Morning

Welcome and Opening Plenary Session                           

Stimulus Update: What Have We Done to Date?   

This panel will provide an overview of new federal stimulus programs relevant to greening affordable housing, with a focus on the programs that flow through state and local governments, including the Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program, State Energy Program, and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants. The presentation will include best practices in the application of these programs to multifamily housing across the country. Panelists will also discuss the implications of the recent passage of AB758.

Afternoon

Breakout Sessions: Experiences on the Ground Part 1

Session 1: Financing Green Improvements to Public Housing

This session is an opportunity for Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to share information and best practices on their recent use of specific green housing financing programs, with a focus on innovative uses of Capital Fund financing, stimulus funding, and other resources.

Session 2: Green Resources for Private Owners

This session is an opportunity for private owners and developers to discuss the green financing resources directed toward HUD-assisted multifamily housing. The session will focus on the initial experiences with the HUD Green Retrofit Program, in which California has the largest number of active projects in the country. Panelists will also discuss a new initiative sponsored by Enterprise, and compare and contrast these programs with previous efforts to green multifamily properties.

Breakout Sessions: Experiences on the Ground Part 2

Session 3: Making the Numbers Work for Solar Photovoltaic Systems

This session will explore the complexities involved in accessing multiple types of tax credits for adding renewable energy to affordable housing projects. An owner's ability to use these tax credits depends on the ownership structure for the project and whether they plan to own directly or enter a Power Purchase Agreement. Panelists will discuss specific case study examples of projects involving Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, Solar Tax Credits, Renewable Energy Credits and the Multifamily and the California Solar Initiative rebate programs.

Session 4: Financing Energy Efficiency Improvements Through an Energy    Performance Contracting Organization (ESCO)        

This session will explore innovations in the use of Energy Performance Contracting to generate substantial new resources for Public Housing Authorities. Panelists will discuss case studies illustrating how this approach can be used to leverage tens of millions of dollars in utility reductions captured through  ESCOs who have brought bond financing to the table to fund energy improvements.

Wrap-up Session: Where Do We Go From Here?

This session is the culmination of all the Symposium topics discussed and how they fit together.  Speakers will comment on key concepts and issues mentioned throughout the day and share ideas about where California can go from here to increase the availability and utilization of green housing financing programs.