Seven very low-income housing complexes in New Mexico have been renovated to be more energy efficient. The work was made possible by a nonprofit partnership that works in part to put money back in low-income residents' pockets.
"Spending roughly $1 million at each property, the Reliant Group installed energy-efficient, double-paned windows and low-flow toilets and shower heads to help residents save on their utility bills. Energy-saving fluorescent lights were installed in kitchens and entries. Ceiling fans were added."
"'These things don't save on the owner's energy bill,' said Hans Juhle, a partner in the Reliant Group. 'They reduce the resident's bill and these are people who live on the margin.'"
"But the bottom line isn't just about money, although that's important, Juhle said. 'Part of our purpose - and one of the reasons people invest with us - is we provide a social return on investment,' he said. 'It's a double bottom-line type of investment.'"
"The seven New Mexico apartment complexes were among 20 Section 8 properties getting a combined $22.4 million in renovations. The 20 properties - the others are in Texas - form the RHAC portfolio, named after Phoenix-based Rainbow Housing Assistance Corp. Rainbow Housing focuses on affordable housing and provides a variety of services and programs to its tenants. Rainbow and Reliant are often partners on Section 8 properties."
FULL STORY: Nonprofit Makes Section 8 Complexes Green
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Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions