Council approves Efficiency Navigator continuation, ties affordability covenant to properties for five years

The council approved a resolution to continue Fitchburg's participation in the Efficiency Navigator program with Sustained Dane for 2026, allocating about $500,000 from the city's affordable housing fund (not tax-levy dollars) for the effort.

City Administrator Chad Brecklin explained the program focuses on energy improvements for small multifamily buildings and that the council added a land-use restriction agreement (referred to in the transcript as "LAURA") to ensure affordability commitments remain tied to the parcel for five years, including any future owner. Brecklin said Sustained Dane has identified roughly 12 recommended properties for expected efficiency upgrades.

The hosts noted the funding source is the affordable housing fund created from closed tax-increment districts and emphasized these dollars are not available for general city operations.