HomeMy WebLinkAboutWorkplan as of 2-25-21Phase 1 (2020)Phase 2 (2021‐23)Phase 3 (2024‐25)Find companion "Accelarating Iowa City Climate Actions" Report atPhase Plan AlignmentTime to InitiateWorkplan Equity Focus Status Commission NotesBE‐11 1.1 – 1.2, 1.6 Jun‐20 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). Agreement with Cause Impact as consultant in effect and kickoff begins early March. 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 DevelopmentDiscuss plans for educating and engaging residents and business; recommendations and program ideas welcomeBE‐21 1.1‐1.4 Jun‐20 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. UnderwayDiscuss plans for educating and engaging residents and business; recommendations and program ideas welcome BE‐31 1.1 & 1.6 May‐20 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 yet discussed. 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.UnderwayProgress update on "Accelerating Iowa City's Climate Actions" as of 2‐25‐21 www.icgov.org/climateactionActionBuildingsPromote Energy Efficiency and Performance Tips to the PublicPartner with Stakeholders to Promote Green Building and RehabilitationEncourage the Local Realtor Community to Include Energy Performance in the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) Property Inventory Note 2: Phases indicate anticipated year of project startNote 1: 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.
Phase Plan AlignmentTime to InitiateWorkplan Equity Focus Status Commission NotesBI‐11 1.1 Sep‐20 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.UnderwayBI‐22 1.1 Jun‐21 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 local HVAC providers & builders 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 Commission for review.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. UnderwayAwait staff proposal for enhancing Energy standards for City rehabilitation projectsBI‐31 1.1 Fall 2020 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. UnderwayProvide feedback on upcoming Neighborhood Energy Blitz Program (April 2021)Offer Free Home Energy Assessments through Green Iowa AmeriCorpsEnhance Energy Standards for City Rehabilitation ProjectsActionBuildingsCoordinate Neighborhood Energy Blitz Events
Phase Plan AlignmentTime to InitiateWorkplan Equity Focus Status Commission NotesBI‐41 1.2 & 5.4 May‐20 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. Program informational handout has been created to supplement the application for assistance. Staff met to finalize requirements for downtown TIF program, focused on occupants of smaller commercial spaces. More information about this program component to be released in early 2021. Downtown program considers ability of businesses to get funding through other sources and existing city grants, to help prevent potential gaps in assistance availabilty. UnderwayBI‐51 1.1 – 1.4 Jul‐20 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 DevelopmentRecommendations needed to develop comprehensive energy efficiency building rehab programs, identify best practices, suggest example programs, assist with equity effortsBI‐62 1.3 Feb‐21 Discussion with NDS, identify requirements, potential costs, and offset. Present to local stakeholders and Commission for feedback. Understanding that locally, incremental home "price creep" tends to price homebuyers out for every $1,000 more, we need to keep inflation of housing costs to a minimum and ensure that the program does not add costs. Geographic review could also ensure that program is applied somewhat evenly through all areas of new development/redevelopment. In DevelopmentAs work progresses, will require Commission feedback and recommendationsBI‐72 1.3 Aug‐21 Have determined that competition should include student and professional categories but needs further shaping. Potential for resulting designs to be functionally built. Modification of this program includes a category for retrofit/remodel at lower energy savings. Potential for outcome of contest to be constructed by the City with income‐requirements for hoemownership. Modified competition categories could define different pricing models and occupant populations. Working group can provide suggestions and feedback. In DevelopmentAs work progresses, will require Commission feedback and recommendations ActionBuildingsDevelop or Partner with Local Stakeholders on a Comprehensive Climate Action Rehabilitation ProgramConsider a Building PermitFee Rebate Program forEnhanced Energy StandardsInitiate a Net‐Zero HouseDesign CompetitionLaunch a TIF‐funded climate action incentive program aimed at reducing industrial energy consumption
Phase Plan AlignmentTime to InitiateWorkplan Equity Focus Status Commission NotesBI‐82 1.1 & 1.4 Mar‐21 Budgeted FY22 funds for preliminary or complete rehabilitation/construction. Although initial project is not identified as true net‐zero, goal is to provide two levels of investment by residential property owners, complete with data collection and analysis. Significant rehabilitation planned for one unit, and moderate rehabilitation for another. Project to begin construction in early 2021, completion by summer 2021. Equity will be required in review of the project placement, occupants, and local impacts. Demonstration project engages local students as an educational and skill‐building opportunity. UnderwayAs work progresses, will require Commission feedback and recommendations BI‐92 1.1‐1.2 & 1.4 May‐21 Starting with a few rental induction stovetop appliances to begin to introduce residents to non‐natural gas technology. Development of a rebate program in early part of the year will require research and stakeholder feedback. Explore opportunities for multi‐family properties. Working group and stakeholder feedback helpful. In DevelopmentAs work progresses, will require Commission feedback and recommendations BR‐11 1.1 ‐1.2 Jun‐20 Additional inspector budgeted in FY21, on hold. Met with NDS staff in September to review items staff will be looking at and addressing through compliance checks, such as pre‐drywall conditons, 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. UnderwayDefine how City should measure equity in housing inspection programBR‐21 1.3 – 1.4 Aug‐20 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 DevelopmentParticipate in stakeholder review or provide commentary to CouncilBR‐32 1.3 – 1.4 2022 At this time, NDS is working on an update to the Riverfront Crossings District Code, in which the height and density bonuses apply more frequently than other zoning districts. Application of the height bonus provision is discretionary and staff has been instructed to require energy efficiency measures as a category for height bonuses. These provisions closely mirror the existing TIF standards. Recent projects that have come before Council and upcoming projects are incorporating these provisions and the City will continue this until the Code is amended. (See BR‐2)Not Started As work progresses, will require Commission feedback and recommendationsActionBuildingsComplete a Net‐ZeroDemonstrationRehabilitation ProjectLaunch an ElectrificationIncentive Program Create a More Robust Energy Code Inspection ProgramIncorporate Stricter Energy Standards into Tax Increment Financing PoliciesIncorporate Strict EnergyStandards into Height andDensity Bonuses
Phase Plan AlignmentTime to InitiateWorkplan Equity Focus Status Commission NotesBR‐42 1.6 2022 Research. Consideration of current laws, existing programs in and out of Iowa needed before application of this type of regulation. Not Started As work progresses, will require Commission feedback and recommendations BR‐52 1.1 & 1.7 Jun‐21 Discussions with NDS and stakeholders, including property owners, landlords, realtors, renters, and development community. Renters should be impacted as little as possible while receiving benefits of any improvements made to comply with a proposed program. Not Started As work progresses, will require Commission feedback and recommendations BCP‐11 1.1 – 1.4 May‐20 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. UnderwayBCP‐21 1.1 – 1.4 May‐20 Eligible staff voted for adoption of new IECC codes 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. UnderwayBP‐11 1.5 Apr‐20 Brought forward one project to City Council in April 2020 and was not approved. Assessing 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. Anticipated study completion in July 2021. 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.UnderwayUpon completion of JCED study project, Commission may choose to offer additional feedback and recommendationsBP‐22 1.1 & 1.7 Jan‐22 Must determine where this project would take place or be retrofitted. Discussions underway at a staff level to identify possible location. Not Started BuildingsActionDevelop Climate ActionRequirements for all Existing and Future Rental PermitsNet‐Zero Public HousingSolar Partnership with MidAmericanAdvocate for Aggressive Energy Code Development and Adoption Advocate for State Adoption of Advanced Energy Codes Initiate Energy BenchmarkingRequirements
Phase Plan AlignmentTime to InitiateWorkplan Equity Focus Status Commission NotesTE‐11 2.3 Aug‐20 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. UnderwayCommission may want to contribute ideas and suggestions for initiatives, partnerships, and outreach TE‐23 2.5 Jul‐21 Grants planned for employer installation of EV charging ports. Paired with an informational campaign and car‐free week. Education campaigns must be coordinated with employers. Post‐pandemic expand to shared driving or transit campaign. Not StartedTI‐12 2.2 Sep‐21 Coincide any education with Transportation Services rollout and preparation for system changes. Can accompany passes for riders, celebrations/thank you's to dedicated riders, and supplement transit facility or stop improvements. Community feedback may be gained during outreach stage of Communications Strategy development.Not StartedCommision may choose to provide recommendations, work on this as a project, or suggest example programs from outside Iowa CityTR‐12 2.6 Fall 2021 Start with NDS review. Some issues may be identified during the development of the updated affordable housing action plan, starting 2021. Considerations include pricing models, transit alternatives, physical access to housing and work, last mile options. Not StartedTCP‐11 2.2 May‐20 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. CompleteMonitor as desiredTransportationLaunch an Eco‐DrivingCampaign AlongsideEmployers Review Parking Regulationsand Consider InnovativeWays to EncourageAlternative Modes of TravelEstablish an Electric and Fuel‐Efficient Vehicle Purchasing Policy Incentivize Public TransitOptionsActionSignificant Transportation Education and Outreach Campaigns
Phase Plan AlignmentTime to InitiateWorkplan Equity Focus Status Commission NotesTCP‐21 2.7 May‐20 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 exploration of technology.UnderwayMonitor as desiredTPP‐11 2.1 Ongoing Completed study in early fall 2020; 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. UnderwayMay want to provide feedback on proposed Transit system recommendations and planned system changesTPP‐22 2.2 Jul‐21 Project is on track. Stakeholder meeting will be held in January and final report should be delivered in summer 2021.Recommendations to come from Study. UnderwayBased on study results, may offer Commission feedback and recommendations/ supportTPP‐32 2.3 Aug‐21 Bicycle infrastructure continues to be a focus of the City and the network has grown considerably in the last few years. Unfortunately, the pandemic year prevented some of the planned bicycle education and enagement components that are standard for Gold‐level Bicycle Friendly Communities and therefore the application was delayed by one year. The City plans to apply for a Gold designation again in August 2021. Education and access components include equity practices. UnderwayMay want to provide suggestions or support for local bicycle initiativesWE‐11 3.2 Jun‐20 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.UnderwayFeedback or direction welcomeActionTransportationTrack Adherence to City Idling Policy WasteAchieve Gold FriendlyBicycle Friendly CommunityStatus and Begin WorkToward Platinum StatusEngage the Public to Compost Organic WasteComplete the Transit Study and Implement Recommendations to Bolster Service and Increase Ridership Complete Electric Vehicle(EV) Readiness Plan andImplementRecommendations
Phase Plan AlignmentTime to InitiateWorkplan Equity Focus Status Commission NotesWE‐21 3.3 Jul‐20 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 focused on waste. Focus reliant upon meetings with staff, current efforts, working Equity Working Gorup, equity report, translations services available, and outcomes from Communications strategy.UnderwayFeedback or direction welcomeWR‐12 3.4 Feb‐21 Although some initial discussions and research have started at a staff level, this initiative requires further discussion. Policy examples and research are needed, as well as exploration of programs that can assist with meeting requirements of recycling and diversion policies. In DevelopmentCommision may choose to provide recommendations, work on this as a project, or suggest example programs from outside Iowa CityWR‐22 3.1 Jan‐21 Staff continues to field calls from multi‐family areas that do not feel they either have access to recycling or are witnessing improper use of waste containers. Many times, this is traced back to a lack of simple signage. Plan is to work directly with haulers to get voluntary labeling on waste and recycling containers. After this effort is made, staff will assess whether any legal requirements will be necessary. Ensuring signed containers in multi‐family properties will help renters with access to recycling, preventing additional trips, and recycling stream contamination. Additional emphasis will be put on language accessibility. Some suggestions may rise from development of Communications Strategy. UnderwayWCP‐12 3.5 Jun‐20 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. UnderwayReview new contracts for parks athletics use and provide guidance for general parks rentals, including equity reviewWP‐11 3.7‐3.8 May‐20 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 made to Commission at January 4, 2021 meeting and followed up in Feb. Discussions continue. Consideration will be given after final recommendations, to impacts on fiscal health of Enterprise funds and needs to supplement with rate changes over time. UnderwayCommission members preparing a response or recommendationWasteActionEducation Campaigns for Neighborhoods to Reduce Waste/Consumption at the SourceDevelop a Policy/OrdinanceRequiring Specific Demolitionor Deconstruction RecyclingStandards/ ProceduresInitiate a Methane Feasibility StudyMandating Signage to AssistWaste CollectionRequire All Park/Public Space Rentals to Recycle and Use "Green" Event Best Practices.
Phase Plan AlignmentTime to InitiateWorkplan Equity Focus Status Commission NotesAE‐1 1 4.2 May‐20 First cohort is successfully complete and second is beginning in March. 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 cohorts varied in background and experience.CompleteAE‐2 2 4.2 Apr‐21 Begin with consultation between public health and community stakeholders. Plan to hold events at these identified resilience hubs to connect them as places for help, security, and comfort for nearby residents. Likely will get feedback during Communications Strategy outreach and development.Ideally, the community stakeholders will identify their own preferred resilience hub and this project will include their ideas and feedback, as well as the buy‐in from the property itself. Language accessibility, cultural competence, and geographic proximity all play roles in this effort. Not StartedSupport efforts to establish resilience hubs through research, meetings, event planning, promotion, etc.AE‐3 2 4.7 May‐21 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. UnderwayAttend invitation to public health stakeholder meeting (unscheduled); consider guidance about ideal projects, or other partners AE‐4 2 4.5 Apr‐21 Staff led campaign, will align with developing communications strategy. Budgeted promotional materials and activities. Green Iowa AmeriCorps have interest in rain barrel program, in addition to their standard educational programs and activities and Parks and Recreation native prairie planting education opportunities. Additionally, City and University staff have discussed crossover native planting education and volunteer opportunities for students and community members. Equity involved in rain barrel initiatives, as well as educational opportunities. Geographic analysis required prior to planned activities. In DevelopmentProvide feedback and recommendations for existing natural areas and stormwater management programsAE‐5 2 4.3‐4.4 Mar‐21 Discussion must be scheduled for further development of actions. Discussions with utilities ongoing, meetings with EMA had been delayed due to pandemic management. Not StartedIdentify priority issues to be brought up with emergency management ‐ specifically equity concerns ActionAdaptationDevelop Climate Amassador TeamEstablish "Resilience Hubs"Educate and Coordinate with Local Agencies on Health ImpactsConcentrated EducationCampaign for PrivateProperties about NativePlantings, PermeablePavement, Rain Gardens, Soil Health, Rain Barrels andCisternsCoordinated Efforts with Local Emergency Agencies and Utility Agencies Providing Critical Infrastructure
Phase Plan AlignmentTime to InitiateWorkplan Equity Focus Status Commission NotesAI‐1 1 4.6 Jul‐20Root 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. Staff in discussions with local partner to identify opportunity for a forestry job training pilot. 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. UnderwayCould restart/initiate discussions with Project Green, Master Gardeners, etc. to plan additional projectsAR‐1 1 4.6 Aug‐20 NDS will draft ordinance. Research started but needed a meeting with stakeholders in fall. Drafting beginning in 2021, based on staff capacity.New Ordinance will apply to new developments. In DevelopmentIdentify or provide feedback on priority issues for City to consider in landscaping standardsAR‐2 2 4.6 Fall 2021 Initial research and planning required by NDS. Not StartedAP‐1 2 5.7 Jan‐22 Initial research and planning required by NDS and PW. Supplemented by analysis by Climate Action Analyst. Possible that a City facility construction or improvements could be made earlier than 2022, with sustainable design review and engineering. Not StartedProvide recommendations for developing review standards for new or improved City buildings ACP‐1 1 4.5 Jun‐20 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 Equity Map. UnderwayAdaptationActionStreet Tree OrdinanceIncrease Tree PlantingRequirements in LandscapingStandards, Parking LotStandards and Upon Renewalof Rental PermitsDevelop Review Standards for New City Facility Construction and Major Rehabilitation thatAccounts for ClimateAdaptation PrinciplesFlood Mitigation and Stormwater Management Programs/Projects; BuyoutsPartner with Project Green on a Tree Planting Partnership; Incentives for Private Tree Planting
Phase Plan AlignmentTime to InitiateWorkplan Equity Focus Status Commission NotesACP‐2 1 4.5‐4.6 May‐20 Work agreement executed with AES in May 2020. 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 for natural areas and onsite education. Geographic distribution, education variables dependent on groups impacted. Engage natural area advocacy groups that can assist with public education.UnderwayACP‐3 1 4.6 Sep‐20 Provided Tree Canopy memo in 9‐17‐20 Information Packet for Council review and discussion; demonstrates need for incremental tree canopy replacement activities. City Parks and Foresty bringing plan for new 2021 plantings to Council early 2021. 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. Opportunity for discussion with impacted groups ‐ residents, landlords, City staff, businesses or development. Address negative perceptions through modifcations or education. UnderwayACP‐4 2 4.1‐4.2 May‐20 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 populations. 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. UnderwayProvide gudiance on areas of focus or process for equity reviewSLE‐11 5.5 Sep‐20 Climate Festival held week of Sept 19‐25, 2020. Activities included digital and written storytelling, coordinated indvidual/community acivities, and expanded local partnerships.Feb. 2021 held Climate Action and Communities of Color online speakerIntentional 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. CompleteCommission may provide feedback and suggestions for events last year and planned in 2021 (Climate Festival, Earth Fest, other education and events)SLE‐21 5.5 Jun‐20 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 delivered initial webinar with Iowa City Area Business Program relies heavily on voluntary 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 CompleteCommission may provide feedback and suggestions for events last year and planned in 2021; assist with promotion and awarenessAdaptationLaunch a Green Business Program: "Climate Action at Work" Sustainable LifestyleHost Sustainability Forum and EventsEquity Review of Neighborhood and Population Outreach; Develop Outreach Plan for Populations Highly Impacted by Climate ChangeActionExpand Public Tree Planting Continue Implementation of the Natural Areas Management Plan
Phase Plan AlignmentTime to InitiateWorkplan Equity Focus Status Commission NotesSLPP‐21 5.5 Jun‐20 Agreement with Cause Impacts approved in Feb 2021. 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. Kickoff March 4 with City staff.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. UnderwayDetermine the ways in which the Commission would like to be involved in development of the Plan. SLE‐32 5.3 Jun‐21 City staff in discussion with community partners about local consumption/reduced consumption campaign. Small budget of funding to promote and support local economy and resident access to goods and services. May be able to identify equity issues through research on existing similar programs. In DevelopmentWorking group feedback and recommendations welcome. SLI‐11 5.4 Nov‐20 Specified non‐profit and business categories at higher denominations ($10,000). Introduced new Student category ($500). Increased grant total to $60,000. Applications open March 1. Applications ask sepcifically what populations will be served by grant projects. Greater weighting for serving populations with higher risk to impacts of climate change. Outreach plan is to connect with community orgs serving highly impacted groups. Planning for info session and translation of grant information to encourage community members to apply. CompleteStaff open to feedback and suggestions from Commission regarding these grants and other funding opportunities or community projects. SLP‐11 5.5 Sep‐20 Currently no plans to expand existing community garden areas because of the recent expansions. Staff review plot rentals each year to weigh current and future demand. There could be opportunity to expand gardens by the private sector or other public community partners installed for community use. City has provided information to groups that want to begin their own gardens. Could benefit from research or example programs to expand formally.City has mapping tools for plot rentals. 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 DevelopmentCommision may choose to provide recommendations, work on this as a project, or suggest example programs from outside Iowa CitySLCP‐12 5.3 Jul‐22 City Purchasing division went through recent re‐organization and needs a little time before they're able to support the development of such a policy. In the meantime, there may be opportunties internally to start gathering existing procedures and modifying, with local and sustainable acquisition principles in mind. Currently, City has a local preference in procurement policies, along with preference for organizations exceeding minimum wage pay.Not StartedCommision may choose to provide recommendations or suggest example programs from outside Iowa CitySLCP‐22 5.7 Aug‐21 Plan to have City's internal staff Climate Committee and CAO staff to collect best practices and develop an outline for the guide. Research may result in an existing guide from another location that could be modified to meet the needs of our community. Not StartedCommision may choose to provide recommendations or suggest example programs from outside Iowa CitySustainable LifestyleDevelop a City SustainabilityOperations Guide and MakeAvailable to OrganizationsDevelop a Climate Action Strategic Communications PlanLocal Procurement Campaign ‐Buy‐in from Local CommercialGroupsCommunity Garden Expansion/AdditionsExpand Community Climate GrantsActionDevelop a Green ProcurementPolicy