The new budget from Philadelphia City Council includes a last-minute allocation for a program that fixes leaky roofs and broken plumbing — and also “future-proofs” homes with electric heat pump HVAC systems and rooftop solar. The program, Built to Last, got $5 million in the budget for next fiscal year that council and Mayor Cherelle Parker agreed on. “They make homes more energy-efficient,” said at-large City Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke. “They reduce the emissions as well as housing costs — which is a win-win for me.” Built to Last, run by the quasi-governmental Philadelphia Energy Authority, began as a pilot in 2021. Since then, the program has repaired over 100 homes and has around 200 more in process. It’s designed to be a “one-stop shop” that brings together existing programs for low-income homeowners and fills in the gaps. Staff hope to serve 400 more homes next fiscal year, she said. Read more here.
Source: PlanPhilly; 6/17/2024