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Boise, Idaho, has been awarded $1 million to implement a geothermal heating and cooling system for multifamily affordable housing, becoming the first U.S. city to do so. The funding is from Bloomberg's Mayors Challenge, which includes over 600 global cities.

The project will be located in the Lusk District and aims for completion by 2028, potentially reducing utility costs for up to 300 homes by 80%. Boise operates the largest direct-use geothermal system in the country, but previous regulatory barriers have hindered access for multifamily units. A feasibility study funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies facilitated a public-private partnership to advance this initiative.