HUD Acting Secretary Acting Secretary Todman (far right) planted a tree alongside Kelvin A. Jeremiah, President & CEO of PHA; PHA Board Chair Lynette Brown-Sow; US. Congressman Dwight Evans and other dignitaries at a ceremony on April 25 designed to highlight HUD’S and PHA’s investments in energy-saving operating systems and green spaces for affordable housing. The tree was planted at the Blumberg 83 Community Center in Sharswood, which is powered by solar panels on the roof. Residents have access to landscaped green spaces, bike racks, and pedestrian walkways. The leased housing development has been recognized by two green rating programs: Enterprise Green Communities and ENERGY STAR® Certified Homes.

HUD Acting Secretary Travels to Philadelphia, PA to Mark Investments in Sustainability

Acting Secretary Todman joined local Philadelphia leaders to highlight green investments in affordable housing

HUD Public Affairs
202-708-0685
HUD.gov/Press

PHILADELPHIA – Today, Adrianne Todman, the Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), traveled to Philadelphia, PA, to celebrate the Philadelphia Housing Authority and Biden-Harris Administration’s work to support housing that is both affordable and sustainable. This Earth Week, HUD and the entire Biden-Harris Administration are marking achievements in supporting energy efficiency, climate resilience, and sustainability across the country.

“We know that as our country invests in sustainable housing, low-income and disadvantaged communities are often left behind. Under this Administration, we have invested billions to ensure that affordable housing is similarly efficient, resilient, and sustainable,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “It’s my honor to be here with our partners in Philadelphia, during Earth Week, to celebrate their achievements as we look to build America’s green future.”

Acting Secretary Todman joined U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (PA-03), State Sen. Sharif Street, State Rep. Donna Bullock, Philadelphia City Councilman Jeffery Young, Aren Platt, Chief Deputy Mayor of Planning and Strategic Initiatives, and Kelvin A. Jeremiah, the President & CEO of the Philadelphia Housing Authority, for a press conference at the 83-Development, an Energy Star and Green Community-certified new development, which serves 83 new units and a new street. HUD funds helped build this property through a $30 million Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant. This site features a variety of energy-efficient and climate resilient improvements, including solar panels and storm water retention basins. Following the press conference, Acting Secretary Todman planted a tree alongside local officials, symbolizing the importance of investing in green spaces for affordable housing.

Today, in honor of Earth Week, HUD released a fact sheet summarizing these crucial actions taken over the past year, which include increasing access to climate funding opportunities, strengthening programs alongside interagency partners, collaborating on gathering climate data, and ensuring that climate investments enhance housing affordability.

To learn more about Acting Secretary Todman’s visit or HUD’s work to invest in sustainability, climate resilience, and energy efficiency, reach out to HUD’s Office of Public Affairs at [email protected].

###

HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and http://espanol.hud.gov

You can also connect with HUD on social media or sign up for news alerts on HUD’s Email List.