ATL Standard

Mayor Andre Dickens of Atlanta has taken a significant step towards advancing his Clean Energy Plan agenda by authorizing the establishment of the Atlanta Community Energy Trust Fund with a $500,000 investment. This move, supported by Councilmembers Liliana Bakhtiari and Alex Wan, aims to reduce energy burdens on households within the city.

"Close to 50,000 households are energy burdened within our city, and we are constantly searching for ways to help," stated Mayor Dickens, emphasizing the importance of addressing energy challenges faced by many residents. The fund transfer from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to the Atlanta Community Energy Trust Fund aligns with the mayor's ambitious goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2035.

Chief Sustainability Officer Chandra Farley highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, "The creation of this fund comes at a critical juncture as our team focuses on clean energy projects that have a multitude of benefits." The fund will support clean energy projects and strategies identified within the Clean Energy Plan, promoting energy efficiency solutions for Atlanta's buildings.

Managed by the Office of Sustainability and Resilience, the fund will serve as a vital mechanism to achieve the city's clean energy goals. Additional funds for the initiative will be sourced from various channels, including city appropriations, revenue from renewable energy credits, and federal funding opportunities.

This investment marks a crucial milestone in Mayor Dickens' commitment to promoting sustainability and reducing energy consumption and emissions within Atlanta, ultimately improving the quality of life for its residents.