Council approves HUD‑funded Energy Upgrades for Healthy Homes contract after public support from community coalition
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Summary
Flagstaff approved a contract to implement an Energy Upgrades for Healthy Homes program (HUD-funded) providing no‑cost retrofits tailored to low‑income and vulnerable households. Staff said one responsive bid was received and vetted; community partners described outreach and coalition design work.
The City Council voted Nov. 18 to approve the Energy Upgrades for Healthy Homes contract, moving the federally funded program into implementation.
Jacob Brotz, energy specialist with the city sustainability office, described the program as a HUD‑funded, locally administered initiative launched in 2022 to provide energy efficiency and weatherization upgrades at no cost to qualifying Flagstaff households. Upgrades will be tailored to household needs and may include insulation, efficient water heaters, cold‑climate heat pumps and smart thermostats. Brotz added the initiative will produce data on housing stock condition to inform future programs.
Brotz said the solicitation drew only one responsive bid, which the evaluation committee (including community members) judged sufficient. Procurement director Patrick Brown confirmed the process was publicly advertised and evaluated despite a single submittal.
Community partners spoke in support: Michelle James (Friends of FlexPath's Future) and Kyle Nitsky (Northern Arizona Interfaith Council/Arizona Students Association) described coalition outreach, volunteer training and efforts to make materials accessible in Spanish and to include mobile homes in eligibility.
Council approved the contract and related consent agenda action after the presentation and public comments. Staff said interested households can contact the Office of Sustainability or visit flagstaff.az.gov/uhh for more information.