ATLANTA – October 23, 2025 – Invest Atlanta Partnership (IAP) is proud to announce that the organization has received a $250,000 market building grant from phase 1 of the Municipal Investment Fund. Funds will be used to develop public-private partnership plans for an innovative pipeline of projects that integrate net zero energy principles into the city’s affordable housing pipeline and focus on climate resilient neighborhood-scale development to help reduce energy cost in Atlanta.
The grant was made possible by the Coalition for Green Capital and supported by ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability USA (ICLEI USA), a public-private partnership to accelerate the development and construction of smart infrastructure projects across the country. Atlanta was selected along with 49 other communities out of 114 across 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and tribal nations who applied.
“As we strive towards 100% clean energy by 2035, integrating net zero energy principles into the city’s robust affordable housing pipeline presents an opportunity to lead with innovation as we work to reduce energy costs for residents, and advance Atlanta’s climate resilience goals,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “The market-building grant from CGC and ICLEI will provide the technical assistance resources necessary to explore how energy-efficient design, renewable energy systems, and sustainable construction practices can elevate sustainability and equity as a key component of housing affordability.”
Atlanta has been awarded these funds specifically to help build new infrastructure necessary to expand Atlanta’s clean energy financing ecosystem, further integrating private sector participation and unlocking new capital sources to accelerate sustainability goals. With the support of the Coalition for Green Capital and ICLEI, Invest Atlanta will advance efforts to establish a Green Fund that can attract private capital and finance transformative projects like net-zero affordable housing and resilient neighborhood development.
“Atlanta is taking an important step towards building a sustainable and resilient future,” said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. "Clean energy investment is also a powerful economic catalyst. Each public dollar invested can attract seven dollars in private capital, amplifying our ability to finance projects that strengthen communities and grow Atlanta’s economy. This work is critical in a city where many families face some of the highest energy costs in the nation. By connecting clean energy investment with our broader economic development strategy, we can create stronger public-private partnerships that reduce energy burdens, support local jobs, and ensure that progress toward sustainability and resilience also delivers lasting economic benefits for all Atlantans."
The grant is the result of a partnership between IAP, Invest Atlanta, and the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Sustainability & Resilience who have come together to invest in new tech and energy infrastructure that our community needs to attract future economic development to our region.
“The Municipal Investment Fund award demonstrates confidence in Atlanta’s leadership and vision,” said Ken Ashley, Board Chair of IAP, “and we are proud that Invest Atlanta Partnership has been selected as Georgia’s sole recipient of this highly competitive grant. These funds will enable us to bring together community partners and private investors to support transformative projects that benefit all Atlantans as we work to bring down energy prices for residents in our community. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, energy spend can grow to up to 10% of the average household spend, which can be a huge burden to middle- and lower-income families. Beyond clean energy, this work is about supporting a stronger local economy and ensuring Atlanta’s communities are resilient and prosperous.”
Invest Atlanta Partnership was selected by ICLEI USA because of the potential impacts that the projects would have directly on the community as well as the expected attractiveness the project would have for both future grants and private investments. By receiving the grant, IAP will develop a smart, competitive, and ultimately cost-effective plan that would be a win-win for both the community and potential investors.
Richard Kauffman, the CEO of the Coalition for Green Capital, said, “We are honored to provide funding to communities across the United States under the MIF program so they can take initial steps toward bringing America clean, affordable energy in this time of crisis. We congratulate the winners of this vigorous competition. They are real heroes.”
“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 of 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 about the grant, or to speak to an Invest Atlanta Partnership representative about the project, please reach out to Katrina Highsmith-Johnson at Khighsmith@investatlanta.com.
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About Invest Atlanta Partnership
Invest Atlanta Partnership sits at the intersection of public resources, private giving, and local connection. From this unique vantage point, we’re able to connect community needs with high-impact solutions — aligning people, funding, and tools to spark opportunities across Atlanta.