City Council Authorizes Weatherization of City Properties
The City Council approved EC-25-293, enabling the City of Albuquerque to contract with the International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology (ICAST) for improving the energy efficiency and safety of city-owned properties, with a total project cost of $6,659,690.00. The city's contribution of $1,300,218.00 will be funded through the Housing Forward Fund (Capital Fund 305) with the remaining $5,359,472 coming from state and federal sources. The project will reduce energy costs, increase the safety and health of residents, and reduce the City's carbon footprint.
"Our entire community will benefit from the energy use reduction and cost savings we make by increasing energy efficiency at our City-owned properties; and residents who live in these apartments will benefit from increased safety and health. It’s a win-win" said District 7 Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn. "I’m particularly pleased with the amount of outside funds ICAST is bringing to the table with this project. The citizens of Albuquerque get over $6.5 million in benefit with only a $1.3 million city expenditure."
The improvements to 600 apartments will be made at the eight affordable multi-family housing complexes already owned by the City and brings an array of upgrades to the units, including more efficient plumbing fixtures, ventilation and fire protection upgrades, and energy efficient heating and cooling. Through ICAST engagement, the contract leverages collaborations with and funding from various entities, including:
U.S. Department of Treasury's Clean Energy Production and Investment Tax Credit
Home Efficiency Rebate Program Funding the U.S. DOE
HUD's Green and Resilient Retrofit Program
HUD's Healthy Homes program
EPA's Solar for All Funding
Low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC)
Community Reinvestment Act funding from banks for grants or low-cost financing
The New Mexico Department of Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources (EMNRD) will take a significant role in the project and funding management of the weatherization project in the following ways:
Professional Services Agreement - The City of Albuquerque will utilize a State of New Mexico contract (Professional Services Agreement 25-521-0300-0001) for the project, which involves EMNRD.
Management and Implementation - EMNRD, through its Energy Conservation and Management Division (ECMD), is responsible for the management and implementation of Section 50122 for multifamily homes, Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates of the Inflation Reduction Act (HEAR).
Technical Assistance and Project Management - EMNRD provides technical assistance and overall project management through all phases of the identified project.
This project is paid for by the Housing Forward Fund which was established by City Council in 2022. With continued support over the past two years, the fund has been integral in the construction and conversion of city-owned properties to safe and sustainable affordable housing in Albuquerque.