Dallas Resiliency Office Promotes PACE Program for Commercial Property Improvements

Houston's Resilience Committee meeting on August 25 highlighted the significant impact of the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, which has generated over half a billion dollars in funding over the past decade. However, less than 10% of this investment has occurred within Houston, raising concerns among committee members about the city's ability to leverage these resources effectively.

The discussion emphasized the need for Houston to adopt strategies similar to those used by Dallas, where the economic development office actively engages businesses seeking incentives. In Dallas, applicants are prompted to consider the PACE program, which has allowed them to maximize funding across multiple projects. In contrast, Houston's approach has been less coordinated, with the PACE program recently transitioning oversight to the resiliency office, which aims to enhance collaboration.

The PACE program, designed to facilitate energy and water efficiency improvements in commercial properties, operates by allowing property owners to finance upgrades through a lien placed on their property. This mechanism enables businesses, including nonprofits and multifamily housing, to access funding for sustainable improvements. The committee expressed optimism about a recent project transforming an old hotel into affordable housing, showcasing the program's potential to align with the city's broader goals.

As the meeting concluded, members underscored the importance of increasing Houston's participation in the PACE program to ensure that the city can fully benefit from the economic opportunities it presents. The committee is eager to explore ways to enhance engagement with the private sector and drive resilience initiatives forward.