Adrianne Todman, the Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), made her way to Philadelphia this week to give the City of Brotherly Love a pat on the back for its efforts in sustainable housing. In a nod to Earth Week, Todman joined a cohort of local bigwigs, including U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans and State Sen. Sharif Street, to sing praises for a new development that's setting the standard for green living in affordable housing.

The highlight of Todman's trip was a stop at the 83-Development, a shiny example of energy efficiency with its Energy Star and Green Community certifications. "We know that as our country invests in sustainable housing, low-income and disadvantaged communities are often left behind," Todman remarked at a press conference. "Under this Administration, we have invested billions to ensure that affordable housing is similarly efficient, resilient, and sustainable," she said, as reported by HUD's press release.

The 83-Development benefits from solar panels and stormwater retention basins, and comes courtesy of a hefty $30 million Choice Neighborhood Implementation Grant from HUD. It represents a beacon of hope, not just for its 83 units housing residents, but as a message that even the less well-off can enjoy the perks of a green future.

Putting action into words, Acting Secretary Todman, along with state and local officials, planted a tree to symbolize the commitment to green space in affordable housing areas. It was a small, yet hopeful gesture, indicating that Philly's affordable units are turning over a new leaf and embracing nature. Philadelphia's own Kelvin A. Jeremiah, the President & CEO of the Philadelphia Housing Authority, stood side by side with Todman, driving home the partnership between federal prerogatives and local needs.