Here's how I would design my fantasy weatherization/stimulus program. First, identify highest priority areas of the country, in terms of climate and age/quality of housing stock. Second, put local contractors on federal salaries. Third, have the Feds cover much or even all of the cost up front (none of this tax credit crap). Fourth, do intensive marketing, emphasizing the benefits and the cheap/free aspect of it, including, if necessary, door to marketing.
I'm sure there are all kinds of difficulties with my cunning plan, but the point is that if you want things to be done...just go out and do them, don't have them get swallowed in the various layers of government/private sector.
