HomeMy WebLinkAboutSustainability Assessmentiowa city
The City began its efforts towards sustainability many years
before the term became as commonly used as it is today.
Iowa City was a pioneer in energy conservation in the 1980s,
implementing numerous energy conservation programs and
using a portion of the energy savings to fund additional
projects. More recently, from 1999–2005, LED lighting was
installed in City traffic signals, cutting electrical usage for
signals in half. In 2001, Sycamore Greenspace was constructed.
This green infrastructure contains 55 acres of wetland which
serves to manage stormwater and which also provides the City
with a mulit-use greenspace containing native plants, trails,
public art and wildlife habitat. The City owned landfill began
capturing and flaring landfill gas in 2001, which has decreased
greenhouse emissions from the landfill by 69%. Iowa City’s
mayor signed the Mayors Climate Protection agreement in
2007 and in 2009 was the first City in Iowa to complete a
community-wide greenhouse gas inventory and emissions
baseline data. In the last several years, many City departments
have begun partnering in sustainability projects with the
University of Iowa, enhancing the ability to broaden the work
on sustainability within the community.
This assessment identifies specific indicators that coordinate
with the vision and broad set of goals set forth in IC2030,
Iowa City’s most recent Comprehensive Plan and the
City’s Strategic Plan. The indicators will act as a source of
information for the next step of this process: the development
of sustainability goals and targets. In the process of
sustainability goal setting, the City should also consider
sustainability goals set forth in the University of Iowa’s 2020
Plan so that aligned efforts of local government, business,
non-profits, residents and the University will combine to foster
greater community progress.
Data for nearly 60 sustainability indicators in nine focus
areas were compiled and analyzed for this assessment. These
indicators focus on the economic, environmental and resource
management, and social/cultural categories of sustainability.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The nine focus areas included in the report are:
• Economic
• Community Design and Transportation
• Energy
• Water
• Waste Reduction
• Natural Ecosystem
• Housing
• Community Wellness
• Arts and Culture
The assessment conveys meaningful and measurable
information about the current status of the Iowa City
community with respect to sustainability. Data from 2007
serves as the baseline from which indicators in the following
four years are assessed. Comparisons between Iowa City,
the state of Iowa, and national totals are provided for
each indicator wherever data is available and applicable. A
simplified rating system measures the status of each indicator
in the community and allows us to assess whether Iowa City
is within or exceeding the acceptable level, below the desired
level or unclassifiable due to complexity or other factors such
as limited data.
Economic, environmental, and social/cultural conditions are
healthy and balanced in a vibrant and livable community.
This report evaluates these three categories of the Iowa City
community in order to establish baseline conditions for the
creation of an effective and coordinated community-driven
sustainability roadmap.
The evaluation highlights improvement and provides a
starting point for leveraging our strengths and improving
upon our deficiencies. The indicator rating system shows
that 34 indicators are within or exceeding acceptable limits,
13 indicators are not at desired level and 12 indicators
are unclassified due to insufficient comparison data. The
indicators show that the City’s sustainability can be quantified,
and that our level of sustainability is high.
Sustainabiity is the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Bruntland Report, 1987
InTRodUCTIon
Demographic Profile 2
SUSTAInAbIlITY ASSESSMEnT
Economic and Community Design 8
Economic 10
Community Design and Transportation 18
Environmental and Resource Management 26
Energy 28
Water 36
Waste Reduction 44
Natural Ecosystems 48
Social 52
Housing 54
Community Wellness 62
Arts and Culture 70
University of Iowa 78
RESoURCES And ConTRIbUToRS 94
Sustainability Indicators Index 98
City Accolades 101
Sustainabiity is the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Bruntland Report, 1987
Of the nine focus areas, these areas had the strongest positive
indicators:
• Economic
• Community Design and Transportation,
• Water (municipal treatment and protection)
• Natural Ecosystems (acreage of natural areas)
• Community Wellness
• Arts and Culture
Although Iowa City is doing very well in many sustainability
indicators the challenge we face is how to maintain these
desirable characteristics while overcoming deficiencies as the
city grows in the coming years.
In these focus areas, work is underway and continued
improvement is needed:
• Energy
• Water (river water quality and stream bank erosion)
• Waste reduction
• Natural Ecosystems (invasive species)
• Housing (rental housing issues)
Recognizing that there is room for improvement in these areas
will allow the community to see the need for more focus on
energy reduction, greenhouse gas targets, river and stream
water quality improvements, waste reduction opportunities,
plant species awareness and housing issues.
This report is the first step in commitment towards strategies
that will foster a more livable, viable and equitable community
and solidify our future success. Sustainable advancement in
Iowa City requires setting quantifiable targets, assessing prog-
ress and reevaluating goals to establish a basis for an overarching
sustainability strategy. Sustainability for a city means shifting
to more whole systems approach of functioning as a community,
looking at all parts of the environment, economic and social
interconnectedness. In providing sustainability goals and targets,
Iowa City can use this overarching theme to ensure that the city
can continue to thrive and improve in the future.
TaBlE of ConTEnTS
Historical background
The State of Iowa’s name is derived from the Native American
word for “Beautiful Land,” and Iowa City, a culturally dynamic
and engaging community, exemplifies this definition. Founded
in 1839, Iowa City joined Johnson County and served as the
state’s capital from 1842-1857. Located in the east central part
of Iowa, Iowa City lies alongside the Iowa River and boasts a
rich heritage. Iowa City is home to over 67,000 residents, with
attractive neighborhoods and downtown venues ranging from
restaurants providing original culinary creations to galleries
promoting local artists. The city is home to the University of
Iowa, founded in 1847, which is a part of the Big Ten Athletic
Association, includes the UI Hospital and Clinic, and enrolls
over 30,000 students a year. Iowa City’s notable landmarks and
institutions include the Old Capital building, reminiscent of
the City’s time as the state capital, and myriad museums, parks,
public venues, and the UI Hospitals and Clinics. Iowa City
was named the world’s third city of literature by UNESCO
in 2008, and the University of Iowa is home to the world-
renowned Writer’s Workshop. Most importantly, Iowa City is a
community of hard-working and resilient people.
2 • InTRoDUCTIon • dEMogRApHICS
INTRoDuCTIoN: dEMogRApHICS
The Iowa City community has banded together to rebuild
after setbacks in the past, most recently a tornado in 2006
and devastating floods in 1993 and 2008. Serving as a home
to professionals, families, and students alike, Iowa City has
experienced significant population growth over the past few
years. This Sustainability Indicators Assessment will help the
local government and community evaluate the current state of
the city and plan for the future, in order to ensure that Iowa
City remains a vibrant and unique place for its residents. This
assessment is accomplished by defining indicators that play a
role in guiding sustainability in Iowa City.
This aerial map
shows the layout of
Iowa City, which is
bisected by the Iowa
River. Just southeast
of the intersection
of Interstate 80 and
Highway 218, Iowa
City encompasses
25 square miles of
Johnson County, Iowa.
Location in Iowa.
UnIVERSITY HEIgHTS
IowA CITY
lAndFIll
InTRoDUCTIon • dEMogRApHICS • 3
Iowa City’s population has grown
9.1% in the last decade, outpacing the
state average.
over the past ten years, Iowa City has
become more ethnically and racially
diverse, with the Hispanic and black
populations growing the fastest.
popUlATIon And HoUSEHoldS
IowA CITY IowA UnITEd STATES
Count Count % Count Count % Count Count %
2000 2010 Change 2000 2010 Change 2000 2010 Change
Population 62,220 67,862 9.1% 2,926,324 3,046,355 4.1% 281,421,906 308,745,538 9.7%
Households 25,202 27,657 9.7% 1,149,276 1,221,576 6.3% 105,480,101 116,716,292 10.7%
Persons per household 2.23 2.2 -0.5% 2.46 2.41 -2.0% 2.59 2.58 -0.4%
Source: 2010 Census and 2000 Census, u.S. Census Bureau
pERCEnT CHAngE In RACE And ETHnICITY, 2000-2010
Count % Count % %
2000 2000 2010 2010 Change
all Hispanic 1,833 2.9% 3,627 5.3% 97.9%
asian 3,492 5.6% 4,655 6.9% 33.3%
Black 2,272 3.7% 3,805 5.6% 67.5%
other; two or more 1,218 2.0% 1,672 2.5% 37.3%
White 53,405 85.8% 54,103 79.7% 1.3%
Total 62,220* 100% 67,862 100% 9.1%
*Though the original population total was revised, the u.S. Census Bureau did not revise the race subtotals.
n on
-
H
IS
P
a n IC
demographic profile
The population of Iowa City grew from 62,220 people in 2000 to 67,862 people
in 2010 (an increase of 5,642 people or 9.1% of the city population). The State of
Iowa’s population increased by 4.1% during this decade. The national population
has increased at slightly faster rate than Iowa City, increasing by 9.7% between 2000
and 2010.
Though white residents comprise nearly 80% of the total population, over the past
ten years, the Hispanic population has nearly doubled, and the black population
has grown by two-thirds.
Source: 2010 and 2000
Census, u.S. Census Bureau
AgE CoHoRTS
IowA CITY IowA U.S.
Count % Count % % %
2000 2000 2010 2010 2010 2010
Younger than 19 years 15,619 25.1% 16,107 23.7% 26.9% 27.0%
20–34 25,090 40.3% 27,894 41.1% 19.6% 20.3%
35–44 7,270 11.7% 6,287 9.3% 12.0% 13.3%
45–54 6,619 10.6% 6,161 9.1% 14.4% 14.6%
55–64 3,247 5.2% 5,878 8.7% 12.2% 11.8%
65–74 2,204 3.5% 2,790 4.1% 7.4% 7.0%
75 or older 2,171 3.5% 2,745 4.0% 7.5% 6.0%
Total 62,220 100.0% 67,862 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Median age 25.4 25.6 38.1 37.2
Iowa City’s median age is
significantly younger than that of the
state and the nation.
The 21–34 and 55+ age groups expanded
between 2000 and 2010, while the
34–54 age groups declined.
Due in part to the University of Iowa and downtown attractions, Iowa City draws
an incredibly large number of young adults (41.1% of the population is between
20–34 years old, which is more than twice the average for this age group for both
the state and national averages). This profile has shifted the median age down
to 25.6, highlighting a cultural distinction within the city, while the state and
national median ages are 38.1 and 37.2, respectively. Though this population largely
fluctuates with enrollment and graduation, the profile suggests that direct appeals to
this younger demographic may generate and support progress for the community.
Due to the University, bustling downtown area, and the numerous and diverse
artistic and cultural events, Iowa City is often cited as a destination for young
people. While these observations and characterizations are certainly accurate, the
55+ demographic has expanded from 12.2% in 2000 to 16.8% in 2010, suggesting
that Iowa City is also appealing to these older age groups.
4 • InTRoDUCTIon • dEMogRApHICS
Source: 2010 Census, u.S.
Census Bureau
The number of students from various
racial and ethnic backgrounds trended
upwards in the last few school years,
producing larger and more diverse
groups of students in community schools.
Every demographic examined in local schools expanded overall throughout the
2007–2012 period—except the Asian group dropped around 5% over the last five
years. Local schools enrolled nearly 7% more students during the 2011 school year
than the 2007 school year. White and black students increased roughly 1.5%, while
Native American and Hispanic percentages grew by 37% and 51%, respectively.
Pacific Islander and Multi-Race groups were added to the assessment as populations
grew and they now represent more than 2% of enrolled students.
STUdEnT dEMogRApHICS In IowA CITY CoMMUnITY SCHoolS
native pacific
Year white black Asian Hispanic American Islander Multi-Race
2007–2008 8,013 1,921 829 814 38 ND ND
2008–2009 7,884 1,814 840 885 26 ND ND
2009–2010 8,002 1,906 847 994 32 0 34
2010–1201 8,013 1,933 853 1,068 44 5 9
2011–2012 8,127 1,951 785 1,232 52 7 251
Iowa City has a highly educated population, due in part to
the University, with 60% of residents receiving a bachelor’s,
graduate, or professional degree. In fact, more Iowa City
residents have received a graduate or professional degree than
any other attainment level.
The largest attainment group by percentage in Iowa City is
“Graduate or professional degree,” while the largest group in
the state and national averages is “High school diploma or
equivalent.” The University of Iowa is a major contributor to
the highly educated residents thereby making Iowa City one of
the country’s most educated cities per capita.
EdUCATIonAl ATTAInMEnT
n Graduate or
professional degree
n Bachelor’s degree
n Associate degree
n Some college, no
degree
n High school diploma
or equivalent
n Some high school,
no diploma
Source: 2010 Census, u.S.
Census Bureau
InTRoDUCTIon • dEMogRApHICS • 5
Iowa City Iowa United States
Source: Data & Statistics
(2012), Iowa Department
of Education
THIRd-gRAdE REAdIng pRoFICIEnCY
Year Iowa City Iowa
2007 71.7% 76.3%
2008 72.7% 74.6%
2009 73.1% 76.1%
2010 69.3% 75.5%
2011 71.6% 77.3%
Source: APR State Student Achievement Data (2011),
Iowa Department of Education
STUdEnTS RECEIVIng ASSISTAnCE FoR SCHool lUnCHES
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%Source: Iowa Department
of Education
n Iowa City students n Iowa students
2007–2008
26
.
9
%
33
.
4
%
2008–2009
29
.
3
%
34
.
1
%
2009–2010
30
.
4
%
36
.
8
%
2010–2011
30
.
9
%
38
.
2
%
2011–2012
29
.
7
%
39
.
4
%
gRAdUATIon RATES
Year Iowa City Iowa
2009 91.8% 87.2%
2010 85.2% 88.8%
2011 88.1% 88.3%
Source: Data & Statistics (2012), Iowa Department of Education
Reading achievement has been cited as a
strong indication of high school graduation
rate. Iowa City’s reading achievement has
consistently been above the average national
percentile rank.
Reading is a fundamentally important skill for further education, as well as day-to-
day living, employment, and recreation. Reading ability is linked with educational
emphasis which leads to a strong correlation with high school graduation. The
average percentile rank for Iowa City Community School District students
consistently is above the national average. As the chart above indicates, in all
grades levels for reading, ICCSD students perform above the 50th percentile rank,
the national average. Over time, student achievement as compared to the nation
increases. Graduation rates have remained similar to the state average in recent years
and both high schools were named by two of the best public high schools in Iowa by
Newsweek. West High is ranked as the number 1 and City High as the number 6
high best high schools in Iowa.
The percentage of students receiving
assistance for school lunches grew
slightly each school year from 2007 to
2010, but it has been consistently lower
than the state average for the last
five years.
Although the percentage of students receiving free or reduced price school lunches
increased slightly during the 2007–2008 school years, the percentage has remained
fairly steady for the last four years.
6 • InTRoDUCTIon • dEMogRApHICS
2011–2012 ACT TEST SCoRES
(CoMpoSITE)
Iowa City Iowa U.S.
25.4 22.1 21.1
Source: ICCSD Achievement Data
In 2009, the Police Department received a grant focused on reducing violent
crimes, which allowed officers to work overtime to locate instances of violent
behavior. Arrests began to rise and instances of assault began to decline noticeably.
The use of this grant also freed up officers on regular duty, allowing them to
address other issues in the city. Drug/Narcotic and equipment violations have
climbed rapidly in the last couple of years, but like the total number of crimes,
tends to fluctuate and shift regularly. PAULA (Possession of Alcohol Under the
Legal Age) charges fell nearly 50% since 2007, suggesting that underage drinking
may be diminishing (due in part to the 21-only ordinance for downtown bars
after 10 P.M.). For more than 12 years, the Police Department has worked with
the University and Rape Victim Advocacy Program to raise awareness and provide
helpful information about safety and rape prevention. Given the constant influx
of new students each year, this is a valued continued partnership. The state of
Iowa uses the Universal Crime Reporting (UCR) system, and most states use the
National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) making national comparisons
difficult. Having a large student population makes Iowa City unique compared to
most Iowa communities, so state comparisons are complex as well.
In recent years, aggravated assaults,
destruction/damage/vandalism, pAUlA
charges, and robberies have declined
steadily while burglaries, drug/narcotic
and equipment violations, and shoplifting
have increased.
CRIME
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
aggravated assault 145 134 147 101 121
Burglary/breaking & entering 274 343 306 299 356
Destruction/damage/vandalism 846 709 784 622 598
Drug/narcotic violations 332 310 333 453 626
Drug equipment violation 172 178 170 209 268
Murder/non-negligent manslaughter 0 3 1 0 0
Rape (non-Statuatory) 42 29 29 48 35
Robbery 49 58 60 40 25
Shoplifting 208 191 329 276 348
Annual Total Crimes 4,196 3,993 4,386 4,109 4,416
Source: Police 2011 Annual Report, City of Iowa City
AlCoHol-RElATEd VIolATIonS
owI Arrests pAUlA Charges
2007 486 1002
2008 424 879
2009 419 852
2010 319 529
2011 452 538
Source: Arrest Statistics, City of Iowa City
InTRoDUCTIon • dEMogRApHICS • 7
8 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • Economic and community dEsign
Sustainable economic growth is essential for a thriving
community. Smart, planned growth can increase the level of
high quality employment opportunities, bring a larger income
to the community, and provide a better quality of life while
maximizing resources. To pursue economic growth, the City
has implemented a Strategic Plan that aims to diversify Iowa
City’s economy while enhancing the established infrastructure
and increasing financial stability. Iowa City’s locally-owned
businesses are supported through various local purchasing
programs that strive to balance smaller, independent
businesses with larger commercial centers. Since Iowa City
has also maintained low unemployment rates in recent years,
the economy has remained prosperous and has continued to
attract new residents and build a robust community.
EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn
Community design is an essential tool for shaping the
community and directing progress by using methods such
as mixed land use, compact building design, urban density,
walkable neighborhoods, and a range of housing choices that
provide distinct, attractive neighborhoods. This creates a
strong “sense of place” — the way that land is developed can
strengthen a neighborhood and instill a feeling of belonging
by connecting residents. Iowa City’s dense downtown
development efficiently utilizes land space and encourages
infilling. The City’s partnership with the EPA has resulted
in the Riverfront Crossings Master Plan which provides an
outline for sustainably developing a walkable neighborhood
in the center of the City and reclaiming the riverfront as park
land that will be the catalyst for future development and a
means to manage flooding along the Iowa River.
SUSTAInAbIlITY ASSESSMEnT
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • Economic and community dEsign • 9
Iowa City has remained resilient, especially amid
economic downturns and our unemployment rate
has remained low compared to the state and national
averages since around 2008. Sustainable economic
development requires the establishment and maintenance
of a diverse business sector and the fulfillment of public
demand for local attractions to provide opportunities
and destinations. Locally-owned businesses also keep
more funds within the community; strengthen bonds
within the city and support diverse markets. With this
in mind, Iowa City has programs that encourage local
purchases. Also, the low gender wage gap for Iowa City
reflects our commitment to equality. Recent research
has shown that Iowa City has a “hidden income,” since
average household income collected by the census does
not adequately reflect U of I students. Many students
ECoNomIC AND CommuNITy DESIgN: EConoMIC
a stable economy maintains the standard of living and ensures the financial well-being of the city residents.
10 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: Economic
come from high-income households but can report zero
or little income in the census.
The City’s 2011 Strategic Plan ties into sustainable
economic growth; three of the top five goals are
economic:
• Economic and Community development:
The city strives to expand and diversify the economic
base of the community, particularly in existing
planned commercial and industrial areas that have
supporting infrastructure established.
SUSTaInaBIlITY InDICaToRS: EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: Economic
Unemployment Rate l Percent change in unemployment rate
Sector Diversity l Diversity of the economy
Poverty l Average household income (includes hidden economy of student population)
Gender Wage Gap l Female median wage as a percentage of male median wage
Bond Rating l Bond rating from moody’s Investor Service
Gross Domestic Product l Annual gDP growth rate
Local Purchases U Programs supporting local purchases and the local economy
• development and planning of the downtown and
near downtown Areas:
It is the city’s goal to promote growth of the
downtown and near downtown areas in a manner
that builds upon the existing vibrancy of the region,
serves persons of all ages and backgrounds, and
compliments the surrounding neighborhoods and
University community.
• A Strong and Sustainable Financial Foundation:
The City aims to create a strong and sustainable
financial foundation that will provide needed
stability and flexibility while utilizing taxpayer
dollars in the most efficient and responsible manner.
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: Economic • 11
l = within or exceeding acceptable level
= below desired level
U = unclassified
2011
40
,
2
9
9
2010
40
,
3
8
9
2009
41
,
0
4
9
2008
41
,
2
7
0
2007
40
,
9
8
2
2011
3.
8
5.
9
9.
0
2010
3.
9
6.
3
9.
7
2009
3.
9
6.2
9.
1
2008
2.
7
4.
0
5.
6
2007
2.
4
3.
8 4.
6
UnEMploYMEnT RATE CoMpARISon
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Source: Local Area
unemployment Statistics
(2012) and Labor Force
Statistics (2012), u.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics
n Iowa City n Iowa n United States
Iowa City has experienced an increased
rate of unemployment, though the rate
is still significantly less than that of the
state and national average.
The global recession has hit most economies and increased employment across the
world; however, Iowa City has shown a much lower rate of unemployment compared
to the state and national unemployment rates (Iowa City’s unemployment rate is
~2/3 and ~2/5 of state and national average, respectively). Unemployment increased
after 2008; regardless, Iowa City is experiencing smaller impacts from the worldwide
economic downturn compared to state and national statistics.
AnnUAl EMploYMEnT In IowA CITY
42,000
41,500
41,000
40,500
40,000
39,500
39,000
38,500
38,000
≈
0
Source: Local Area
unemployment Statistics
(2012), u.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics
nU
M
B
E
R
o
f
E
MP
lo
Y ED
P
ER
S
on
S
12 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: Economic
Top 15 EMploYERS In IowA CITY
percentage
number of (of top 15
Employees employers)
University of Iowa 20,588 51.2%
University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics 6,807 16.9%
Iowa City Community School District 1,700 4.2%
Veterans Health administration 1,562 3.9%
aCT, Inc. 1,243 3.1%
Mercy Iowa City 1,208 3.0%
Pearson Educational Measurement 1,200 3.0%
Hy-Vee (includes Coralville) 1,166 2.9%
City of Iowa City 1,049 2.6%
Systems Unlimited 890 2.2%
International automotive Components 785 2.0%
Procter & Gamble 700 1.7%
Johnson County administration 500 1.2%
oral B laboratories 462 1.1%
alpla of Iowa 360 0.9%
Sector diversity has remained relatively
constant just above 89%—while stable
and positive, efforts to increase diversity
could establish an even more robust
economic sector.
Sector diversity, which is data gathered from Quarterly Census of Employment
and Wages (2012), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, refers to the various types
of businesses that make up the local economy—a more diverse economy is
able to absorb market fluctuations more easily and remain prosperous for
the community. Sector diversity has remained consistent above 89%, but the
expansion of smaller industries could increase diversity, produce greater job
growth, and strengthen the economy.
However, this source does not include data from the University of Iowa. The
University of Iowa alone employs more than 20,000 people. UI Hospital and
Clinic employs almost another 7,000, making it the top employer of the City
after the University. Note that many of those employed in Iowa City live in
surrounding areas.
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: Economic • 13
Source: Leading Employers
Survey, Iowa City Area
Development group; Planning
and Community Development
Department, City of Iowa City
HoUSEHold InCoME (noMInAl dollARS)*
IowA CITY IowA U.S.
percent percent percent
Household Income 2010 2010 2010
< $25,000 37.3% 23.8% 23.5%
$25,000–$50,000 20.6% 27.4% 24.6%
$50,000–$75,000 15.7% 20.7% 18.6%
$75,000–$100,000 10.3% 12.9% 12.3%
$100,000–$150,000 8.9% 10.3% 12.3%
$150,000–$200,000 3.9% 2.7% 4.4%
≥ $200,000 3.3% 230.0% 4.2%
Median Household Income $40,716 $48,872 $51,914
*Averaged from annual data from 2008–2010, with a margin of error of +/–2.0
HoUSEHold InCoME In IowA CITY*
n < $25,000
n $25,000–$50,000
n $50,000–$75,000
n $75,000–$100,000
n $100,000–$150,000
n $150,000–$200,000
n ≥$200,000
*Does not include “hidden income” of students.
Source: 2010 Census, u.S. Census Bureau
2000 2010
while household income may appear
low due to the large college student
population, Iowa City is actually a quite
affluent community.
Household income calculations are based on population and income reported from
Census data. For Iowa City this is a complicated issue due to the large student
population. Student’s may report no or little income, but have financial resources
from their parents or financial aid. While the Median Household Income numbers
for Iowa City are lower than both the state and national averages. This “hidden
economy” that can exist in college town was discovered when a study was done in
2011 to research the community’s spending power for economic development. An
estimated 11,000 students filled out the 2010 census in Iowa City, dramatically
lowering the average household income. When students are factored out in this
report, the AHHI doubled to $92,000 which is much higher than both state and
national averages.
14 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: Economic
Source: 2010 and 2000
Census, u.S. Census Bureau
HoUSEHold InCoME (noMInAl dollARS)*
IowA CITY IowA U.S.
percent percent percent
Household Income 2010 2010 2010
< $25,000 37.3% 23.8% 23.5%
$25,000–$50,000 20.6% 27.4% 24.6%
$50,000–$75,000 15.7% 20.7% 18.6%
$75,000–$100,000 10.3% 12.9% 12.3%
$100,000–$150,000 8.9% 10.3% 12.3%
$150,000–$200,000 3.9% 2.7% 4.4%
≥ $200,000 3.3% 230.0% 4.2%
Median Household Income $40,716 $48,872 $51,914
*Averaged from annual data from 2008–2010, with a margin of error of +/–2.0
The gender wage gap is much smaller
than the state and national average.
The female median wage in Iowa City is
88.1% of the male median wage, while in
the state and nation, the ratio is 78.6%
and 78.3% respectively.
The gender wage gap is a ratio of median female earnings to median male earnings
for full-time, year-round workers in the area. The GWG values in this case is
unadjusted, meaning they do not take into account the level of education/skill,
number of children, time off for maternity leave, occupation, etc. influencing
income disparity between males and females. However, direct discrimination
through societal/cultural attitudes and bias on gender, as well as the level of value
placed on the work performed, also factor into the wage gap. Iowa City holds a
reduced gender wage gap compared to the state and national average, indicating
the maintenance of economic prosperity and the prioritization of wage equity.
This reduced gap is a reflection of policies and practices that promote fairness and
equity, which makes Iowa City’s economy more attractive to prospective residents
and employees.
gEndER wAgE gAp (2008–2010)
$50,000
$40,000
$30,000
$20,000
$10,000
$0
Source: 2010 Census,
u.S. Census Bureau
n Female median income n Male median income
Iowa City
$3
9
,
8
5
4
$4
5
,
2
4
9
Iowa
$3
3
,
2
5
9
$4
2
,
2
9
3
United States
$3
6
,
6
1
2
$4
6
,
7
4
0
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: Economic • 15
88.1%78.6%78.3%
REAl gdp In IowA CITY (MIllIonS oF CHAInEd [2005] dollARS)
$6,700
$6,600
$6,500
$6,400
$6,300
≈
$0
Source: News Release
(2011), Bureau of Economic
Analysis, u.S. Department of
Commerce
2007
$6,423
2008 2009 2010
$6,587 $6,561
$6,660
M I ll
I on
S o
f
D
o
l
l
a
R S
The real gross domestic product (gdp)
has trended upwards in recent years,
increasing by $237 million from
2007–2010.
Real GDP and chained dollars are corrected for inflation/deflation, so they provide
a comparative index for the quantity of total output. Increasing values coincide with
greater production, increasing the funds available to the community. Iowa City’s
real GDP shows that economic output has increased over the last few years despite
global downturns. The percent change in per capita GDP is nearly twice that of
the state average from 2005–2010. The greatest boost to real GDP in 2010 came
from durable-goods manufacturing (0.75%), followed by professional and business
services (0.29%).
16 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: Economic
Iowa City has received the highest
general obligation bond rating, Aaa, from
Moody’s Investor Service for over
35 years.
As one of only four cities in Iowa that has achieved this rating, Iowa City receives
the lowest borrowing cost and can thus provide more services at a lower cost to
taxpayers. This high rating reflects the City’s strong capacity to meet payment
obligations, meaning that banks are also more confident about investing. By
borrowing responsibly and repaying obligations, Iowa City can sustainably provide
community services. Iowa City maintains this responsible pattern of repayment
to ensure that future investments can be made and the City can continue to grow
without higher costs from borrowed funds.
“Buy Local” has been an Iowa City policy since 2012 to help ensure that businesses
located in Johnson County that submit a cost-competitive bid will be given first
consideration for contract awards. Specifically, local businesses or vendors that
submit a quote or bid that is 5% or less above the low bid submitted by a non-local
vendor will have the chance to match or beat the price for the contract.
“Buy Here” is a local economic development initiative of the Iowa City Area
Chamber of Commerce that began in 2007. The goal of this program is to boost
the local economy through increased business-to-business purchasing. During
its inaugural year, the “Buy Here” campaign shifted more than $6 million into
Johnson County. Membership has grown from 125 to more than 200 businesses,
non-profits, and local governments that have now pledged to shift 5% of their
non-local spending back to Johnson County to help strengthen the community.
Annual data for “Buy Here” community dollars and membership numbers are not
currently available.
“Buy Fresh, Buy Local” is a nationwide network with a chapter in our county that
promotes locally grown food. This program helps citizens locate nearby farmers
markets, vendors, restaurants, and community-supported agriculture and local
food events. Come to the Table is a local food summit which occurs every year
with the goal of fostering relationships between farmers and buyers in the Iowa
Corridor Region. Johnson County also has a Food Policy Council to give advice
on food and agriculture policies and programs.
By recirculating money in the community we become more self-sufficient, improve
health, provide new jobs and create new business opportunities. Local purchases can
also strengthen the ties between citizens and create a greater sense of community.
Several programs promoting local
purchases have been implemented for
the Iowa City community.
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: Economic • 17
ECoNomIC AND CommuNITy DESIgN: CoMMUnITY dESIgn And TRAnSpoRTATIon
18 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: community dEsign and transportation
Iowa City has strategically located open areas in close
proximity to the vast majority of households throughout
the community, providing nearly all residents with
convenient access to these locations. The IC2030
Comprehensive Plan outlines the City’s direction for
growth, including preservation of historic buildings,
compatible infill development, creating a diverse housing
stock, and neighborhood commercial areas. The Plan
also defines goals and strategies to guide development of
sustainable land use patterns.
access to open space encourages recreation, enhances mental well-being, and provides a
connection to nature for all citizens.
SUSTaInaBIlITY InDICaToRS: EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: community dEsign and transportation
Walkable Neighborhoods l Iowa City’s walk score rating
Urban Density U Ratio of residents per acre
Access to Open Space l Percent of households within ½ mile of open space (including parks, schoolyards, and natural areas)
Public Transit Ridership l Number of public transit passenger trips per 1,000 residents
Vehicle Miles Traveled l Average vehicle miles traveled per capita
Safe Travel Network l Total number of traffic collisions, injuries and deaths
ECoNomIC AND CommuNITy DESIgN: CoMMUnITY dESIgn And TRAnSpoRTATIon
l = within or exceeding acceptable level
= below desired level
U = unclassified
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: community dEsign and transportation • 19
The variety of transportation choices in our community
includes a municipally owned transit service that
connects with the University and Coralville transit
services through a program called BONGO (Bus on
the Go). As of 2010, almost 19,000 people in Iowa
City regularly utilize alternative transportation for their
daily commute. Iowa City is also a Silver Level Bicycle
Friendly Community with 48 miles of paved trails. The
Iowa City Bike Library opened in 2004 with the mission
of getting more people on bikes by taking donated
bicycles and refurbishing them. The checkout period is
six months and they provide 200–300 bikes for checkout
annually. City Hall also has bikes available for staff to
use during work hours. The walkability of the downtown
area is high, with students and citizens able to live close
to work, school, and entertainment destinations.
The Walk Score rating system indicates that most parts
of Iowa City are highly walkable. There are several
alternative methods of transportation supported by the
City and many citizens can live comfortably here without
a motor vehicle. As a result of the number of options, the
number of vehicle miles travelled is lower than state and
national averages. Iowa City has also adopted a Complete
Streets policy which is designed to enable safe access for
pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all
ages and abilities.
A walk score of
50–69 means that
some amenities are
within walking distance.
Source: Walk Score,
www.walkscore.com
SoMEwHAT wAlkAblE: IowA CITY’S wAlkAblE nEIgHboRHoodS wAlk SCoRE IS 53
with a walk Score of 53, Iowa City is the
most walkable city in Iowa, due to the
densely packed and diverse downtown
integration of living, working, and
shopping establishments.
Neighborhoods that are more walkable provide opportunities for individuals
to access more facilities and services throughout the community, regardless
of socioeconomic status. They also allow citizens to utilize alternate means of
transportation, such as walking, biking, and public transit more frequently, reducing
the amount emissions from automobiles, as well as relieving traffic congestion
and collisions. Cleaner air promotes better health, as does the physical activity
that is often associated with alternate transportation, but walkable neighborhoods
also increase social engagement and economic growth due to easy access to local
businesses and attractions.
20 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: community dEsign and transportation
Iowa City’s population density is 2,713.8
people per square mile compared to the
population density of 52.7 people per
square mile for the state of Iowa, which
is largely agricultural. It is the fifth-
largest city in the state of Iowa.
Higher density cities are considered more efficient and sustainable than lower density,
sprawled cities as they have a smaller environmental imprint while integrating living,
working, and shopping establishments for easier access and lower transportation
costs. While optimal density is difficult to determine, it is important to provide
integrated zoning opportunities and establish transportation networks throughout
the city that connect residents to their local community. As Iowa City’s population
continues to grow, the downtown area’s expansion must include the development
of residential housing to maintain and increase urban density. Benefits of higher
density urban areas include lower transportation expenses, reduced pollution and
greater economic vitality, among many others.
The location of
wide sidewalks, bike
lanes, trails, and
bike racks, as well
as other convenient
features for cyclists
in the downtown area.
These facilities assist
bicycle commuters
by providing safe
routes, storage, and
recreational areas—
they also reflect the
City’s commitment to
the enhancement of
alternative means of
transportation.
loCATIonS oF bICYClE CoMMUTER FACIlITIES
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: community dEsign and transportation • 21
Commuter Shower
Covered Bike Racks
Bike Lockers
City Bike Racks
Bike Racks
Bike lane
Shared road
Trail
Wide sidewalk
Almost 100% (99.4%) of Iowa City
residents live within ½ of a mile of open
space areas, including the City’s parks,
schoolyards or natural areas.
Access to open space is important for providing equitable recreational opportunities
to all residents and maintaining environmental connections in the urban setting.
These open, natural areas also help manage flooding, filter pollutants, and provide
refuge for wildlife. Open space areas also serve as a template upon which residents
are free to project their own desired forms of entertainment—from lounging,
reading, and art, to walking, playing, and sports. Iowa City has many natural areas
and parks within short distances to residences, providing nearly all of the city’s
inhabitants with easy access to these recreational opportunities. A location map of
Iowa City’s parks can be found on the City of Iowa City’s website.
Legend:
1. Waterworks Park
2. Peninsula Parkland
3. Hickory Hill Park
4. Longfellow Prairie
5. Rohret Road Prairie
6. Sand Prairie
7. Whispering Meadows Wetland Park
8. Terry Trueblood Recreation Area
9. Ryerson Woods
10. Sycamore Greenspace
11. Oxeye Prairie
22 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: community dEsign and transportation
pUblIC nATURAl AREAS
public transit ridership increased by
more than 600,000 passengers in the
last 5 years. City transit ridership has
consistently made up 1/3 of public bus
ridership, while the University Cambus
system comprises 2/3 of all public
transit ridership in Iowa City.
Public transportation provides essential services for many who cannot afford
personal vehicles and would otherwise be restricted to their local neighborhoods.
These public transit systems also alleviate fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions
due to the consolidation of various vehicle trips into a single, regular route utilized
by thousands of residents. Public transit fights urban sprawl by reconnecting
communities and providing an affordable and more resource-efficient means of
transportation. Iowa City has seen a rise in its public transit ridership over the last 5
years, suggesting that the growing population continues to rely upon this effective
and inexpensive transportation system. All vehicles are ADA lift-equipped to
promote an accessible community for those with disabilities; they also contain bike
racks to transport bicycles in the event of multi-modal transportation. Users can
also access www.ebongo.org to receive real-time bus location information for easier
scheduling. Students in particular heavily utilize the Cambus network that provides
free transportation throughout the campus and dormitories. There are now Zipcars
available in two areas downtown and three locations on campus where citizens and
students can reserve and have access to cars without owning them.
s The interconnected bus routes that enable swift, affordable transportation all across the city. Iowa City’s
website contains a full list of bus routes and schedules for riders to coordinate their transit needs, while
www.ebongo.org provides a GPS-based, real-time passenger information system that allows riders to
pinpoint bus locations.
BONGO stops are indicated on this map by the boxes with flags; blue routes indicate Coralville transit;
red routes indicate Iowa City transit; orange routes indicate University of Iowa Cambus.
TRAnSIT RoUTES And STopS
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: community dEsign and transportation • 23
nUMbER oF pUblIC TRAnSIT RIdERS (THoUSAndS)
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
Source: Iowa City Transportation Services
n City bus ridership n Cambus ridership
2007
1,
6
7
8
3,
6
9
7
2008 2009 2010 2011
1,
8
4
2
3,
7
0
9
1,
9
8
4
3,
9
9
0
1,
8
8
9
3,
9
5
4
1,
9
4
7
4,
0
5
2
10
,
4
9
6
.
4
4,7
4
1
.
4
10
,
2
9
1
.
1
10
,
0
6
2
.
5
10
,
2
6
0
.
8
4,
5
6
5
.
1
9,
8
3
1
.
9
9,7
8
8
.
2
10
,
3
1
8
.
6
4,
4
9
0
.
0
9,
6
0
4
.
4
9,7
0
6
.
2
10
,
3
6
6
.
2
4,
7
5
7
.
7
10
,
3
2
1
.
1
9,
7
1
2
.
0
10
,
2
5
7
.
3
4,7
0
7
.
9
10
,
0
6
0
.
5
9,
5
0
8
.
8
while the county, state and national
vehicle miles travelled per capita are
consistently averaging near 10,000 miles
per year, residents of Iowa City average
less than 5,000 vehicle miles travelled
each year.
Iowa City’s development emphasizes design for people rather than vehicles, allowing
for more walkable mixed-use communities. Due to this structure, a variety of
transportation options are available, especially for students that may not own
motor vehicles. Downtown Iowa City is located adjacent to the University campus,
facilitating greater walkability for students and non-students alike. By planning for
integrated areas that allow residents to have homes, employment, and entertainment
in close proximity to one another, there is a reduced need for driving. Lower vehicle
miles travelled per capita results in lower greenhouse gas emissions, improved air
quality, and healthier citizens.
VEHIClE MIlES TRAVEllEd pER CApITA
12,000
11,000
10,000
9,000
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
National source: Travel
monitoring and Traffic
Volume, Federal Highway
Administration, u.S.
Department of Transportation.
State, county and city source:
Vehicle miles of Travel, Iowa
Department of Transportation
Population estimates, u.S.
Census Bureau
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
24 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: community dEsign and transportation
n Iowa City n Johnson County n Iowa n United States
Vehicle collisions and injuries have fallen
steadily, while vehicle-related deaths
have remained consistently low.
This steady decline in vehicle collisions and deaths may be a reflection of reduced
numbers of vehicles on the road during work commutes. Estimates show nearly a
10% reduction in usage of cars, trucks, and vans for commuting to work over the
last 5 years, as well as a 67% increase in public transportation, 52% increase in
bicycling, and 9% increase in walking. As more residents utilize alternate means
of transportation to work, there are fewer opportunities for collisions or other
accidents to occur. Thorough road planning is necessary to ensure safe routes
and intersections for all modes of transportation. Growing cities require adaptive
responses to facilitate easier, safer transportation and reduced congestion to prevent
unsafe situations. With Iowa City’s growing population and dense downtown area, it
is essential to maintain effective corridors for all modes of transportation to provide
efficient, safe access throughout the city.
VEHIClE CollISIonS, InjURIES, And dEATHS
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
0
Source: major Case Report,
Iowa Department of
Transportation 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Collisions Injuries Deaths
1 1 1 1 3
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: community dEsign and transportation • 25
26 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnvironmEntal and rEsourcE managEmEnt
Iowa City has had a longstanding commitment to energy
efficiency, with an energy program dating as far back as the
1980’s. Ongoing work such as the installation of efficient
LED traffic lights from 2001–2005 has continued up to our
recent replacement of parking ramp lights with LED fixtures.
Also, the City assessed baseline CO2e emission data for 2000
and subsequently established a number of energy reduction
programs that have helped reduce annual per-capita emissions
in recent years. Municipal energy use has been significantly
reduced in recent years due to efficiency measures implemented
because of increased awareness. The 3 most recent buildings
constructed by the City have been built and certified to
LEED standards. Efficiency is just one benefit associated with
coordinated economic growth and environmental protection.
A clean and healthy water supply, reduced waste, and natural
areas also provide benefits to citizens and help sustain natural
ecosystems. Having recently experienced a large flood event in
EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT
2008, the City has reexamined its relationship with the Iowa
River and has partnered with the US EPA to help restore the
ecosystem and to increase the stability, safety, and beauty of the
riverfront. Iowa City is also committed to the preservation of
natural areas and provides incentives for clustered, contiguous
development to efficiently manage land use. Similarly, a
Sensitive Areas Ordinance is in place to protect natural
areas and maintain native populations of plants and animals.
Numerous recycling and waste management efforts, such as
the Food Scrap Program, are in place to divert waste products,
including household hazardous waste and pharmaceutical drugs,
from our landfill. All of these efforts have helped to synchronize
our environmental management efforts with further economic
growth and community enhancement, providing a foundation
for a sustainable city that both protects and efficiently utilizes
resources for greater benefit.
SUSTAInAbIlITY ASSESSMEnT
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnvironmEntal and rEsourcE managEmEnt • 27
In 2007 Iowa City’s mayor signed the U.S. Mayors
Climate Protection Agreement, and in 2008 the City
Council signed a resolution to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and increase energy efficiency. Completion
of a greenhouse gas emissions inventory in 2009
(http://www.icgov.org/site/CMSv2/file/solidWaste/
Greenhouse_gas_Emission_inventory.pdf), made Iowa
City the first city in Iowa with baseline data for energy
usage and emissions for both the community and
municipal operations. Shortly thereafter Iowa City
received a U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Block Grant (EECBG). This funding
was used to track municipal energy use, provide
building efficiency reports for City facilities, and
install energy efficient lighting, motors and other
equipment in municipal facilities. These actions have
ENVIRoNmENTAL AND RESouRCE mANAgEmENT: EnERgY
The City of Iowa City has been actively involved in reducing municipal and community energy use.
28 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: EnErgy
resulted in increased awareness of energy efficiency,
decreased municipal energy use and have saved the
City energy costs. The City actively enforces the
state energy code by inspecting new buildings and
Iowa City is also actively pursuing sustainable waste-
to-energy options for the landfill, which is owned
and operated by the City and serves the residents
of Johnson County. In addition, this Sustainability
Assessment was made possible through Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funding.
Iowa City’s utilities are largely provided by MidAmerican
Energy Company, the country’s number one wind energy
producer. Thirty percent of MidAmerican’s energy
is obtained from alternative, non-fossil fuel derived
resources, primarily wind. MidAmerican provides energy
rebates to residents and commercial and industrial
clients to help fund energy efficiency projects. Eastern
SUSTaInaBIlITY InDICaToRS: EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: EnErgy
Building Standards U Number of commercial, industrial, and municipal buildings that meet LEED Standards
Renewable Energy Use Amount of municipal energy use derived from renewable sources
Renewable Energy Use by Local Utility l Percentage of renewable energy on local utility grid
Community-wide CO2e Emissions Annual carbon dioxide equivalent emissions for the community in metric tonnes
CO2e Emissions Per Capita Annual carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per capita in metric tonnes
Municipal CO2e Emissions Annual carbon dioxide equivalent emissions for municipal operations
Iowa Light and Power Cooperative provides energy to a
small area within the city limits. They offer customers
an option to purchase some wind-generated energy and
offer rebates for alternative energy projects. Iowa is first
in the nation in wind-energy use, which comprises nearly
24.5% of the state’s electricity generation.
Because fossil fuels are a limited resource, prices will
continue to increase as production costs rise and the
natural supply declines. Electricity prices have remained
stable in this area for many years, but are expected to
increase over the next few years. Energy is a necessity
and therefore increased use of alternative energy sources,
efficiency measures, emissions reductions are areas
that Iowa City can continue to improve upon. Iowa
City continues to track energy use and greenhouse gas
emissions and works closely with the University of Iowa,
which operates a power plant within the City limits.
l = within or exceeding acceptable level
= below desired level
U = unclassified
ENVIRoNmENTAL AND RESouRCE mANAgEmENT: EnERgY
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: EnErgy • 29
bIogAS USE In THERMS (THoUSAndS)
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Source: Wastewater Treatment Reports,
Iowa City Wastewater Division 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
86 94 82
130
73
The 2006–2011 time period experienced
growth in the number of lEEd-certified
buildings in Iowa City. These buildings
are built with the intention of increased
energy efficiency, utilization of
alternative energy, reduced waste in
construction, and efficient design.
This recent expansion of LEED buildings in Iowa City signifies a commitment
to energy efficiency, alternative energy and environmental conservation. These
certifications require fulfillment of various criteria throughout the planning and
construction phases, as well as for the operations and maintenance procedures, to
establish sustainable practices throughout the life of the building. It is important to
note that certification takes months to attain, and there are currently a number of
buildings in Iowa City awaiting LEED certification. These numbers do not include
homes that are LEED certified.
biogas usage at the wastewater
treatment plant offsets the use of
natural gas.
Biogas (methane) is a by-product of wastewater digestion. Heat is used to kill
pathogens in the biosolids so they can be applied in place of fertilizers. The biogas
is captured then burned in the digester boilers to continue the biosolid production
process. The biogas is a form of renewable energy cycling through the system
that reduces the need for natural gas and provides an efficient means for heating
biosolids. Excess biogas is flared on-site, especially during the summer when
not as much heat is required in the process. Flaring is done because biogas is a
strong greenhouse gas and burning it reduces the gas to CO2, which is less potent
greenhouse gas. This situation provides a unique opportunity for use of renewable
energy use in the city.
nUMbER oF lEEd bUIldIngS CERTIFIEd
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Source: LEED Projects, u.S.
green Building Council
2000–2002
0
2003–2005 2006–2008 2009–2011
0
1
8
30 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: EnErgy
MidAmerican Energy is the largest energy provider for Iowa City, so our community
energy usage closely reflects what they generate. In 2007, wind energy represented
less than 10% of MidAmerican’s energy generation, but it has now grown to 26%.
Leading the nation in ownership of wind-powered electric generation among
rate-regulated utilities, MidAmerican awards annual payments to landowners who
have utility-installed turbines on their land. They also assess adverse environmental
impacts of potential wind farm sites before construction to ensure viability. Thanks
to voluntary customer contributions to the MidAmerican Energy Renewable
Advantage program, the company constructed a 0.5 megawatt wind turbine in
2007, and various solar installations in 2011 and 2012, in Iowa. While many have
questioned the feasibility of renewable energy on a large scale, MidAmerican is
helping to prove that these solutions are not only possible, but they are essential to
fulfilling consumer demands and increasing profits while paving the way to a more
sustainable future.
REnEwAblE EnERgY USE bY MIdAMERICAn EnERgY (% oF ToTAl EnERgY USE)
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%Source: midAmerican Energy
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
23%
29%27%
33%
20%
MidAmerican Energy’s renewable fuel
component has gone up 13% in the
last five years, largely due to increased
harvesting of wind power. now,
1/3 of their energy comes from
renewable sources.
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: EnErgy • 31
Total community-wide emissions have
not been reduced since baseline levels
were calculated in 2000, but they have
not reached the forecasted increase.
A baseline inventory was conducted for community-wide CO2e emissions in 2000.
Calculations were made to forecast emissions for business-as-usual (based on
predicted population increases), as well as a 20% overall reduction by 2020. Though
data was not gathered from 2001–2007, subsequent years have been assessed and it is
recommended that the community greenhouse gas emissions inventory be updated
annually. Our total emissions have not reduced annually, but our reduction efforts
have prevented significant increases in emissions despite the population growth of
9.1% from 2000 to 2010. The establishment of reduction goals could help lower
annual emission rates.
32 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: EnErgy
IowA CITY CoMMUnITY Co2E ToTAlS bY SECToR (METRIC TonnES)
1,800,000
1,600,000
1,400,000
1,200,000
1,000,000
800,000
600,000
400,000
200,000
0
Source: Iowa City
Landfill Division
20
0
0
20
0
2
20
0
4
20
0
6
20
0
8
20
1
0
20
1
2
20
1
4
20
1
6
20
1
8
20
2
0
n Industrial
n Commercial
n Residential
n UI Power Plant
n Transportation
n Waste
— CO2e as usual
— Baseline
— 20% reduction
500,000
450,000
400,000
350,000
300,000
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: EnErgy • 33
IowA CITY CoMMUnITY Co2E ToTAlS bY SECToR (METRIC TonnES)
500,000
450,000
400,000
350,000
300,000
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
Source: Iowa City Landfill Division
In
d
u
s
t
r
i
a
l
Co
m
m
e
r
c
i
a
l
Re
s
i
d
e
n
t
i
a
l
UI
P
o
w
e
r
P
l
a
n
t
Tra
n
s
p
o
r
t
a
t
i
o
n
Wa
s
t
e
Each sector of the Iowa City community
shows unique shifts in Co2e annual
totals due to diverse policies, actions,
and events that shape our community.
while annual emissions have tended to
increase slightly, some reductions have
been made due to effective targeting of
mitigative actions.
Community CO2 emissions have varied over the five years calculated, especially
during 2008 when the City flooded. During this period, the University of Iowa
Power Plant was offline for 16 weeks due to flood damage. The University of Iowa
has committed to the reduction of coal usage in their power plant by substituting
alternative fuel types, such as oat hulls and biomass, which has decreased their plant
emissions over this time period. The implementation of the methane capture and
flaring process has reduced landfill emissions since 2000, lowering the rate of waste
emissions by more than 50%. Emissions from waste have continued to increase since
2008 and the City is looking into new waste-to-energy options that would reduce
total emission levels.
n 2000
n 2008
n 2009
n 2010
n 201136
6
,
2
2
3
32
9
,
9
5
0
46
2
,
0
7
6
39
4
,
8
1
3
39
9
,
7
9
3
28
3
,
6
8
2
25
3
,
9
7
2
27
8
,
8
9
0
29
1
,
2
4
8
28
0
,
9
8
9
24
1
,
6
7
8
21
8
,
7
9
5
26
6
,
7
5
8
25
3
,
5
7
4
25
2
,
5
1
7
22
0
,
8
0
9
30
3
,
6
6
4
17
9
,
1
4
2
21
4
,
1
5
6
21
1
,
1
5
8
18
1
,
9
0
9
18
0
,
9
4
2
18
7
,
5
8
0
18
8
,
4
0
1
18
5
,
5
1
5
17
,
1
9
0
43
,
1
9
4
15
,
9
1
1
18
,
5
3
1
20
,
8
9
6
Although our per capita emissions are
nearly equal to annual national averages,
world averages are 4 metric tonnes per
capita, and sustainable emissions are
estimated to be only 2 metric tonnes
per capita.
High CO2e emissions per capita and high consumption of fossil fuels are a
significant environmental, economic, and social issue throughout the developed
world. Reduction steps should be taken since utility costs will continue to increase
as non-renewable fossil fuels are depleted. Initiating gradual reductions is the only
strategic way to produce the necessary CO2 levels required to mitigate climate
change. A community-wide reduction goal could assist in raising awareness and
help bring Iowa City closer to sustainable emission levels.
Co2E EMISSIonS pER CApITA In IowA CITY (METRIC TonnES)
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
2000 2008 2011
20.5
18.7
21.4
2009 2010
19.8 19.3
34 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: EnErgy
90,000
80,000
70,000
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
Source: Iowa City
Landfill Division
World average per capita (4 metric tonnes)
Sustainable per capita (2 metric tonnes)
1,
5
0
9
1,
3
4
5
1,6
8
3
1,
7
5
5
54
1
1,
2
8
5
The City tracks energy usage for all utility accounts and facilities. With grant
funds provided by the ARRA, energy efficiency projects were installed in
municipal buildings. Energy reports were provided to facility managers that took a
leading role in changing operations to manage more efficiently and cost effectively.
Energy reduction projects have targeted the wastewater and water plants, parking
ramps, street lights and buildings. Energy reductions were observed in all targeted
areas while non-targeted areas showed varying levels of increased energy usage
(including vehicle fleet, transit fleet and or landfill buildings). The City has also
added three new LEED certified buildings and plans to build to LEED standards
whenever possible.
Iowa City has been actively working
on reducing municipal greenhouse
gas emissions and although emissions
increased slightly between 2008 and
2011, energy usage has declined in
several areas.
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: EnErgy • 35
MUnICIpAl EnERgY USAgE (MMbTUs)
90,000
80,000
70,000
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
n 2000
n 2008
n 2011
48
,
4
3
1
45
,
4
7
7
81
,
4
8
7
59
,
9
1
9
51
,
2
4
3
70
,
8
4
2
38
,
1
3
1
33
,
2
6
0
37
,
1
3
1
23
,
6
8
3
18
,
9
4
0
25
,
4
4
0
26
,
0
8
5
20
,
8
1
6
24
,
1
6
2
10
,
7
9
6
12
,
5
1
5
11
,
1
5
7
Wastewater Buildings Vehicle fleet Drinking Water Transit fleet Street and
Traffic lights
airport landfill
Buildings
MUnICIpAl Co2E ToTAlS (METRIC TonnES)
120,000
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
0 2000 2008 2011
57,217 58,410
97,174
IOWA CITYIOWA CITY
CORALVILLECORALVILLE
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTSUNIVERSITY HEIGHTS
Iowa
R
i
v
e
r
Ralston Creek
Clear Creek
Snyder Creek
Rapid Cree
k
Deer Creek
Iowa
R
i
v
e
r
I
o
w
a
R
i
v
e
r
0 1.50.75 Miles
More than 300 miles of underground piping for each the
wastewater and drinking water supply transports water
through the City. The Water Division provides clean, safe
water for Iowa City, providing an average of 5.5 million
gallons per day. Six groundwater wells and four alluvial
wells combined with water drawn from the Iowa River
and a manmade pond provide water for the City. The
City owned dam at Peninsula Park was refurbished to
ensure consistent water levels for all alluvial well sources.
The 200-acre Water Works Park and 90-acre Peninsula
Park offer woodland, wetlands and a reconstructed
prairie that serve as wellhead protection. They also
provide recreational trails for citizens and natural habitat
for plants and animals.
ENVIRoNmENTAL AND RESouRCE mANAgEmENT: wATER
The Iowa City Public Works Department oversees the water supply, wastewater, and stormwater
management systems for the city.
36 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: watEr
This map displays
the Iowa River and
its tributaries at work
that flow through Iowa
City. It also shows the
city parks and natural
areas, which help
to absorb and filter
precipitation to reduce
run-off and promote
healthier ecosystems.
The thick blue line
indicates the Iowa
River; thin blue lines
indicate streams and
other rivers; green
areas indicate parks.
0 0.75 1.5milEs
IowA CITY RIVER And STREAMS
The Wastewater Division maintains two treatment plants,
17 lift stations, and over 300 miles of sanitary sewer pip-
ing, while processing an average of nine million gallons of
wastewater each day (this includes wastewater from UI).
Staff members measure and report 120 different tests each
month to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for
both influent waste and treated effluent. The north plant,
built in the 1930’s, will be decommissioned soon, while
construction is currently underway that will expand the
City’s treatment capacity at the south plant. The south
wastewater treatment plant will also switch to ultraviolet
disinfection, which is safer, requires less contact time than
chlorine disinfection. The wastewater plant also produces
Class A Biosolids, which undergo heating over 140°F to
remove pathogens. Biosolids can then be land applied in
place of fertilizer because they are nutrient-rich, organic
materials containing nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus
that benefit soils and plants.
SUSTaInaBIlITY InDICaToRS: EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: watEr
Total Water Consumption l Total water consumption per capita, measured in gallons
Drinking Water Quality l Annual percent of drinking water quality testing meeting EPA standards
Gallons of Treated Municipal Water U Annual gallons of municipal water treated annually
Wastewater Quality l Annual percent of wastewater BoD, TSS, and Ammonia nitrogen meeting NPDES standards
Biosolids l Tons of Class A biosolids produced and land applied
Sanitary Sewer Overflows l Annual number of sanitary sewer overflows
Green Roofs Number and area of green roofs
Urban Stream Bank Conditions U Percent of assessed urban stream miles with stable stream bank rating
Iowa River Water Quality A section of the Iowa River within Iowa City is on DNR’s Impaired Waters List
Local Stream Water l Average levels of nitrates and phosphorus under Level of Concern using IoWATER sampling methods
Floodplain Management l Recognized by F.E.m.A. as Class 8 CRS Community
The Engineering Division developed a Stormwater
Management Program that protects waterways from
pollutants that are harmful to downstream cities and
ecosystems. As stormwater flows off roofs, streets, and
land surfaces, it picks up oil, chemicals, pesticides,
debris, and soil, which enter drainage systems and
pollute waterways. The Stormwater Utility uses strategic
monitoring, planning, and management programs to
protect waterways and informs developers, contractors,
residents and businesses of Best Management Practices
to reduce stormwater runoff (such as construction site,
stream management, rain gardens, and pervious pavers).
They also promote and coordinate volunteer efforts for
stream cleanup projects and ensure compliance with
federal regulations for sediment control. These efforts
reduce the amount of pollutants flowing into waterways
and help preserve water quality and stream habitat.
l = within or exceeding acceptable level
= below desired level
U = unclassifiedENVIRoNmENTAL AND RESouRCE mANAgEmENT: wATER
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: watEr • 37
AnnUAl wATER ConSUMpTIon pER CApITA (gAllonS)
30,500
30,000
29,500
29,000
28,500
≈
0
Source: Iowa City Water Division, Consumer Confidence Reports
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
30,113.3
29,622.9
28,819.6
29,629.3 29,593.5
dAIlY wATER ConSUMpTIon pER CApITA
83
82
81
80
79
≈
0
Source: Iowa City Water Division, Consumer Confidence Reports
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
82.5
81.2
79.0
81.2 81.1
Though the population has grown,
consumption patterns have remained
low. water consumption per capita
has declined slightly overall during the
2007–2011 period.
Daily water consumption per capita in the United States is estimated to be more
than 80–100 gallons (U.S. Geological Survey); therefore water usage is on the
lower end of average for consumption in the United States. Iowa City’s water plant
and wastewater treatment plant combined use one-third of the energy needed for
municipal operations so conservation of water can also conserve energy. Water
conservation is a growing concern as our county’s population continues to grow.
The Iowa City water division has had no
health-based drinking water violations
in the last 5 years. More than 67,000
residents of Iowa City are served
by the Iowa City water plant.
Safe and healthy drinking water is important for maintaining a healthy population,
but it also serves as an indicator of environmental quality. With roughly 2 billion
gallons of treated water pumped to Iowa City residences and businesses each year,
efficient and dependable management and treatment practices are essential. The EPA
ensures healthy water quality by thorough monitoring in addition to establishing
limits, called maximum contaminant levels, which define the absolute extent of
allowable concentrations of contaminants in the water supply. Failure to meet these
guidelines can produce waters with high levels of chemicals and bacteria, which can
result in adverse health effects. The Iowa City Water Division’s thorough monitoring
and treatment strategies have consistently produced clean, safe, and healthy drinking
water for the city.
AnnUAl TREATEd MUnICIpAl dRInkIng wATER
(bIllIonS oF gAllonS)
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
2.01 2.00 1.99 2.01 2.01
38 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: watEr
Source: 2008-2012
Consumer Confidence
Reports, Iowa City
Water Division
Removal of carbonaceous biochemical
oxygen demand (Cbods), total
suspended solids, and ammonia
nitrogen has met, or greatly exceeded
the requirements of the EpA’s national
pollutant discharge Elimination System.
Iowa City’s north and south wastewater treatment plants ensure that wastewater is
tested and treated to remove pollutants and contaminants, as required by federal
regulations, before discharging water to the Iowa River. Regulations require a
reduction of CBOD and total suspended solids by more than 85%, but Iowa City’s
wastewater plants have consistently removed more than 96% of each for the last 5
years. Ammonia nitrogen regulations fluctuate in acceptable concentration limits
throughout the year, but there have been no violations during this period and
reductions have been greater than 92%. These results show that the wastewater
plants have been effectively treating water, ensuring that natural ecosystems and
other downstream water users have continued access to safe, healthy water.
wASTEwATER QUAlITY: pollUTAnT REMoVAl
Carbonaceous Total
biochemical Suspended Ammonia
oxygen demand Solids nitrogen
2007 97.4% 97.4% 95.9%
2008 97.6% 96.9% 95.2%
2009 97.3% 97.1% 94.4%
2010 97.2% 96.9% 95.2%
2011 97.6% 97.0% 92.0%
Though the production of biosolids
has declined in 2011, the volume has
continually supplied farmers with amounts
to be land applied.
Biosolids are the pathogen-free residuals from treated wastewater and they often
end up incinerated or buried in landfills for disposal. However, as a nutrient-
rich product, they can be put to use as a fertilizer, saving money and providing a
beneficial function for the product. In Iowa City, production of biosolids has slowed
in 2011, but still provide farmers with an amount of biosolids that can be land
applied. Continued application will ensure high levels of nutrients in soils and plants,
increasing potential for growth and offsetting the use of manufactured fertilizer use.
TonS oF bIoSolIdS pRodUCEd And ApplIEd
1,750
1,500
1,250
≈
0
Source: Wastewater
Treatment Plant, Iowa City
Wastewater Division
2007
1,471
— Produced
— Applied
2008 2009 2010 2011
1,542
1,730
1,046
1,209
1,500
1,489
1,069
1,293
1,676
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: watEr • 39
Source: Wastewater Treatment
Reports, Iowa City
Wastewater Division
gREEn RooFS
location Area Installation date
East Side Recycling Center 700 sq.ft. 06/01/2011
Willowwind School 416 sq.ft. 10/31/2007
Total 1,116 sq.ft.
Iowa City has two green roofs that cover
more than 1,000 ft2 total. The willowwind
green roof was constructed in 2007,
while the city owned ESRC green roof
was finished in 2011.
Green roofs are vegetation-covered roofs of buildings that absorb rainwater, provide
insulation, maintain habitat for wildlife, and lower urban air temperatures, and
absorb carbon dioxide, among their many benefits. Iowa City has the opportunity
to increase the number of green roofs by encouraging developers to explore
these unique, aesthetically-pleasing, practical, and beneficial roof environments
throughout the design and construction process, increase biodiversity, and provide
educational opportunities. As new buildings are built and more land is developed,
green building practices can incorporate these environmental practices.
40 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: watEr
SAnITARY SEwER oVERFlowS
Calls City
City Expenditures
Total Responsibility due to SSo’s
2007 52 23 $67,304
2008 53 17 $17,872
2009 43 7 $26,135
2010 47 7 $7,310
2011 47 7 $11,831
When sanitary sewer overflows occur due to clogs in pipes that do not reside on
personal property, the city must act to correct the damage. Preventative measures
include jetting—blasting high pressure water through the sewer to clean pipe sides
and flush residue through the system, as well as televised sewer lines which allow
diagnosis of problems and implementation of appropriate solutions. There are more
than 300 miles of sanitary sewer pipeline ranging from 6”-96” in diameter in Iowa
City. This length, combined with the low frequency of overflows under the City’s
responsibility, indicates the effectiveness of preventative measures in maintaining
functional sanitary sewer systems.
Sanitary sewer overflows that the city
is responsible for declined dramatically
during the 2007–2009 period, and have
remained low ever since. As a result,
expenditures have fallen dramatically,
reducing costs since 2007.
Source:
RoofTop Seedums, LLC
Source: Iowa City
Wastewater Division
willow Creek was assessed from 2010-
2012 using RASCAl (Rapid Assessment
of Stream Conditions along length), an
assessment tool which analyzes 14 data
variables to determine the physical
conditions of a stream. Assessment of
Ralston Creek is scheduled for completion
in 2013.
Urban streams can be seen as an amenity within a community by providing habit,
aesthetic beauty and recreational opportunities. They can also be polluted and
will flood or erode land if the stream is not managed. Iowa City has three streams
within the city limits: Ralston, Willow and Snyder Creek. Stream bank erosion can
affect water quality, destabilizing purchased land and increasing sediment to the
stream. All three streams flow into the Iowa River, carrying sediment and decreasing
water quality. A greater number of roads, parking lots, roofs and impermeable
surfaces have increased stormwater runoff and accelerated erosion. Assessment of the
physical conditions of the stream banks for erosion allows the City to be aware of
structures, such as storm drains, sewer lines, or buildings that have been or will be
compromised. All three creeks in the City will need to be assessed for this indicator
to be analyzed and for effective management to be implemented.
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: watEr • 41
bAnk STAbIlITY: wIllow CREEk wATERSHEd, joHnSon CoUnTY, IowA
Source: university of Iowa and Iowa Department of Natural Resources
1.
9
0.
4
1.
2
0.
3
1.
3
0.
4
1.
5
0.
4
0.
7
1.
0
0.
3
0.
8
0.
3
0.
8
0.
4
1.
0
0.
4
1.
9
1.
3
42 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: watEr
The City of Iowa City has sampled two of
the three streams within the city limits
for the last five years. weekly samples
taken from May through november for
chemical analysis show that stream
nutrients are under the “level of
Concern” for nitrate and phosphorus with
the exception for 2012.
Within the city limits there are three creek watersheds. Ralston Creek has a
5,850 acre watershed which falls within the City limit. This creek has historic
significance for the City but also has issues with flooding in residential and
downtown areas. Willow Creek has a watershed of 3,347 acres, runs through the
City’s Willow Creek Park and has recently undergone a stream bank assessment
and bank stabilization project. Snyder Creek’s watershed is the largest at 16,400
acres, but most of the watershed includes agricultural land to the east of the city
limits. Snyder Creek’s watershed within the city limits falls in an industrial area
and is starting to be evaluated for stream bank issues. From the data over the last
five years, our streams in Iowa City appear healthy.
RAlSTon CREEk nUTRIEnT lEVElS
20.0
≈
2.0
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
Sources: IoWATER for all of the stream data, and the National Weather Service Weather Forecast office for precipitation averages (http://www.crh.noaa.gov/dvn/?n=climatelocal)
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
n Nitrate n Phosphate Nitrate Level of Concern Phosphate Level of Concern Precipitation
wIllow CREEk nUTRIEnT lEVElS
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Rivers and streams that pass through
Iowa City include the Iowa River, Ralston
Creek, willow Creek, and Snyder Creek.
The quality of these bodies of water
should continue to be monitored and
improved.
Iowa City is dissected by the Iowa River. A portion of the river is on the Iowa
Department of Natural Resources 303D List due to high levels of bacteria. While
Iowa City is not responsible for upstream pollution, we are accountable for the
City’s contribution. Point source pollution bacteria can enter streams when sewer
lines break, from transient encampments or even improper disposal of dog waste.
Nonpoint sources from Iowa City’s streams also add sediment loads via flow and
bank erosion carrying such contaminants as nitrogen and phosphorous from
lawns. Stabilization and restoration projects are planned as funding is available.
The City and the University of Iowa are exploring recreational uses on the Iowa
River increasing efforts to evaluate and to improve water quality.
Av
e
r
a
g
e
A
n
n
u
a
l
p ho
s
p
h
a
t
e
a
n
d
n it
r
a
t
e
(
m
g
/
l )
A
n
n
u
a
l
p
r
e
c
i
p
i
t
a
t
i
o
n
(
i
n
.
)
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
0.
5
48.32
43.68 43.82
34.93
26.12
48.32
43.68 43.82
34.93
26.12
IOWA
CITY
IOWA
CITY
CORALVILLECORALVILLE
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS
Iowa
R
i
v
e
r
Ralston Creek
Cl
e
a
r
C
r
e
e
k
Rapid Creek
Iowa Ri
v
e
r
The blue areas
indicate the FEMA
100-year floodplain;
orange areas indicate
the FEMA 500-year
floodplain; green areas
indicate parks; red
lines indicate city limits.
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: watEr • 43
with approximately 2,716 acres of
development in Iowa City’s floodplain, it
is important to protect the many homes
and businesses in the area in order to
minimize flood impacts to secure other
areas against develoment.
Iowa City consists of 27.9 square miles of diverse and rolling topography of which
about 15% lies within the 100 and 500 year floodplains. Most of the floodplain
through the core of the community is a part of the University of Iowa Campus.
Iowa City has been a leader in floodplain management and developed its first
floodplain maps over 50 years ago. Over the years, Iowa City has actively worked
to purchase floodplain property and convert it to parkland and other flood
resistant uses. Today, Iowa City’s floodplain management ordinance provides the
highest level of protection in the State.
FloodplAInS
The average American produces approximately 4.5 pounds/day (U.S. EPA)
one of the highest per capita in the world. Large reductions are necessary to
establish sustainable waste practices. The Iowa City Landfill and Recycling
Center processes waste from Johnson County, Kalona, and Riverside, taking
in an average of 120,000 tons of trash annually. The landfill has been in its
current location since 1971 and occupies 400 acres in total, half of which
holds buried trash. The landfill is projected to remain in operation at its
current location for another 23 years. The remaining land serves as a buffer
for surrounding properties and wetlands. The Iowa Waste Reduction and
Recycling Act was legislated in 1989, resulting in the ban of yard waste, tires,
lead acid batteries, appliances, and oil from Iowa landfills. This led to the
development of recycling programs that handle these other forms of waste
and divert them from the landfill.*
SUSTaInaBIlITY InDICaToRS: EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: wastE rEduction
Per capita Solid Waste Per capita tons of solid waste sent to landfill
Household Hazardous Waste l Pounds of HHW received annually; number of customers annually
Recycling Tonnage of recycled material
Multifamily Unit Recycling Percent of multifamily units with on-site recycling
Composting l Productive use of compost
ENVIRoNmENTAL AND RESouRCE mANAgEmENT: wASTE REdUCTIon
With growing populations and high levels of consumption, waste production is an increasingly
important factor in the environment and requires intensive management systems.
l = within or exceeding acceptable level
= below desired level
U = unclassified
44 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: wastE rEduction
* The landfill also participates in the Iowa DNR’s
Environmental Management System, which is
a voluntary program to encourage responsible
management while setting baselines and tracking
continuous improvement. In addition, the City is
considering ideas for innovative comprehensive waste
reduction technologies at landfill.
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: wastE rEduction • 45
pER CApITAl SolId wASTE (lbS/pERSon)
2,000
1,750
1,500
1,250
≈
0
Source: Iowa City Landfill and
Recycling Center, Iowa City
Landfill Division;
u.S. Census Bureau 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
1,703
1,994
1,769
1,805
1,690
waste for johnson County has remained
fairly consistent despite the growing
population in the landfill service area.
Solid waste production per capita rose in 2008 when a large flood impacted many
homes. The number has trended down about 5% annually since then although
population has continued to increase in Johnson County. Increased recycling, the
downturn in the economy and reduced packaging are likely contributors to waste
reduction. Even with this decrease, the average per capita solid waste production is
still slightly above the national average of 1,640 pounds annually.
Household hazardous waste products are those containing,
“corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients”—these
are often found in paints, cleaners, vehicle fluids, batteries,
and fluorescent bulbs (U.S. EPA). All residents of Johnson
County, Riverside, and Kalona utilize the Iowa City Landfill’s
Hazardous Waste Collection Facility. It is important that
hazardous materials are disposed of properly to protect residents’
homes, the community, and the natural environment. The
growing number of customers and diminished volume of HHW
suggest that high awareness of these hazardous materials has
inspired responsible disposal practices.
Household hazardous waste (HHw) disposal has remained
relatively stable since 2008, after a large number of pounds
received in 2007. drop-off appointments, which have increased
each year, are required for disposal and reflect the continual
expansion of the program.
HoUSEHold HAzARdoUS wASTE (HHw)
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
HHW received (in lbs) 125,627 57,362 59,937 58,763 55,767
HHW customers 1,527 1,530 1,729 1,893 2,070
Source: Iowa City Landfill &
Recycling Center, Iowa City
Landfill Division
RUMMAgE In THE RAMp
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Tons sold & diverted from landfill 20 19 24 25.8 23.5
Recycling programs in Iowa City include curbside pick-up,
household hazardous waste, used motor oil, e-waste, home
appliances, lawnmowers, carpet and bicycles. The recently
opened East Side Recycling Center provides a site for residents
to reuse and recycle materials through Habitat for Humanity’s
ReStore, the Salvage barn, and the Furniture project.
The East Side Recycling Center includes a LEED platinum-
certified environmental education center, drop-off recycling
bins, oil waste recycling, e-waste drop-off and compost and
wood chips sales. The annual Rummage In The Ramp effort
began in 2007 to keep tons of reusable material out of the
landfill during the rental housing lease changeover at the
end of July. During this time, residents can buy and donate
furniture, electronics, beds, and more, as they leave/take up
residence in the city.
HoUSEHoldS wITH CURbSIdE RECYClIng
drop-off curb total tons
2008 333 1,219 1,552
2009 567 1,435 2,002
2010 587 1,486 2,072
2011 548 1,512 2,060
2012 587 1,538 2,125
Since 2008, tonnages for both the
curbside recycling program and the
materials collected at the five City-
operated drop-off recycling locations
have increased.
In 2008, the City received funding to improve and advertise the drop-off sites.
Curbside information was included in the advertising, which has contributed to
the increases in both areas. In addition, the number of drop-off sites increased from
four to five between 2007 and 2008; the number of households served curbside has
increased steadily each year with the growth of the number of homes within Iowa
City. Even with these increases, only about 65% of the residents who have curbside
service use it regularly and about 75% of what goes into the Iowa City Landfill each
year is plastic, cardboard, paper and metal which could be recycled.
46 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: wastE rEduction
Source: Iowa City Landfill &
Recycling Center, Iowa City
Landfill Division
Source: Iowa City Landfill and
Recycling Center, Iowa City
Landfill Division; u.S.
Census Bureau
ToTAl TonS CoMpoSTEd AT THE IowA CITY lAndFIll
12,500
11,250
10,000
8.750
7,500
6,250
≈
0
Source: Iowa City Landfill and
Recycling Center, Iowa City
Landfill Division.2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
6,715 6,648
10,569
7,065 7,375
For the roughly 1,030 Iowa City apartment
complexes and condominium associations
without City service, only 4% of offer
on-site recycling at their complexes.
A pilot project from February through December of 2012 researched best practices
for implementing recycling programs for apartments with more than four units. A
best-practices manual was completed and made available to Iowa City landlords
and on the City website. This is an important step for our community because
the high student population results in a higher proportion of rental housing than
comparably-sized cities. Though there are several recycling drop-off sites in Iowa
City, many students do not own cars and therefore would not be able to transport
their recyclables.
Iowa City Community Compost is popular
and 100% of available stock has sold
out since 2009. Residential composting
is also encouraged and many citizens
compost at home.
The ICLF has composted yard waste since 1988 when a state law banned it from
landfills in Iowa. At ICLF, yard waste is either ground up into wood chips or
composted; both products are available to residents and commercial users for
landscaping. In FY2009, the incoming yard waste increased significantly due to flood
debris. In 2007, a limited amount of food waste was accepted in the compost program;
in 2010 a permit amendment allowed for an increase in the amount of food waste.
Multiple community partners now contribute food waste to the program, including
the University of Iowa (Hillcrest and Burge Dining Services), Regina Catholic Schools,
New Pioneer Co-op, and the Bluebird Diner. About 170 tons of food waste were
processed in the composting program in 2012.
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: wastE rEduction • 47
CITY CoMpoST
bIn SAlES
2009 25
2010 150
2011 200
2012 225
Today 97% of the state is farmland, and Iowa has
been called one of the most altered landscapes in the
country. Native ecosystems benefit people in many ways.
They clean water, and air, provide flood protection by
decreasing runoff, sequester carbon, and are habitat for
a wide array of animals, insects, microbes and plants
that provide us with medicine, pollination, foods, and
aesthetic beauty. Natural ecosystems are no longer able
to maintain themselves due to the absence of beneficial
processes such as wild fires. Meanwhile, new challenges,
such as invasive species and overly abundant nutrients in
the water threaten natural populations.
ENVIRoNmENTAL AND RESouRCE mANAgEmENT: nATURAl ECoSYSTEM
nearly 200 years ago, 83% of Iowa was tallgrass prairie broken by forests and wetlands along rivers
and streams.
48 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: natural EcosystEm
Natural ecosystem management practices that focus on
restoration and maintaining function of native Iowa
habitats are crucial to sustaining these resources. Iowa
City owns over 800 acres of forests, wetlands and prairies.
Management of these areas includes annual evaluation,
prescribed burning and control of invasive species. This
process is very labor intensive and presently relies upon
significant volunteer effort to be effective. The success
of natural areas management can be measured by their
biodiversity or lack thereof.
SUSTaInaBIlITY InDICaToRS: EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: natural EcosystEm
Forest Ecosystem l Total acres of municipal owned forest
Prairie Ecosystem l Total acres of municipal owned prairie
Wetland Ecosystem l Total acres of municipal owned wetland acres including City wetland mitigation projects
Tree Canopy/Street Tree Diversity U Percent coverage of trees within city limits; percentage of all street tree species
ENVIRoNmENTAL AND RESouRCE mANAgEmENT: nATURAl ECoSYSTEM
Street tree inventories are useful management tools in
the urban landscape, especially in cases of emerging
threats such as the Emerald Ash Borer. This insect
has been found in the state and nearby counties and
has been known to devastate Ash tree populations.
Evaluation of the species, age, condition, and location
of the City’s tree population would facilitate enhanced
response efforts and minimize damage should an
infestation occur. Tree canopy information would also
contribute important information for assessing heat
island effect and stormwater runoff modeling.
l = within or exceeding acceptable level
= below desired level
U = unclassified
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: natural EcosystEm • 49
nATURAl ECoSYSTEM CoVERAgE
Urban forest 425 acres
Prairie 211 acres
Wetland 96 acres
Iowa City is home to 41 parks, more than
34 miles of rivers and streams, and over
800 acres which contain prairie, wetland
and forest.
Natural areas provide opportunities for outdoor activity and education, protect
species diversity and the quality of water and soil, and reduce the occurrence
and severity of floods as well as erosion. Very little of Iowa’s natural ecosystem
exists, and while many of the acres are constructed (i.e., not remnants) prairies
and wetlands, the City has made an effort to plant native species in efforts to
restore these types of ecosystems which once used to be abundant in Iowa. The
table below provides the acreage of Iowa City’s natural areas, which includes the
Waterworks Park, 230 acres of constructed prairie and wetlands with a variety of
native plants. The City also owns Ryersons Woods, which may soon gain preserve
status and Hickory Hill Park, which includes 185 acres of woodland. Invasive
species are a large threat to these ecosystems so they require continued monitoring
and diverse management techniques.
Tree canopy reflects the space covered
by trees in the community. Urban forests
clean the air, provide habitat for wildlife,
absorb stormwater, reduce the heat
island effect, and provide aesthetic,
natural beauty for our city.
The National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program is coordinated in
Iowa by the DNR’s Forestry Bureau with the goal of enhancing the benefits of
trees in local communities. Iowa City has been named a Tree City USA for 32
years. Requirements include that the city employ a city forester or active tree board,
establish a tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita for the community forestry
program, and issue a proclamation naming a day as “Arbor Day.” Benefits include
reduced costs for energy, stormwater management, erosion control and higher
property values, among many others. For more than 15 years, the City of Iowa City
has maintained a Memorial Tree Program in which trees can be purchased and
planted in memory of someone who has passed away, or in celebration of birthdays,
graduations, weddings, and more. In the last decade, the City has also had a goal
to plant 100 trees annually in City parks and City owned land to beautify the
landscape. Tree canopy coverage and street tree species composition data is not
currently available.
50 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: natural EcosystEm
Source: Iowa City Parks &
Forestry Division; Property
Information Viewer,
Johnson County
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: natural EcosystEm • 51
52 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: housing
Iowa City is a unique and attractive Midwestern community
that provides a wide variety of opportunities for exposure
to arts and culture, collegiate and club sports, natural areas,
and community events and festivals. Residents and visitors
from diverse backgrounds and with varying interests have
many opportunities to engage in the community and identify
with other residents with similar interests. Iowa City’s social
atmosphere fosters creativity and engagement, fulfilling
citizens and instilling a connection with those who live here.
Residents demonstrate connection with the community
through high rates of volunteerism, engagement in local arts
and sporting events, and the pursuit of higher involvement
in local schools which can result in greater higher graduation
rates. Environmental conservation, education and economic
prosperity should be coordinated to meet social needs such as
security, prosperity, social interaction, connection to nature,
SoCIAl
and health. Iowa City sustainability indicators show that our
community has good healthcare, many transportation options,
low crime, healthy residents, clean air and drinking water,
and engaged citizens. These traits are indicative of a livable,
rewarding community which provides members with a good
quality of life.
In Iowa City there are numerous social services such as a
shelter house to support the homeless, a free lunch program,
the free medical clinic, substance abuse and behavioral
health services, services for elderly citizens, youth outreach
services, and transitional living places. Having these services
for citizens in times of need is a reflection of the community’s
care for all individuals. Enhanced social equity is a key
component of sustainability that often goes unrecognized but
is a reflection of the quality of the greater community.
SUSTAInAbIlITY ASSESSMEnT
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: housing • 53
The high student population of the University of Iowa and
Kirkwood Community College account for the fact that
40% of the available housing in Iowa City is composed
of rental properties. Additionally, there are also low- and
high-income rental units available for residents. Location
drives the value for student renters, who are looking
for fair lease agreements, equitable move-in/move-out
policies, building security and timely maintenance. Rental
properties may be lacking in areas such as energy efficiency,
recycling, and water conservation, which could be an
opportunity for future improvements.
Affordability is especially important for renters and
homeowners alike. Residents tend to prefer to live
near their place of employment, other businesses
and entertainment opportunities. Choosing a more
affordable home that is further away from amenities
SoCIAL: HoUSIng
Iowa City is blend of older historic neighborhoods, newer development and rental properties.
54 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: housing
means more driving and therefore higher transportation
costs. Affordable housing and transportation also allows
residents to spend their income on other essentials
such as food, health and education, which allow for
greater quality of life. Housing prices are also important
for the job market—affordable homes permit more
residents to reside in the community, which increases
the opportunities for economic growth. Quality homes
and neighborhoods make cities desirable places to live,
providing a cornerstone for development, diversification,
and prosperity.
The City of Iowa City has several programs in place to
ensure affordable and desirable housing options. One
of these is the UniverCity Housing project, in which
the City buys and makes improvements to homes near
downtown. These more affordable homes allow owners
to live near the more dense populated and walkable
SUSTaInaBIlITY InDICaToRS: SoCIAl: housing
Affordable Housing U Percent of population living in affordable housing
Age of Housing Stock U Percentage of houses built in each decade
Energy Assistance U Percentage of households applying for energy assistance in the form of LIHEAP
Tenure by Household Income U Number of owner- and renter-occupied housing units within various income ranges
Homelessness U Johnson County percentage of homeless population
Lead Exposure Testing/Poisoning Rate l Percent of children under 6 tested for lead poisoning; incidence of lead poisoning among tested children
downtown area. Funding through the City’s Housing
Rehabilitation program provides guidance and financial
assistance to help residents rehabilitate and update their
home to help maintain Iowa City’s housing stock. The
City also has a rental housing inspection program that
ensures rental properties are safe for residents. New
construction must adhere to the eight visit-ability
requirements established by the 2009 International
Residential Code as amended locally. These requirements
promote sustainable housing by ensuring access and
maneuverability for people using wheelchairs or other
mobility aids, reducing the need for costly redesigns or
building expansions. These efforts are an important step
for increasing the sustainability of Iowa City’s housing.
SoCIAL: HoUSIng
l = within or exceeding acceptable level
= below desired level
U = unclassified
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: housing • 55
Affordable housing analysis in Iowa City
is complex due to the high
student population.
Iowa City conducts an affordable housing study every five years. The “Affordable
Housing Market Analysis” can be found on the Iowa City website. This study’s
primary focus is to determine the need for affordable housing for non-student
incomes. Affordable housing is considered to be affordable to households at or below
80% of the median household income in the Iowa City metro area. The most recent
study documented that new residents continued to migrate into the Iowa City region
and that suburban areas are the areas where the most growth is occurring. Existing
demand for affordable housing will continue since many of the houses produced
are higher priced units more than moderately priced units. The City has several
programs in place to insure affordable housing. UniverCity Housing Project is a
program which buys and makes improvements to homes near downtown and sells
them at an affordable cost. The Housing Rehabilitation program provides assistance
to help residents rehabilitate and update their current homes.
56 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: housing
One of the
completed UniverCity
Housing Project
homes.
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: housing • 57
Iowa City has a variety of housing stock,
including older houses, newer homes,
and rental units. In the last 15 years the
area has had two floods and a tornado,
which destroyed many homes. Also, the
economic downturn in 2008 had an effect
of slowing down construction, which was
a trend nation-wide.
Older homes in the area are desired by some residents, due to their unique character
and style. Iowa City’s Housing Rehabilitation program provides residents financial
assistance to help residents repair their homes and preserve older home that may have
more repair costs. Many of the homes bought by the City through the UniverCity
housing are older homes close to campus. These homes are often previously rental
homes that are restored maintaining their character. Newer homes and apartments
continue to be constructed. Many of the new apartments constructed are in the
downtown region, offering both high end housing and student housing within
walkable distances of work, school, and other activities. Iowa City had more than 200
homes destroyed during the flood of 2008 damaged and demolition permits were
higher than usual during this time, peaking in 2010. Construction permits fell during
the time period indicated, likely due to economic reasons.
nUMbER oF HoUSEHoldS ApplYIng FoR lIHEAp
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
1,101 1,206 1,354 1,455 1,292 1,264
The number of households applying
for lIHEAp increased regularly from
2007–2010, but declined in 2011 and 2012.
LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, provides energy
assistance for low-income households to protect vulnerable groups such as children,
the elderly, and the disabled. Lowering the cost burden for energy needs also
increases the capacity for these households to attain other necessities, such as
healthcare, education, and healthy food. The flood of 2008 damaged many homes
and businesses, increasing expenses while reducing incomes throughout the area.
Source: Hawkeye Area
Community Action
Program, Inc.
pERCEnTAgE oF HoUSIng UnITS bY AgE
Year built 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
2005 or later 3.3% 3.8% 4.8% 6.1% 6.9%
2000 to 2004 8.6% 8.5% 8.5% 8.8% 8.8%
1990 to 1999 13.9% 14.2% 13.9% 13.9% 13.8%
1980 to 1989 14.3% 14.2% 14.0% 14.0% 13.8%
1970 to 1979 16.6% 16.5% 16.3% 16.0% 15.8%
1960 to 1969 11.5% 11.4% 11.4% 11.1% 11.1%
1950 to 1959 11.4% 11.4% 11.3% 10.9% 10.9%
1940 to 1949 5.8% 5.9% 5.8% 5.5% 5.5%
1939 or earlier 14.5% 14.2% 14.0% 13.7% 13.5%
Source: 2011 American
Community Survey
1-year Estimates, u.S.
Census Bureau
58 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: housing
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: housing • 59
TEnURE bY HoUSEHold InCoME
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
Source: 2006-2010 American
Community Survey 5-year
Estimate, u.S. Census Bureau
n Owner-occupied n Renter-occupied
<20k
1,
1
3
5
6,
6
4
8
20k–35k 35k–50k 50k–75k >75k
1,
2
4
8
2,
6
7
4
1,
5
2
7
1,
9
4
0
2,
7
9
4
1,
3
9
8
6,
4
6
7
61
0
o CC
U
P
I
E
D
H o US
I
n G U n IT
S
while owner- and renter-occupied
housing units are split evenly, tenure is
characterized by income—groups earning
less than$35,000 tend to occupy rental
units, while those with incomes greater
than $50,000 are much more likely to
own households.
Iowa City has an atypical proportion of rental units due to the University population,
which is expected to earn a lower income. Student populations fluctuate regularly—
many graduates leave the city while new students take up residence, establishing a
perpetual renter-occupied population. As rental units often include utilities as a fixed
component of the rental fee, occupants may not be financially invested in efficiency
and conservation of their resources (including water, gas, electricity, and heating/
cooling). These units are also not eligible for curbside recycling, which limits the
effectiveness of waste management programs in the city.
HoMES THAT CoST MoRE THAn 30% oF InCoME
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0Source: 2010 Census,
u.S. Census Bureau
n Iowa City n Iowa n United States
owner-occupied
18
.
6
%
Renter-occupied Total
19
.
9
%
19
.
7
%
71
.
6
%
42
.
3
%
48
.
9
%
46
.
0
%
25
.
9
%
27
.
4
%
HoMElESS STATISTICS 2009–2010
johnson County Iowa
number of percent of percent of
Homeless Total Total
Served Served Served
by Age
adults 664 73% 67%
Children 235 26% 33%
by Race and Ethnicity
White 426 47% 65%
Black 453 50% 29%
Hispanic or latino 57 6% 8%
by gender
Male 473 52% 52%
female 428 47% 47%
with A long-Term disability
Total With at least one Disability 174 19% 25%
alcohol 59 7% 10%
Drugs 44 5% 10%
Mental 125 14% 15%
Physical/ Medical 74 8% 8%
Homeless Extent
first Time 323 34% 40%
Multiple Times 319 34% 39%
ongoing or Chronic 295 31% 21%
Total 904 100% 100%
johnson County’s homeless population
represents 0.7% of the entire
county’s population.
Homeless statistics are not available for Iowa City alone. Iowa City is the largest city
in the county and accounts for slightly over 50% of the county’s population. The
City provides numerous services for those in need, including a shelter house for the
homeless. Other services include a free medical clinic, and free meal programs to
provide for those in need. A complete list of services for people in need of assistance
can be found on the Iowa City Public Library’s website.
60 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: housing
Source: The 2010 Community
Needs Assessment Indicators
Report, united Way of
Johnson County
pERCEnT oF CHIldREn TESTEd FoR ElEVATEd blood lEAd lEVElS
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0
Source: Lead Data, Statistics,
and Surveillance, Centers
for Disease Control and
Prevention 2007 2008 2009
25.6%
12.7%
52.3%
31.9%
13.8%
pERCEnT oF CHIldREn TESTEd wITH ConFIRMEd ElEVATEd blood lEAd lEVElS
1.5%
1.0%
.05%
0.0%
Source: Lead Data, Statistics,
and Surveillance, Centers
for Disease Control and
Prevention 0.2%
1.2%
1.0%
1.4%
0.8%
0.8%0.8%0.6%
Iowa City Iowa United States
14.2%
24.2%
27.2%
14.8%
2007 2008 2009
0.1%
Lead poisoning occurs most frequently in homes with lead paint and dust, as well
as those with lead water pipes. Industrial process can spread lead through the air
and into the soil, posing risks for the population at large. Due to the high toxicity,
moderate levels of lead can produce illnesses while high levels can slow development,
introduce learning disabilities, and cause comas and death. Elevated blood lead
levels are especially prevalent in children living in poverty and in older homes, so
the indicator reflects the prevalence of these conditions throughout the population.
Averaging 2007–2009 data, a larger percentage of children in Johnson County were
tested than either the state or nation, and fewer cases of elevated blood lead levels
result, indicating that the area is relatively safe from lead hazards.
From 2007–2009, johnson County
averaged a higher percentage of children
tested for elevated blood lead levels
than the state or nation, and found fewer
incidences of elevated blood lead levels
among the children tested.
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: housing • 61
Iowa City Iowa United States
Easy access to over 800 acres of City owned natural areas
and other open spaces benefits the mental and physical
health of residents and has positive effects on children.
Interest in local food production has increased farmer’s
market attendance, community supported agriculture
(CSA) options, a growing number of community gardens
and a number of restaurants focused on the local food
supply and healthy menu options. Air quality can also
affect health, so indicators were chosen to monitor several
measures in that area. Iowa City’s recreational facilities
include indoor and outdoor pools and activities are well
used and the Iowa City Senior Center offers a variety
of classes and activities involving physical activities as
well. Community encouragement of healthy activities
also plays a major role in motivating and educating the
SoCIAL: CoMMUnITY wEllnESS
Iowa City has a compact, walkable downtown, 48 miles of paved trails, and accessible parks and
green space all of which encourage physical activity.
62 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: community wEllnEss
public about the practices and benefits of healthy living,
and last year, there were 42 races, bike races and parades
in town; a true show of community involvement. Iowa
City was recently designated as one of the ten Blue Zone
Communities in Iowa, a community-based program
that will assist Iowa City in becoming an even more
physically, emotionally, and socially healthier community.
Along with healthy lifestyle, good health care is also
an essential part of a sustainable community. Iowa
City is home to the University of Iowa Hospitals and
Clinics, listed in the U.S. News & World Report’s
“Best Hospitals in America” report since 1990. U of
I Hospitals and Clinics admits more than 30,000
patients per year from across the state for in-patient
hospital care, in addition to receiving more than 50,000
emergency department visits and 930,000 clinic-patient
visits. Iowa City is also home to the Mercy Hospital,
SUSTaInaBIlITY InDICaToRS: SoCIAl: community wEllnEss
Healthy Weight l Percentage of adults with a BmI below 30.
Healthy Diets Percentage of residents who eat who eat adequate fruits and vegetables daily
Farmers Market Attendance l Annual estimated attendees at the City’s Farmers market
Community Gardens U Square footage of community and school gardens
EPA Air Quality Index l Number of days within acceptable limits and number of days in unacceptable limits, annually
Rate of Asthma Incidence l Number of asthma-related inpatient discharges from Iowa City hospitals
Particulate Matter Average annual Pm2.5 concentration
Radon Percentage of radon-tested household above 4 pci/L
which is a Blue Distinction Center for heart care and
the only Accredited Chest Pain Center in the county,
as well as the VA Medical Center, which is in the top
ten medical facilities nationally in terms of research
funding. In addition to Iowa City’s three hospitals,
Emma Goldman Clinic provides medical and Planned
Parenthood services to women. The Free Medical Clinic
provides medical and dental services for those that are
unable to afford the cost of regular health care.
Since 2008, Iowa City and surrounding communities
have partnered to create a combined response system for
emergencies such as tornadoes, flooding, other natural
disasters or emergencies. The community is in compliance
with the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
in order to respond quickly and effectively to assist citizens
in the area in the event of an emergency.
SoCIAL: CoMMUnITY wEllnESS
l = within or exceeding acceptable level
= below desired level
U = unclassified
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: community wEllnEss • 63
n ≥29.8%
n 26.3–29.7%
n 22.0–26.2%
n 0–21.9%
Source: National Diabetes
Surveillance System, Centers
for Disease Control and
Prevention
pERCEnTAgE oF AdUlT obESITY
35%
30%
25%
20%
≈
0%
Source: National Diabetes
Surveillance System, Centers
for Disease Control and
Prevention
2006 2008 2009
27.4%
27.5%
23.4%
28.5%
28.9%
— Johnson County — Iowa — United States
22.5%
30.0%
23.5%
30.3%
joHnSon CoUnTY HAS THE lowEST obESITY
pERCEnTAgE In IowA AT 23.5%, FollowEd bY
wInnESHIEk CoUnTY wHICH HAS 24.7% obESITY.
2007
22.1%
27.7%
28.3%
Adult obesity in johnson County is
the lowest in all Iowa Counties at
23.5%, well below the state and
national averages of 30.0% and 30.3%
respectively.
Obesity is defined as having a body mass index greater than 30, which significantly
increases the likelihood of developing adverse health conditions such as type 2
diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Obesity rates have been increasing considerably
throughout the nation in recent decades, impacting national health and signifying a
shift in production and consumption patterns, as well as food and health education.
Johnson County remains comparatively healthy compared to the rest of the state and
the nation as a whole. With the lowest adult obesity percentage in the state, Johnson
County stands out as a more healthy and food-conscious district, which is likely due
to the large population of those under the age of 34. Nearly one-quarter of Johnson
County adults are still considered obese.
64 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: community wEllnEss
The percentage of adults consuming
adequate amounts of fruits and
vegetables has remained steady, but still
quite low. poor eating habits can pose
a significant risk to the health of the
population.
Though difficult to measure, healthy diets are an essential component of sustainable
communities because they signify and reflect attitudes towards health and personal
responsibility. In 2008 and 2009, 22.6% of adults consumed an adequate amount
of fruits and vegetables in Johnson County. While this pattern of low fruit and
vegetable consumption is widespread, it is important to promote food responsibility
at the local level to strengthen communities. While data is not available at the
City level, Iowa City has been designated a Blue Zones community. The Blue Zone
Program promotes healthy lifestyle habits and perhaps we will see a rise in this
number due to healthier diets. (Source: Community Health Status Indicators, U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services)
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: community wEllnEss • 65
Iowa City’s Farmer’s Market has been
active for 40 years as of 2012 and
averages between 3,000 and 5,000
customers on a weekly basis, totaling
around 200,000 annual attendees.
Farmer’s Markets are excellent opportunities to connect with other members of the
community and find healthy, local foods. Iowa City’s Farmer’s Market has been
in operation since 1972—when it first opened there were a maximum of 13 stalls
used on Saturdays. In 1980, the Wednesday market was added, and by 1999 there
were 49 stalls selling goods at the markets. Today, there are 142 stalls on Saturday
and 57 stalls on Wednesday with countless varieties of locally produced fruits,
vegetables, meat, pastries, crafts, and more as popularity and attendance of the
Farmer’s Market continues to grow. The city’s Farmer’s Market was also ranked as
#1 in the state for “America’s Favorite Farmer’s Markets” by American Farmland
Trust from 2010–2012. An additional Farmer’s Market location is being added in
2013 at Mercer Recreation Center.
Community garden plots available for
rent allow residents to grow their own
fruits and vegetables while connecting
with other gardeners in the community.
Iowa City’s community gardens include Wetherby Park, the Broadway Neighborhood
Center, and the Children’s Discovery Garden, as well as the New Pioneer Food Co-
op’s Earth Source Gardens and the Ped Mall’s “My Soilmates” beds. The Children’s
Discovery Garden totals 1,500 square feet, while Wetherby Park’s community garden
spans an acre, and the Earth Source Gardens encompasses 2 acres divided into 10’
by 50’ plots available for rent to the public. Community gardens provide fun and
educational opportunities while reestablishing a direct connection to land and food.
They also facilitate interactions among experienced and beginner gardeners alike,
spreading knowledge and passion for locally grown food.
66 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: community wEllnEss
AIR QUAlITY IndEX REpoRT
number number number number number number
of days of days of days of days of days of days
with AQI good Moderate USg* Unhealthy Very Unhealthy
2007 332 241 88 3 0 0
2008 348 281 66 1 0 0
2009 356 282 74 0 0 0
2010 365 251 114 0 0 0
2011 364 265 99 0 0 0
average 353 264 88 1 0 0
Iowa City has a very similar Air
Quality Index to the state of Iowa,
though the city averages more days
with “good” air quality, and less days
designated as “Unhealthy for sensitive
groups”/”Unhealthy”. In fact, from
2007-2011 Iowa City only had 4 days that
were considered “Unhealthy for sensitive
groups”, while all of the rest were “good”
or “Moderate”.
The Air Quality Index compiles measurements of all criteria air pollutants in a
geographical area. By categorizing the levels of pollution, the EPA developed a
scale to quantify the degree of healthiness of the air, which can be compared
over time or between locations to determine the patterns and severity of air
pollution. Maintaining healthy air is important for any community as air quality
impacts the health of the population and the environment, and these monitoring
systems allow for emergency responses to be quickly implemented if air quality
becomes dangerously low. In addition to monitoring air quality to ensure safety
and healthiness, the index captures pollution trends that can be correlated with
human activities to determine the possible impacts from those activities on local
air quality. Iowa City’s Air Quality Index averaged from 2007-2011 shows that
three-quarters of the studied days (average number of studied days = 353/year) are
designated “Good”, while the remaining quarter is “Moderate”. This consistent
pattern indicates a stable, healthy quality of air throughout the city, posing no
significant risk to human health.
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: community wEllnEss • 67
*unhealthy for Sensitive
groups. Source: Air
Quality Index Report, u.S.
Environmental Protection
Agency
Asthma-related discharges from Iowa
City hospitals have consistently remained
low, and even shown an overall declining
trend from 2007-2011.
Poor air quality is often a major trigger for asthma exacerbation, however Iowa City
has only had 4 days in the last 5 years that were considered unhealthy for sensitive
groups (all of which occurred in 2007 and 2008). With Iowa City’s consistently
healthy air quality and the incredibly low frequency of asthma-related discharges
from Iowa City hospitals, it seems clear that there is little, if any, exacerbation of
asthma symptoms due to air quality. Since Iowa City’s hospitals serve a regional
population, it is not likely all of the discharges are citizens of Iowa City.
ACUTE InpATIEnT dISCHARgES FoR pATIEnTS FRoM IowA CITY
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Total asthma-related Discharges 57 54 58 44 47Source: Information Center,
Iowa Hospital Association
AnnUAl AVERAgE pM2.5 ConCEnTRATIonS
13.0
12.0
11.0
10.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
Source: monitor Values
Report, u.S. Environmental
Protection Agency
2007 2009 2010
11.7%
10.6%
9.8%
12.2%
10.6%
10.3%
2008
10.7%
10.6%
10.9%
2011
11.5%
11.3%
10.0%10.4%
12.0%
Average pM2.5 concentrations in Iowa
City are slightly higher than both state
and national averages, suggesting that
these types of pollutants are prevalent
in the city.
PM2.5 refers to particulate matter (particles of dust, dirt, soot, smoke, and liquid
droplets found in the air) of less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These tiny
particles are formed from combustion and industrial activities; they are so small
that they can be inhaled and accumulate in the respiratory system where they pose
significant health risks. States with PM2.5 levels exceeding EPA standards are
designated as nonattainment areas to signify to the public that the air is unhealthy.
In response, these states must produce a state implementation plan and take action
to improve air quality. PM2.5 data in Iowa City is collected at Hoover Elementary
School—their data shows that Iowa and Iowa City have extremely similar PM2.5
concentrations, and both are often higher than the national average. Iowa City’s
mean annual PM2.5 concentration is well below the three-year standard of 15 µg/m3,
but further reductions have the potential for greater health benefits while decreasing
the likelihood of violations.
68 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: community wEllnEss
Iowa City Iowa United States
µg
/
m
3
1990–2011 RAdon dATA
Total count percent
Iowa City of households of tested households
zip Code with radon above 4pCi/l*
52240 6,309 44%
52242 2,303 36%
52243 22 23%
52244 101 42%
52245 3,509 45%
52246 3,622 33%
Total 15,866 37%
Radon is released through the ground and soil and enters homes through any
openings (such as drains, cracks, and joints) in basement walls and floors. Radon
is a carcinogenic, naturally occurring gas that is odorless and colorless, making it
difficult to detect without specialized testing kits. The high frequency of basements
and glacial sediments, as well as a high water table produce large amounts of radon
throughout Iowa. The prevalence and potency has lead radon to become the leading
cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers, making it a hazard that must be tested for
regularly in the home. Concentrations above 4 pCi/L are a significant health risk
and the EPA recommends action to reduce or eliminate radon in these cases. From
1990-2011, 37% of Iowa City homes were found to exceed this limit, indicating that
radon is a significant health risk for many Iowa City residents. However, statewide
measurements show that Iowa City is well below average for the percentage of
households with harmful radon: as many as 49.6% of Iowa households have radon
concentrations above 4 pCi/L.
Radon has retained a consistently high
presence in Iowa City for the last two
decades, with high levels in more than
one-third of households.
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: community wEllnEss • 69
*Picocuries per liter
Source: Radon Program,
Iowa Department of Public
Health
n >100 pCi/L
n >50 pCi/L
n >20 p/Ci/L
n >10 pCi/L
n >4 pCi/L
n <4 pCi/L
No test
1990–2010 RAdon SCREEnIng TESTS In IowA (HIgHEST lEVEl MEASUREd bY zIp CodE)
Source: Iowa Department of
Public Health Radon Program
Often called the, “Athens of the Midwest” due to the
artistic, cultural, and educational opportunities that are
available, Iowa City is home to many galleries, venues,
programs, and displays that bring the arts to the forefront
of entertainment throughout the year. In 2008, The
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) designated Iowa City as the
world’s third City of Literature, making it a part of the
UNESCO Creative Cities Network. This title reflects
the city’s strong link with literature, exemplified in the
Iowa Avenue Literary Walk, which features the words of
writers stamped into bronze plaques with writers words
and artistic images—all 49 authors and playwrights
featured have ties to the state of Iowa. The University
of Iowa Writers’ Workshop, which celebrated its 75th
anniversary in 2011, was the first creative writing degree
program in the country, and is known as one of the best
writing programs as well. Iowa City’s artistic and cultural
SoCIAL: ARTS And CUlTURE
Iowa City is a regional hub for the arts, with a rich community culture.
70 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: arts and culturE
focus is exemplified in the restored Iowa Territorial Capitol
building, which now serves as Old Capitol Museum is
located on the U of I campus adjacent to downtown Iowa
City and is an iconic venue for and holds public lectures,
press conferences, performances and celebrations.
The City’s rich cultural landscape is celebrated by the
Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance, which represents
over 120 arts/culture organizations and hosts a website
that features a comprehensive list of upcoming events,
activities, and attractions throughout the region. Iowa
City also sponsors many festivals and events, listed in this
section. The Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee
advises the City Council on potential sites for public
art enhancement and oversees the Public Art Program,
which includes downtown public arts projects, the
Neighborhood Art Program, public art in city parks, and
the Iowa Art’s Showcase Pad. In addition, the University
of Iowa has museums, performances, lectures and
readings that are open to the public and are well attended.
SUSTaInaBIlITY InDICaToRS: SoCIAl: arts and culturE
Local Arts l Primary Indicators of Local Arts Index
Library Card Holders l Percent of residents with Iowa City Public Library cards
Volunteerism l Percent of residents who volunteer
Historic Preservation l Number of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places
Voter Participation Number of residents registered to vote; number of voters in local elections
Senior Center Membership/Programs l Total number of members and programs offered at the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center
The Iowa City Public Library is a hub of activity that
attracts all ages. The Senior Center is a popular location
hosting events and classes for those over 50, providing a
variety of intergenerational programs and opporunities
to people of all ages. Iowa City’s rate of volunteerism is
exceptional, ranking #3 in the country for mid-sized
metros. Iowa City has a very high voter rate during
national elections, but one area of improvement would
be having higher turnout rates for local elections. Iowa
City is an engaged community that promotes the arts and
culture in so many numerous venues that cater to a wide
variety of interests.
The state recently recognized Iowa City with two cultural
districts: the Old Capitol District and the Iowa River
Cultural District. These designations help to connect
artists with businesses to enhance economic development
through the support of arts, history and culture.
Certified districts are also eligible for aid from the state
for cultural rehabilitation and development.
SoCIAL: ARTS And CUlTURE
l = within or exceeding acceptable level
= below desired level
U = unclassified
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: arts and culturE • 71
johnson County produces a large
number of graduates in the visual and
performance arts, while encouraging
numerous independent artists through
grants and community support.
The Local Arts Index was developed to better understand the characteristics of the
cultural life in a community. The Index can be used to compare counties, but also
reads as a scorecard for the community’s arts participation and industry. The area
produces an astounding number of graduates from the arts, due to high University
enrollment, and receives significant funding from grants for various projects and
programs. The county also features large numbers of independent artists and
residents who readily attend performances and support the arts.
loCAl ARTS IndEX—
ARTS IndICAToRS FoR joHnSon CoUnTY
Expenditures on entertainment admission fees per capita $28.24
Expenditure on music instruments per capita $24.15
nEa grants per 10,000 people, 2005 through 2009 $1,367.64
State arts agency grants per capita, 2003–2009 $6.40
aaM accredited museums per 100,000 population .76
national arts education association members per capita 18.34
Solo artists per 100,000 population 370.56
Total nonprofit arts organizations per 100,000 population 20.63
arts education nonprofit organizations per 100,000 population .76
Performing arts and events nonprofit organizations per capita 7.64
Visual arts nonprofit organizations per 100,000 population .76
Millennial share of all arts nonprofits 29.63%
Revenue share of millennial arts nonprofits 22.89%
Competitive environment for the nonprofit arts 57.85%
Visual and performing arts degrees 2003–2009 2,506.84
accredited degree granting programs per 100,000 population 2.29
“Creative Industries” share of all businesses 4.1%
“Creative Industries” share of all employees 2.0%
72 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: arts and culturE
Source: Arts Index: A Project
of Americans for the Arts
The Iowa City public library serves Iowa
City, Rural johnson County, University
Heights, and Hills—a total population of
over 90,000 people. library cardholders
have grown by nearly 5,000 users since
2007, as ICpl now has nearly 70,000
active library cards.
Libraries are an essential community service, and the Iowa City Public Library is
no exception, serving as a major force within the community to assure equal access
that transcends socioeconomic status. The mission of the Iowa City Public Library is
to serve as, “an innovative and responsive community center that supports lifelong
learning, literacy, and access to the world of ideas.” The Iowa City Public Library is
centrally located on the downtown Pedestrian Plaza, easily accessible from all areas
of the City and conveniently located near the downtown Transit interchange. This
accessibility, and a collection of nearly 250,000 materials (including books, magazines,
eBooks, and eMagazines), draws over 760,000 people through the doors of the Library
each year. With over 1.6 million annual circulations of library materials, Iowa City
Public Library is the busiest library building in the state of Iowa.
The Iowa City Public Library serves as a community center, hosting over 2,100
meetings each year in its five public meeting rooms with nearly 27,000 people
attending these meetings. The Library offers free WIFI service throughout the
Library and on the City’s Pedestrian Plaza, with nearly 100,000 unique connections
each year. The Library has nearly 50 public internet computers and registers over
113,000 computer sessions each year as well as providing traditional reference service,
answering more than 76,000 questions annually.
The Iowa City Public Library offers unique collections, including the Local Music
Project (music.icpl.org) licensing music from local musicians and offering their
music for free download via the ICPL website. The circulating Art-to-Go collection
enables checkout of visual artwork of local artists while a new service of loaning
Kindle readers with pre-loaded eBooks offers immediate access to eBooks without
the necessity of Internet access. The Library strives to continually improve and
meet the needs and expectations of patrons by expanding collections, programs and
services to better serve the community. This dedication is readily apparent in the
increasing number of active cardholders who benefit from all the Library has to offer.
IowA CITY pUblIC lIbRARY CARdHoldERS
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
0Source: Annual Reports,
Iowa City Public Library
n Cardholders n Population Served
Percentages in brown are percentage of Iowans who are library cardholders
2007
64
,
1
4
1
7
9
,
8
6
3
2008
65
,
7
8
6
7
9
,
8
6
3
2009
66
,
5
3
9
7
8
,
2
1
4
2010
67
,
0
3
6
7
8
,
2
1
4
2011
68
,
7
5
1
8
2
,
1
4
0
2012
69
,
3
0
6
83
,
4
7
0
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: arts and culturE • 73
66.3%
80.3%
66.5%
82.4%
67.7%
85.1%
67.3%
85.7%
68.7%
83.7%
66.2%
83.0%
The percentage of residents who
volunteer is significantly higher than
both the state and national averages,
with more than half of residents having
volunteered during the 2007–2010 period.
Iowa City ranks third in the country for
volunteering for cities of similar size.
Volunteering builds connections, skills, and experiences, while instilling positivity,
passion, and focus. Volunteers reflect their sense of community by helping others
and sharing their experiences. The majority of Iowa City’s residents have volunteered,
indicating a strong belief in giving back, helping others, and working for the
common good. The flood of 2008 also drew out thousands of volunteers and
helped pull the community together to reduce the flood impact. Iowa City’s student
population is also frequently encouraged to volunteer to gain experience in various
fields as well as connect with peers and potential employers. These programs draw
volunteers further into the community, establishing new connections to their world
and providing valuable opportunities that benefit everyone involved.
VolUnTEER RATE (2007–2010)
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Source: Volunteering in America
Iowa City
50
.
9
%
Iowa
37
.
6
%
United States
26
.
5
%
74 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: arts and culturE
“The National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate
and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s
historic and archaeological resources” (National Register of Historic Places Program).
Historic places serve as cultural artifacts and preserve the historic character of the
ever-changing districts and neighborhoods comprising the community. Iowa City
adopted the Historic Preservation Plan in 1992, setting immediate goals and a
work plan to guide future historic preservation to be undertaken by the City and
its citizens. The Plan was updated in 2008 to assess progress and reevaluate goals
and strategies to protect historic places. This update reflects the City’s long-term,
continued effort to preserve historic places and maintain the culture that draws so
many people to Iowa City.
Iowa City has 43 local historic landmark
properties, of which 34 are individually
listed on the national Register of Historic
places. Iowa City also has eight Historic
districts and four Conservation districts.
All eight Historic districts are listed on
the national Register.
while more than 70% of Iowa City’s
residents are registered to vote, the
overall turnout in recent city elections
has declined significantly and represents
a small percentage of the city’s
population.
Voting is an essential element to our democracy that allows residents to select
policies, actions, and candidates for office; communities become defined through the
actions of voters, and the inaction of non-voters, alike. Voters reflect their ideals and
provide more opportunities for the candidates or positions they support, while non-
voters opt out of the political system and sacrifice their chance to influence policies—
this in turn creates a smaller field of opportunities due to the lack of voiced
perspectives and concerns. In Iowa City, as with many other cities, counties, and
states across the nation, voter pools are so small that the majority of the population
is influenced by the selections of a small subset. It is worth noting that in the 2004,
2008, and 2012 presidential elections, Johnson County’s voter turnout was roughly
80% of registered voters—however, participation in local elections is important for
aligning city goals with community interests. In order to build a more sustainable
city with open communication, common goals, and cooperative partnerships, voter
turnouts in city elections must increase to more accurately represent the community
and facilitate greater public input.
CITY ElECTIon VoTIng STATISTICS
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
Source: Voter Registration and
Elections, Johnson County
Auditor
n Turnout
n Registered
2007
15
.
7
2
8
(
3
4
%
)
45
,
8
4
4
2009 2011
4,
6
8
4
(
9
%
)
48
,
4
2
2
6,
9
6
8
(
1
4
%
)
51
,
2
4
8
pRESIdEnTIAl ElECTIon VoTIng STATISTICS
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
Source: Voter Registration and
Elections, Johnson County
Auditor
2004
66
,
2
9
2
(
7
8
%
)
84
,
4
7
1
2008 2012
73
,
2
3
1
(
7
9
%
)
92
,
2
2
2
76
,
1
9
9
(
8
3
%
)
91
,
3
8
3
n Turnout
n Registered
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: arts and culturE • 75
pRogRAM gUIdE STATISTICS
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Programs* 493 657 518 509 520
*Includes unique classes, events, special programs/performances, free professional services, groups,
clubs, and performance groups.
Source: Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center
IowA CITY/joHnSon CoUnTY SEnIoR CEnTER MEMbERSHIp
1,750
1,500
1,250
1,000
750
500
250
0
Source: Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
1,003 1,071
1,271 1,287
1,587
1,391
The Center offers programs, classes and services to the 50+ year-old members of
our community. The Center also offers intergenerational programs and services.
For instance, annually over 500 volunteers of all ages assist in class instruction,
club and activity groups, counseling, supervising evening and weekend activities,
video production, program planning, community outreach, communication,
fundraising, and more. Classes at the Senior Center cover a range of topics,
including art, current events, dance, environment, fitness, literature, languages,
history, philosophy, religion, photography, science, technology, and wellness. Free
professional services such as legal, health insurance, and mental health counseling,
and income tax preparation are available. Regularly updated goals ensure the
expansion of programs and opportunities at the Senior Center are current and in
sync with community needs and interests.
The mission of the Iowa City/johnson
County Senior Center is to promote
optimal aging among adults 50+ years of
age by offering programs and services
that promote wellness, social interaction,
community engagement, and intellectual
growth. The Center serves the public
through intergenerational programming
and community outreach.
76 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: arts and culturE
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: arts and culturE • 77
www.onebooktwobook.org
ccdfestival.uiowa.edu
www.missionfreak.com
riverfest.uiowa.edu
www.icpl.org/weber
www.summerofthearts.org/festival-menu/concert-series/about.aspx
www.icgov.org/?id=1108
www.summerofthearts.org/festival-menu/arts-festival/about.aspx
www.riversidetheatre.org
www.summerofthearts.org/festival-menu/jazz-festival/about.aspx
www.summerofthearts.org/festival-menu/movie-series/about.aspx
www.iowacitybookfestival.org
www.johnsoncofair.com/index.html
www.summerofthearts.org
landlockedfilmfestival.org
www.northsideoktoberfest.com/index.php
Throughout the year, Iowa City features festivals that engage
residents and visitors in the local arts community.
Iowa Arts Festival (june)
Iowa City book Festival (july)
johnson County Fair (july)
Iowa Soul Festival (September)
landlocked Film Festival (october)
oktoberfest (october)
one book Two book (january)
University of Iowa Celebrating Cultural diversity Festival
(February/March)
Mission Creek Festival (March/April)
Riverfest (April)
Irving b. weber day (May)
Friday and Saturday night Concert Series (May–September)
Iowa City Farmer’s Market (May–october)
Riverside Theatre Summer in the park (june/july)
Iowa City jazz Festival (june/july)
Free Movie Series (june–August)
78 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • univErsity of iowa
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • univErsity of iowa • 79
The University of Iowa is an integral part of the Iowa City
area. The University brings in over 30,000 students a year and
employs over 27,000 people, including the University of Iowa
Hospitals and Clinics. In 2009, the University of Iowa com-
missioned an economic impact report that determined the UI
annually generates $6 billion for the Iowa economy. Visitors to
the UI contribute $208 million to the economy each year. As
a major research institution, government and industry funding
for these efforts alone contribute an economic income of
$963 million. Overall, the University of Iowa supports $1 out
of every $30 in the Iowa economy. With such economic and
social activity, the University of Iowa is an important and cru-
cial entity to consider when assessing the overall sustainability
of the City of Iowa City. In order to accomplish this, it is nec-
essary to explore the University’s commitment to sustainability
through its academics and curriculum, social involvement,
and campus-wide initiatives and programs (Economic Impact
Report, University of Iowa, 2010).
THE UnIVERSITY oF IowA
With the establishment of the UI Office of Sustainability in 2008
and an increased campus-wide commitment to sustainability,
a new vision for sustainability was created which became the
University of Iowa 2020 Vision. In October 2010, President Sally
Mason announced the University of Iowa’s ambitious sustain-
ability goals to be achieved by the end of the decade. As noted in
the UI 2020 Vision, “It is the product of planning and initia-
tives undertaken by hundreds of people, including faculty, staff
and students, as well as UI administrators. It sets out plans that
have been adopted to pursue and expand sustainability efforts in
several key areas of operations, research, education, and outreach.
…The 2020 Vision does not capture all that is being done, nor is it
intended to preclude the development of new initiatives and new
plans. To the contrary, by stating these medium-term goals clearly
and forthrightly, we aim to set a floor, not a ceiling, on insti-
tutional efforts toward sustainability.” The 7 goals are outlined
verbatim below. President Mason and EPA Region Seven Admin-
istrator, Karl Brooks, commemorated the adoption of the 2020
Sustainability Targets by jointly signing the EPA Sustainability
Partnership Program Agreement on Friday, Oct. 29, 2010.
SUSTAInAbIlITY ASSESSMEnT
1.
Achieve net-negative
Energy growth
The UI will employ energy conservation efforts, build LEED facilities, modernize
aged building systems, and nurture a culture of conservation to reach the goal of
consuming less energy on campus in 2020 than in 2010, despite projected growth.
Strategies to be pursued over the course of the decade:
• The UI will continue to update building design standards to lower the impact of growth.
• The UI will continue to pursue aggressive energy conservation opportunities.
• Campus divisions and departments will be incentivized to conserve energy.
• Building HVaC systems will be upgraded employing more energy efficient designs.
• Commissioning and retro-commissioning efforts will become standard practices.
• a branded energy conservation marketing effort will be developed and implemented.
80 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • univErsity of iowa
To address energy conservation and sustainability in new construction, the Iowa
Board of Regents Sustainability Initiative (adopted April 2009: http://www.vpaf.
uni.edu/energy/docs/CampusSustainabilityBORInitiativePartII.pdf) requires all
major projects (new buildings and major capital renovations) initiated after April 1,
2009 shall meet or exceed the U.S. Green Building Council’s guidelines for silver
level LEED certification.
• Beckwith Boathouse, lEED Gold, 1st lEED project on campus
• Sports Medicine Clinic, lEED Gold, 1st healthcare project in the state
• State Hygienic laboratory, lEED Gold
• Stuit Hall Renovation (formerly old Music Building), lEED Gold,
1st lEED renovation on campus
• Information Technology facility, lEED Platinum
• Dental Science Building addition, lEED Gold
• College of Public Health Building, lEED Platinum
As of April 2013, University of Iowa lEEd
projects of note include:
The UI adopted a Conservation and Energy Management Plan in 2007. The plan
provides guidelines for meeting future energy demand and a framework for the
internal energy conservation fund. The University of Iowa also adopted sustainable
construction standards which have been incorporated into the overall campus design
standards. These standards include a minimum requirement of LEED Silver for new
construction and major renovation, the requirement to give preference to design
professionals with LEED certification experience, the requirement for new building
and major capital renovation projects that alter mechanical and electrical systems to
exceed the current American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1 and to incorporate the latest energy efficient lighting
design guidelines. The University of Iowa Facilities Management incorporates
a “total cost of ownership” approach in the selection of project equipment and
materials. This approach includes a lifecycle cost analysis and the application of the
triple bottom line and sustainability principles.
New tools in energy conservation include the Energy Control Center and building
dashboards. The Energy Control Center serves as a centralized location for the
monitoring, analysis, and efficient dispatching of utility systems. Live displays
of energy use (building dashboards) for all of the buildings connected to the
main campus utilities systems (steam, electric, chilled water) are monitored and
evaluated by energy engineers. The building dashboards display of real-time energy
consumption to help building occupants track energy usage and provide immediate
feedback on their energy conservation efforts.
University programs
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • univErsity of iowa • 81
2.
green Energy portfolio The UI will pursue a renewable energy supply strategy that optimizes long-term
supply and fuel price stability while preserving an ability to test and take advantage
of other potential fuels. As the UI transitions from dependency on fossil fuels, it
will increase the use of biomass, geothermal, solar, wind, landfill gas, gasification,
and other emerging energy alternatives to achieve the goal of 40 percent renewable
energy consumption on the campus by 2020.
In 2012, EPA’s Green Power Partnership (GPP) recognized the University of
Iowa as number 17 on its Top 20 On-site Generation list for its generation and
use of renewable electricity. EPA’s Green Power Partnership works with a variety
of organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, agencies at all levels of
government, and a growing number of colleges, universities, and schools, to promote
the use of green power. EPA defines green power as electricity produced from solar,
wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass, and low-impact small hydroelectric sources.
The University of Iowa is recognized for for using biomass (oat hulls) to displace
coal in one of its two solid fuel boilers, which significantly reduces its greenhouse
gas emissions. The university’s Main Power Plant cogenerates nearly nine million
kilowatt-hours of electricity from biomass-produced steam, which represents more
than three percent of the main campus’s annual electric power consumption.
Beginning in December 2010, The Office of Sustainability formed and engaged
a biomass partnership project. The purpose of this partnership has been to
bring together and consult with a diverse group of experts in agronomy and
agriculture, forestry and forest products, equipment manufacturers, fuel suppliers,
environmental regulations, and policy areas associated with using biomass as fuel.
Members have been drawn from Iowa Department of Natural Resources director’s
office as well the department’s forestry and geographic information systems
departments, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Department of Agriculture, Natural
Resources Conservation Service, Amana Forestry, John Deere, River Trading
Company, Iowa State University, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, and
The University of Northern Iowa. Efforts to locate and develop sources of renewable
solid fuel are focused within a 50‐mile radius of Iowa City by identifying areas to
grow dedicated energy crops (e.g. miscanthus, prairie and switch grass) and short
rotation woody biomass crops (e.g. poplar, cottonwood, aspen trees), perform timber
stand improvement, use opportunity fuels (e.g. storm damaged trees, emerald ash
borer killed trees), use biomass produced from environmental management on
public lands (reed canary grass harvest), and locate and evaluate suitable industrial
byproducts and coproducts (e.g. clean wood waste, lignin). Defining the fuel-shed
within a 50‐mile radius of Iowa City limits the distance in which biomass and other
fuels will be transported; it also defines where the positive economic impact of local
fuel procurement will occur.
University programs
82 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • univErsity of iowa
3.
decrease our
production of waste
The UI will foster a culture oriented to reducing waste, increasing recycling,
facilitating composting of organic waste, and enhancing green purchasing practices
to achieve a goal of a 60 percent waste diversion by 2020.
• a comprehensive recycling program will be developed and initiated.
• The UI will modify its buildings to facilitate recycling.
• a branded marketing effort will be developed and implemented.
• Green purchasing practices, designed to reduce waste, will be implemented.
• Waste minimization practices will be incentivized and facilitated at departmental levels.
• Campus food service and composting operations will be retooled to minimize and capture
food waste.
Sampling of strategies to be pursued over
the course of the decade:
Single-Stream To increase recycling, the UI implemented a single-stream recycling system in
September, 2011. The single-stream system, also known as “sort-free”, allows all
acceptable recyclables to be collected in a single bin instead of being sorted in different
containers. The new system accepts newspaper, office paper, cardboard, lab plastics,
nonredeemable drink containers, plastics, tin, aluminum, and most food containers.
Glass, Styrofoam, plastic bags and food are not accepted in the recycling program.
Regular waste audits are conducted across campus. Waste audits are a key tool to
discovering opportunities for reduction, reuse and recycling. The audits provide
students, faculty and staff with the opportunity to examine the actual composition
of their waste stream and review baseline data for planning future reduction efforts.
While campus pre-consumer food waste has been collected for composting for
several years, in 2012 the UI started a new post-consumer food waste program. A
new food pulper and dish machine were installed in Hillcrest Market Place, located
in Hillcrest Hall. The pulper collects post-consumer food waste from plate scrapings.
Both the pulper and the dish machine recycle water. Roughly 2,800 pounds of
food waste are diverted each week to composting. Water savings exceed 3,000
gallons a day. The use of cleaning chemicals has been reduced significantly. The
Hillcrest Market Place also implemented trayless food service, which has resulted in
approximately $100,000 in savings in institutional food orders.
In 2013, the UI Hospitals and Clinics implemented changes in food service to
reduce waste at the source, capture more post-consumer food waste and eliminate
non-recyclable plastics. A switch was made from plastic utensils and Styrofoam
containers to compostable materials. Post-consumer food waste collection was
initiated in the dining areas. Both food waste and compostable utensils and
containers are now collected and pulped for composting. Changes in food service
include moving to smaller batch-style preparations. Food that was prepared but not
served and that meets the UIHC’s strict food handling requirements is donated to
Table to Table.
Changes in Hillcrest and
UI Hospitals and Clinics
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • univErsity of iowa • 83
Move-out collections have been held on campus each spring for the past several
years. The event started as a student group project for a sustainability class and
benefits Goodwill, Habitat Restore and the Crisis Center. The drive is organized by
the UI Environmental Coalition, ECO Hawk, UI Housing, Office of Sustainability,
Goodwill of the Heartland, Crisis Center, City of Iowa City and Habitat Restore.
Housewares, furniture, clothing and other items are collected and donated, diverting
several tons of material from landfilling each year.
Hydration Stations In 2011, Elkay Filling Stations were installed in the UI Residence Halls to support
reusable bottle use. The stations are automated machines that dispense chilled, filtered
water directly into a reusable bottle. Each machine has a display that tracks the
number of single-use bottles that have been avoided. In Spring 2012, in conjunction
with the Office of Sustainability and the UI Student Government, UI Facilities
Management outfitted the Iowa Memorial Union with one station and retrofitted
the remaining fountains with goose-neck bottle fillers. Elkay Filling Stations are now
being added into new and/or high-traffic buildings. Future waste audits may uncover
the impact of these stations on student behavior through reduced plastic bottle waste.
(Kelsey Zlevor, Sustainability Initiatives Advocate, UI Student Government).
paper Reduction and
Electronic Solutions
Paper is probably the most common purchase for most colleges and universities.
Iowa universities are required to purchase paper with at least 30 percent post-
consumer recycled paper content. All office paper ordered at the UI is 30 percent
post consumer or higher content, with the exception of specialty papers ordered
upon request where recycled content may vary. All purchased rough papers (paper
towels, toilet paper) are 100 percent recycled content.
The amount of copy paper purchased at the UI over the past several years has been
declining, due to paper conservation measures and efforts to reduce waste at the
source. Since FY2005, total copy paper purchased has dropped 57 percent. UI has
incorporated electronic solutions in virtually all business areas. These e-solutions
include solicitations for goods and services, e-printing of most admissions-related
items (including the University catalog, now only available online), payroll and
travel items, and other administrative notifications.
• about 98 percent of all admissions applications are now received online.
• Employees have a paperless option for most notifications, including tax forms.
• UI’s Workflow System for business transactions and employee self-service products are 100 percent
paperless.
Move-out and Surplus Materials
84 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • univErsity of iowa
Student-Run Composting Local student composting efforts are managed by the University of Iowa
Environmental Coalition’s Green Consulting committee. The group volunteers 10–12
hours a week, making bi-weekly stops at local establishments that collect food waste
for composting. The students collect the food waste and compost it at the University
Student Garden. The finished compost is used as a soil amendment at the garden.
The produce from the garden is sold to University Housing Residential Dining. The
proceeds from the sale of the produce directly support the Student Garden.
4.
Reduce the Carbon
Impact of Transportation
The UI will seek ways to reduce the vehicle miles traveled by single occupant vehicles,
employ increasingly efficient fuels and technologies, improve the greenhouse gas
efficiency of vehicles operated by employees and students, and seek net reductions
and/or offsets in University-related air travel with the goal of achieving, by 2020, a
10% reduction in per capita emissions of fossil fuel-produced CO2 from University-
related transportation and travel.
• Carbon-efficient fuels and technologies will be increasingly employed.
• The UI will implement vehicle management practices for passenger and freight systems to improve
the greenhouse gas efficiency of vehicles.
• Demand management programs will be expanded to reduce the vehicle miles traveled by single
occupant vehicles used for commuting or intra-campus transportation.
• The UI will investigate a local offset program to address the greenhouse gas impacts of University-
related air travel.
Sampling of Strategies to be pursued over
the course of the decade:
Because of the new addition to its maintenance facility which provides much more
protection from weather, the biodiesel used in diesel fuel for Cambus (37 transit
buses) rose from the 1–5 percent ratio that has been in use since FY2004, to 20
percent (B-20 formulation) in FY2011. The installation of newer engines that
support the use of B-20 in their warranties, and the recent ability to store the fleet
indoors (lower temperatures can gel higher ratios of biodiesel) allows the use of the
higher ratio. In addition, idling times for buses have been significantly reduced
(down from 45 minutes to ten minutes) due to new air lines that allow for quick
pressurization of pneumatic systems.
The biodiesel ratio used in all other (non-Cambus) UI-owned transportation and
non-transportation diesel engines rose from the 1–5 percent ratio to a 10 percent
ratio (B–10) in FY2011. The number of alternative-fueled vehicles on the campus
has been increasing. Currently, 52.4 percent of the vehicles managed by Fleet
Services are E-85, hybrid or fully electric vehicles (285 out of 544 vehicles).
The discounted bus pass program supported through UI Parking and Transportation
averages 1,600 employee and 2,100 student participants. The passes provide
unlimited rides on Iowa City or Coralville Transit.
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • univErsity of iowa • 85
The UI van pool program operates over 60 vans supporting close to 700 riders. At 70
percent occupancy levels for daily ridership, the operation of the van pool program
reduces vehicle miles traveled by over nine million miles annually, reducing potential
carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 3,200 metric tonnes.
Car- and van-pooling are encouraged and supported through Parking and
Transportation. Bicycling on campus is supported by the installation and upgrading
of bicycle parking spaces.
Most UI students (and faculty and staff) live off-campus and biking is an affordable
and easy means of transportation around the campus and Iowa City. University
officials coordinated in the update of the metro bike plan (http://www.jccog.org/
documents/bikePlan.pdf) to enhance biking opportunities and safety around town.
To develop a stronger strategy to support bicycling on campus, in 2012 the UI
developed a Bicycling Advisory Committee and applied for Bike Friendly Campus
status. The UI received an “Honorable Mention. “ With feedback from the League
of American Cyclists, the Bicycling Advisory Committee will continue to work to
develop biking resources on campus.
Van and Car pools/biking
Video Conferencing The use of videoconferencing is increasing as faculty and staff realize it is an effective
means of communication and a time- and travel-saving tool. Real-time collaboration
involves several kinds of synchronous communication tools such as: instant
messaging, group chat, whiteboard collaboration, application sharing, desktop
sharing, co-browsing, voice-over IP, and video and audio conferencing.
86 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • univErsity of iowa
5.
Increase Student
opportunities to learn
and practice principles
of Sustainability
The UI will provide students with educational opportunities that elevate their
knowledge of and problem-solving skills in environmental, social, and economic
sustainability. These opportunities will include career-related certificate and/degree
programs, internships, and sustainability-related research experiences. Sustainable
practices will be incorporated into student campus activities, living and learning
centers, food service, and health and wellness. A student sustainability activity
fund will be created to support these efforts. To build leadership for a sustainable
world, interdisciplinary internships for students will be increased. To promote the
understanding of sustainability principles through the study of natural systems, the
UI will enhance natural history activities and sustainability programming.
Curriculum With the University-wide sustainability commitment, the education programs have
also seen some changes in order to honor the University’s goals. The University
developed an Environmental Science major through the College of Liberal Arts
and Sciences in 2004 that grants either a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science in
Environmental Science. The B.S. program involves core classes, and then requires
students to select a track to in biosciences, hydrosciences, geosciences, or chemical
sciences. The B.A. program involves the same core courses, but students instead
take one class from three of the four tracks. In 2004, the program had 89 students
enrolled in the major, and 4 students enrolled in the minor. In spring of 2012,
there were 160 students enrolled in the major, and 43 enrolled in the minor. These
numbers indicate an increased interest through the years, which also spurred the
development of the undergraduate Sustainability Certificate program (Art Bettis,
University of Iowa Environmental Sciences Program Coordinator).
The University has many certificate programs, but the Sustainability Certificate
(Fall 2009) has quickly become one of the more popular certificate programs. The
program is open to all majors, requires a minimum 2.00 grade point average, and
is a 24 credit hour program. It requires three core courses: Intro to Sustainability,
Contemporary Environmental Issues, and Intro to Environmental Science, and
four elective courses offered in “breadth” areas and a project course. Frank Yoder,
academic advisor for the certificate program, stated that the certificate program had
35 students enrolled in 2009, and those numbers have roughly doubled each year.
Last spring, 140 students were enrolled, and in the spring of 2012, over 30 students
graduated with the certificate. Yoder and other colleagues anticipate continuing high
enrollment in the coming years (Frank Yoder, Academic Advisor).
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: univErsity of iowa • 87
Student organizations • Engineers for a Sustainable World—open to all majors, increasing education about and promoting
implementation of more sustainable infrastructure.
• University of Iowa Environmental Coalition—Promoting activism and enjoyment of the natural world
and resources.
• Eco Hawk—“Easy Change overall,” pursuing sustainable solutions through a public-health lens,
increasing waste reduction and recycling.
• Take Back the Tap—Promoting the safety and necessity of tap water in order to reduce plastic
waste and the purchase of bottled water.
• University of Iowa Sierra Student Coalition—The UI chapter of a broad national network, working
towards energy efficiency, renewable energy, and conservation through activism and campaign
organization.
• UI Global Health Club – This network of students, faculty, staff, and community members focuses
on issues pertaining to global health.
• College of Dentistry Go Green—Graduate and professional students and faculty promoting a
sustainable workplace in the medical realm.
• UI Gardeners—Promoting local foods and the art and techniques of gardening.
• Simply food—Education and raising awareness about local foods, as well as choosing organic foods.
• Engineers Without Borders—Using principles of infrastructure and design in order to innovate new
ways of achieving basic human needs in less-fortunate areas.
• UI Physicians for Social Responsibility—Provides medical perspective on nuclear arms reduction,
safe energy, environment and health, and social justice to benefit humanity and preserve the
world’s resources.
• University of Iowa Student Government—oversees a broad spectrum of student issues, has a
sustainability branch that works to increase opportunities and resources for students to practice
sustainability in daily college-life.
The University of Iowa also provides
opportunities to pursue environmental
awareness and sustainability outside of the
classroom, with many student organizations
that either have ties or are solely dedicated
to greening the University.
88 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • univErsity of iowa
UI Student garden Launched four years ago by student volunteers, the UI Student Garden serves as a
resource for students to learn basic gardening skills and environmental processes
such as composting. The UI Student Garden supplies produce to the Iowa
Memorial Union catering services and University Housing Residential Dining.
Additional produce is donated to the Johnson County Crisis Center. The garden
is located on a one-third acre plot on the west side of the UI campus. Harvests
are conducted bi-weekly in peak growing months and once a week during the fall
and winter. During the 2012 growing season, the garden produced 200 heads of
garlic, 350 pounds of zucchini, 20 heads of cabbage, 100 pounds of carrots, 60
pounds of beets, 100 pounds of cucumber, 30 heads of broccoli, and 150 pounds
of potatoes. Depending on the season, the garden also produces tomatoes, radishes,
watermelon, and salad greens.
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • univErsity of iowa • 89
6.
Support and grow
Interdisciplinary
Research in
Sustainability-focused
and Related Areas
The UI will pursue international prominence in water sustainability education and
research by supporting interdisciplinary research, teaching, and service on issues of
water availability, water quality, the economic and health impacts of floods, flood
control, water conservation, rural economic development, and the linkages between
emerging water resource issues and global climate change. The UI will work to
increase awareness in Iowa about the shared value of Iowa’s water resources and the
impacts of land use in river watersheds. The water resource principles developed
through sustainability research programs will be adapted where applicable to the UI
campus and its operations.
Research conducted by both staff and students allows the entire campus community
to get involved with building sustainability. The Center for Global and Regional Envi-
ronmental Research (CGRER) is a state-funded institute devoted to studying and bet-
tering our environment. Areas of focus include regional effects on natural ecosystems,
environments, and resources, and effects on human health, culture, and social systems.
To accomplish its missions, CGRER awards seed grants, fosters interdisciplinary
courses, provides state-of-the-art research facilities, and holds seminars and symposia.
Through these activities, CGRER assists Iowa’s agencies, industries, politicians, and
citizens as they prepare for accelerated environmental change.
IIHR—Hydroscience & Engineering is a unit of the University of Iowa’s College of
Engineering whose students, faculty members, and research engineers work together
to understand and manage one of the world’s greatest resources—water. Students
from around the world benefit from IIHR’s comprehensive multidisciplinary
approach, which includes basic fluid mechanics, laboratory experimentation, and
computational approaches.
To better address the problems and challenges faced by small towns in Iowa and
the Midwest, the School of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Iowa
launched the Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities (IISC) in 2009. IISC’s
purpose is to enhance the capacity of towns, cities, and counties in Iowa, as well
as elsewhere in the Midwest, to better become sustainable communities. More
specifically, sustainability entails efforts to protect and preserve the environment,
while both encouraging economic prosperity and the equitable distribution of
economic and social opportunity.
The UI College of Engineering has a strong emphasis in wind energy research
and collaboration. The University of Iowa College of Engineering and Iowa Lakes
Community College of Estherville, Iowa, have an agreement that allows some Iowa
Lakes students to transfer to either the UI Department of Electrical and Computer
Engineering or the UI Department of Mechanical Engineering. The transfer program
is designed specifically for students enrolled in the Iowa Lakes Wind Energy and
Turbine Technology Associate in Applied Science program. The agreement was made
possible in large part by Iowa Lakes’ nationally recognized wind technology program,
the UI’s leadership role in wind technology in the state of Iowa, and the dramatic
increase of wind power production and generation facilities in Iowa by private industry.
The UI College of Engineering now offers a certificate in wind energy.
90 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • univErsity of iowa
Rain gardens and bioswales/
Alternative Storm water
Management
The use of alternative storm water management methods on the campus is
increasing. Rain gardens are structures designed to accept precipitation run-off
from impervious surfaces, such as roofs and paved surfaces. Not only do these
gardens help increase the beauty of the physical environment, they have a practical
use as well. Rain gardens help filter runoff and recharge groundwater, thus
improving water quality. The rain water or snow melt is redirected to a vegetated
area and allowed to seep into the ground, rather than running off, carrying
pollutants and causing erosion. The UI Chapter of Engineers for a Sustainable
World has been instrumental in the installation of several rain gardens on campus
in the past several years. The students have worked with the Johnson County
Soil and Water Conservation office and the urban conservationist to design the
gardens. In coordination with UI Facilities Management, the students installed
gardens at the Kuhl House (home of University of Iowa Press), Shambaugh House,
the Dey House (home of the Iowa Writer’s Workshop), and the Law Admissions
building. There are also rain gardens at the Beckwith Boat House and the
Information Technology Facililty.
Alternative storm water management systems are being included in new building
construction on campus; a prime example is the use of rain garden principles in the
design of the landscape that surrounds the new College of Public Health building,
designated LEED Platinum. The new building features a sustainable site design that
includes rains gardens, a natural tall-grass prairie, the use of no-mow lawns and
other native landscaping. The new State Hygienic Laboratory hosts a natural prairie
landscape, as well. The renovation of Stuit Hall included the installation (in 2010) of
a new rain garden on the east side of the building.
Tree Campus USA The University of Iowa was proud to become the first Tree Campus USA designated
in Iowa in 2009 and has maintained its designation since. UI Facilities Management
staff organize spring tree plantings and other activities across campus which give
students an opportunity to get involved.
Eco-friendly deicer Facilities Management staff use a product called Pro-Melt, an eco-friendly deicer
that combines salt with a byproduct from sugar beet processing. The sugar additive
remains active as a deicer at a lower temperature so overall, less deicer is used. The
product has a tacky texture so it does not need to be mixed with sand. Some UI
custodial staff report a decrease in the amount of sand tracked into buildings and
reduced damage to tiles and carpets.
Reduction in water Use The treatment and use of water at the University of Iowa has reduced significantly in
the past several years – by 11 percent from 2005. This is due to the elimination of
single pass cooling in the main Power Plant, water recycling, and the installation of
water-saving devices across campus.
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • SoCIAl: univErsity of iowa • 91
7.
develop partnerships to
Advance Collaborative
Initiatives, both Academic
and operational
The UI will continue to create and nurture partnerships with communities,
businesses, government agencies and other educational institutions with the goal
of understanding and meeting the ever-increasing need for environmental, social,
and economic sustainability. In particular, the UI will work individually and
collaboratively with Iowa businesses and community colleges to meet the demands
of supporting the workforce and economic development needs of green industries in
Iowa (2020 Vision—The University of Iowa’s Sustainability Targets).
University and City of Iowa City Initiatives
Alcohol Harm Reduction The city council of Iowa City acknowledged that underage drinking has a significant
health impact on the health, safety and welfare of citizens. In 2010, they city council
adopted an ordinance that prohibits those under the drinking age of 21 to enter
establishments that serve alcohol after 10 p.m.
The UI Alcohol Harm Reduction effort, spear-headed by the UI Division of
Student Life, is aimed at taking key actions that address high-risk drinking among
college students. The Alcohol Harm Reduction Plan involves education, bystander
interference, communication, and policy review.
bongo BONGO is a cross- promotional effort of the City of Iowa City, the City of
Coralville and UI Parking and Transportation to increase public transit ridership.
Bongo is a GPS- based, real-time passenger information system that allows riders to
find current bus locations as well as predictions for upcoming bus arrivals for Iowa
City, Coralville and the University of Iowa. The application is available on smart
phones for individual use. Public kiosks are also placed in locations across campus,
such as the Iowa Memorial Union, to assist passengers.
92 • SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • univErsity of iowa
A collaboration between the City of Iowa City and the University of Iowa,
UniverCity Housing strives to achieve a healthy balance between rental and owner
property throughout the city, as well as support safe and affordable housing that is
within walking distance of the UI or downtown. This initiative serves to encourage
investment in local neighborhoods, especially for business professionals working for
the University. Iowa City recently secured a $1.25 million I-JOB grant to acquire
and rehab 26 homes in designated areas to promote these concepts. The program is
now in Phase 2.
zipcar The UI and the City of Iowa City jointly launched the Zipcar car sharing program
in August 2012. This service supports a walking and biking lifestyle by offering
affordable, accessible car rental by the hour. Ten high MPG vehicles are located on
campus and in the downtown area.
UniverCity Housing
In 2013, the University of Iowa received a STaRS Gold Rating in recognition
of its sustainability achievements from the association for the advancement
of Sustainability in Higher Education (aaSHE). STaRS is a transparent, self-
reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability
performance. STaRS was developed by aaSHE with broad participation from the
higher education community. By requiring the public documentation of progress
toward sustainability, STaRS enables institutions to share best practices with other
schools in the system (STaRS, association for the advancement of Sustainability
in Higher Education).
as both the City of Iowa City and the University of Iowa track and assess their
sustainability measures, the entire community can work together to implement
policies and practices that promote a more sustainable society.
Summary
SUSTaInaBIlITY aSSESSMEnT • univErsity of iowa • 93
RESoURCES anD ConTRIBUToRS
94 • RESoURCES
City of Iowa City city of iowa city icgov.org
city council, city of iowa city www.icgov.org/?id=1115
city manager’s office, city of iowa city www.icgov.org/?id=1504
Tom Markus, City manager
geoff Fruin, Assistant to the City manager
Adam bentley, Administrative Assistant
public works department www.icgov.org/?id=1810
Rick Fosse, Director
dave Elias, Superintendent, Landfill and Wastewater Division
brenda nations, Environmental Coordinator, Landfill Division
kevin Cutsforth, Sustainability Assessment Assistant, Landfill Division
jennifer jordan, Recycling Coordinator, Landfill Division
Carol Sweeting, Public Information/Volunteer Coordinator
Tom Hansen, Superintendent, Equipment Division
Roger overton, Assistant Superintendent, Wastewater Division
Eric Tripp, Energy Efficiency Intern, Landfill Division
brooke butler, Scale House operator, Landfill Division
barb Meredith, Senior Engineering Technician
kay Irelan, graphic Technician, Engineering Division
brian boelk, Senior Civil Engineer, Engineering Division
planning and community
development department www.icgov.org/?id=1340
karen Howard, Planner
doug ongie, Associate Planner, Community Development Division
wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator
Sarah walz, Planner, urban Planning Division
Tracy Hightshoe, Planner
Cheryl peterson, Historic Preservationist
Marcia bollinger, Iowa City Neighborhood Services Coordinator, Neighborhood Services
kristopher Ackerson, mPoJC Assistant Transportation Planner
parks & recreation department www.icgov.org/?id=1082
Mike Moran, Director
Tammy neumann, Administrative Secretary
Terry Robinson, Superintendent, Parks & Forestry Division
RESoURCES • 95
police department www.icgov.org/?id=1318
Capt. jim Steffen, Administrative Services Division Commander, Administrative Services Division
housing & inspection services department www.icgov.org/?id=1143
Tim Hennes, Senior Building Inspector, Building Inspection Division
Stan laverman, Senior Housing Inspector, Housing Inspection Division
senior center www.icgov.org/?id=1215
linda kopping, Coordinator
kristin kromray, operations Assistant
transportation services www.icgov.org/?id=1515
Chris o’brien, Director of Transportation Services, Transit Division
iowa city public library www.icpl.org/
Susan Craig, Director, Iowa City Public Library
Elyse Miller, Administrative Services, Iowa City Public Library
finance department www.icgov.org/?id=1255
kevin o’Malley, Director
liz Christiansen, Director, university of Iowa office of Sustainability sustainability.uiowa.edu/
kelsey zlevor, Sustainability Intern, City of Iowa City; Sustainability Initiatives Advocate,
university of Iowa Student government uisg.uiowa.edu/
Art bettis, Associate Professor, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Ferman Milster, Principal Engineer, Renewables sustainability.uiowa.edu/
Frank Yoder, Academic Advisor Coordinator/manager, Academic Advising Center
Craig just, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
george McCrory, Communications Specialist, university of Iowa office of Sustainability
Robert lane, Administrative Services Coordinator, Facilities management www.facilities.uiowa.edu/
University of Iowa
2010 Community needs Assessment Indicators Report, United way of johnson County
www.unitedwayjc.org/sites/unitedwayjc.oneeach.org/files/rotor/2010%20IndicatorsReport_patti.pdf
Affordable Housing Market Analysis www.isgov.org
American Community Survey www.census.gov/acs/www/
Arts Index, Americans for the Arts www.artsindexusa.org/
bunting, Ronald, office of Transportation, Iowa Department of Transportation www.iowadot.gov/
Center for neighborhood Technology www.cnt.org/
Centers for disease Control and prevention www.cdc.gov/
Community profile, City of Iowa City Economic development division
www.icgov.org/site/CMSv2/file/planning/econdev/2007Communityprofile.pdf#pagemode=bookmarks
downtown Iowa City and Riverfront Crossing district Strategic Assessment www.isgov.org
Finn, Mitch, Deputy Executive Director, Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Inc. www.hacap.org/
gibbs, brian, Key Account manager, midAmerican Energy www.midamericanenergy.com/
grimm, jason, food System Planner, Iowa Valley Resource and Conservation Development www.ivrcd.org
Hayes, Sarah, Senior Director, Information Center, Iowa Hospital Association
www.ihaonline.org/imis15/ihaonline
Holland, del, Director, Iowa City Bike library www.bikelibrary.com
Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce www.iowacityarea.com/
Iowa City Area development group www.iowacityareadevelopment.com/
Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance www.culturalcorridor.org/
Iowa department of Administrative Services das.iowa.gov/
Iowa department of Education educateiowa.gov/
Iowa department of natural Resources www.iowadnr.gov/
Iowa department of public Health www.idph.state.ia.us/
johnson County, Iowa www.johnson-county.com/
johnson County Auditor www.johnson-county.com/auditor/index.html
general
96 • RESoURCES
johnson County Community Health needs Assessment www.johnson-county.com/dept_chna_agendas.aspx
johnson, jessica, Executive Director, Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance www.culturalcorridor.org/
koepke, Scott, Education outreach Coordinator, New Pioneer Food Co-op/Soilmates www.newpi.coop/
Metropolitan planning organization of johnson County www.mpojc.org/
Mohr, dave, Manager of Business Development, Eastern Iowa light and Power Company www.easterniowa.com/
Moreland, kate, Community Relations Coordinator, Iowa City Community School District www.edline.net/pages/ICCSd
Murley, Stephen, Superintendent of Schools, Iowa City Community School District www.edline.net/pages/ICCSd
national College Health Assessment, University of Iowa
studenthealth.uiowa.edu/sites/default/files/uploads/nCHA%202012%20Report%202.pdf
Scheetz, Christine, President & CEo, united Way of Johnson County www.unitedwayjc.org/
Skopec, Mary, Research Geologist, Iowa Department of natural Resources,
Iowa Geological and Water Survey www.igsb.uiowa.edu
Sustainability Assessment, park Forest www.villageofparkforest.com/clientuploads/Economic_development/
planning/SustainabilityAssesspublic120111.pdf?pHpSESSId=93a19575caf8661b8a91b48c9f4ea9c7
Sustainability progress Report 2012, City of dubuque bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/
sustainablecitynetwork.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/bd/9bd3ca88-ba3b-11e1-88c5-
001a4bcf6878/4fe0c591a1ace.pdf.pdf
U.S. bureau of labor Statistics www.bls.gov/
U.S. Census bureau 2010.census.gov/2010census/, http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/
jsf/pages/index.xhtml, http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/index.html
U.S. department of Agriculture www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome
U.S. department of Commerce www.commerce.gov/
U.S. department of Health & Human Services www.hhs.gov/
U.S. Environmental protection Agency www.epa.gov/
U.S. green building Council www.usgbc.org/default.aspx
Volunteering in America www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/
walk Score www.walkscore.com/
RESoURCES • 97
RESoURCES: SUSTAInAbIlITY IndICAToRS IndEX
EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: Economic pagE 11
Unemployment Rate l Percent change in unemployment rate
Sector Diversity l Diversity of the economy
Poverty l Average household income (includes hidden economy of student population)
Gender Wage Gap l Female median wage as a percentage of male median wage
Bond Rating l Bond rating from moody’s Investor Service
Gross Domestic Product l Annual gDP growth rate
Local Purchases U Programs supporting local purchases and the local economy
EConoMIC And CoMMUnITY dESIgn: community dEsign and transportation pagE 19
Walkable Neighborhoods l Iowa City’s walk score rating
Urban Density U Ratio of residents per acre
Access to Open Space l Percent of households within ½ mile of open space (including parks, schoolyards, and natural areas)
Public Transit Ridership l Number of public transit passenger trips per 1,000 residents
Vehicle Miles Traveled l Average vehicle miles traveled per capita
Safe Travel Network l Total number of traffic collisions, injuries and deaths
EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: EnErgy pagE 29
Building Standards U Number of commercial, industrial, and municipal buildings that meet LEED Standards
Renewable Energy Use Amount of municipal energy use derived from renewable sources
Renewable Energy Use by Local Utility l Percentage of renewable energy on local utility grid
Community-wide CO2e Emissions Annual carbon dioxide equivalent emissions for the community in metric tonnes
CO2e Emissions Per Capita Annual carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per capita in metric tonnes
Municipal CO2e Emissions Annual carbon dioxide equivalent emissions for municipal operations
98 • RESoURCES: SUSTAInAbIlITY IndICAToRS
l = within or exceeding acceptable level
= below desired level
U = unclassified
EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: watEr pagE 37
Total Water Consumption l Total water consumption per capita, measured in gallons
Drinking Water Quality l Annual percent of drinking water quality testing meeting EPA standards
Gallons of Treated Municipal Water U Annual gallons of municipal water treated annually
Wastewater Quality l Annual percent of wastewater BoD, TSS, and Ammonia nitrogen meeting NPDES standards
Biosolids l Tons of Class A biosolids produced and land applied
Sanitary Sewer Overflows l Annual number of sanitary sewer overflows
Green Roofs Number and area of green roofs
Urban Stream Bank Conditions U Percent of assessed urban stream miles with stable stream bank rating
Iowa River Water Quality A section of the Iowa River within Iowa City is on DNR’s Impaired Waters List
Local Stream Water l Average levels of nitrates and phosphorus under Level of Concern using IoWATER sampling methods
Floodplain Management l Recognized by F.E.m.A. as Class 8 CRS Community
EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: wastE rEduction pagE 44
Per capita Solid Waste Per capita tons of solid waste sent to landfill
Household Hazardous Waste l Pounds of HHW received annually; number of customers annually
Recycling Tonnage of recycled material
Multifamily Unit Recycling Percent of multifamily units with on-site recycling
Composting l Productive use of compost
EnVIRonMEnTAl And RESoURCE MAnAgEMEnT: natural EcosystEm pagE 49
Forest Ecosystem l Total acres of municipal owned forest
Prairie Ecosystem l Total acres of municipal owned prairie
Wetland Ecosystem l Total acres of municipal owned wetland acres including City wetland mitigation projects
Tree Canopy/Street Tree Diversity U Percent coverage of trees within city limits; percentage of all street tree species
RESoURCES: SUSTAInAbIlITY IndICAToRS • 99
SoCIAl: housing pagE 55
Affordable Housing U Percent of population living in affordable housing
Age of Housing Stock U Percentage of houses built in each decade
Energy Assistance U Percentage of households applying for energy assistance in the form of LIHEAP
Tenure by Household Income U Number of owner- and renter-occupied housing units within various income ranges
Homelessness U Johnson County percentage of homeless population
Lead Exposure Testing/Poisoning Rate l Percent of children under 6 tested for lead poisoning; incidence of lead poisoning among tested children
SoCIAl: community wEllnEss pagE 63
Healthy Weight l Percentage of adults with a BmI below 30.
Healthy Diets Percentage of residents who eat who eat adequate fruits and vegetables daily
Farmers Market Attendance l Annual estimated attendees at the City’s Farmers market
Community Gardens U Square footage of community and school gardens
EPA Air Quality Index l Number of days within acceptable limits and number of days in unacceptable limits, annually
Rate of Asthma Incidence l Number of asthma-related inpatient discharges from Iowa City hospitals
Particulate Matter Average annual Pm2.5 concentration
Radon Percentage of radon-tested household above 4 pci/L
SoCIAl: arts and culturE pagE 71
Local Arts l Primary Indicators of Local Arts Index
Library Card Holders l Percent of residents with Iowa City Public Library cards
Volunteerism l Percent of residents who volunteer
Historic Preservation l Number of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places
Voter Participation Number of residents registered to vote; number of voters in local elections
Senior Center Membership/Programs l Total number of members and programs offered at the Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center
l = within or exceeding acceptable level
= below desired level
U = unclassified
100 • RESoURCES: SUSTAInAbIlITY IndICAToRS
• #3 (mid-sized metros) in volunteer hours per resident, Volunteer and Civic Life in America, 2012
• one of america’s Best Small Cities, Money Magazine, 2012
• 4th Best U.S. College Destination, american Institute for Economic Research, 2012
• City High and West High School named Best High Schools, Newsweek, 2012
• #1 in the state for “america’s favorite farmers Markets,” american farmland Trust,
2010-2012
• #2 “Best Cities for Successful aging” (small metros), Milken Institute, 2012
• Iowa City’s Thornberry Dog Park named one of the Ten Best in america, Dogster online
Magazine, 2012
• Most Walkable City in Iowa, Walk Score, 2011
• #5 on the Top Ten Cities for Book lovers list from livability.com, 2011
• #8 on Best Performing Small Cities Index “Where america’s Jobs are Created and
Sustained,” Milken Institute, 2011
• #13 on the Best Cities for Business and Careers (small cities) list, Forbes, 2011
• #10 Best City for Singles, Kiplinger, 2010
• one of the Top Towns for Jobs, MSn CareerBuilder, 2010
• Healthiest Town in the United States, Men’s Journal, 2010
• #3 on the list of Gayest Cities in america, The Advocate, 2010
• Johnson County is among the top 25 counties in Cnn/ Money Magazine’s Where the Jobs
are list, with over 22% growth in the past decade, 2010
• #10 on Best Cities for College Grads list, Richard florida, 2010
• UnESCo City of literature, 2008
• 10th Smartest City in the nation, Forbes, 2008
• #8 Up and Coming Tech Cities, Forbes, 2008
• 2nd Best Small Metro area for Business/Careers, Forbes, 2008
• The Iowa City Senior Center was the first in Iowa to become nationally accredited through the
national Institute of Senior Centers, a unit of the national Council on aging
RESoURCES: CITY ACColAdES
RESoURCES: CITY AwARdS • 101
Researched and written by the City of Iowa City
for more information contact:
Brenda nations, Environmental Coordinator
Department of Public Works, landfill and Wastewater Divisions
4366 napoleon St.
Iowa City, Ia 55240
brenda-nations@iowa-city.org
319-887-6161
www.icgov.org/sustainability
University of Iowa information provided by the
University of Iowa office of Sustainability
Design: Benson & Hepker Design, Iowa City
Printing: Tru art, Iowa City, an fSC-certified printer
fSC (forest Stewardship Council) is an organization that works to promote
the practice of sustainable forestry worldwide.
Report funded by: aRRa–Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
FSC logo here