Joanne Kilgour: Allegheny County’s $1 million must jumpstart a bigger housing fix

When it comes to local government, every dollar counts. Smart investments are essential to make precious public resources go further and improve as many lives as possible. The goal is always finding ways to stretch taxpayer dollars while delivering better services and stronger communities.

But now, a new budget challenge is on the horizon. Rising electricity bills — which jumped roughly 7% last month — will add significant strain to public housing operations, threatening to divert funds from other vital community programs. This is especially concerning for facilities serving seniors and other vulnerable populations, where reliable heating, cooling and power are not just comfort issues but health necessities.

Fortunately, Allegheny County leaders are thinking ahead. Recognizing both the looming energy cost pressures and the potential for long-term savings, the county allocated $1 million last year specifically for energy efficiency and decarbonization upgrades across its public housing portfolio.

A significant portion of the county’s $1 million energy efficiency investment will go toward improvements at Allegheny County Housing Authorities (ACHA) Blawnox Apartments, a senior living facility that will serve as an excellent demonstration of how smart public investment can deliver benefits for both residents and communities.

But to receive the maximum benefits of this $1 million investment, county leaders need to quickly get this money out of the door. At the same time, state leaders must complement the county’s investment by ensuring another $1 million is allocated for energy efficiency upgrades in the state budget. Delivering a total of $2 million to upgrade public housing will be an important step toward easing the financial strain on Allegheny County’s budget, creating good-paying jobs and ensuring healthier housing conditions for vulnerable residents.

Energy efficiency upgrades are one of the best ways to ensure long-term energy savings at a time when electricity bills are rising. For the Blawnox apartments, there are two key areas where energy efficiency improvements can make a major difference: LED lighting and solar installations.

Upgrading to energy-efficient LED fixtures would cut lighting costs by nearly $12,000 each year while paying for itself in under a year. A solar array installation would slash electricity expenses by more than $10,000 annually. These savings represent real long-term savings for Allegheny County that can be reinvested in improving and expanding the county’s public housing stock.

Investing into energy efficiency upgrades doesn’t just save money for Allegheny County, but also powers economic opportunity. That’s because these upgrades require installation and regular maintenance, spurring demand for and creating good-paying job opportunities for the county’s contractors. Whether it’s electricians wiring solar panels, HVAC technicians updating aging systems or laborers weatherizing buildings, these are family-sustaining jobs that build wealth right here in Allegheny County.

The energy efficiency upgrades also align with Allegheny County’s initiatives to strengthen public housing facilities, many of which are outdated, inefficient, and unprepared for the rising threats of climate change, power outages and high utility costs. In fact, just a few months ago, the Blawnox Apartments themselves went dark in the midst of a heavy rain storm.

Modernizing public housing with energy efficiency upgrades such as rooftop solar and battery storage can keep homes running when extreme weather strikes. It’s also essential to enhancing a building’s resilience, especially as the climate threats of the 21st century increasingly impact Pennsylvania. By making these smart investments now, Allegheny County can build houses that will keep residents safe, comfortable, and healthy for decades to come.

A perfect storm is hitting Allegheny County, from higher energy bills to more frequent and severe climate threats. But if we act quickly, we can not only ride out this storm, but come out better on the other side.

It’s time county leaders get allocated funds out the door and get more money from the state to jumpstart investment into public housing. If we don’t act now, we risk missing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lock in long-term savings, protect vulnerable residents from energy instability, and build a foundation of resilient, modern public housing that serves our communities for decades to come.

Joanne Kilgour is executive director of the Ohio River Valley Institute.