FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

March 23, 2026 

Contact: Frankie Fosdick, Efficiency Navigator Specialist
Email: frankie@sustaindane.org
Phone: 608-285-2454 

2026 FITCHBURG EFFICIENCY NAVIGATOR PROGRAM
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS 

Sustain Dane is now accepting applications for the Efficiency Navigator Program to help affordable rental housing become more energy efficient and reduce utility bills for residents. 

Fitchburg, WI - The City of Fitchburg is partnering with Sustain Dane and Elevate to bring Efficiency Navigator Program back to Fitchburg for 2026. The Efficiency Navigator Program helps small to medium-sized apartments become more energy efficient through the installation of sustainable energy updates which reduces operating costs for owners and utility bills for residents in the city’s four Healthy Neighborhoods. 

In 2025, Efficiency Navigator made a positive impact on over 100 residents in 68 households, including 16 seniors and 13 children in Fitchburg. The program reduced CO2 equivalent to driving around the earth four times and addressed important health/safety measures. As identified in the 2019 Fitchburg Housing Plan, many of the city’s multi-family units were constructed prior to 1980 and lack energy efficient updates. These units have become the city’s NOAH (naturally occurring affordable housing) and the city wishes to participate in Efficiency Navigator. The program provides sustainable and energy efficient updates in neighborhoods with apartment homes with low to moderate income residents. Funding for the program was made possible through the closure of Tax Increment Finance Districts No. 4, 6 and 15. The increment from the TID closure was used to capitalize an Affordable Housing Fund. The Affordable Housing Fund requires that 75 percent of the funding must be used for affordable housing and the remainder for general housing purposes. Sustain Dane and Elevate are the only groups who offer this type of program in the area. The cities of Middleton and Madison utilize the Efficiency Navigator as well. 

“Efficiency Navigator demonstrates that smart housing investments can deliver real benefits for our residents and our environment. By upgrading older buildings and improving energy efficiency, we are reducing emissions, lowering energy costs for families, and making our homes healthier and more comfortable. It’s a practical step toward a stronger and more sustainable Fitchburg,” said Mayor Julia Arata-Fratta.  

Who:  City of Fitchburg and Sustain Dane 

What: 2026 Fitchburg Efficiency Navigator Program

When: March 23, 2026 – Application period open now and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  

Applications received by May 1, 2026, will be prioritized. Apply now. We anticipate the demand will exceed the available funding. 

Additional program information: 

Building-owners complete an application to be considered for a no-cost energy assessment. The energy assessment report recommends energy efficiency measures, estimated upgrade costs for each measure, and estimated utility bill savings and health/safety benefits.

Measures will be prioritized by impact across all buildings participating in energy assessments. The Fitchburg Common Council will review the prioritized list of measures and approve funding for selected measures and buildings. Criteria such as greenhouse gas emission reduction, energy bill savings, and health/safety improvements will be considered. The Efficiency Navigator will work with Elevate to complete the installation of the energy efficient and sustainable improvements.  

Eligibility: 

• 2-20units, renter-occupied
• Unsubsidized (buildings with Section 8 voucher holders are eligible)
• Properties where residents pay for gas and electric utilities are prioritized
• Properties are current on property tax payments and utilities
• Property owner commits to maintaining affordable rent at HUD Fair Market Rent Value for at least 5 years post-implementation

We strongly encourage applications from buildings located in the four Fitchburg Healthy Neighborhoods - Jamestown, Belmar/Dunns Marsh, North Fish Hatchery Road, & Southdale. In addition, we encourage all buildings where utility bills are a challenge for residents, and those that house children, seniors, or otherwise vulnerable populations to apply. 

Program Highlights:

• No cost energy assessment; team member assistance with each step  
• Grant funding for measures approved by Council
• Coordination with contractor selection and scheduling
• Contractors paid directly by Sustain Dane for eligible measures
• Reduce tenant turnover with lower energy bills and more comfortable units 

A participating owner in Fitchburg stated, "We just heard from one of our tenants that she’s noticing her utility bills are $10-20 less than at this same time last year."  

Learn more, recommend your apartment building as a resident, or apply as a property owner by visiting Fitchburg Efficiency Navigator  

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Loreen Gage, Housing Initiatives & Programs Specialist via phone at 608-270-4249 or email Loreen.gage@fitchburgwi.gov 

About Sustain Dane: Sustain Dane is a local non-profit with the vision for a thriving and inclusive community with a sustainable environment and economy we are proud to pass on to future generations. For over 20 years, Sustain Dane has worked to inspire, connect, and support people to accelerate equity and sustainable actions for community well-being. 

Elevate Energy is a non-profit national leader in retrofitting affordable multifamily housing, serving almost 130,000 units of affordable housing and creating over 1,500 jobs through their programs. 

This opportunity is made possible in partnership with the City of Fitchburg.