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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7-6-20 Climate Progress ReportProgress update on "Accelerating Iowa City's Climate Actions" New/ Next Step Plan Alignment Month to Initiate Workplan Equity Focus Status BPP-1 New 1.5 April Brought forward to City Council in April and was not approved. No next steps planned at this point. Will assess opportunities as locations or chances present themselves. Closed BE-3 New 1.1 & 1.6 May Buildings Working Group indicated initial conversations were in motion with local realtors about value of this action. Staff checked with the group members about where this stands. CAO/CMO can offer support as needed. Example programs elsewhere need to be presented. More research and education needed on realtor and homebuying/selling, paired with engagement with ICAAR. Concerns include an inability to sell inefficient properties. Benefits for informed buying/selling, may need incentive assistance later on, if concentration of activity falls within only a few neigborhoods or stakeholder interest lacking. Education for all residents and renters about housing with energy efficiency and indoor air quality speaks to equity concerns. Commission and Working Group recommendations and feedback needed. In Development BI-4 New 1.2 & 5.4 May Economic Development finalizing requirements. Pursuing initial Council approval steps for establishing and approving Urban Renewal Areas in summer 2020. Underway BCP-1 New 1.1 – 1.4 May Inquire at State about progress for rule making process. Determine whether additional actions necessary, including letters to elected officials. Covid-19 delayed meetings in spring 2020. Timing may require advocacy efforts expanded into 2021. Could support these efforts with help from education and advocacy from underserved groups that directly benefit from housing improvements. Underway BCP-2 New 1.1 – 1.4 May Eligible staff voted for adoption of new IECC codes earlier in 2020. This action also requires letters to and engagement with elected officials. Advocacy efforts expanded into 2021. Could support these efforts with help from education and advocacy from underserved groups that directly benefit from housing improvements. Underway BE-1 Next 1.1 – 1.2, 1.6 June Initiate planning and needs assessment; feedback from Commission working group. Identify resources, contacts, and content. Assess web access and source development, method of dissemination. Support eventual actions with strategy from communications plan (Action 5.1 - EDU) Imperative. Review of equity report and assistance from EHR staff essential. Commission and Working Group recommendations and feedback needed. In Development BE-2 New 1.1-1.4 June Initiate introductions to organizations, CAO staff understanding of goals and example programs necessary. Meetings with City development staff. Develop group of stakeholders to discuss barriers and interest in pursuing green build strategies to better partner and build new alliances/education opportunities. Support eventual actions with strategy from communications plan (Action 5.1 - EDU) Use equity report to ensure stakeholders from impacted groups are represented, and feedback is shared with development community, landlords, and builders. Commission and Working Group recommendations and feedback needed. In Development BI-2 Next 1.1 June Need updated report from NDS on current activity and efforts. Explore alternatives for rehab projects and ability for City to support incentives or supplemented energy efficent equipment if homeowners cannot/won't pay the difference to upgrade. Education components necessary - communications strategy outcomes. Assisted households currently meet federal income requirements. Establish a mapped GIS inventory of energy efficiency assessments and investments. Ensure access to energy effciency and other sustainable design elements in each project through education and engagement. Underway Action Buildings Promote Energy Efficiency and Performance Tips to the Public Partner with Stakeholders to Promote Green Building and Rehabilitation Solar Partnership with MidAmerican Launch a TIF-funded climate action incentive program aimed at reducing industrial energy consumption *(New) Encourage the Local Realtor Community to Include Energy Performance in the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) Property Inventory Advocate for State Adoption of Advanced Energy Codes *(New) Advocate for Aggressive Energy Code Development and Adoption *(New) Enhance Energy Standards for City Rehabilitation Projects BR-1 New 1.1 -1.2 June Staff is enrolled in energy inspections training. Additional inspector budgeted in FY21. CAO to meet with NDS staff to understand what staff will be looking at and for, addressing through compliance checks. Commission/Working Groups should assist with how they would like to measure equity and what should be reported to show progress. Underway BI-5 New 1.1 – 1.4 July JCED applied for a small grant for neighborhood pilot program. Must define GIA involvement, capacity and scheduling. Explore RFQ for external partner/s to implement a program. Approach to populations served critical. Commission and Working Group recommendations and feedback needed for further development. In Development BR-2 New 1.3 – 1.4 Aug Begin review of options, develop revisions to policy, introduce for Council adoption. Stakeholder process required. Buildings Working Group and Commission involvement in policy review. Greater equity can be achieved through a geographic distribution of benefits. Education and advocacy could benefit populations impacted and served by policy implementation. Not Started BI-1 Next 1.1 Sept Mid Summer - Meetings with Americorps, bringing in new team. Work must be finalized and coordinated with JCED's conceptual expansion of Americorps responsibilities. May need to explore non-americorps team to perform additional assessments and weatherization services. Americorps is focused on certain groups - seniors, low income, veterans. Not sure how they track or report these demographics. May need to get creative in how audits are performed in light of Covid-19. Education delivery and equipment installation/provision alternatives probably needed in short term. Establish a mapped GIS inventory of energy efficiency assessments and investments. In Development BI-3 New 1.1 Fall Coordinate efforts with Neighborhood Planner, Recreation, and community organizations; Support actions with strategy from communications plan (Action 5.1 - EDU); will likely align this action with introduction of Climate Ambasssador program. Earlier rollout of small projects with summer activities like Parties in the Park. Assess equity report to determine any areas of focus. NDS can assist with housing/permit data that can help focus on neighborhoods with less efficient housing stock. Outreach to underserved groups may spur interest in blitz programs or projects. Working Group recommendations and feedback needed. In Development New/ Next Step Plan Alignment Month to Initiate Workplan Equity Focus Status TPP-1 New 2.1 Ongoing Due to be completed in summer, may be somewhat delayed from Covid-19. Primary implementation of recomendations to begin in 2021. Dependent upon study recommendations and selected actions for implementation. Goal is to serve residents most needing transit service. Commission and Working Group recommendations needed. Underway TCP-1 New 2.2 May Actions already in place but written policy needed. Collect EV policy models and evaluate City purchasing policy for applicable language, staff coordinating applicable data for tracking, will begin drafting policy late May. Underway TCP-1 Next 2.7 May AVL equipment provides idling data. Staff will compile data and CAO will assist with reporting formatting. Transportation Working Group needs to define and clarify their recommendation before staff can pursue exploration of technology. Underway TE-1 New 2.3 August Define Transporation metrics. Develop a video in fall for Climate Ambassador Program which will also be available to public. Identify how we will engage all residents. Review equity Report to identify groups and locations to focus attention. Somewhat reliant upon recommendations of transit study. Explore language translations. Commission and Working Group recommendations and feedback needed. In Development Action Transportation Significant Transportation Education and Outreach Campaigns Establish an Electric and Fuel- Efficient Vehicle Purchasing Policy Incorporate Stricter Energy Standards into Tax Increment Financing Policies *(New) Offer Free Home Energy Assessments through Green Iowa AmeriCorps Coordinate Neighborhood Energy Blitz Events Develop or Partner with Local Stakeholders on a Comprehensive Climate Action Rehabilitation Program Create a More Robust Energy Code Inspection Program *(New) Track Adherence to City Idling Policy Complete the Transit Study and Implement Recommendations to Bolster Service and Increase Ridership New/ Next Step Plan Alignment Month to Initiate Workplan Equity Focus Status WCP-1 Next 3.7-3.8 May Report presented at of May. Staff will determine next steps. Final cost estimates and recommendations nearing completion in summer 2020. Consideration will be given, after final recommendations, to impacts on fiscal health of Enterprise funds and needs to supplement with rate changes over time. Underway WE-1 Next 3.2 June Meet with Resource Mangagement. Need to assess current level of engagment with proposed engagment. Determine how to tailor it with equity in mind. Expand opportunities with local businesses. Tie into carbon sequestration project. Develop unit for climate ambassadors that focuses on waste. Focus is reliant upon meetings with staff, current efforts, working Equity Working Group, equity report, translations services available, and outcomes from Communications strategy. In Development WCP-1 New 3.5 June Reconvene staff working on this project and finalize project details. Community education, possible stakeholder review. Must assess whether new requirements impact populations differently. Working Group recommendations needed. In Development WE-2 Next 3.3 July Meet with Resource Management to assess current materials that have been developed. Coordinate with Neighboorhood Planner. Focus reliant upon meetings with staff, current efforts, working Equity Working Gorup, equity report, translations services available, and outcomes from Communications strategy. Not Started New/ Next Step Plan Alignment Month to Initiate Workplan Equity Focus Status AE-1 New 4.2 May Program is in development. Modules developed over the summer to be launched in the fall. Will coordinate with Outreach and Equity Working Groups and Communications staff. Development of program includes application process not reliant upon technology to participate. If tech is necessary, will purchase tablets or other device to loan to ambassador participants for training activities. Special attention paid to connection with local groups that can recommend ambassador applicants. Underway APP-2 New 4.5-4.6 May Work agreement executed with AES in May. Significant follow up with neighborhoods required during process. Planned concentration on intensive maintenance in neighborhood park prairies. Education needed about purpose, need and care for natural areas; build community partnerships with advocacy groups. Explore possibility of extended community education accompanying prairie plantings. Proposal drafted and in staff review. Geographic distribution, education variables dependent on groups impacted. Engage natural area advocacy groups that can assist with public education. Underway APP-4 Next 4.1-4.2 May Equity Working Group will review Equity Report and determine further action. Commission review of project equity review tool for City and other community climate projects. Staff initiated coordination of mapping tools/resources requested by Equity Working Group. Emphasis on highly impacted groups, targeted outreach and collaboration for development and implementation of each climate action. Underway APP-1 Next 4.5 June Met with Stormwater Team. Collect and review current volunteer lists. Assess if we need to promote existing program. Assess creek clean up volunteer process. Involving various community groups dependent on makeup of existing volunteer listing and schedules. Review equity report to verify benefits and participation equitable. Underway AE-1 New 4.6 July Schedule meeting to revisit ideas discussed last year. Education and promotional campaign development will be needed. Need more information about plans from Project Green to better define how equitable dispersion or availability of trees will be possible. Post- meetings with PG, explore development/expansion of program rollout. Commission and Working Group recommendations and feedback appreciated. Not Started Initiate a Methane Feasibility Study Action Action Waste Engage the Public to Compost Organic Waste Develop Climate Amassador Team Partner with Project Green on a Tree Planting Partnership; Incentives for Private Tree Planting Education Campaigns for Neighborhoods to Reduce Waste/Consumption at the Source Require All Park/Public Space Rentals to Recycle and Use "Green" Event Best Practices. Adaptation Flood Mitigation and Stormwater Management Programs/Projects; Buyouts Continue Implemenation of the Natural Areas Management Plan Equity Review of Neighborhood and Population Outreach; Develop Outreach Plan for Populations Highlty Impacted by Climate Change AR-1 Next 4.6 August NDS will draft ordinance. Outreach and communication needed to educate the public, make aware. New Ordinance will apply to new developments. Not Started APP-3 Next 4.6 September Report our proposed planting for upcoming year for municipal tree management. Identify stumbling blocks ahead of new plantings. Possible small group discussion with impacted groups - residents, landlords, City staff, businesses or development groups. Address negative perceptions through modifcations or education. Review inventory maps, locate areas in need, target workplan outreach accordingly. Emphasis on benefits of tree canopy in low-mod neighborhoods. In Development AE-2 Next 4.3 October Outreach meetings with Johnson Co. Public Health, University of Iowa, etc. Equity reach will become more clear with agency coordination and partnering. Can use equity scale/report to identify starting agency discussions. Not Started New/ Next Step Plan Alignment Month to Initiate Workplan Equity Focus Status SLE-2 Next 5.5 June Pilot program initiated but rebooted with a modified structure (awards/recognition program). Awards program will introduce new program and seek first applications in summer 2020. Component of recognition program will also be to build a network of businesses with climate interests that can support additional demand and resources for infrastructure and policy upgrades. Networking model in development with partnering business advocacy groups. Initial program relies heavily on voluntary participation. Potential for granted funding tied to participation. Will need to make a greater effort to identify and work with businesses with less access to resources. Geographic access and type of business should also be taken into account. Will map geographic participation. Need assistance from Economic Development staff, Equity & Outreach Working Groups, and other econ dev and small business assistance groups. Underway SLPP-2 Next 5.5 June Build RFP for consultant to develop marketing plan; draft in review (June), plan for late summer release. Plan will be focused on Iowa City attributes, alignment with current initiatives, focused attention to branding, models for promotional rollout schedules, template materials for modification by project or program, equity and "language" for how to frame climate activities as broadly appealing content. Encourage selection of firm to develop this plan/materials. Application of equity priniciples will be part of process. Feedback from Commission welcome prior to receipt of RFP responses. In Development SLE-1 Next 5.5 September Climate Festival is in planning stages for an online event to be launched in September. Activities include digital and written storytelling, coordinated indvidual/community acivities, and expanded local partnerships. Planning in May, outreach in June/July, finalizing steps in August, gear up for promotion late August - Festival in Sept. Intentional outreach with underserved groups to ensure access to awareness, education, and participation. Staff, planning committee, and CAC Working Group to connect with local ogranizations willing to partner on activities, promotion, or hosting remote event. Efforts underway to include translated festival materials in digital and print formats. Underway SLPP-1 Next 5.5 September Working with Parks Department to see if there are plans for additional community garden areas. Equity mapping for plot rentals exists. Need to review 2020 rentals, identify gaps in geo coverage and gaps in possible access for certain groups. Need focused outreach to see where needs might be to connect unresourced individulals with plot availability in upcoming years; will assist in identifying needs/potential for pocket gardens in ROW. Not Started Educate and Coordinate with Local Agencies on Health Impacts Action Street Tree Ordinance Expand Public Tree Planting Community Garden Expansion/Additions Develop a Climate Action Strategic Communications Plan Sustainable Lifestyle Host Sustainability Forum and Events Launch a Green Business Program: "Climate Action at Work" SLI-1 Next 5.4 November Consider adding non-profit and business categories and define what the new program will look like next year. Identify how grant program ties into other City funding initiatives. Could move project earlier in the year to address direct and coordinated support for Covid-19 recovery. Follow Equity Report recommendations to identify and connect with preferred applicant agencies from first tier needs. Community organizations geared towards underserved and disadvantaged groups could also fall into this expansion or, the next year's funding could be introduced specifically to certain groups from equity report and an info session can be held by invitation for these groups, like HRC and HCDC have done. Not StartedExpand Community Climate Grants