Rental housing is less energy efficient, on average, than owner-occupied homes, contributing to challenging energy bills for many residents. How can local governments help equitably improve the efficiency of rental units to lower costs?
Join us to hear lessons from a new guide for municipal officials, published by ACEEE in partnership with the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN). The guide lays out a series of local government actions to reduce energy use in rental properties, preserve or increase housing affordability, and build the capacity of local communities to design, implement, and evaluate more equitable policies. The lead report author will highlight key recommendations. A representative from USDN will share how the resources fits into USDN’s equity and buildings work and a representative from the City of Minneapolis working on an affordable housing efficiency program will share their experiences and lessons learned in serving residents.
Moderator: Ariel Drehobl, Local Policy Manager, Energy and Equity, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Ariel Drehobl leads work related to energy equity, energy affordability, and low-income energy efficiency programs. She provides direct policy and research assistance to stakeholders working to advance equitable clean energy policies and programs. Ariel manages ACEEE's Leading with Equity Initiative and is a member of the Governing Board of Directors for the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition.
Speakers:
Stefen Samarripas, Local Policy Manager, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Stefen Samarripas conducts research, analysis, and outreach on policies and programs that encourage energy efficiency throughout local communities. His work currently focuses on supporting local government-led clean energy initiatives and scaling up energy efficiency investments in affordable housing. Stefen joined ACEEE in 2016.
Kathryn Wright, Program Director for Building Energy, Urban Sustainability Directors Network
Kathryn Wright serves a network of 240+ cities and counties in the U.S. and Canada with ambitious climate commitments. In her role, Kathryn oversees the network’s strategic direction and innovation work in the built environment. This includes supporting the development learning groups and research reports focused on buildings. She also currently serves on the Board of Directors for the New Buildings Institute.
Isaac Evans, Energy Related Contract Manager, City of Minneapolis’ Green Cost Share Program
Isaac Evans is charged with program data management, project tracking, application review, and guiding program participants through the City’s contracting processes. He also assists in program analysis and the development and modification of existing Green Cost Share program categories. Prior to joining the city, he was a graduate student at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs where he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Public Policy specifically focused on energy policy.