HomeMy WebLinkAboutWendy Ford Sustainability SpotlightWhat does sustainability mean to you,
and why do you believe it’s important?
Personally, sustainability means the pragmatic planning use
and reuse of current resources, so we can fulfill our cur-
rent needs, while minimizing any negative impacts on fu-
ture generations. Basically, it means trying to leave things
better. I think sustainability is important so we have the
ability to set up future generations to succeed in whatever
challenges they may face. Our sustainable actions should
allow them to be better equipped to address those issues.
How is sustainability incorporated into your position?
Part of my job involves working with developers who seek financial assistance from the City. For the past decade, and
in exchange for that assistance, the City has required some measure of sustainability be incorporated into the project.
For example, the new Riverside West apartments on Riverside Drive sought City assistance and for that, incorporated
an array of solar panels on the roof to generate electricity for the building. Another example is the Chauncey, a mixed
use high-rise under construction at Gilbert and College Streets. The Chauncey developer has agreed to build the build-
ing to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver standards which will require a combination of en-
ergy efficiency measures, water metering, proximity to public transit, fresh air availability, etc. While the Chauncey was
required to build to LEED Silver standards, they were not required to attain LEED Silver certification.
What actions have you taken to improve sustainability within your position?
In mid-2016, the Economic Development Committee that I staff began a process of reviewing the policies that have
afforded TIF assistance to developers. One of the goals of the revision is to be more specific. While the new policies
have not yet been adopted by Council, it is likely that a new sustainability requirement will be that any new building in
the downtown and Riverfront Crossings area seeking TIF will be required to be LEED Silver certified and that at least 8
points of the certification come from the Energy Efficiency category.
In your opinion, what efforts can be made to improve sustainability within our community?
We should continue to require that building projects involving City financing meet certain energy efficiency require-
ments. We must also be tuned into sustainability as it relates to workforce, and ensure we have the people to support
business in Iowa City and where the workforce has affordable housing. We should work
to ensure there are a mix of uses downtown and other areas of the community. This
helps ensure the demand for a mix of housing types, and a diverse population.
For more information about the City of Iowa City’s sustainability efforts, visit
www.icgov.org/sustainability, subscribe to our Sustainable Iowa City newsletter at
www.icgov.org/e-subscriptions, or follow #SustainableIC on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Sustainability Spotlight:
Wendy Ford
Coordinator, City of Iowa City Economic Development Division