HomeMy WebLinkAboutStrategic Plan Report - Update Jan 2021_webIowa City 2020-2021
Strategic Plan
Update
January 2021
Inclusive Just Sustainable
Strategic Plan in Progress...
The City Council’s 2020-2021 Strategic Plan intends to
foster a more inclusive, just and sustainable Iowa City
by prioritizing the physical, mental and economic
well-being of all residents.
City Council members are, from left:
Pauline Taylor, District A
Mazahir Salih, At-Large, Mayor Pro Tem
Bruce Teague, At-Large, Mayor
Laura Bergus, At-Large
John Thomas, District C
Susan Mims, District B
Janice Weiner, At-Large
The following report provides a brief, at-a-glance review of current programs, projects
and initiatives that drive forward the Strategic Plan goals.
This Plan’s goals include:
Advance Social Justice, Racial Equity, and Human Rights
Demonstrate Leadership in Climate Action
Strengthen Community Engagement and Intergovernmental Relations
Invest in Public Infrastructure, Facilities and Fiscal Reserves
Foster Healthy Neighborhoods and Affordable Housing Throughout the City
Enhance Community Mobility for All Residents
Promote an Inclusive and Resilient Economy Throughout the City
The City regularly posts these updates on its website at www.icgov.org/strategicplan.
More: www.icgov.org/council
PAGE 3
Community Influences
Iowa City response to major events in 2020 and beyond
The global COVID-19
pandemic continues to impact
the community in numerous ways. The community received
frequent messaging from the City about mask use, public
and private facility and service changes and updates on
proclamations from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds.
Pandemic communication can be found on the City’s
website at www.icgov.org/coronavirus. Public facilities
predominantly remained closed to walk in traffic but the
City developed alternative methods of service and adjusted
services available as viral case counts fluctuated. The City
evaluated initial financial and economic impacts and with
the exception of a few operations, short-term impacts have
been mitigated. Regardless, long-standing effects on the
City and greater community are projected to continue for
some time and the City will need to continue to be
responsive. Examples of such responsiveness to-date
include newly developed COVID-19 relief programs that
have helped residents, non-profits, and businesses with
over $1.5 million dollars in recovery funding.
After summer demonstrations demanding accelerated
community policing and removing systemic racism
throughout the community, City Council approved a
17-point resolution of actions. Progress on these items
has continued and regularly reported at www.icgov.org/blm.
Of note, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was estab-
lished, Community Police Review Board approved updates to
several police General Orders, and a preliminary plan to
restructure the police was presented to City Council by
December 15, 2020. As pursuits to address the
Resolution actions continue, staff from all City departments
are integrating on-going efforts to increase equity within the
organization and in the community. In fall, the City made
Juneteenth an official City holiday for employees.
COVID-19 Relief Program
Highlights
Through a combination of Federal funding and
local funds, the City has enabled a variety of
programs for community recovery and relief:
• Local partners administering $823,500
direct assistance to low income household
rent and utility support include Center for
Worker Justice, Shelter House, and
CommUnity Crisis Services
• Public Service CDBG-CV Federal funding for
19 local non-profits providing community
members with homeless prevention and
services, childcare services, mental health
services, and/or food assistance totaled
$559,980
• Allocated $140,000 for rental security
deposit assistance
• Designated $424,000 from CDBG-CV
Federal funding to Small Business
Assistance and provided accounting
support with the Iowa City Area Business
Partnership to assist with applications
More: www.icgov.org/news
Strategic Plan Report January 2021
PAGE 4
CITY OF IOWA CITY RACIAL EQUITY REPORT CARD 2015 TO 2019
Sources:
Iowa City Human Rights Commission Annual Report FY15–19
Iowa City Employee Statistics Report, January 2016, 2020
Iowa City Police Department Annual Report 2015–2019
US Census
COMPLAINTS ALLEGING RACIAL DISCRIMINATION IN IOWA CITY
TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEE DEMOGRAPHICS
ALL CHARGES BY RACE AND HISPANIC ORIGIN
YOUTH REFERRALS/CHARGES BY RACE AND HISPANIC ORIGIN
YOUTH CURFEW VIOLATIONS
TRAFFIC STOPS BY RACE/ETHNICITY AND GENDER
2015 2019 % CHANGE
Population --------------------------74,227 -----------Population --------------------------75,130 ----------------+1.0%
White ---------------------------------78.5% -----------White ----------------------------------78.5% -----------------0.0%
Black or African American -------------9.2% -----------Black or African American -------------8.2% ----------------11.0%
American Indian and Alaska Native ----0.3% -----------American Indian and Alaska Native ----0.3% -----------------0.0%
Asian/Pacific Islander------------------7.2% -----------Asian/Pacific Islander ------------------7.6% ----------------+5.0%
Hispanic or Latinx ----------------------5.5% -----------Hispanic or Latinx ----------------------5.8% ----------------+5.0%
Total employees ----------------------1,008 -----------Total employees -----------------------956 -----------------5.0%
White ------------------------------------933 -----------White ------------------------------------843 ----------------9.65%
Black or African American ---------------32 -----------Black or African American ---------------47 --------------+46.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native --------3 -----------American Indian and Alaska Native -------4 --------------+33.0%
Asian/Pacific Islander---------------------17 -----------Asian/Pacific Islander --------------------13 ----------------24.0%
Hispanic or Latinx ------------------------23 -----------Hispanic or Latinx ------------------------27 --------------+18.0%
Two or more races ------------------------NA -----------Two or more races ------------------------24 -------------------NA
Total charges ------------------------5,493 -----------Total charges --------------------------5,214 -----------------5.0%
White ----------------------------------3,596 -----------White -----------------------------------3,544 -----------------1.5%
Black or African American ------------1,758 -----------Black or African American ------------1,524 ----------------13.0%
American Indian and Alaska Native -------17 -----------American Indian and Alaska Native ------22 --------------+29.0%
Asian/Pacific Islander-------------------100 -----------Asian/Pacific Islander --------------------91 -----------------9.0%
Hispanic or Latinx -----------------------390 -----------Hispanic or Latinx -----------------------468 --------------+20.0%
Race/ethnicity not known ----------------21 -----------Race/ethnicity not known ----------------33 --------------+57.0%
Total charges ---------------------------316 -----------Total charges ----------------------------180 ---------------43.0%
White ------------------------------------132 -----------White --------------------------------------71 ----------------46.0%
Black or African American --------------184 -----------Black or African American --------------109 ----------------41.0%
American Indian and Alaska Native --------0 -----------American Indian and Alaska Native -------0 -----------------0.0%
Asian/Pacific Islander----------------------0 -----------Asian/Pacific Islander ---------------------0 -----------------0.0%
Hispanic or Latinx ------------------------24 -----------Hispanic or Latinx -------------------------9 ----------------62.5%
Race/ethnicity not known -----------------5 -----------Race/ethnicity not known -----------------5 -----------------0.0%
Total violations --------------------------20 -----------Total violations --------------------------14 ---------------30.0%
White --------------------------------------13 -----------White ----------------------------------------7 ----------------46.0%
Black or African American -----------------7 -----------Black or African American -----------------7 -----------------0.0%
American Indian and Alaska Native --------0 -----------American Indian and Alaska Native -------0 -----------------0.0%
Asian/Pacific Islander----------------------0 -----------Asian/Pacific Islander ---------------------0 -----------------0.0%
Hispanic or Latinx --------------------------3 -----------Hispanic or Latinx -------------------------3 -----------------0.0%
Male ----------------------------------8,048 -----------Male -----------------------------------9,039 --------------+12.0%
White ----------------------------------5,523 -----------White -----------------------------------5,855 ----------------+6.0%
Black or African American -------------1281 -----------Black or African American ------------1,748 --------------+36.0%
American Indian and Alaska Native -------14 -----------American Indian and Alaska Native ------19 --------------+36.0%
Asian/Pacific Islander-------------------543 -----------Asian/Pacific Islander -------------------535 -----------------1.0%
Hispanic or Latinx -----------------------475 -----------Hispanic or Latinx -----------------------556 ---------------+17.0%
Two or more races -----------------------141 -----------Two or more races ------------------------72 ----------------49.0%
Female --------------------------------4,793 -----------Female --------------------------------5,423 --------------+13.0%
White ----------------------------------3,523 -----------White -----------------------------------3,901 --------------+10.0%
Black or African American --------------680 -----------Black or African American --------------835 --------------+23.0%
American Indian and Alaska Native -------10 -----------American Indian and Alaska Native --------7 ----------------30.0%
Asian/Pacific Islander-------------------254 -----------Asian/Pacific Islander -------------------286 --------------+13.0%
Hispanic or Latinx -----------------------233 -----------Hispanic or Latinx -----------------------289 --------------+24.0%
Two or more races ------------------------47 -----------Two or more races ------------------------19 ----------------60.0%
Total complaints ------------------------19 -----------Total complaints -------------------------19 -----------------0.0%
Totals represent the number
of charges, not the number
of persons charged. Some
persons may have been
charged more than once.
Youth charges are referrals
to Juvenile Court Services.
CITY OF IOWA CITY RACIAL EQUITY REPORT CARD 2015 TO 2019
Sources:
Iowa City Human Rights Commission Annual Report FY15–19
Iowa City Employee Statistics Report, January 2016, 2020
Iowa City Police Department Annual Report 2015–2019
US Census
COMPLAINTS ALLEGING RACIAL DISCRIMINATION IN IOWA CITY
TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEE DEMOGRAPHICS
ALL CHARGES BY RACE AND HISPANIC ORIGIN
YOUTH REFERRALS/CHARGES BY RACE AND HISPANIC ORIGIN
YOUTH CURFEW VIOLATIONS
TRAFFIC STOPS BY RACE/ETHNICITY AND GENDER
2015 2019 % CHANGE
Population --------------------------74,227 -----------Population --------------------------75,130 ----------------+1.0%
White ---------------------------------78.5% -----------White ----------------------------------78.5% -----------------0.0%
Black or African American -------------9.2% -----------Black or African American -------------8.2% ----------------11.0%
American Indian and Alaska Native ----0.3% -----------American Indian and Alaska Native ----0.3% -----------------0.0%
Asian/Pacific Islander------------------7.2% -----------Asian/Pacific Islander ------------------7.6% ----------------+5.0%
Hispanic or Latinx ----------------------5.5% -----------Hispanic or Latinx ----------------------5.8% ----------------+5.0%
Total employees ----------------------1,008 -----------Total employees -----------------------956 -----------------5.0%
White ------------------------------------933 -----------White ------------------------------------843 ----------------9.65%
Black or African American ---------------32 -----------Black or African American ---------------47 --------------+46.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native --------3 -----------American Indian and Alaska Native -------4 --------------+33.0%
Asian/Pacific Islander---------------------17 -----------Asian/Pacific Islander --------------------13 ----------------24.0%
Hispanic or Latinx ------------------------23 -----------Hispanic or Latinx ------------------------27 --------------+18.0%
Two or more races ------------------------NA -----------Two or more races ------------------------24 -------------------NA
Total charges ------------------------5,493 -----------Total charges --------------------------5,214 -----------------5.0%
White ----------------------------------3,596 -----------White -----------------------------------3,544 -----------------1.5%
Black or African American ------------1,758 -----------Black or African American ------------1,524 ----------------13.0%
American Indian and Alaska Native -------17 -----------American Indian and Alaska Native ------22 --------------+29.0%
Asian/Pacific Islander-------------------100 -----------Asian/Pacific Islander --------------------91 -----------------9.0%
Hispanic or Latinx -----------------------390 -----------Hispanic or Latinx -----------------------468 --------------+20.0%
Race/ethnicity not known ----------------21 -----------Race/ethnicity not known ----------------33 --------------+57.0%
Total charges ---------------------------316 -----------Total charges ----------------------------180 ---------------43.0%
White ------------------------------------132 -----------White --------------------------------------71 ----------------46.0%
Black or African American --------------184 -----------Black or African American --------------109 ----------------41.0%
American Indian and Alaska Native --------0 -----------American Indian and Alaska Native -------0 -----------------0.0%
Asian/Pacific Islander----------------------0 -----------Asian/Pacific Islander ---------------------0 -----------------0.0%
Hispanic or Latinx ------------------------24 -----------Hispanic or Latinx -------------------------9 ----------------62.5%
Race/ethnicity not known -----------------5 -----------Race/ethnicity not known -----------------5 -----------------0.0%
Total violations --------------------------20 -----------Total violations --------------------------14 ---------------30.0%
White --------------------------------------13 -----------White ----------------------------------------7 ----------------46.0%
Black or African American -----------------7 -----------Black or African American -----------------7 -----------------0.0%
American Indian and Alaska Native --------0 -----------American Indian and Alaska Native -------0 -----------------0.0%
Asian/Pacific Islander----------------------0 -----------Asian/Pacific Islander ---------------------0 -----------------0.0%
Hispanic or Latinx --------------------------3 -----------Hispanic or Latinx -------------------------3 -----------------0.0%
Male ----------------------------------8,048 -----------Male -----------------------------------9,039 --------------+12.0%
White ----------------------------------5,523 -----------White -----------------------------------5,855 ----------------+6.0%
Black or African American -------------1281 -----------Black or African American ------------1,748 --------------+36.0%
American Indian and Alaska Native -------14 -----------American Indian and Alaska Native ------19 --------------+36.0%
Asian/Pacific Islander-------------------543 -----------Asian/Pacific Islander -------------------535 -----------------1.0%
Hispanic or Latinx -----------------------475 -----------Hispanic or Latinx -----------------------556 ---------------+17.0%
Two or more races -----------------------141 -----------Two or more races ------------------------72 ----------------49.0%
Female --------------------------------4,793 -----------Female --------------------------------5,423 --------------+13.0%
White ----------------------------------3,523 -----------White -----------------------------------3,901 --------------+10.0%
Black or African American --------------680 -----------Black or African American --------------835 --------------+23.0%
American Indian and Alaska Native -------10 -----------American Indian and Alaska Native --------7 ----------------30.0%
Asian/Pacific Islander-------------------254 -----------Asian/Pacific Islander -------------------286 --------------+13.0%
Hispanic or Latinx -----------------------233 -----------Hispanic or Latinx -----------------------289 --------------+24.0%
Two or more races ------------------------47 -----------Two or more races ------------------------19 ----------------60.0%
Total complaints ------------------------19 -----------Total complaints -------------------------19 -----------------0.0%
Totals represent the number
of charges, not the number
of persons charged. Some
persons may have been
charged more than once.
Youth charges are referrals
to Juvenile Court Services.
Advance Social Justice, Racial Equity
and Human Rights
• Ensure City progress towards increasing diversity of staff in a manner that is
reflective of community demographics
Updated informational materials about City jobs were shared with over 300
organizations and local contacts that support recruitment efforts for our
community residents. Materials were translated into Spanish, French (Africa),
Arabic, and Swahili.
Recruitment processes continue to be evaluated with a conscious effort to
expand awareness and benefits of diversity. Actions already taken include
discussion of DEI at all stages of recruitment and providing resources to all
interview candidates to enhance their comfort and preparation.
Additionally, the City’s 2019 Racial Equity Report Card showed improvement
in increasing the diversity of current City employees. (See chart below)
• Complete the phased effort to raise the minimum wage for temporary
employees to $15.00 per hour by July 1, 2021
Planning for the FY2022 Budget includes a wage increase for all hourly employees to a minimum of
$15.00 per hour, beginning in July 2021, with an estimated cost of $416,000 between FY21 and FY22.
Wages have been incrementally increased by $1.75/hour for the last two years, on the way to a
minimum standard of $15/hour.
PAGE 5
Strategic Plan Report January 2021
>> Advance Social Justice, Racial Equity and Human Rights
• Continue emphasis on human rights-based training for City employees,
boards and commissions, and the community
A City Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee has been meeting for several months, identifying ways
that they can support human rights and equity training within the organization.
The Office of Equity and Human Rights has offered several community trainings since July, including Fair
Housing, including a segment on assistance animals, and implicit bias training geared towards local property
managers. An implicit bias training for Board and Commission members was held on Dec. 2. The City also
offered a free screening of ‘White Privilege 101: Getting in on the Conversation’ in December and has spon-
sored various community training opportunities, including National Black Voter Day, the NAACP’s 2020 Iowa
Summit on Criminal Justice and Racial Disparities, and the upcoming January 9, 2021 Humanize My Hoodie
Ally Experience, in partnership with the Iowa City Area Business Partnership.
At the end of July, over 60 City and County employees participated in a virtual
Cultural Proficiency pilot training. Additionally, over 150 City employees partici-
pated in the United Way of Central East Iowa 21 Day Equity Challenge assembled
by Dr. Eddie Moore. The Challenge offered daily experiential learning opportuni-
ties through reading, video, podcasts, virtual exercises, and self-reflection.
• Continue partnerships with community
organizations through the City’s Social Justice
and Racial Equity grant program
The Social Justice and Racial Equity grant program announced its application period in
a press release on Dec. 1. The allocation for these grants is $75,000.
Regular updates about Social Justice and Racial Equity activities, including quarterly
reports and a monthly newsletter can be found at www.icov.org/sjre.
City Council
dedicated $1 million
to Social Justice
and Racial Equity
initiatives in
their June
Resolution
• Develop a coordinated effort across City departments to expand social and
recreational programming for special populations
Although it has been exceptionally challenging to provide conventional programming, staff have found ways of
engaging populations. For example, The Center continues to provide services and content to older adults.
Departments have actively planned through the annual budget for expanded engagement opportunities in 2021.
PAGE 6
Strategic Plan Report January 2021
PAGE 6
>> Advance Social Justice, Racial Equity and Human Rights
• Establish priorities and ensure resources for increased access and
translation of critical city messages
Critical materials continue to be translated and shared. The FY2022 budget includes funding for expansion of
information translations in various departments.
Earlier in the year, the City developed public messaging in multiple languages about Coronavirus and the
City’s guidance on staying healthy.
Demonstrate Leadership in
Climate Action
• Adopt and begin implementation of
the Accelerating Iowa City’s Climate
Actions Report
Activity to fulfill objectives of the Report are underway
and nearly all actions for initiation in 2020 are in
progress. Planning for projects identified for initiation
in 2021-2023 has started and was reported in early
January 2021.
This year’s City’s annual Greenhouse Gas Inventory
showed continued progress towards the goal of
reducing overall carbon emissions however increases
in emissions from transportation and energy used in
buildings has continued to rise.
A 2020 Excellence in Energy Efficiency
Design award winner, the new 85,257 ft
public works complex uses less than half
the energy as buildings of similar type
and size.
PAGE 7
Strategic Plan Report January 2021
0
200,000
400,000
600,000
800,000
1,000,000
1,200,000
1,400,000
1,600,000
201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024202520262027202820292030CO2e (tonnes)Iowa City Community CO2e Totals by Sector
Industrial Commercial Residential UI Power Plant
Transportation Waste 2010 Baseline 2030 Target
2050 Target Reduction Trend Line
>> Demonstrate Leadership in Climate Action
• Track and effectively communicate progress toward reaching the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) carbon emission reduction
targets adopted locally by the City Council in 2019
Progress on the City’s Climate Action goals are reported regularly on the City’s website page:
www.icgov.org/climateaction.
Additionally, the Climate Action Commission, formed in December 2019 has been meeting regularly and
assisting with meeting goals and evaluating data. See more information at
www.icgov.org/city-government/boards/climate-action-commission.
The Climate Action and Outreach Office issues a monthly Sustainability
Newsletter that keeps community members informed of project progress,
new programs, and community climate action successes.
Sign up at www.icgov.org/e-subscriptions.
Data continues
to trend towards
meeting or
exceeding the
City’s major goal
of decreasing
community
carbon emissions
by 45% by 2030
(yellow dotted
line).
Strategic Plan Report January 2021
PAGE 8
Climate Action & Adaptation Plan
2020 ANNUAL UPDATE
With robust climate action goals set in August 2019, the creation of a Climate Action Commission, the
adoption of accelerated climate actions earlier this year, and the addition of a Climate Action
Engagement Specialist to the staff, the City has carried out a series of climate actions in the form
of education, incentives, regulation, City policy, and specific projects in these key areas:
See climate metrics and more on the back page a
ADAPTATION
u The City planted prairies and native
plants at its properties and some of its
parks, promoting a diverse ecosystem.
u The City planted a total of 400 trees this last
year, more than doubling the previous year’s
total, and launched Root for Trees to help fund trees on
residential properties.
u The City awarded more than 200 Stormwater Best
Management Practices (BMP) Grants last year.
TRANSPORTATION
u The Iowa City Area Transit Study shared
a draft proposal in October 2020 for
system improvements incorporating
community input and best practices.
u A $3 million grant from the U.S.
Department of Transportation will allow
the City to purchase and/or lease new electric buses.
u The spring 2020 addition of an electric vehicle (EV)
charging station in the Tower Place parking ramp
increased the total number of public EV charging
stations in City ramps to six.
u Iowa City and five partner communities in eastern Iowa
received an Electric Vehicle Readiness Grant from the
Iowa Economic Development Authority to prepare a
plan for the wider adoption of electric vehicles.
u The City revised its fleet policy to include provisions
stating a preference for electric vehicle and alternative
fuel equipment. The City’s idling reduction policy
outcomes are being tracked for future reporting.
u The City applied for Gold Status as a Bicycle Friendly
Community from the League of American Bicyclists and
will be notified if awarded in 2021.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
u Iowa City and two partner cities in the
Midwest received a grant to develop tools
to assess and measure carbon drawdown
efforts, such as increasing tree canopy and composting.
u More than 3,300 tons of material were recycled through
the City’s curbside organics program, a 50% increase
from the previous year.
SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE
u Iowa City held its first virtual Climate
Festival in September 2020, where
the City shared information about electric
vehicles, meatless meals, and local green buildings.
u Five Iowa City businesses received Climate Action at
Work Awards from the City in September 2020, when
the program debuted.
u Community Climate Action Grants were awarded in
spring 2020 to eight local entities.
u The City held its first Climate Expo in November 2019 to
update the community on climate initiatives.
BUILDINGS
u The City’s housing rehab program
continues to focus on energy efficiency,
through projects like the solar panel
installation on a Sandusky Street home, with
low-interest loans and grants.
u Green Iowa AmeriCorps continues to improve home
energy efficiency by providing free energy audits and free
weatherizations to community members.
u Applicants from three Iowa City urban renewal areas are
eligible for up to a 50% match on energy efficiency
projects, thanks to tax increment financing.
u The City’s new Public Works Facility won an energy
efficiency award for its many construction innovations.
Climate Action & Adaptation Plan
2020 ANNUAL UPDATE
With robust climate action goals set in August 2019, the creation of a Climate Action Commission, the
adoption of accelerated climate actions earlier this year, and the addition of a Climate Action
Engagement Specialist to the staff, the City has carried out a series of climate actions in the form
of education, incentives, regulation, City policy, and specific projects in these key areas:
See climate metrics and more on the back page a
ADAPTATION
u The City planted prairies and native
plants at its properties and some of its
parks, promoting a diverse ecosystem.
u The City planted a total of 400 trees this last
year, more than doubling the previous year’s
total, and launched Root for Trees to help fund trees on
residential properties.
u The City awarded more than 200 Stormwater Best
Management Practices (BMP) Grants last year.
TRANSPORTATION
u The Iowa City Area Transit Study shared
a draft proposal in October 2020 for
system improvements incorporating
community input and best practices.
u A $3 million grant from the U.S.
Department of Transportation will allow
the City to purchase and/or lease new electric buses.
u The spring 2020 addition of an electric vehicle (EV)
charging station in the Tower Place parking ramp
increased the total number of public EV charging
stations in City ramps to six.
u Iowa City and five partner communities in eastern Iowa
received an Electric Vehicle Readiness Grant from the
Iowa Economic Development Authority to prepare a
plan for the wider adoption of electric vehicles.
u The City revised its fleet policy to include provisions
stating a preference for electric vehicle and alternative
fuel equipment. The City’s idling reduction policy
outcomes are being tracked for future reporting.
u The City applied for Gold Status as a Bicycle Friendly
Community from the League of American Bicyclists and
will be notified if awarded in 2021.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
u Iowa City and two partner cities in the
Midwest received a grant to develop tools
to assess and measure carbon drawdown
efforts, such as increasing tree canopy and composting.
u More than 3,300 tons of material were recycled through
the City’s curbside organics program, a 50% increase
from the previous year.
SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE
u Iowa City held its first virtual Climate
Festival in September 2020, where
the City shared information about electric
vehicles, meatless meals, and local green buildings.
u Five Iowa City businesses received Climate Action at
Work Awards from the City in September 2020, when
the program debuted.
u Community Climate Action Grants were awarded in
spring 2020 to eight local entities.
u The City held its first Climate Expo in November 2019 to
update the community on climate initiatives.
BUILDINGS
u The City’s housing rehab program
continues to focus on energy efficiency,
through projects like the solar panel
installation on a Sandusky Street home, with
low-interest loans and grants.
u Green Iowa AmeriCorps continues to improve home
energy efficiency by providing free energy audits and free
weatherizations to community members.
u Applicants from three Iowa City urban renewal areas are
eligible for up to a 50% match on energy efficiency
projects, thanks to tax increment financing.
u The City’s new Public Works Facility won an energy
efficiency award for its many construction innovations.
Climate Action & Adaptation Plan
2020 ANNUAL UPDATE
With robust climate action goals set in August 2019, the creation of a Climate Action Commission, the
adoption of accelerated climate actions earlier this year, and the addition of a Climate Action
Engagement Specialist to the staff, the City has carried out a series of climate actions in the form
of education, incentives, regulation, City policy, and specific projects in these key areas:
See climate metrics and more on the back page a
ADAPTATION
u The City planted prairies and native
plants at its properties and some of its
parks, promoting a diverse ecosystem.
u The City planted a total of 400 trees this last
year, more than doubling the previous year’s
total, and launched Root for Trees to help fund trees on
residential properties.
u The City awarded more than 200 Stormwater Best
Management Practices (BMP) Grants last year.
TRANSPORTATION
u The Iowa City Area Transit Study shared
a draft proposal in October 2020 for
system improvements incorporating
community input and best practices.
u A $3 million grant from the U.S.
Department of Transportation will allow
the City to purchase and/or lease new electric buses.
u The spring 2020 addition of an electric vehicle (EV)
charging station in the Tower Place parking ramp
increased the total number of public EV charging
stations in City ramps to six.
u Iowa City and five partner communities in eastern Iowa
received an Electric Vehicle Readiness Grant from the
Iowa Economic Development Authority to prepare a
plan for the wider adoption of electric vehicles.
u The City revised its fleet policy to include provisions
stating a preference for electric vehicle and alternative
fuel equipment. The City’s idling reduction policy
outcomes are being tracked for future reporting.
u The City applied for Gold Status as a Bicycle Friendly
Community from the League of American Bicyclists and
will be notified if awarded in 2021.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
u Iowa City and two partner cities in the
Midwest received a grant to develop tools
to assess and measure carbon drawdown
efforts, such as increasing tree canopy and composting.
u More than 3,300 tons of material were recycled through
the City’s curbside organics program, a 50% increase
from the previous year.
SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE
u Iowa City held its first virtual Climate
Festival in September 2020, where
the City shared information about electric
vehicles, meatless meals, and local green buildings.
u Five Iowa City businesses received Climate Action at
Work Awards from the City in September 2020, when
the program debuted.
u Community Climate Action Grants were awarded in
spring 2020 to eight local entities.
u The City held its first Climate Expo in November 2019 to
update the community on climate initiatives.
BUILDINGS
u The City’s housing rehab program
continues to focus on energy efficiency,
through projects like the solar panel
installation on a Sandusky Street home, with
low-interest loans and grants.
u Green Iowa AmeriCorps continues to improve home
energy efficiency by providing free energy audits and free
weatherizations to community members.
u Applicants from three Iowa City urban renewal areas are
eligible for up to a 50% match on energy efficiency
projects, thanks to tax increment financing.
u The City’s new Public Works Facility won an energy
efficiency award for its many construction innovations.
PAGE 9
Strategic Plan Report January 2021
Strengthen Community Engagement
and Intergovernmental Relations
• Pursue creative engagement techniques with a focus on reaching diverse
populations and neighborhoods
In light of the pandemic, a little creativity was required for arranging six council listening posts on the subject
of community policing. Groups ranging from 10-45 people safely spread out in parks and community
gathering spaces to share comments with Council in early fall. A summary of this effort are noted in
Documents and Resources at www.icgov.org/blm.
A Truth and Reconciliation Commission was created in fall 2020, with
the purpose of engaging the public in collection of testimony and
public hearings and guiding the City on a path to restorative justice.
See more on the Commission in Item 5 of the BLM Status Report
www.icgov.org/blm.
Despite continued closure of the physical buildings, The Center and
the Iowa City Public Library have been very active in sharing content
and engaging residents in activities through online platforms. Parks
and Recreation was not able to host its annual Halloween festivities
and opted instead for a very successful spooky
double-feature drive-in movie event.
The Office of Equity and Human Rights presented a “Know
Your Rights” training to youth in the Neighborhood Centers
for Johnson County’s G!World program.
The City offered free transit
rides to polling places on
Election Day 2020 via existing
and special system routes.
PAGE 10
Strategic Plan Report January 2021
>> Strengthen Community Engagement and Intergovernmental Relations
• Work collaboratively with other local
governments and strengthen ties with our
state and federal elected delegation
City Council held a Work Session with the local elected
State delegation on November 23, 2020 to review
legislative priorities in the 2021 legislative session.
Congratulations to the elected officials were sent shortly
after the election results were finalized to strengthen
communication between their office and the City.
Over the course of the pandemic, collaboration between
entities has been essential. The Better Together collective
has provided grants to small businesses and campaigned for adopting
a health care worker. Teams of staff from each municipality, Johnson
County Emergency Management Agency operations, area non-profits,
health organizations, and state and federal elected officials have
continued to communicate and coordinate supplies, actions, and
messaging on a daily to weekly basis.
• Initiate a redesign of the City’s website
Staff is developing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to identify a firm to assist with the website update.
Stakeholder feedback will be an integral part of the redesign process.
When Eastern Iowa experienced
damages from the August derecho,
multiple agencies banded together to
manage and clean up after the storm.
Johnson County and IDOT supported
the City’s street clearing with work
crews and assistance from the utilities.
PAGE 11
Strategic Plan Report January 2021
Invest in Public Infrastructure,
Facilities and Fiscal Reserves
• Carefully prepare for significant financial challenges projected during the final
years of State property tax reform mandates through FY 2024
The impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic will likely have extended
community impacts and the upcoming FY2022 budget includes current
considerations and forecasts near-term needs.
Council’s legislative priorities include maintaining the State property tax
backfill, which helps mitigate the full fiscal impact of property tax reforms.
Aaa Moody’s
Bond Rating
Maintained May 2020
• Consider establishing a cost of development framework that can help guide
decisions on how best to accommodate future growth
A City Council Work Session must be scheduled to identify Council’s preferred areas of focus and prepare
for analysis.
• Strive to continue to reduce the City’s overall property
tax rate
The City has reduced the overall property tax rate for the last nine years and
presents another $0.10 decrease in the FY2022 budget draft. See budget
materials at www.icgov.org/budget.
$15.77 FY 2021
Tax Levy Rate
• Evaluate Local Option Sales Tax and other alternative revenues that may be
needed to achieve Iowa City’s strategic objectives and reduce reliance on debt and
property taxes
The upcoming FY2022 Budget will address the City’s current financial outlook. Further discussion about
alternative revenue sources has not been scheduled, although a LOST recommendation was included in
the City Manager’s preliminary plan to restructure Iowa City policing.
PAGE 12
Strategic Plan Report January 2021
Example of 'Fair' pavement conditions in Iowa City
Example of 'Very Good' pavement conditions in Iowa City
>> Invest in Public Infrastructure, Facilities and Fiscal Reserves
• Develop a long-term plan to improve the
pavement condition of City streets
The City has conducted a study to assist in the execution of a
long-term plan to address pavement conditions. The plan draft
will be discussed in 2021.
Upcoming Improvement
Projects
Streets planned for rehabilitation
include
2021
• Melrose Avenue
• Muscatine Avenue
• Benton Street
• Orchard Street
• American Legion Road
Design Phase
• Rochester Avenue
• Gilbert Street Bridge Replacement
• Dodge Street Reconstruction
• Fairchild Street Reconstruction
• Park Road Reconstruction
• Taft Avenue Reconstruction
• Initiate physical and financial planning efforts to modernize and expand critical
public facilities
A facility reserve fund was started in FY2020 and annual contributions to this fund will enable the City to
prepare for future facility improvements.
Funding for a recreation facility needs study and plan, as well as a facility needs and location study for the
Police Department have been budgeted in FY2021. The Center is currently nearing completion on a space
needs study and master plan that will guide the next few years of budgeted priorities.
At the end of 2020, the City closed on land purchases for the future sites of fire stations #3 and #5.
PAGE 13
Strategic Plan Report January 2021
Foster Healthy Neighborhoods
and Affordable Housing
Throughout the City
$1 million budgeted for
Affordable Housing initiatives
in FY21 and proposed in FY22
• Identify new efforts to expand and adapt the
City’s affordable housing and neighborhood
improvement strategies to meet long-term
needs throughout the community
One of the actions in the City’s Resolution Resolution addressing the Black Lives Matter Movement and
Systemic Racism calls for development of an updated Affordable Housing Plan that includes a variety of
factors relating to housing and quality of life. In fall 2020, Council provided input about the upcoming process
and aspects of the project. Active development of the new Plan will take place in 2021.
See the existing Affordable Housing Action Plan and related information at www.icgov.org/affordablehousing.
• Consider and adopt the South District
form-based code and ensure it can be
adapted to other parts of Iowa City
The South District form-based code, in its second
draft and under review by City Staff, should be made
available to the public soon. The code is being
developed to be in a form that will allow future
adoption in other areas of Iowa City.
The City has made progress with its South District Homeownership Program, buying
duplex properties without displacement of any residents, and selling the affordable
homes to neighborhood residents. The first two duplex units sold in 2019 were
outfitted with energy efficient fixtures and solar panels. Two recently remodeled
duplex units are currently for sale and staff continues to look for additional
opportunities to expand affordable homeownership in Iowa City.
PAGE 14
Strategic Plan Report January 2021
>> Foster Healthy Neighborhoods and Affordable Housing
• Continue implementation of the Parks Master Plan and complete an
accompanying Recreational Facilities Master Plan
Playground and shelter construction at Wetherby,
Willow Creek, Fair Meadows, Scott, and Lower City
Park were substantially completed this year, adding
exciting play equipment and new spaces to gather in
the future. Additionally, ADA and pathway
improvements at Happy Hollow, Court Hill, and
Wetherby are completed, and a bocce game court
is finishing installation at College Green.
Funding was included in the FY2021 Budget to
conduct a recreation facility needs study in 2021.
• Support neighborhood activities
and improvements that create vibrant,
creative spaces and inspire a sense of
place and community
The City continues to contribute financial and physical
resources for engagement.
The proposed FY2022 Budget emphasizes funding
for engagement and learning activities facilitated by
various departments, including Parks and Recreation,
The Center, Equity and Human Rights, Neighborhood
and Development Services, Police Community
Outreach, and Climate Action and Outreach.
A large mural project is
being coordinated by the
City’s Public Art Advisory
Committee and local Black
artists for installation
at the Capitol Street
parking facility.
Draft proposals were shared with Council
in December 2020 and await an additional
public feedback process.
• Monitor and report biannually on building and rental permit trends in the
former rental cap neighborhoods
Staff continue to monitor building and rental permit trends. The next report on rental permits will be included
in the annual NDS report issued in early 2021.
PAGE 15
Strategic Plan Report January 2021
Projects planned for
2021 - 2022
Designated Bike Lanes:
• Benton Street
• Southgate Avenue
• American Legion Road
4 to 3 conversion (adds bike lanes):
• Keokuk Street
Bike Boulevards:
• Sandusky Avenue / Taylor Drive
• Bowery and Prentiss Streets
• 7th Avenue + route to SEJH
• Jefferson Street / Glendale Road /
Heather Drive
• Hollywood, Sheridan, Walnut, Summit,
S. Summit
Pedestrian Trail along Highway 6
Planning is underway for Bike to Work Week
in 2021, with involvement from community
stakeholders. Additionally, activities featuring
support for bicycling were funded by a 2020
Climate Action grant. Hopefully, as the
pandemic comes to an end, the community
will be able to take advantage of these fun
experiences when the weather warms up.
• Continue implementation of the City’s Bicycle Master Plan and pursue Gold
Bicycle Friendly Community status from the League of American Bicyclists
The City made progress on bicycle facilities, installing buffered lanes on Burlington St from Madison to
Riverside, bike lanes on Dodge Street from Burlington to Kirkwood, and bike lanes and sidepath along
McCollister Blvd from S. Gilbert to S. Sycamore.
The City planned to submit an application to the League of American Bicyclists for Gold Bicycle Friendly
Community status but opted to wait until after the pandemic and will apply in August 2021.
Enhance Community Mobility
for All Residents
PAGE 16
Strategic Plan Report January 2021
>> Enhance Community Mobility for All Residents
• Complete the Iowa City Area Transit Study, pursue recommended
changes, and evaluate implementation outcomes, to ensure community
needs are met by system changes
The City has completed its transit study and presented
recommendations to City Council in October 2020. The Preferred
Alternative includes modified or consolidated routes with more
frequent weekday service and increased weekend service,
among other features.
Planning is underway for a summer 2021 implementation of
system changes. Community members can seek more
information and updates at
www.icgov.org/project/iowa-city-area-transit-study.
• Ensure ease and safety of travel for residents and visitors through expansion of
accessibility measures, improved connectivity, and use of adopted complete
streets design standards
Fall 2020 saw connection of the long-awaited McCollister Blvd
extension in southeast Iowa City. Accessible paths were added
into Wetherby Park, and additional accessibility improvements
made to Happy Hollow, and Court Hill parks. Highway 1 Trail
Extension was also completed. Plans for Rochester Avenue are
in place and upon construction, adjacent sidewalks will be
installed to help with connectivity along the collector street.
The City continues to contribute to the Johnson County Mobility
Coordinator position. Although this role assists in connecting
residents to transit, this effort includes a comprehensive plan
for getting around town and walkability and access are essential.
Upcoming Connectivity
• Gilbert Ct. Sidewalk Infill
• Mid-block crossings on
Muscatine Avenue between
1st Avenue and William Street
• Rochester Avenue
Reconstruction
• American Legion Road
Reconstruction with bike
lanes
• Benton Street resurfacing
with bike lanes
PAGE 17
Strategic Plan Report January 2021
Promote an Inclusive and Resilient
Economy Throughout the City
• Through collaboration with local partners, increase opportunities for
marginalized and low-income populations to obtain access to skills training,
good jobs and affordable childcare
City staff continue to participate in local efforts to support childcare initiatives and continues to provide
funding to the regional Entrepreneurial Development Center, which assists with access to training for
businesses, ultimately helping grow job opportunities in the corridor.
During the pandemic, the City has allocated $559,980 in Community Development Block Grant-CV funds for
operational funds to local nonprofits that provide homeless prevention and services, child care services, mental
health services and/or food assistance through two funding rounds. The funds assisted 19 projects that address
needs arising from the pandemic. The City also gave funding to establish multiple Nurturing Every Student
Together Safely (NESTS) ventures throughout Iowa City to assist with childcare and educational support.
The City’s partnership with Kirkwood Community College to offer additional ESL courses slowed due to
pandemic conditions but has added 100 seats to date. This program anticipates more progress after
COVID-19 dissapates.
• Encourage healthy, diverse, and sustainable
economic activity throughout Iowa City, including
taking steps to invigorate neighborhood commercial
districts and create new small neighborhood
commercial nodes
In fall 2020, City Council approved Code changes to help facilitate infill
development and commercial reuse. Additional conversations about
neighborhood commercial nodes must be scheduled.
Staff is also finalizing details for the Urban Revitalization Tax Exemption
area, granting businesses a tax exemption on new value created.
This program focuses on neighborhood and commercial areas along
Highways 6 and 1 corridor. Mapping and owner data collection are
complete and staff is preparing for the first legislative steps in early 2021.
Stakeholder
conversations
are ongoing
regarding
potential for a
Self-Supporting
Municipal
Improvement
District (SSMID)
around Pepper-
wood Plaza.
PAGE 18
Strategic Plan Report January 2021
City Council provided a $25,000 contribution
to the Better Together BIPOC & Immigrant
Business Grant Fund grant program. Grants in
increments of $1,000-2,500 were issued to 33
businesses with at least 50% ownership by
BIPOC and immigrants in Johnson County.
BIPOC and immigrant-owned businesses were
also prioritized in the City’s COVID-19 Small
Business Assistance program. The City of Iowa
City established the program to support local,
small businesses that sustained economic
losses due to COVID-19. Eligible businesses can
receive funding to pay for expenses
such as mortgage/rent, utilities,
inventory, staff salaries or wages up
to $15,000 or a maximum of $10,000
for businesses without employees.
Applications were accepted through
January 4, 2021.
The City continues to make progress on these goals and new
information is frequently shared. Find more detailed information
about each of these initiatives at www.icgov.org.
>> Promote an Inclusive and Resilient Economy Throughout the City
• Effectively support growth and promotion of small locally-owned
businesses, women and minority-owned businesses, and the local
foods economy
The City planned for additional support to small businesses through the rollout of the Small Business
Resource Program. The program offers loans between $5,000 and $10,000, with 0% interest for up to 5
years and must be matched with a business loan or cash on hand. Upon loan approval, applicants will be
awarded up to $5,000 in reimbursable grant funds for technical assistance and the program includes
income eligibility requirements. Learn more about this program at www.icgov.org/financialassistance.
Future initiatives in support of the Black Lives
Matter resolution will spur additional conversations
and engagement with local businesses owned by
Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC).
Staff is working with a group led by the Iowa City
Area Business Partnership and ICAD to determine
best efforts to support black and BIPOC-owned
business. Three initiatives are under development,
including a black business venture capital fund,
mapping assets across the County that currently
support entrepreneurship and developing and
implementing a plan for business education and
support services.