By Emily Pugliese & Madyson Peoples
Budget hearings are in full swing at City Hall, with city departments testifying about their needs so City Council can work with the Mayor’s office to create a budget that works for all Philadelphians. Early last month, Green Building United members and staff had the opportunity to advocate for a more sustainable and resilient city during our 2025 Advocacy Day at City Hall.
Our day began with a policy briefing where we outlined key priorities for Philadelphia’s FY26 budget. Over delicious tacos and meaningful conversations, we shared strategies to sustain the city’s progress on climate resilience, energy efficiency, and green jobs—especially in light of evolving federal policies that could impact local funding.
Following the briefing, our members met with eight Council offices to present specific budget asks aimed at advancing sustainability, economic opportunity, and public health. These meetings underscored the importance of local leadership in maintaining Philadelphia’s momentum toward a greener future.
Our Key Asks
During our discussions, we highlighted critical budget priorities, including:
- Expanding Energy Benchmarking and Performance Policies: Allocating resources to strengthen enforcement of existing benchmarking programs and improve building energy performance across the city.
- Funding for Green Workforce Development: Investing in training programs that equip Philadelphians with the skills needed for careers in energy efficiency, electrification, and green construction.
- Advancing Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Supporting budget allocations for resilient building upgrades, flood mitigation efforts, and urban tree canopy expansion.
- Supporting Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs: Increasing funding for programs that assist vulnerable communities in reducing energy costs while improving indoor air quality and housing safety.
Looking Ahead:
Our advocacy efforts don’t stop here. As budget negotiations continue, we will stay engaged with City Council and our coalition partners to ensure that a clean and healthy built environment remains a top priority. We encourage our members and supporters to reach out to their Council representatives and voice their support for these critical investments.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Advocacy Day and helped make our collective voice heard! Join our monthly committee meetings to stay involved in our Policy & Advocacy work.
