DC • The Green Building Act of 2006 requires all residential projects (above 10,000 sf) that receive 15% or more public funding must adhere to the Green Communities Criteria or equivalent standard.
Other Benefits: Tax Credit Boost; Priority Review • San Francisco, CA • Priority permit processing for projects meeting the Green Communities threshold criteria. Projects also received a 4% boost to its eligible tax credit basis (TCAC) for incorporating energy efficiency items and incorporating sustainable materials as part of the Green Communities Green Development Plan.
Creating a One Stop for Green Resources • Minneapolis, MN • Minnesota Housing offers a consolidated RFP process for public financing of affordable housing projects (including the QAP) which incorporates the Green Communities Criteria as threshold requirements for project funding. • The Minnesota Green Communities program excels at providing a one stop for green building resources, training and technical assistance.
Policies to Green Affordable Housing Establish clear green affordable housing goals linked to publicly-financed or owned properties. Identify lead agencies responsible for program design and Implementation. Actively engage community stakeholders. Build capacity and technical assistance. Develop clear compliance procedures. Measure environmental, health and economic benefits and share results.