The City of Reading and Green Building Alliance (GBA) have been selected to receive a $250,000 in funding from the Municipal Investment Fund (MIF) to support building project revitalization efforts that incorporate electrification.
The Municipal Investment Fund is a 50-state strategy launched by Coalition for Green Capital (CGC) and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability USA (ICLEI USA) to empower communities to use public/private investing to accelerate the development and construction of smart infrastructure projects across the country. Reading is the only applicant from Pennsylvania to receive a grant award. Nationwide, it is one of 50 communities selected from a pool of 114 applicants across 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and tribal nations.
The City of Reading will use the funding to develop a roadmap that prepares property owners, businesses, community developers, colleges and universities, K-12 schools, and building industry professionals with the knowledge and resources they need to invest in highly energy and cost efficient projects that will make the city more resilient. The plan will also connect participants to early-stage funding opportunities, from incentives and rebates to capital investment opportunities, with the goal of establishing a pipeline of shovel-ready, highly energy e icient building projects.
“This grant is an important step forward in our work to make Reading stronger, more sustainable, and more a ordable for everyone,” said Mayor Eddie Morán. “By working with GBA, ICLEI, and our local partners, we’re giving businesses, schools, and neighborhoods the resources to modernize, save on energy costs, and prepare for the future.”
“Reading is proud to be the only Pennsylvania partnership selected for this year’s Market-Building Funding & Technical Support grant,” adds David Barr, Community Development Director. “This support will play a key role as we launch our CRIZ program by developing user-friendly guides for land development, historic preservation, permitting, financing, and other project phases in a sustainable way, helping create a more resilient community.”
As part of the plan, GBA will develop an energy efficiency capital toolkit designed to guide commercial and institutional property managers through every stage of their building resiliency projects. In addition, GBA will host workshops, share case studies and provide support materials to introduce stakeholders to high efficiency building modernization best practices. To strengthen the local workforce, GBA will provide training in energy efficiency and preventative property maintenance skillsets to contractors, facilities personnel, and aspiring tradespeople.
Businesses, building owners, higher education institutions, and K12 schools are encouraged to reach out to Chris Cieslak, Chief Operating O icer, GBA, at info@gba.org to discuss their ideas for building project renovations, retrofits, and new construction, and to learn more about resources available to support the development of shovel-ready projects.
“Green Building Alliance is honored to partner with the City of Reading to empower area businesses, developers, nonprofits and schools with the knowledge and tools to identify, prioritize, and invest in upgrades and renovations that will improve energy efficiency, support the transition to electrification, and lower utility costs,” says Jenna Cramer, President & CEO, Green Building Alliance. “This work is an extension of the Resilient Reading initiative launched by GBA in 2024, which seeks to pave the way for community revitalization that is beautiful, affordable, and forward- thinking.”
“We’re thrilled about this opportunity for the City of Reading,” said City of Reading Sustainability Manager Bethany Ayers-Fisher. “It reflects the values of our Sustainability Division and the City as a whole, and supports the Mayor’s vision for a stronger, more resilient Reading. This project will help us deepen partnerships and keep building a better Reading together.”
“This funding is about unlocking local leadership and moving forward the kinds of projects that communities have been ready to deliver for years,” said Saharnaz Mirzazad, Executive Director, ICLEI USA. “These awards show how public-private partnerships can lead to real progress on energy, infrastructure, and economic resilience. These projects make communities safer, lower energy costs and meet local needs head-on.”
For more information, reach out to Chris Cieslak, Chief Operating Officer, GBA, at info@gba.org.