TO: Housing Authority Commissioners
FROM: Emma Moyer, Interim Executive Director
REPORT BY: Alex Carrasco, Project Manager
SUBJECT: Low-Income Weatherization Program Intent to Proceed Form
RECOMMENDATION
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Approve and authorize Low-Income Weatherization Program Intent to Proceed Form. (No Fiscal Impact; Discretionary)
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BACKGROUND
The Low-Income Weatherization Program (LIWP) is funded by the California Department of Community Services and Development and administered by the Association for Energy Affordability (AEA). LIWP serves low-income households with solar photovoltaic systems and access energy efficiency upgrades at no cost to residents. The program reduces greenhouse gas emissions and household energy costs by saving energy and generating clean renewable power.
In 2025, the Housing Authority (Authority) signed LIWP covenants for each of the three county-owned farmworker centers (Centers) as a condition LIWP program. Since approving the covenants, AEA provided no cost technical assistance and conducted a site visit of the River Ranch Farmworker Center to explore the addition of central air conditioning to all buildings including dorm units, and is actively working with staff from the Department of Housing & Community Services, which oversees the Centers, to reserve potential funding for eligible air conditioning equipment.
To demonstrate that the Authority is earnest about proceeding with LIWP, the Intent to Proceed Form (Form) must be signed and returned to AEA staff. Terms of the Form include the Authority agreeing to an energy audit at the River Ranch Center for 12 to 24 months, granting AEA access to buildings for purposes of energy audit, installing energy improvements that equate to at least 15% energy savings above existing conditions, and maintaining housing affordability for ten-years (66% of households at or below 80% Area Median Income).
Requested action: Approve and authorize Intent to Proceed Form to participate in the Low-Income Weatherization Program at the River Ranch Farmworker Center.
FISCAL IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
No |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
No |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
Signing the Intent to Proceed Form will ensure that the River Center is enrolled and ready to access LIWP funding as it becomes available. |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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Future fiscal impact: |
Reduced utility expenses via energy efficient upgrades. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
No financial incentives for energy efficient upgrades. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 1538 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.