New Bill Proposes $30M Annual Grants to Combat Extreme Urban Heat, Prioritizing Underserved Neighborhoods

This legislation, the Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2025, sets up a new federal grant program aimed squarely at tackling the dangerous effects of extreme heat in cities. It authorizes $30 million per year from fiscal year 2026 through 2033 for projects designed to cool down urban environments. Managed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the program intends to fund practical solutions to what the bill calls the "excess urban heat effect" – the extra warmth cities trap due to things like dark surfaces, lack of trees, and dense buildings.

Cooling Down Concrete Jungles

The bill recognizes that extreme heat isn't just uncomfortable; it's a killer, responsible for hundreds of deaths annually, and disproportionately impacts low-income communities and communities of color. These areas often have significantly less tree cover and experience higher temperatures. The goal here is to fund projects that directly reduce heat risks where they're felt most acutely. Think planting trees (especially native species providing shade or food), installing 'cool' pavements and roofs that reflect sunlight, building more shelters at bus stops, establishing public cooling centers (ideally using renewable energy), and creating community gardens.

Where the Money Goes and Who Gets It

So, who gets this funding? States, local governments, tribal nations, metropolitan planning organizations, and certain non-profits can apply. A key rule is that at least 75% of the grant money must go to projects located in "covered census tracts." These are defined as areas with a poverty rate of 20% or more, specifically including historically redlined neighborhoods. Eligible projects cover a wide range, from planting trees and installing green roofs to developing urban forestry plans and running community outreach programs about heat safety. The bill even allows funding for maintaining existing trees and other heat-reducing actions approved by the HUD Secretary.

More Than Just Money: Support and Oversight

Recognizing that applying for federal grants can be tough, the bill sets aside up to 3% of the funds for technical assistance. This help is prioritized for communities in those covered census tracts or areas identified as having less tree cover and higher heat. Assistance could range from help writing the application to figuring out the finances or planning project implementation. Applicants will need to show how their project will fight extreme heat, improve quality of life, and involve the local community. While the federal government can cover up to 80% of project costs, it could cover up to 100% for communities facing economic hardship. To keep things on track, up to 5% of the funds can be used for an oversight board composed of representatives from various federal agencies (like EPA, HHS, DOE) and potentially nonprofits or academics, tasked with selecting recipients and reviewing project progress annually.