HomeMy WebLinkAboutPhase 1 Workplan Bi-monthly report 12-30-20Progress update on "Accelerating Iowa City's Climate Actions" as of 12‐30‐20
New/
Next
Step
Plan
Alignment
Month to
Initiate Workplan Equity Focus Status
BPP‐1 New 1.5 April Brought forward one project to City Council in
April 2020 and was not approved. Will assess
opportunities as locations or chances present
themselves. since Oct. report, City and
Commission moved ahead with JCED
partnership proposal to create a solar
feasibility study for Iowa City to plan for
potential solar sites and engage community in
conceptual conversations. Mapping, technical
information gathering, and work plan
development has started with a community‐
led committee of stakeholders.
Elements of the JCED solar feasibility study will
require a study of equity measures, engagement
efforts, and actionable measures to confidently go
forward with concepts for solar infrastructure and
placement.
Underway
BE‐3 New 1.1 & 1.6 May Staff met with local realtors from ICAAR
about housing trends and potential for
education and cooperation on energy
efficiency and projects benefitting residential
properties. ICAAR and City exploring example
programs and will plan to meet again in 2021.
In the iterim, City staff is finishing a
complilation of information about assistance
programs, many of which enhance climate
action initiatives. ICAAR is supportive of
sharing these programs with the community.
ICAAR shared that several initiatives
supporting sustainability measures are in
development. Staff has conceptualized new
ideas for partnering with ICAAR but has not
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.
Underway
BI‐4 New 1.2 & 5.4 May In August 2020, Council finalized approved
establishing and approving Urban Renewal
Areas at Heinz, Sycamore, and Scott Six and
approved changes to downtown URA in Sept.
2020. Staff is beginning to engage with
businesses in these areas and is encouraging
them to take advantage of funding assistance
in remaining years of the TIF agreement.
Interest from at least one property owner so
far with additional meetings planned and an
informational handout has been created to
supplement the application for assistance,
which is in the final stages.
Underway
BCP‐1 New 1.1 – 1.4 May The spring 2020 meeting was delayed by
COVID, with hopes to reconvene later in the
year. We do not have confirmation that a
meeting was held. City Council legislative
priorities included this, noting that although
approval is administrative, assistance and
support from Iowa policymakers will help.
Could support these efforts with help from education
and advocacy from underserved groups that directly
benefit from housing improvements. Staff reached
out to several aligned groups in September but did
not hear back. Discussions may need to take place
when equity planning/outreach is further along.
Underway
BCP‐2 New 1.1 – 1.4 May Eligible staff voted for adoption of new IECC
codes earlier in 2020. City Council legislative
priorities included this, with a request for the
State of Iowa to develop an energy plan or
update that will address climate actions.
Could support these efforts with help from education
and advocacy from underserved groups that directly
benefit from housing improvements. Staff reached
out to several aligned groups in September but did
not hear back. Discussions may need to take place
when equity planning/outreach is further along.
Underway
Note: Many actions initiated in 2020 have continuing activities. There is an expectation that the actions will continue to develop over time, as they become integrated throughout City and
community operations.
Action
Buildings
Solar Partnership with
MidAmerican
Encourage the Local Realtor
Community to Include Energy
Performance in the Multiple
Listing Services (MLS)
Property Inventory
Launch a TIF‐funded climate
action incentive program
aimed at reducing industrial
energy consumption
Advocate for State Adoption
of Advanced Energy Codes
Advocate for Aggressive
Energy Code Development
and Adoption *(New)
BE‐1 Next 1.1 – 1.2, 1.6 June Initiate planning and needs assessment.
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); Communications RFP
proposals received. Selected a consultant and
working out contract agreement. Staff
discussions with community groups are
positive and developing ideas. Promotion of
programmable thermostats went out in fall.
Additional promotion planning underway.
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 Started introduction to organizations, several
more meetings and expansion of contacts
necessary. Met with City development staff
and Home Builders Association. Plan to
engage small group of stakeholders to discuss
barriers and interest in pursuing green build
strategies to create new alliances/education
opportunities. Writing up proposed ideas and
will schedule meetings with community
stakeholders. Support more actions with
strategy from eventual 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. Staff is continuing work on an equity
outreach plan that involves community‐based
organizations that may provide valuable insights on
needs, benefits, and barriers. Commission and
Working Group recommendations and feedback
needed.
Underway
BI‐2 Next 1.1 June Received updated report from NDS on
current activity and efforts. Staff currently
exploring 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. Have met with two local HVAC
providers to identify key issues and ideal
projects. Proposal still in development; will
bring to Commission and community
stakeholders for feedback and further
guidance. Education components also
necessary ‐ communications strategy
outcomes. GIS equity mapping underway; will
bring mapping tool and toolkit info to
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. Adding GreenIowa
AmeriCorps energy assessment property addresses to
GIS Equity Map, to further gauge possible geographic
or demographic gaps in program services and
outcomes.
Underway
BR‐1 New 1.1 ‐1.2 June Additional inspector budgeted in FY21. Met
with NDS staff in September to review items
staff will be looking at and addressing
through compliance checks, such as pre‐
drywall conditoins, R and U values of walls
and windows. Altered inspections program
and initial education about necessary
inspections planned for initiation shortly after
additional inspector hired.
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 As discussions with community organizations
progress, new ideas for how to accomplish
this task are being generated. Commission
will need to weigh in on neighborhood pilot
program/s which are in conceptual
development. Explore RFQ for external
partner/s to implement a program.
Significant interest in supporting youth or
young adult skills training program. GIA crew
conducted first in‐home energy assessments
in late October but held off on indoor visits
from November through the end of the year.
Instead, they have delivered energy saver kits
for residents to install themselves for over
160 households. Planning for this item
continues into 2021.
Approach to populations served critical. Commission
and Working Group recommendations and feedback
needed for further development.
In
Development
Develop or Partner with Local
Stakeholders on a
Comprehensive Climate
Action Rehabilitation Program
Create a More Robust Energy
Code Inspection Program
Promote Energy Efficiency
and Performance Tips to the
Public
Partner with Stakeholders to
Promote Green Building and
Rehabilitation
Enhance Energy Standards for
City Rehabilitation Projects
BR‐2 New 1.3 – 1.4 Aug Begin review of options, develop revisions to
policy, introduce for Council adoption. While
codifying these efforts is not fully in motion
due to existing project load, staff continues to
encourage and require actions informally
through the development process. Elements
of recent development approvals require
energy efficiency measures, including LEED
Silver standard build (minimum of 8 points
from energy category), rooftop solar, low flow
fixtures, and incorporated stormwater
improvements. These measures will be
administrative components of the process
until these measures or enhancements are
amended into Code.
Greater equity can be achieved through a geographic
distribution of benefits. Education and advocacy
could benefit populations impacted and served by
policy implementation.
In
Development
BI‐1 Next 1.1 Sept Energy Assessments with the Green Iowa
Americorps team look slightly different this
year but still are included in their
responsibilities. Supplemental weatherization
kits available through GIA, available to IC
residents have been shared with many
households this fall. Exploring non‐
AmeriCorps group to perform other
weatherization services.
Americorps is focused on certain groups ‐ seniors, low
income, veterans. Not sure how they track or report
these demographics. Education delivery and
equipment installation/provision alternatives
probably needed in short term. Development of a
mapped GIS inventory of energy efficiency
assessments and investments is underway.
Underway
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).
Party in the Park efforts cancelled due to
COVID‐19. Climate Action Grant awarded to
Green Iowa AmeriCorps for a lightbulb
exchange. Staff and community stakeholder
planning in progress, will bring concepts to
Commission for feedback and review. Plan to
launch first project in spring around Earth
Day, hoping to include students and
neighborhood residents as volunteers.
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. GIS
equity mapping in progress.
In
Development
Commission Working Group
BE1 & BE2 discuss plans for educating and
engaging residents and business; BI2 ‐ await
staff proposal for enhancing Energy standards
for City rehabilitation projects; BI3 ‐ direction
on neighborhood energy blitz programs,
including type, scale, areas of focus for
programs
BR1 ‐ define how City should measure equity in
housing inspection program; BI5 ‐ Recommendations
needed to develop comprehensive energy efficiency
building rehab programs, identify best practices,
suggest example programs, assist with equity efforts;
BR2 ‐ involvement in stakeholder review when
proposal shared later in year
New/
Next
Step
Plan
Alignment
Month to
Initiate Workplan Equity Focus Status
TPP‐1 New 2.1 Ongoing Completed study in early fall; was somewhat
delayed from Covid‐19. Presentation of
proposed measures went to City Council for
initial discussion on October 6. Interest in
moving forward with recommended system
route changes, more information coming for
consideration of service expansions and rate
changes. 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. Components
of public messaging to be part of upcoming
development of Communications Strategy.
Commission and Working Group recommendations
needed.
Underway
TCP‐1 New 2.2 May Written policy completed in Sept. New text
includes preference for EVs, describes process
by which new vehicle purchases are
considered and directs purchase when
multiple factors determine EV appropriate
option and available for needs. Included in
Nov 2020 CAC agenda for reference.
Although every vehicle the City purchases cannot be
EV at this time, continually increasing the presence of
non‐emitting vehicles creates a healthier air quality as
City vehicles move about and provide services in the
community.
Complete
Complete the Transit Study
and Implement
Recommendations to Bolster
Service and Increase
Ridership
Establish an Electric and Fuel‐
Efficient Vehicle Purchasing
Policy
Transportation
Incorporate Stricter Energy
Standards into Tax Increment
Financing Policies
Offer Free Home Energy
Assessments through Green
Iowa AmeriCorps
Coordinate Neighborhood
Energy Blitz Events
Additional Notes
This row shares more information for Commission members,
including probable action steps and questions from staff. For
reference, follow up items are started with the Action code (far left
of charts) (i.e. "BI3" (Building Incentives, project 3))
Action
TCP‐1 Next 2.7 May AVL equipment provides idling data. 37
vehicles currently have the technology and
another AVL for another 60 will be ordered in
FY2021. Reformatting reports to make it
easier to read for improved use and analysis.
Staff will compile data and CAO will assist
with reporting. Transportation Working
Group needs to define and clarify their
recommendation before staff can pursue
li f hl
Underway
TE‐1 New 2.3 August The Climate Ambassador program included
segments about transportation. Must
continue to identify how we will engage all
residents. A significant portion of this effort
will come from a combination of the
developing climate action communications
strategy and coordination of marketing by the
Transportation Services Department.
Transportation reporting metrics are defined.
Review equity Report to identify groups and locations
to focus attention. Explore language translations.
Components of public messaging to be part of
upcoming development of Communications Strategy.
Commission and Working Group recommendations
and feedback needed.
Underway
Commission: Working Group:
TPP1 ‐ Continued feedback on proposed
Transit Study
TPP1 ‐ Continued feedback on proposed Transit
Study, TE1 ‐ Working group may want to contribute
ideas and suggestions for initiatives, partnerships,
and outreach.
New/
Next
Step
Plan
Alignment
Month to
Initiate Workplan Equity Focus Status
WP‐1 Next 3.7‐3.8 May Preliminary models discussed by staff in
September. Plans and estimated costs are
being refined and should be presented to
Council by year end. Study is complete and
presentation from consultant will be made to
Commission at January 4, 2021 meeting.
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 Resource Mangagement and NDS engaged in
composting education. Course materials
created for educators Determine how to
tailor it with equity in mind. Expand
opportunities with local businesses. Ties into
carbon sequestration project underway. Plans
for increased downtown access to
composting budgeted in FY2022. An
education unit for Climate Ambassadors
focused 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.
Underway
WCP‐1 New 3.5 June Staff reconnected for this project and
finalized simple agreements for sports
organizations renting athletic facilities.
Community education needed. Testing results
with athletics first but the next step to
general facility rental requirements will
require community and equity input.
Must assess whether new requirements impact
populations differently. Working Group
recommendations needed.
Underway
WE‐2 Next 3.3 July Met with Resource Management to assess
current materials. Staff is coordinating efforts
with Neighboorhood Planner, local schools,
and other City staff to share information.
Specific messaging about reduced
consumption or minimizing waste at the
source forthcoming, ideas welcome. An
education unit for Climate Ambassadors
Focus reliant upon meetings with staff, current
efforts, working Equity Working Gorup, equity report,
translations services available, and outcomes from
Communications strategy.
Underway
Commission: Working Group:
WP1 ‐ When project is presented to Council,
Commission members may consider
preparing a response or recommendation
WCP1 ‐ Review new contracts for parks athletics use
and provide guidance for general parks rentals,
including equity review; WE1 and WE2 ‐ feedback or
direction on how these programs are going.
Require All Park/Public Space
Rentals to Recycle and Use
"Green" Event Best Practices.
Education Campaigns for
Neighborhoods to Reduce
Waste/Consumption at the
Source
Additional Notes
Engage the Public to Compost
Organic Waste
Track Adherence to City Idling
Policy
Significant Transportation
Education and Outreach
Campaigns
Additional Notes
This row shares more information for Commission members,
including probable action steps and questions from staff. For
reference, follow up items are started with the Action code (far left
of charts) (i.e. "BI3" (Building Incentives, project 3))
Action
Waste
Initiate a Methane Feasibility
Study
New/
Next
Step
Plan
Alignment
Month to
Initiate Workplan Equity Focus Status
AE‐1 New 4.2 May First cohort is successfully complete. A new
cohort will begin in early 2021. Continued,
regular engagement with the Ambassadors is
planned.
Development of program includes application process
not reliant upon technology to participate. If tech is
necessary, funding available to 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. Initial cohort varied in
background and experience.
Complete
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. About 60 acres of
public land areas were prepared for prairie
plantings this fall. Discussions held between
staff and the University of Iowa about
additional opportunities to expand support
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 Commission review of project equity review
tool for City and other community climate
projects. Staff is developing a mapping
tool/resource requested by Equity Working
Group. Additionally, staff is exploring better
documentation for City climate equity efforts.
Theupcoming development of a
Communications Strategy will also
incorporate a signficant emphasis on equity
and true engagement with highly impacted
Emphasis on highly impacted groups, targeted
outreach and collaboration for development and
implementation of each climate action. Staff and GIA
are coordinating an expansion on the USDN Equity
report completed last summer. Their efforts include
cataloguing community based organizations in a way
that speaks to equity and climate impacts, connection
and communication with the City, and strengthening
resources for future engagement and outreach.
Underway
APP‐1 Next 4.5 June Met with Stormwater Team. Collected and
reviewed current volunteer lists. Assessed if
we need to promote existing program.
Streamlined City operations for managing
creek clean ups and volunteer processes.
Involving various community groups dependent on
makeup of existing volunteer listing and schedules.
Review equity report to verify benefits and
participation equitable. Recent stormwater
management projects are included as a layer in the
GIS EitM
Underway
AE‐1 New 4.6 July Root for Trees tree planting program began
in October with high interest and over 250
vouchers requested. Residents are able to use
a voucher for a discount on tree purchase
from Iowa City nurseries. Low income
residents are permitted greater discount for
tree purchase. Parks and Recreation
Department is managing program and will
conduct targeted interpersonal and
neighborhood outreach. Need to connect
with Project Green for additional
opportunities for education and outreach
programs.
Commission provided recommendations and
feedback on program proposal. Income eligible
properties will be permitted a greater discount. City
is tracking planting addresses (but no other
identifying information) to monitor geographic
distribution. Additionally, staff engagement will be
focused in areas that have less tree canopy than
other parts of town. Engagement will also provide an
opportunity to inform about the utility discount
program. Program participation is included as a layer
in the GIS Equity Map.
Underway
AR‐1 Next 4.6 August NDS will draft ordinance. Research has begun
but needed a meeting with stakeholders in
fall. Drafting beginning in early 2021.
New Ordinance will apply to new developments. In
Development
APP‐3 Next 4.6 September Provided Tree Canopy memo in 9‐17‐20
Information Packet for Council review and
discussion; demonstrates need for
incremental tree canopy replacement
activities. 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. Soon‐to‐
be‐hired Climate Action Analyst will lead this analysis.
In
Development
Partner with Project Green on
a Tree Planting Partnership;
Incentives for Private Tree
Planting
Street Tree Ordinance
Expand Public Tree Planting
Flood Mitigation and
Stormwater Management
Programs/Projects; Buyouts
Action
Adaptation
Develop Climate Amassador
Team
Continue Implementation of
the Natural Areas
Management Plan
Equity Review of
Neighborhood and
Population Outreach; Develop
Outreach Plan for Populations
Highly Impacted by Climate
Change
AE‐2 Next 4.3 October Staff held preliminary meeting with Invest
Health partner to identify current needs and
to explore co‐benefits of climate action
projects centered on public health issues.
Stakeholder group would serve as connection
for further meetings with Johnson County
Public Health, University of Iowa, etc.
Meeting date yet to be set but stakeholders
agree to reconvene this initiative.
Equity reach will become more clear with agency
coordination and partnering. Can use equity
scale/report to identify starting agency discussions. If
full stakeholder meeting held for Invest Health with
focus on climate issues, will seek participation from
Commission.
Underway
Commission: Working Group:
AE2 ‐ attend invitation to public health
stakeholder meeting (unscheduled), consider
guidance about ideal projects, or other
partners
APP4 ‐ gudiance on areas of focus or process for
equity review; AE1 ‐ could restart discussions with
Project Green, Master Gardeners, etc. to plan
additional projects
New/
Next
Step
Plan
Alignment
Month to
Initiate Workplan Equity Focus Status
SLE‐2 Next 5.5 June Pilot awards program introduced and
received applications in summer 2020.
Awarded five businesses. Additional
opportunities for business‐related programs
will be to build a network of businesses with
climate interests that can support additional
demand and resources for infrastructure and
policy upgrades. Program confirmed and
content in development with Iowa City Area
Business Partnership.
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. Mapped
geographic participation. Need assistance from
Economic Development staff, Equity & Outreach
Working Groups, and other econ dev and small
business assistance groups. For Climate Action at
Work Awards, contacted over 80 community groups
with an emphasis on diversity, inviting their
Complete
SLPP‐2 Next 5.5 June Released RFP for consultant to develop
marketing plan; drafted in June, reviewed by
Commission and received proposals in
September. 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.
Equity principles will integral to the process. Selected
consultant (yet to come to an agreement) greatly
emphasized equity and integrating stakeholder
feedback from a variety of community populations.
Commission member participated in consultant
interviews.
Underway
SLE‐1 Next 5.5 September Climate Festival held week of Sept 19‐25.
Activities included digital and written
storytelling, coordinated
indvidual/community acivities, and expanded
local partnerships. Outreach began in
June/July, finalized steps and promotions in
August. Next significant programs in planning.
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.
Complete
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. New Analyst
will identify gaps in geographic coverage and gaps in
possible access for certain groups. Need focused
outreach to see where needs might be to connect
unresourced individuals with plot availability in
upcoming years; will assist in identifying
needs/potential for pocket gardens in ROW, or
working with local organizations that may host new
garden plots on private property.
In
Development
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. Initial discussions underway,
seeking Commission feedback on
considerations that will guide staff in
finalizing the 2021 grants process.
Follow Equity Report recommendations to identify
and connect with preferred applicant agencies from
first tier needs. Community organizations geared
towards underserved and highly impacted 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 other
commissions have done.
In
Development
Commission: Working Group:
SLE1 ‐ Feedback on Climate Festival; SLE2 ‐
Feedback on Climate Action at Work program
SLI1 ‐ WG can offer suggestions or thoughts on grants
program focus, eligible entities, increments, etc.
Additional Notes
Develop a Climate Action
Strategic Communications
Plan
Host Sustainability Forum and
Events
Community Garden
Expansion/Additions
Expand Community Climate
Grants
Launch a Green Business
Program: "Climate Action at
Work"
Educate and Coordinate with
Local Agencies on Health
Impacts
Additional Notes
Action
Sustainable Lifestyle