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Sustainability committee backs $150,000 Efficiency Navigator proposal to help landlords upgrade low‑income units
Summary
The committee recommended the planning department's $150,000 capital request to continue the Energy Efficiency Navigator program, citing leverage from DOE funding and IRA incentives, targeting 2–4 buildings (8–16 units) and tenant energy savings of $164–$1,100 per year.
Middleton — The Sustainability Committee recommended city support for a planning department budget request to keep the Energy Efficiency Navigator program operating in 2025 and to fund developer guidance work.
Kelly (planning/sustainability staff) asked the committee to support a $150,000 capital request to continue the Energy Efficiency Navigator as a stopgap while longer-term funding options are pursued. Staff said the request is designed to unlock additional funding — $20,000 in local DOE grant support, philanthropic match from Elevate Energy, and homeowner/landlord incentives through the Inflation Reduction Act — so the city investment can leverage tens of thousands of additional dollars per housing unit.
"If we had a $150 capital funding, this would only happen if we were able to leverage these funds with capital, $20,000 of energy future grants and work in tandem with that grant," Kelly said, describing the program’s ability to pair municipal funds with external incentives. (Kelly, staff)
Kelly said the program has helped 27 units in 13 buildings to date and that modeled tenant savings range from $164 to $1,100 per year depending on measures installed. Staff also said projects selected for the program must meet eligibility criteria (targeting areas at or below 80% area median income) and landlords sign a five‑year memorandum of understanding to commit to not raising rents above fair‑market value for participating units.
Committee members asked how much of the $150,000 would go to direct installation versus administration; staff said $120,000–$130,000 would fund contractor work and the remainder would cover program administration and partner fees.
Alder Schaefer moved to recommend both the $150,000 Efficiency Navigator ask and a related $75,000 sustainable building-guidelines request to the council; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Members noted the $75,000 request may need more specification for council review, but committee support would flag the priorities for the budget process.
What’s next: Staff will refine the budget language with clearer descriptions of how funds will be used and return to council with the committee’s recommendation.
