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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-2-23 Climate Action Commission Agenda Packet Iowa City Climate Action Commission Agenda Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, 3:30 p.m. Emma J. Harvat Hall Iowa City City Hall 410 E. Washington St. Meeting Agenda: 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Sept. 11, 2023 minutes 4. Public Comment on items not on the agenda -Commentators shall address the Commission for no more than 3 minutes. Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with the public concerning said items. 5. Announcements – informational updates a. Action items from last meeting (Staff) i. State of Local Planning report b. Upcoming events (Staff) i. Homecoming Parade (Oct. 6) ii. EPA Compost Facility Grant Ceremony (Nov. 8) 6. Unfinished/Ongoing Business a. Climate Action and Adaptation Plan – updates and discussion b. Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County transportation planning activities (Ralston) – presentation and discussion c. Visioning indicators of success in built environment (Commission) – discussion 7. New Business a. None 8. Recap a. Confirmation of next meeting time and location i. Monday, Nov. 13, 3:30-5 p.m., Emma J. Harvat Hall b. Actionable items for commission, working groups, and staff 9. Adjourn If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact Sarah Gardner, Climate Action Coordinator, at 319-887-6162 or at sarah-gardner@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. MINUTES PRELIMINARY IOWA CITY CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 – 3:30 PM – FORMAL MEETING EMMA J. HARVART HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Michal Eynon-Lynch, Jamie Gade, Wim Murray, Michelle Sillman, Gabriel Sturdevant, Matt Krieger, Brinda Shetty, Ben Grimm MEMBERS ABSENT: John Fraser, Matt Walter STAFF PRESENT: Sarah Gardner, Daniel Bissell, Megan Hill, Diane Platte, Tracy Hightshoe, Danielle Sitzman, Ron Knoche, Ben Clark, Tim Wilkey OTHERS PRESENT: Randall Wirtz (Strand Associates) RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL The Climate Action Commission recommends proceeding with the Renewable Natural Gas and High-Strength Waste Codigestion project at the Wastewater Treatment Facility, as detailed in the attached memo. CALL TO ORDER: Eynon-Lynch called the meeting to order. APPROVAL OF AUGUST 7, 2023 MINUTES: Gade moved to approve the minutes from August 7, 2023. Sillman seconded the motion, a vote was taken, and the motion passed 8-0 PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: None. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Action Items from last meeting (Staff): • Attendance sheet in the previous minutes was corrected. Commission members have volunteered to participate in Climate Fest events and Fleet Transition Plan. Staff included an invitation in the September Climate Action newsletter for community members to participate in the visioning exercise planned for today’s meeting. Working Group Updates: • Energy Benchmarking (Krieger, Fraser, Shetty): Included in the agenda packet was a memo prepared by the group outline the voluntary benchmarking program for businesses to enter their data in Energy Manager. From this, City staff, business owners, and the utility will be able to work together to reduce energy usage. Bissell thanked the group for their work. Eynon-Lynch asked if there is a goal for the number of participating entities. Bissell responded the goal is to work with 12 properties in the first year, 9 properties in the second year, and provide energy-saving recommendations to at Climate Action Commission April 3 2023 Page 2 of 6 2 least 3 properties as noted in the memo. Climate Fest: • Hill thanked commission members Eynon-Lynch, Gade, and Sillman for volunteering to serve as hosts for Climate Fest events and noted the times, dates, and locations for the events were included in the agenda. Hill described the Climate Fest mailer and Goldie sticker sheet and offered copies to any interested Commission members. UNFINISHED/ONGOING BUSINESS: Wastewater Digester / Methane Capture (Strand Associates): • Gardner summarized the project background as follows: Results of the methane capture feasibility study were previously presented to the Climate Action Commission in March 2021. At that time, the Commission felt the high cost was a barrier to implementation. Recent developments, including the rollout of IRA incentives and a computational error discovered in the previous assessment, have led staff to reevaluate the project as potentially viable. Staff wanted to provide the updated information to the Climate Action Commission and a chance to ask any questions about the findings to determine whether or not to recommend a methane capture project at the wastewater facility proceed. • Wirtz gave a project history and described the factors involved with re-evaluating the digestion facilities plan. The Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Conceptual Design contains more detailed cost evaluations. High-strength waste (fats, oils, grease, high-carbon waste) comes from local industries such as breweries, restaurants, etc. • Wirtz noted four items from the 2018 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan that would be addressed by the RNG and high-strength waste project. • The payback period could vary from 10-15 years to 20-30 years. • Grimm asked what the original payback period was. Knoche answered 45 years. • Shetty asked how the digesters are powered. Krieger asked how the City would pay for the upfront cost of the project. Knoche answered revenue bonds • Grimm asked about the capability to make money. Wirtz estimated the net revenue is around $1million per year, with the expectation that amount would go up. • Shetty asked about drivers in the Renewable Identification Number (RIN) market. Wirtz noted drivers are mostly political. The federal government created the market in 2005, with the goal to replace transportation fuel with renewable fuel. Prior to 2020, a lot of waivers were granted, driving prices lower. Worldwide, green energy market includes big corporations which are strong drivers. • Gardner noted that other programs the City operates, including recycling programs, are subject to market fluctuations as part of their operating costs, and staff are able to manage those programs accordingly. • Wirtz also noted private equity interest in the RIN market. • Sturdevant asked if the $15 million cost was with or without rebate. Wirtz clarified that is the pre-rebate number. Sturdevant asked if more trucks could be expected on that road. Wirtz noted that traffic would increase somewhat and that should be budgeted for. • Commissioners asked about tipping fees and a possible preference for consistent, local source for feedstock. Wirtz noted “the viability of the project is there with or without trucked waste.” If the City wants to be sure the project is actually reducing GHG emissions, it would need to only accept trucks from a certain radius. • Eynon-Lynch asked for the end goal of this discussion. Gardner explained that a Commission member could move to recommend that this project proceed as aligned Climate Action Commission April 3 2023 Page 3 of 6 3 with the goals of the Climate Action Plan and fitting with the climate action values of the community. If the Commission voted in support of the project, staff would then prepare a memo to city council expressing that support. • Sturdevant asked about other impacts to the site. Wirtz explained the equipment would sit on a pad with screening around it and not a lot of construction would be required. Krieger noted that there is an improvement to the nearby community because the flare would go away. • Krieger moved that the Climate Action Commission’s position is that the RNG and high- strength waste project fits with the goals of the CAAP. Grimm seconded. Opportunity for additional discussion was given. Murray asked if she was allowed to vote as the MidAmerican rep; Gardner recommended that Murray recuse herself. A vote was taken, and the motion passed 7-0. Neighborhood and Development Services Report (Hightshoe, Sitzman) • Hightshoe described the makeup of Neighborhood and Development Services (NDS), which includes housing inspection, housing authority, community development, and Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County, and summarized a portion of the NDS report, noting projections of population growth and the need to maintain affordable housing. Hightshoe also described NDS programs related to radon mitigation, neighborhood stabilization, zoning changes, housing rehabilitation, transportation. • Sitzman summarized the other portion of the NDS report, focusing on the urban planning part of development services. Annexation is the process by which land is added to the city. When land comes in, it needs to be designated with a use (zoning). Once something is rezoned, it undergoes a subdivision platting process. Cost of land is the largest overall factor for cost of housing. • Sitzman explained developing a Comprehensive Plan is a multiyear process. The first steps for a Comprehensive Plan update will begin early in 2024. • Sitzman noted that relaxing regulation on duplexes might spur development of duplexes. • Krieger asked what is our vacancy rate for rentals in Iowa City. Sitzman responded the City does not track that, but realtors report that it is usually under 10%. • Hightshoe noted that Affordable Housing Action Plan in 2016 prompted a look at zoning codes to increase housing flexibility to encourage smaller development at different price points. • Eynon-Lynch asked how climate action fits into the planning undertaken by NDS. Hightshoe and Sitzman responded that increasing density, a planning goal, relates to several climate action goals, and that sustainability is an underlying goal of many urban planning principles. • Shetty asked about incentivizing multiuse. Hightshoe and Sitzman described strategies that were effective in the past. • Sillman asked for details on Planning & Zoning recommendations currently under consideration. Sitzman listed the following, noting these do not require a comprehensive plan update to implement: o Allow duplexes in mid-block locations o Allow town-home style multi-family where single family townhomes are allowed in RS-12 single family zones o Simplify the approval process for ground floor residential uses in Commercial distorts o Regulate nursing homes ie. assisted group living like housing and allow it in more multi-family and commercial zoning districts Climate Action Commission April 3 2023 Page 4 of 6 4 o Modify design standards related to multi-family exterior foundation materials and duplex entrances o Simplify the approval process for town-home style multi-family interior parking design for end units o Reduce lot area, widths, and frontages for single-family duplex, and townhomes in several residential zones o Make changes to the Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations o Add a density bonus to convention zoning districts for affordable housing o Waive the parking requirement for affordable housing units in conventional zones using the bonus o Add a reasonable accommodation request application o Reclassify long-term housing operated by non-profits as a residential use rather than a community service. Visioning indicators of success in built environment • Gardner proposed to move the visioning exercise to the next meeting, due to this meeting running overtime, noting the advantages of discussion both land use and transportation together. NEW BUSINESS: SolSmart Zoning and Land Use Best Practices Review • Gardner explained that the City had recently initiated a SolSmart certification process that, similar to the LEED program, allows the City to submit documentation related to solar practices and policies for review by an outside entity to verify that the City is following nationally established best practices in terms of planning and zoning, permitting and inspection, government facilities, community engagement, and market development. The program is through the Department of Energy. She shared an initial report on the City’s planning and zoning that affirmed the City is aligned with best practices, noting one exception related to a statement of purpose or intent. Gardner explained this is due to the way Iowa City’s code is written, with solar regulations spread throughout several sections rather than being in a standalone section that would begin with a statement of purpose. Gardner noted the PZ-1 report along with additional information about the City’s participation in the SolSmart program was included in the agenda packet for this meeting and encouraged commissioners to reach out with any questions. She said staff would update the Commission when the certification process was completed with the designation level achieved. RECAP: • Confirmation of next meeting time and location: o Monday October 2, 3:30-5 p.m., Emma J. Harvat Hall • Actionable items for commission, working groups, and staff: o Gardner will include "state of local climate planning” report in the next agenda packet. o Commissioners will continue visioning indicators of success in built environment (and transportation). Climate Action Commission April 3 2023 Page 5 of 6 5 ADJOURNMENT: Krieger moved to adjourn, Grimm seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion passed 8-0 at 5:10 p.m. Climate Action Commission April 3 2023 Page 6 of 6 6 CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD 2023 NAME TERM EXP. 10 / 1 0 / 2 0 2 2 11 / 7 / 2 0 2 2 12 / 5 / 2 2 1/ 9 / 2 0 2 3 2/ 6 / 2 0 2 3 3/ 6 / 2 0 2 3 4/ 3 / 2 3 5/ 1 / 2 3 6/ 5 / 2 3 7/ 1 0 / 2 0 8/ 7 / 2 0 2 3 9/ 1 1 / 2 0 2 3 Michal Eynon-Lynch 12/31/2024 X X X X X X X X NM X X X Elizabeth Fitzsimmons 12/31/2025 X X X X X NM O/ E X * John Fraser 12/31/2024 X X X X X X X O/E NM X O/E O/E Jamie Gade 12/31/2025 X X X X O/E NM X X X Ben Grimm 10/31/2023 O/E X X X X X X X NM X O/E X Clarity Guerra 12/31/2022 X X X * * * * * * * * * Kasey Hutchinson 12/31/22 X X X * * * * * * * * * Matt Krieger 12/31/2023 X X X X X X X X NM X O/E * Wim Murray MidAmerican Rep X X Michelle Sillman 12/31/20025 X X X O/E O/E NM X X X Brinda Shetty UI Rep X X X X O/E X X X NM X O/E X Gabe Sturdevant 12/31/2024 O/E X X X X X X X NM X X X Matt Walter 12/31/2023 X X X X X X O/E X NM X X O/E KEY: X = Present 0 = Absent 0/E = Absent/Excused NM= No Meeting * No longer on Commission Date: September 12, 2023 To: Mayor and Council From: Climate Action Commission Sarah J. Gardner, Climate Action Coordinator Re: Recommendation to proceed with the Renewable Natural Gas and High-Strength Waste Codigestion project at the Wastewater Treatment Facility The purpose of this memo is to express the unanimous support, as determined by vote, of the Climate Action Commission for the proposed Renewable Natural Gas Production and High Strength Waste Codigestion project for Iowa City’s wastewater treatment facility. Said project was deemed by the Commission to be aligned with the City of Iowa City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and in keeping with the city’s climate action values. This vote followed a presentation during the September 12, 2023 meeting of the Climate Action Commission by Randy Wirtz of Strand Associates, who was joined by Public Works staff, including Ron Knoche, Ben Clark, and Tim Wilkey, to assist in answering questions. The presentation was followed by lengthy discussion in which Commission members asked Wirtz and the Public Works staff a number of questions, including as to the potential impacts to the surrounding area, funding mechanisms, market fluctuations, and feedstock sourcing. At the conclusion of the discussion, one member of the Commission, an employee of MidAmerican Energy, recused herself from the vote as representing a company with a potential financial interest in the project. The remaining members of the Commission voted unanimously to proceed with the project subject to the assumptions and conditions outlined in the presentation, which include a recognition that although the project will not directly reduce the City’s greenhouse gas emissions, it contributes in an important and meaningful way to reducing greenhouse gas emissions globally. Details of the presentation can be found in the agenda packet for the September 12, 2023 Climate Action Commission meeting and details of the discussion can be found in the subsequent meeting minutes. The Climate Action Commission is happy to elaborate further on this recommendation upon request from the City Council. THE STATE OF LOCAL CLIMATE PLANNING OBSERVATIONS BY LOCAL CLIMATE ACTION PRACTITIONERS PUBLISHED MAY 2021, REFLECTING DIALOGUE BEGUN IN 2019 Michael Armstrong, City Scale Derik Broekhoff, Stockholm Environment Institute Katherine Gajewski, City Scale Miya Kitahara, StopWaste Michael McCormick, Farallon Strategies Sarah McKinstry-Wu, Urban Sustainability Directors Network Ariella Maron, City Scale Hoi-Fei Mok, PhD, climate equity specialist Tracy Morgenstern, Urban Sustainability Directors Network Michael Steinhoff, Kim Lundgren Associates Brian Swett, formerly City of Boston PREFACE This statement was drafted in fall 2019—prior to the emergence of COVID-19, prior to the renewed reckoning with structural racism following the murder of George Floyd, prior to the deeply unequal economic impacts of the pandemic, and prior to the 2020 elections and their aftermath that laid bare the fragility of democratic norms. As of March 2021, signs of light are appearing at the end of the pandemic tunnel, but even a relatively rapid economic recovery is unlikely to lead to a resumption of business as usual. Personal and community priorities have shifted, a new federal administration is vigorously linking climate change with economic justice, municipal and state budgets are upended, and the global geopolitical order is evolving rapidly. This is a moment to re-assess, consider where we have been as a local climate movement, what we have learned, and how we might proceed in the new circumstances ahead. Over the last 18 months, we have heard increasing awareness and discussion around many of the observations outlined below, but we have seen only fragments of these sentiments in action and in writing. In the spirit of collective learning, we share this statement as an expression of the state of the local government climate field in 2019, and we welcome dialogue about what no longer resonates and what may be more true than ever. The State of Local Climate Planning 1 We are practitioners who seek open dialogue within and beyond the current community of local climate practice. The prevailing approach to local climate planning is not sufficient to drive change as far and as quickly as necessary. INTRODUCTION WHO WE ARE We are current and former local government practitioners who work on local climate action planning from a variety of roles and organizational positions, both within and outside of local government. We share the point of view that local governments have critical roles to play in addressing climate change. We also agree that the status quo approach to local climate work needs to shift and that open dialogue within the community of practice is necessary. We have been directly involved in creating the prevailing model of local climate action, and we see an obligation and an opportunity to co-create a next framework, in collaboration with known and new partners. WHAT WE BELIEVE The local climate action movement has plateaued, in part because the current model is not sufficient to drive change as far and as quickly as necessary. The current paradigm is not centering community values, it is not changing systems, and it is getting communities neither to their climate targets nor to a host of community goals. We believe that climate change is an extreme expression of failing systems. The untenable growth in fossil fuel use is the result of an extractive economic model that relies on concentrating power and money among a few and shifting the negative impacts to those with the least. The widening gap between rich and poor reflects this dynamic, as does the profound injustice that climate impacts fall hardest on those who did the least to cause them. We believe that the next generation of local climate action must be a collective effort, centered around people and values and focused on opportunities for dramatic systems change. Local governments deserve credit for engaging seriously on climate change at a time when few institutions cared. The work that has been done to date has created the basis for understanding the potential contributions of local communities to the causes and solutions for The State of Local Climate Planning 2 What are the next frameworks for this work? What is the process for building, testing, and scaling new approaches? climate change. We’ve also learned much about what approaches are useful while attempting to understand complex systems with best available data. These achievements are significant and can help to move the practice forward. We now have the opportunity to learn from the work to date and evolve the practice of local climate work. OUR INVITATION While we see a clear need and have a vision for the shifts ahead in local climate work, we do not have all the answers for how to get there. We seek to invite open, reflective, and inclusive conversations on where we have been, what we have learned, and how we might evolve our collective work. We hope to spark discussions with others to explore questions such as: ● What have we learned from a decade plus of local climate planning and implementation? What do we know? What do we not know? ● What course correction is required? What needs to be let go of, carried forward, and built new? ● Who have we been engaging, both in our professions and in our communities? What people and institutions will be needed for the work ahead? ● What capacities are necessary at the field level in order to function adaptively? ● What skills, knowledge, and tools will local governments need going forward? If it is data, what is the data in service to? ● How do we rethink our governance models to better support planning and implementation of the work we can now see needs to be done? ● What are the next frameworks for this work? What is the process for building, testing, and scaling new approaches? The following observations and provocations are intended to spark dialogue. We welcome discussions with others to identify areas of alignment and divergence, and we encourage insights, objections, and proposals for better organizing approaches. The State of Local Climate Planning 3 HOW WE GOT HERE Since its origins in the 1990s, the mainstream practice of local climate planning has been built upon local GHG emissions targets, inventories and tracking—a practice that mirrored the approach taken by nation-states and has been repeatedly cemented in international agreements. Taking cues from the Kyoto Protocol, this model came into use among a few dozen U.S. cities by the early 2000s, spread slowly over the next handful of years, and then spread rapidly and widely as a result of the 2009 ARRA funding for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants, which specified that municipalities have an “energy plan” and identified energy savings, carbon emissions reduction, and job creation as key metrics. Organizing climate work around technical analysis of GHGs has contributed to establishing the legitimacy of the local government role in addressing climate change, but we are finding that it has also distorted the landscape of opportunity and distracted local government leaders and practitioners. In an era that emphasized metrics and equated good management with good measurement, constructing local climate action on a foundation of GHG inventories, local targets, technical analysis, and tracking helped establish local communities as credible actors on climate change. The first generation of local climate plans and GHG inventories clarified the significance of energy supply, buildings, transportation systems, and land use patterns as key systems that strongly shape local GHG emissions. These plans, coupled with mayoral commitment platforms and the erosion of momentum for federal climate policy in the U.S., led to a gradual recognition among nations of the opportunity for local action on climate to advance their goals. This manifested in international climate diplomacy in the Paris Agreement, which recognizes the role of “non-Party stakeholders,” for the first time specifically acknowledging cities and other subnational authorities as essential contributors. This change also marked the point where the role of voluntary reporting and disclosure changed from a good-faith exercise that informed local policy development to an expectation of frequent reporting of detailed inventory data to support international standardization. The State of Local Climate Planning 4 Despite this deserved recognition, the past decade plus of mayoral commitments, local climate plans, and intensive city-to-city sharing of best practices has not yet led to rapid transformational GHG reductions. Over the same span of time that recognition of the role of local governments has grown, even the best resourced, most ambitious, and longest-active cities have struggled to get on track to achieve their long-term GHG goals. Networks of local government climate practitioners enable fast, candid information exchange, and for more than a decade, mayors in increasing numbers have articulated compelling commitments to take aggressive climate action. Nonetheless, with rare exceptions, virtually no communities are on track for their GHG goals. The incremental reductions that have been gained in some places are often attributable to factors independent of local government actions and cannot be relied upon to deliver deeper reductions. Why this is the case deserves wide reflection and discussion, as do questions of the opportunity cost of time spent on inventories and analysis and whether local GHG targets are a helpful metric in the first place. As a starting point, we hypothesize that the current landscape results from a combination of: 1. Focusing on effects, rather than on causes; 2. Taking siloed, technology-oriented approaches; 3. Inadequate governance structures and equitable community partnerships; and 4. Limited practice of learning from our collective experience and course correcting. The following observations explore these challenges in more detail, focusing on the role of GHG analysis and inventories while also recognizing connections to the broader paradigm of which they are a part. 1. FOCUSING ON EFFECTS, RATHER THAN CAUSES Local government climate work has centered local GHG goals and made it difficult to see connections to the issues that local communities prioritize. This work has also focused on the legal authorities of local governments, yet these authorities have limited influence over the most important systems that need to change. • The root causes of most local GHG emissions are embedded in systems that are larger than an individual jurisdiction. Despite the fundamental mismatch between local government authorities and the scale of systems that largely determine GHGs, local governments have adopted local GHG goals and scrupulously tracked and reported on local emissions. The State of Local Climate Planning 5 • Local governments increasingly acknowledge that they cannot achieve their GHG goals by using their own authorities alone, and they are wrestling with ways to influence decisions by other policymakers, the private sector, and other major institutions. Practitioners experience tension between the obligation to use the levers that they do control and the need to contribute to larger changes that they do not control, though in some cases can influence. The emergence of multi-jurisdictional regional collaboratives has started to address the lack of regional governance to support collaborative action, but these nascent efforts are not yet adequate to address the scale of the problem. • At a programmatic level, getting cities out of frequent GHG inventory work frees up staff time for more consequential activities. This may include engagement across local government agencies to embed climate work into their initiatives around affordable housing, public health, community development, and economic development. It could also free up resources to engage with community leaders to build relationships and collaboratively define problems, develop and implement solutions, and build capacity to grow the climate movement beyond sustainability offices. • Local governments are uniquely positioned to foster social cohesion and strengthen democratic institutions that are essential to addressing the extractive systems that are the root causes of climate change, not just the end GHG emissions. Many of the root causes are hidden from a traditional GHG inventory. Other lenses and a broadened view, like Consumption-Based Emissions Inventory and systems analysis, provide more visibility into economic and social systems that are responsible for the underlying drivers of GHG-emitting activities. 2 . TAKING TECHNOCRATIC AND SILOED APPROACHES • The major barriers to climate action are political and socio-cultural, but current practice emphasizes technical analysis and solutions, positions GHG inventories as foundational, and centers the work around GHG reductions. The local government climate field has overemphasized emissions inventorying and reporting. Initially, emissions inventories were important to reveal the sources and drivers of GHG emissions. Communities still have an interest in understanding their footprint as a starting point, including understanding their consumption- The State of Local Climate Planning 6 based emissions. However, focus on this singular metric can result in the exclusion of more granular, up-to-date, and actionable metrics and information, and it has served to discourage practitioners from even looking for other metrics. GHG inventories are a resource-intensive yet invariably low-quality exercise that generates a badly lagging indicator of progress. (By low-quality we don’t mean poorly done or shoddy—simply that inventories are inherently inaccurate, with many estimations and complex causal factors that rarely produce insights beyond broad strokes.) Requirements around inventories imply that accuracy and adherence to process steps add value, but there is no evidence that “better” GHG inventories lead to more effective climate work, and there is abundant evidence that the focus on inventories and reporting takes nontrivial resources away from other priority work. Another unavoidable byproduct of focusing on local GHG inventories is the practice of comparing cities, which reveals a lot about variability in inventory methodology and existing conditions--electricity supply, building stock, historic land use patterns, climate, and weather--but very little about the effectiveness of climate action. Moreover, focusing on local GHGs diverts attention from the ultimate need to address global GHGs and each community’s role in reducing global GHGs. • Working against a baseline inventory has led cities to work incrementally and in technical silos. The focus on incremental goals against a baseline inventory (X% reduction below year Y by year Z) seemed appropriate for short-term climate action goals (i.e., for a 2020 horizon). However, it results in seeking low-hanging fruit and reaching for convenient levers, rather than assessing the fuller system and mapping a strategy to accomplish the transformational change that is required to get to sustainable GHG levels. It has led to a climate action framework that focuses on change within systems as they currently exist rather than developing systems change thinking and strategies. A contrasting approach would be to envision a local community in a carbon neutral world and set milestones to achieving that vision. • Climate efforts have often been siloed exercises that are rarely integrated with existing strategies and often lack contextualization with mayoral and community priorities such as jobs, affordability, and housing. Climate planning has typically been led by sustainability staff and issue experts with varying degrees of linkage to other citywide plans and agencies, despite widespread intention and efforts to recognize those connections. Building shared The State of Local Climate Planning 7 ownership across local governments will change the function of sustainability staff and will expand the focus to the underlying challenges: how to allocate the benefits and burdens of the needed investments, including who pays for what. Billions of dollars are at stake, even for mid-size communities, and addressing the financial implications will require an integrated, multi-department effort. • The communities and professional fields involved to date are relatively homogeneous, making it more difficult to achieve widespread action. The local governments that are currently engaged are politically homogeneous and less likely to build a groundswell of momentum nationally. Influencing higher- level policy will require the involvement of more and different communities, particularly if it is to be centered on people and the range of circumstances they face, from high-tech boomtowns to coal-mining communities. Similarly, influencing major local government policies and investments will require more and different professional disciplines beyond sustainability offices. Climate plans have typically been developed by sustainability offices with a range of involvement and ownership from other local agencies. While adopting standalone climate plans has strongly signaled elected official support for addressing climate, it has also sometimes left climate isolated from other core local government functions and disciplines as well as from community-based organizations focused on justice, affordability, health, and jobs. Changing systems will require the involvement of community groups, businesses, and institutions, not just policy change by local governments. 3. INADEQUATE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES AND EQUITABLE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS • Practitioners express a growing determination to center climate work around people and equity but are wrestling with what this looks like in practice. While public process is a standard component of local climate plan development, community members have typically been consulted—asked to review and comment—rather than invited to be at the table to co-design the solutions and determine how those solutions are implemented. For policy to respond to the needs of frontline communities, the communities themselves need to be involved in naming their needs and setting the course of action in collaboration with practitioners. Moreover, the prevailing approach centers around GHG emissions, a limited metric that does not capture the disproportionate impacts of the climate crisis on frontline communities. Other indicators and frameworks to evaluate The State of Local Climate Planning 8 climate equity are emerging, some more comprehensively than others. Fortunately, practices are emerging from collaborations with climate justice communities, with lessons learned about the new sorts of capacities that are needed to reinvent climate work in partnership with community. Multi-jurisdictional regional collaboratives are also emerging to start addressing the scale of the issue through peer learning, resource sharing, joint planning, and approaches to integrate emissions reductions with climate change adaptation and resilience planning. 4. LIMITED PRACTICE OF LEARNING FROM OUR COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE AND COURSE CORRECTING • The field of local government climate work has not yet established a practice and mechanism for collective learning from experience and course correction. Climate action is still a relatively young field, with few veteran practitioners. As new people enter the field, they look to established methodologies. The assumptions and processes established over a decade ago have not changed significantly, even as cities discover their limitations. The field has mostly stayed on the same course, with minimal mechanisms in place for adaptive management, course correction, field scale review and open dialogue. Sustainability staff struggle with the dilemma between continuing a methodology that elected officials have accepted in the past, even while recognizing its shortcomings, versus risking introducing new methodologies or frameworks that require re-justifying their work and potentially appearing to contradict or undermine their previous work. Researchers and non- governmental organizations have not felt encouraged to explore the hypotheses and findings at which they are arriving, such as to what extent cities are on track to achieve climate goals, what emissions reductions might be attributed to, what degree of city-to-city replication is taking place, and what scaling model(s) we are observing. As a young field, this lack of established learning practice is perhaps not surprising, and we can benefit from comparing our course-correction practices with those of mature fields such as public health. The State of Local Climate Planning 9 It is time to support a paradigm shift around climate work and engage in dialogue around what we have learned WHAT IS IT TIME FOR? The local climate field has reached a point in its growth and maturation that calls for an evolution of its foundational assumptions and practices. With more than a decade of learning and experience to call on, we envision an intensive multi-stakeholder assessment process to inform a next generation of local climate work. Fortunately, the level of political and personal engagement has never been higher. Veteran practitioners are starting to explore new approaches, and newcomers are open-minded about new norms. We are entering a period of transition, and alternative approaches to track and report progress are beginning to emerge that move beyond city-by-city annual GHG inventories. These approaches are not yet in widespread use, but examples are surfacing of communities that are shifting how they track progress, such as: • From focusing singularly on GHGs to centering people and equity and from reporting top-line GHG numbers to reporting leading indicators and activity metrics; • From individual jurisdiction GHG inventories and plans to regional or metro-scale data and action; • From costly, time-consuming bespoke inventories to utilizing new tools that simplify the process to get to a first-order inventory; • From responsibility held by disparate, individual local governments to state and federal support for climate services and capacity building programs; and • From frameworks originally designed for national and international policy to ones designed to support local processes, regional activation, and opportunities for new governance models to address climate change. To be clear, tracking GHGs is not without value. It provides a periodic opportunity—and obligation—to call attention to progress and challenges in addressing climate change. It also sheds light on the scope and scale of the challenges and the trends over time. But the deeper value of an emissions inventory is as an engagement and accountability tool for leadership and the community. Moreover, while many of the observations and recommendations shared here are about GHG inventories, it's not only about inventories. If we manage what we measure, changing the metrics means changing how we do climate action. The State of Local Climate Planning 10 It is time to support a paradigm shift around climate work and engage in dialogue around what we have learned; what it would look like to center climate work around community priorities; how decision-making can be shared with frontline communities; what the unique and essential roles of local government are in contributing to change; and how we can move from incremental progress to transformational change. Our experience is that these conversations have begun to happen sporadically, but there is not currently an open dialogue among and between practitioners and organizations in the field. It is urgent that we create this space, and we are interested in doing so. These conversations will allow us to align around a shared re-norming effort that spans organizations, sectors, scales, and points of entry— including a range of people and perspectives across the local climate system—in order to collaboratively generate new approaches. WE WELCOME DIALOGUE The work ahead does not live with a single organization or small group of people: We hope these observations support reflection, spark dialogue, and fuel an appetite to work in new directions with new partners. We are eager to engage with longstanding colleagues and new collaborators to co-create new models for local climate work, and all authors welcome further dialogue on the observations shared here and opportunities to evolve local and regional climate work. For general information on the discussions that resulted in this document, contact City Scale at info@cityscale.org. Summary of New Updates to Climate Action Work Plan – Update for October 2023 Buildings Promote Energy Efficiency and Performance Tips to the Public: Worksheet on maximizing energy efficiency IRA benefits to households included in communitywide mailer. (BE-1) Partner with Stakeholders to Promote Green Building Construction & Rehab: Work begins on student-built project on Ronalds Street, designed to achieve LEED Platinum designation, in collaboration with ICCSD, Housing Fellowship, HBA, and C-Wise. (BE-2) Incorporate an Education Component into Future Solar Installations on a City Property or Facility: Educational signage planned along bike/ped trail adjacent to Public Works facility highlighting rooftop solar array and energy efficiency features. (BE-5) Offer Free Home Energy Assessments Through Green Iowa AmeriCorps: '22-'23 GIA team completed 138 audits (75 for vulnerable households); ’23-’24 GIA team begins training; Staff submit letter of support to the State advocating for the continuation of the Commission on Volunteer Service. (BI-1) Launch a TIF-Funded Climate Action Incentive Program: Grant for high efficiency cooling tower approved for Graduate hotel; grant for HVAC upgrade for Hamburg 2 proposed. (BI-4) Consider a Building Permit Fee Rebate Program for Enhanced Energy Standards: Discussion with HBA to partner on promoting HERS grant through Parade of Homes prize. (BI-6) Initiate Energy Benchmarking Requirements: Soft launch of voluntary benchmarking program begins with a historic church and restaurant facility. (BR-4) Assess and update City zoning codes for solar readiness/friendliness: Staff initiate SolSmart certification, beginning with review of zoning regulations, and permitting and inspection practices. (BR-6) Net-Zero Public Housing: Climate and Housing Authority staff design pilot program offering grants for energy efficiency upgrades to single-family rental properties tied to landlord agreements to accept Section 8 vouchers to be launched in January. (BP-2) Municipal Building Efficiency and Electrification: LED lighting for Mercer Park ball field #1 approved. (BP-3) Advocate for State Legislative Changes to Enable Subscription-Based Community Solar: Climate Action Staff met with state Energy Office to discuss Solar for All community solar application and barriers to implementation under current MidAm tarrifs. (BP-4) Upcoming Priorities: • Identify priority actions to include in regional PCAP based on alignment with federal funding opportunities. • Launch energy efficiency pilot grant program in collaboration with Housing Authority. (BP-2) Long-term/ongoing opportunities: • Partner with HBA, ICCSD on student design competition for Net-Zero Home. (BI-7) • Evaluate city operations for 100% renewable potential. (BP-3) Transportation Significant Transportation Education and Outreach Campaigns: Climate Fest events include decorated bus stops, live music and engagement activities at transit hub, and EV car show featuring both the electric bus and electric cargo "Book Bike" at Farmers Market. (TE-1) Incentivize Public Transit Options: Launch of Fare Free pilot results in 53% increase in ridership over August 2022; plans for ongoing marketing/engagement to encourage transit usage. (TI-1) Explore Electric Vehicle (EV) Incentives Based on the Readiness Plan: Level 1 charging project completed for Peninsula Condo HOA. (TI-) Establish an Electric and Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Purchasing Policy: Initial fleet recommendations presented by ICF to staff; work commencing for related infrastructure analysis. (TCP-1) Complete the Transit Study and Implement Recommendations to Bolster Service and Increase Ridership: Procurement authorized for a Bus Rapid Transit Feasibility Study. (TPP-1) Upcoming priorities: • Reapply for Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community Status. (TPP-3) • Review Parking Regulations and Reductions. (TR-1) Long-term/ongoing opportunities: • Establish regular reporting protocol for tracking adherence to City idling policy. (TCP-2) • Explore Climate Change Analysis for new Subdivisions and Rezonings. (TR-2) Waste Engage the Public to Compost Organic Waste: City secures $4 million EPA grant to improve and expand footprint of compost facility by 2 additional acres. (WE-1) Education Campaigns for Neighborhoods to Reduce Waste/ Consumption at the Source: Proposed improvements to Sturgis Ferry Park include new recycling facilities (WE-2) Require All Park/Public Space Rentals to Recycle and Use "Green" Event Best Practices : Parks, Resource Management, and Climate staff explore "pop up" waste reduction event at Farmers Market utilizing durable dishware. (WCP-1) Initiate a Methane Feasibility Study: Biodigester/Methane Capture project proposed for wastewater facility. (WCP-2) Upcoming priorities: • Identify other potential host sites and track participation in the food waste drop-off program to determine feasibility of scaling up program. (WE-1) • Evaluate opportunities to update energy systems at Eastside Recycling Center/Environmental Education Center (WE-2) Long-term/ongoing opportunities: • Scale current mattress recycling pilot program to serve all residents. (WE-2) • Continue to explore partnership program to incentivize construction waste division. (WI-1) Adaptation Educate and Coordinate with Local Agencies on Health Impacts: Johnson County Public Health presented on high heat impacts and safety measures at Climate Fest event discussing Spot the Hot results. (AE-3) Concentrated Education Campaign for Private Properties about Native Plantings, Permeable Pavement, Rain Gardens, Soil Health, etc.: My Garden of a Thousand Bees screened as part of Climate Fest, highlighting native plants and pollinator health, and related bee craft workshop held at Robert A. Lee. (AE-4) Continue Implementation of the Natural Areas Management Plan: Improvements to forest and savanna habitats in Hickory Hill; native seed drill purchased to aid in future prairie plantings; prescribed burns in establish prairie areas followed by good growth response. (ACP-2) Expand Public Tree Planting: Street tree planting along Nevada Ave (south of Lakeside), Aster Ave, Whispering Prairie Ave, Blue Stem Ct, Coneflower Ct, Indigo Dr, Indigo Ct, Thistle Ct, Whispering Meadow Dr, Primrose Ct, Blazing Star Dr, Pinto Ln, Friendship St. (may carry into 2024). Fourth year of Root for Trees program launches; 293 voucher applications received in first two weeks. (ACP-3) Equity Review of Neighborhood and Population Outreach: Neighborhood equity map revised to utilize Justice 40 criteria in alignment with federal funding considerations; most recent Root for Trees vouchers mapped. (ACP- 4) Upcoming priorities: • Share results of “Spot the Hot” campaign with local health agencies and collaborate on ways to utilize the data. (AE-3) • Launch Resilience Hub pilot in 2024; seek federal funding to support expansion of the program. (ACP-2) Long-term/ongoing opportunities: • Develop Review Standards for New City Facility Construction and Major Rehabilitation Adaptation. (AP- 1) • Explore local funding options to continue floodplain buyouts. (ACP-1) Sustainable Lifestyle Host Sustainability Forum and Events: "Speaking of... Live!" held at Green House focused on resources for renters and tabling event for area conservation groups held at Big Grove during Climate Fest. (SLE-1) Develop a Climate Action Strategic Communications Plan: Community-wide mailer sent to every Iowa City household highlighting Climate Fest events and other Climate Action programs/resources. (SLPP-2) Incentives for the Public to Create and Maintain Local Food Production: Urban chicken regulations revised to do away with neighbor consent requirements, increase the number of allowable chickens to 6 hens, and allow for chickens at multifamily dwellings. (SLI-2) Develop a Green Procurement Policy: Procurement staff propose "sustainable procurement" as the topic of the next Iowa Public Procurement Association to explore topic and benchmark practices across the state. (SLCP-1) Upcoming priorities: • Share marketing plan successes and lessons learned at Growing Sustainable Communities Conference in 2024. (SLE-1) Long-term/ongoing opportunities: • Develop Sustainability Operations Guide for Iowa City organizations. (SLCP-2) Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 1 Ongoing BE‐1 Promote Energy Efficiency  and Performance Tips to  the Public 1.1 – 1.2, 1.6 ‐ Fall 2020: Programmable thermostat promotions ‐ Winter 2020: Business Partnership Smart Series  ‐ Spring 2021: Energy Blitz kits, South District ‐ Spring 2022: Video featuring successful insulation project in  Deerfield Commons promoted across communications  channels ‐ May 2022: Blower door test demonstration and energy  efficiency kits distributed at Public Works Open House. ‐ Nov 2022‐Jan 2023: Goldie "What R You" campaign  launched with ads placed in utility inserts, Gazette, Little  Village, buses, electronic billboards in City Hall and Senior  Center, and on KCCK, KCJJ, and Spotify. ‐April 2023: Energy Blitz Kits featured updated booklet,  including IRA rebates and credits checklist, and info on  MidAmerican rebates ‐ Aug. 2023: Worksheet on maximizing energy efficiency IRA  benefits to households included in communitywide mailer Key messages: Emphasize buildings ‐ Insulate home,  program thermostat, seal air leaks around doors and  windows ‐ April 2023: Engage commission with IRA household  incentives checklist ‐ July 2023: Consult with CAC as to suggestion to partner  with MidAm/UI to develop reporting tools Long‐Term  Ongoing 1 Jun‐20 BE‐2 Partner with Stakeholders  to Promote Green Building  Construction & Rehab 1.1‐1.4 ‐  Spring 2021: Initiated conversations with HBA; contributed  funding to aerobarrier sealing project for Parade of Homes ‐ Summer 2021: Held Smart Series webinar on green buildings ‐ Winter 2021: Analyst began research of Green Building  Performance Standards in other communities ‐ March 2022: Cold Climate Heat Pump webinar held for area  HVAC contractors ‐ Oct 2022: Public Space One hosts two window rehab  workshops as part of their Climate Action Grant project. ‐  Oct 2022: NDS staff to attend IAEE conference ‐ Dec. 2022: Iowa City dedicated $435K of ARPA funding to a  Quality Preapprecticeship Pogram that includes energy  efficiency and solar installation apprenticeships in  partnership with the UI Labor Center. ‐ May 2022: CAO Presentation to Historic Preservation  Commission on climate action goals and potential alignment  with rehab strategies ‐ Sept. 2023: Work begins on student‐built project on  Ronalds Street, designed to achieve LEED Platinum  designation, in collaboration with ICCSD, Housing  Fellowship, HBA, and C‐Wise ‐ May 2023: Full page ad in Parade of Homes insert  highlighting energy efficiency features in all the homes ‐ Feb 2024: Staff attend Building Momentum conference in  Des Moines ‐ See BI‐6 (permit rebates for enhanced energy standards) ‐ Continue to explore Building Performance Standards  policies from other communities ‐ Staff to coordinate meetings with stakeholders Underway Engage with HBA on preferred  approach; provide recommendations  or research to staff on successful  examples from other communities Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 1May‐20 BE‐3 Encourage the Local  Realtor Community to  Include Energy  Performance in the  Multiple Listing Services  (MLS) Property Inventory  1.1 & 1.6 ‐ Sept. 2022: Five ICAAR Realtors sponosored by Climate  Action Office to attend two‐day Green Designation training  on energy efficiency features in homes and how to market  energy performance to homebuyers. ‐ Nov 2022: :  ICAAR confirms energy performance fields will  be included in MLS Property Inventory starting in 2023;  Speaker contracted to offer training to IC Realtors on new  MLS fields in coordination with ICAAR ‐ March 2023: 34 local Realtors participated in training,  invited to give follow up presentations with local agencies. Completed 2Mar‐22 BE‐4 Educate the Community on  Energy Usage for Water  Treatment and Delivery 1.7 ‐June 2021: Sustainability Newsletter "By the Numbers"  focuses on electricity costs for water treatment, noting 6 out  of every $10 spent on electricity by the City is spent on water  treatment '‐ Oct. 2022: Tour of water treatment facility offered for  Climate Ambassadors ‐ March 2023: Local Water = Local Food campaign launched ‐ May 2023: Booth at Waterworks Open House event Long‐Term  Ongoing 2Sep‐22 BE‐5 Incorporate an Education  Component into Future  Solar Installations on a City  Property or Facility 1.4 ‐Sept. 2022: Staff in discussion with municipal airport about  planned solar installation and opportunities for education  componant ‐ Aug. 2022: Educational signage planned along bike/ped  trail adjacent to Public Works Facility featuring rooftop solar  array and energy efficiency features   In Development Solar prioritization working group  recommended a focus on more  unique co‐benefits as the education  element, such as EV charging paired  with a solar canopy or ground‐ mounted arrays paired with prairie  plantings 1Sep‐20 BI‐1 Offer Free Home Energy  Assessments through  Green Iowa AmeriCorps 1.1 ‐ GIA free home Energy Assessments occur annually. During  the COVID‐19 pandemic, weatherization kits were distributed  instead. ‐ Fall 2021 In‐home Energy Audits resumed; AmeriCorps  performing daily audits to meet demand/help with backlog ‐ Aug. 2022: 2021‐2022 GIA team performed a total of 109  audits (discovering 14 gas leaks in the process). ‐ June 2023: Agreement with Johnson County to co‐sponsor  2024 team to expand program reach ‐ Aug. 2023: '22‐'23 GIA team completed 138 audits (75 for  vulnerable households, defined as LI + additional  demographic indicator) ‐ Sept. 2023: '23‐'24 GIA team begins training; Staff submit  letter of support to the State advocating for the  continuation of the Commission on Volunteer Service. ‐ Ongoing: Collect data on annual household served, build  GIS map, explore ways to strengthen education and follow‐ up components, place signs in front yard and handbills in  the doors of neighboring homes ‐ Nov. 2023: Explore a referrel incentive program for  auditees (using powerstrips or other EE incentive) Completed/Long‐ Term Ongoing Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 2 Jun‐21 BI‐2 Enhance Energy Standards  for City Rehabilitation  Projects 1.1 ‐ Energy Efficiency guidelines for City rehab projects have  been established, all rehab participants receive free GIA  Energy Audit. ‐ Created handout detailing energy efficient features of home  for residents ‐ Climate Action and Housing Rehab staff have collaborated  to develop improvement priorities and a process for  continued partnership on increasing the energy efficiency of  homes rehabbed through the South District Homeownership  Program, including construction‐trade skills classes ‐ Climate Action collaborating with Housing Rehab staff to  install heat pump mini splits in a SD home and electrical panel  upgrades in 14 others to support future electrical appliance  upgrades. ‐ August 2022: First rehab property in South District  Homeownership Program featuring climate action  contributions (solar panels, heat pump HVAC and water  heater, Energy Star kitchen appliances, insulation, and native  plantings) sold to an income‐qualified Iowa City resident. ‐ Feb. 2023: Sale of second SDHP property featuring climate  action contributions ‐ Ongoing: Update GIS map with energy efficiency audits  and City invesments in residential energy efficiency and  other datasets as identified ‐ Ongoing: Contribute funding when necessary to improve  energy efficiency of rehab projects ‐ April 2023: Meet with NDS staff to discuss possible  collaboration on upcoming rehab projects Completed/Long‐ Term Ongoing Request mapping data when  beneficial to decision‐making 1Apr‐21 BI‐3 Coordinate Neighborhood  Energy Blitz Events 1.1 ‐ April 2021: Launched first Energy Blitz event around Earth  day with about 50 volunteers, coordinated with the SDNA. ‐ April 2022: Second Energy Blitz held in Lucas Farms; 50  volunteers and 950 homes reached ‐ April 2023: Blitz held in Creekside and Morningside‐Glendale  neighborhoods; 833 households reached. New "mini‐blitz"  scheduled for June for remaining Morningside‐Glendale  homes.‐ October 2023: Explore mini‐blitz in Lucas Farms annex,  mobile home park, or other small neighborhood Completed/Long‐ Term Ongoing Provide feedback on Neighborhood  Energy Blitz Program 'Phase 2'  proposal Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 1May‐20 BI‐4 Launch a TIF‐funded  climate action incentive  program aimed at reducing  industrial energy  consumption  1.2 & 5.4 ‐ Aug. ‐ Sept. 2020: Council approved URA amendments for   Heinz/Sycamore/Scott Six URA and Downtown/Riverfront  Crossings ‐ Spring 2021: Launched Heinz/SYC/Scott Six Industrial TIF  Energy Efficiency Matching Grant Program. 8 projects were  approved and 2 more anticipated. ‐  Commerical Energy Efficiency Improvement Matching Grant  Program launched in Downtown, Riverfront Crossings, and  Northside Marketplace. Deadline extended through March. ‐ May 2022: One application approved (window replacement  in historic building) and one application pending in  Downtown EE Grant Program. ‐ Jan 2022: Grant for LED retrofit in Brewery Square building  approved by Council. ‐ March 2023: Grant for HVAC upgrade, windows, and LED  fixtures approved for Bluebird Diner; grant for mechanical  and electrical system upgrades for Nuemann Monson  approved. TIF districts expiring in industrial zones in June,  concluding the program for those that area. ‐ July 2023: Grant for high efficiency cooling tower approved  for Graduate hotel ‐ Sept. 2023: Grant for HVAC upgrade for Hamburg 2  proposed ‐ Ongoing: Heinz/SYC/Scott 6 Industrial and   Downtown/Riverfront Crossings Commercial TIF Energy  Efficiency Matching Grant Programs Completed/Long‐ Term Ongoing Help promote programs 1Oct. 2021 BI‐5 Develop or Partner with  Local Stakeholders on a  Comprehensive Climate  Action Rehabilitation  Program 1.1 – 1.4 ‐ Conceptual conversations have taken place with community  partners. Significant interest in supporting skills/job training  program. ‐ 2021: See BI‐2 partnership with Neighborhood Services and  Kirkwood Community College.  ‐ Summer 2023: Reevaluate this project in light of  Kirkwood closure, IRA incentives, and other recent  developments; determine if we should form CAC working  group to explore example programs and equity strategies  (i.e. Cedar Rapids Transform Week) Not Started Recommend example programs and  equity strategy. 2Feb‐23 BI‐6 Consider a Building Permit Fee Rebate Program for Enhanced Energy  Standards 1.3  ‐ April 2022: Climate Action Analyst met with NDS and assist  with compiling requirements, potential costs, and offset ‐ Feb‐May 2023: Continued discussions with NDS to draft  plan, including structuring as a grant rather than fee rebate  and pairing it with HERS score for independent verification. ‐ July 2023: Discussion with HBA to partner on promoting  HERS grant through Parade of Homes prize ‐ Summer 2023: Present to proposal to Climate Action  Commission (Intro, Proposal, Challenges, Staff  Recommendations) ‐ Summer 2023: Launch (perhaps in tandem with BI‐5,  comprehensive rehabilitation program) In Development Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 2Nov‐22 BI‐7 Initiate a Net‐Zero House Design Competition 1.3 ‐ Conceptual conversations have included establishing a  student and professional category and possibility of a  modified category for retrofit/remodel at lower energy  savings. ‐ Spring 2022: A possible collaboration with a student design  competition/student build project is underway with NDS,  CAO staff and HBA In Development Working Group to be assigned to  engage with potential partners and  develop concept for staff to further  develop with parameters and  implementation. 2Mar‐21 BI‐8 Complete a Net‐Zero Demonstration Rehabilitation Project 1.1 & 1.4  ‐ June 2021: Two demonstration projects were showcased in  the Remodeler's Parade and will be sold as part of the South  District  Homeownership Program. Work included walls, floor,  and attic rehab, new windows and doors, heat pump HVAC  and water heater, and pollinator garden. Solar was installed  on both units in August 2021. ‐ Fall 2022: Review "zero carbon" video, Explore models  from other cities, request suggestions from USDN network ‐ Rough outline of program taken to Doug Black and David  Powers for review, suggestion as to next house to try ‐ Possbily follows pathway identified for BI‐6 Underway 2May‐21 BI‐9 Launch an Electrification Incentive Program  1.1‐1.2 & 1.4 ‐ MidAmerican offers select rebate options ‐ Iowa City offers energy efficiency loan program for HVAC  and insulation projects ‐ May 2021: Received feedback from Climate Action  Commission on Residential EE Rebate Program ‐ Oct 2021: Staff developed a supplemental grant program for  electirifcation/ee improvements for households in targeted  neighborhoods participating in the existing NDS rehab loan  programs.  ‐ April 2022: Climate Action Grant awarded to Habitat for  Humanity to support a Women's Build Electrification Project  and to Prairie Kitchen Store to replace gas water heater with  electric heat pump unit. In Development As work progresses, will require  Commission feedback and  recommendations   3Jan‐24 BI‐10 Incentivize energy  enhancements and  building re‐ and retro‐ commissioning for  particpants in the energy  benchmarking program 1.6 ‐ See BR‐4 ‐ See steps for BR‐4, which must happen first ‐ 2023: Begin benchmarking ‐ 2024‐2025: Incentivize improvements Not Started 1 Jun‐20 BR‐1 Create a More Robust  Energy Code Inspection  Program 1.1 ‐1.2 ‐ City Council provided budget authority for addition of  inspector to enable expanded workload ‐ Nov. 2021: New inspectors hired, onboarding underway ‐ Spring 2022: Building code inspectors have begun  training/certification process for energy code, attending an  Iowa Energy Office seminar in March as a department ‐ Winter 2022: NDS staff developing inspection criteria.  Climate Analyst to assist with data analysis needs. Climate  Engagement Specialist to asssit with education and  outreach needs for developer/building community. ‐ Nov. 2022: All inspectors fully trained in energy code. Long‐Term  Ongoing Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 1Aug‐20 BR‐2 Incorporate Stricter Energy  Standards into Tax  Increment Financing  Policies 1.3 – 1.4 ‐ Currently addressed administratively through the  development process (standards not codified). For example,  elements of recent development proposals have included  LEED Silver standard build (min. of 8 points from energy  category), rooftop solar, low flow fixtures, and stormwater  improvements.  ‐ Sept. 2022: NDS staff to codify standards through  amended TIF policy for Council consideration In Development Contribute commentary to City  Council. 2Sep‐22 BR‐3 Incorporate Strict Energy Standards into Height and Density Bonuses 1.3 – 1.4 ‐ Application of the height density bonus is discretionary and  staff have been instructed to require energy efficiency  measures as a category for height bonuses. These provisions  closely mirror the existing TIF standards. Staff will continue to  adminstratively require stricter standards until the Code is  amended. ‐ Sept. 2022: NDS to recommend updating code to include  density bonuses and parking reductions for building to 2022  Energy Code and/or full electrification in new construction ‐ Jan. 2023: Council approves recommended code  amendments related to density bonuses; see also BR‐6 ‐ Sept. 2022: NDS staff to prepare Code amendment to  Riverfront Crossings District Code for Council consideration Long‐Term  Ongoing Contribute commentary to City  Council. 2 Jun‐23 BR‐4 Initiate Energy  Benchmarking Requirements 1.6 July 2022: Staff have begun researching energy benchmarking  programs, looking at other communities and conducting a  basic analysis of building footprints in Iowa City; propose  establishing a Working Group to provide a recommendation  to City Council on this topic. ‐ March 2023: Working group formed; Staff tracking HF 605, a  benchmarking preemption bill that was not passed in this  legislative session but anticipated to be revived in the next  session (see also BI‐10) ‐ Aug./Sept. 2023: Soft launch of voluntary benchmarking  program begins with a historic church and restaurant facility  ‐ Summer 2022: Climate Action staff talk to P&G and other  entities about current energy tracking ‐ Nov‐Dec 2022: Climate Action Analyst and Building  Inspection staff conduct research into regulations, sample  programs, and data sources ‐ Jan‐Feb 2022: Climate Action Analyst establishes Iowa City  benchmarking parameters, prepares proposal for Climate  Action Commission feedback ‐ Summer/Fall 2023: Begin signing up businesses to  participate in energy benchmarking Long‐Term  Ongoing Recommend sample programs and  provide feedback as work progresses. 2Feb‐23 BR‐5 Develop Climate Action Requirements for all  Existing and Future Rental  Permits 1.1 & 1.7 Not Started  ‐ NDS to determine criteria with data analysis assistance  from Climate Action Analyst ‐ Convene CAC working group in Jan. 2023 to identify next  steps: Should this be reconfigured as a recognition  program, given feedback in 2022 from NDS staff of the  difficulty in passing requirements that don't have a clear  health & safety connection? Or should requirements (i.e.  A/C) be identified that have a health and safety connection  as a possible way forward? Not Started Recommend criteria for City staff to  consider in developing proposal (LED  lighting, A/C, water fixtures,  composting?) Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 1Sep‐22 BR‐6 Assess and update City  zoning codes for solar  readiness/friendliness 1.4 Sept 2022: Staff reviewed current code to identifiy potential  barriers to solar adoption within the City and drafted a  memo, presented to the Solar Prioritization Working Group,  of proposed changes and incentives to recommend to City  Council for adoption. ‐ Nov/Dec 2022: Code amendments brought to Planning and  Zoning Board, public hearing set for Jan. 10 to consider  adoption ‐ Jan. 2023: Code amendments, including development  incentives encouraging solar, adopted by Council ‐ July 2023: Staff initiate SolSmart certification, beginning  with review of zoning regulations, and permitting and  inspection practices Completed Solar prioritization working group  provided recommendations in initial  memo; can conduct ongoing review  of solar projects 1May‐20 BCP‐1 Advocate for State  Adoption of Advanced  Energy Codes  1.1 – 1.4 ‐ Included in City Council State Legislative Priorities in 2021,  2022 (Note: adoption of updated codes is administrative and  not a policy decision) ‐Included in City Council State Legislative Priorities for 2023 Ongoing: staff will continue to advocate each legislative  session Long‐Term  Ongoing 1May‐20 BCP‐2 Advocate for Aggressive  Energy Code Development  and Adoption  1.1 – 1.4 ‐ Eligble staff voted for adoption of new IECC codes in 2020 ‐ City staff began early discussions with HBA on potential for  voluntary elevation of energy efficient building standards  ‐ Sept. 2022: Climate Action sponsored three Building  Inspectors to attend IAEE Energy Summit ‐ Climate staff to work with HBA to determine how  voluntary local program would work with HERS/ResCheck  standards; compare with information from Inspections on  new energy code inspections (See BR‐1) Long‐Term  Ongoing Engage with local HBA and advise  staff. 1Apr‐20 BP‐1 Solar or Battery Storage  Partnership with  MidAmerican 1.5 ‐ April 2020: Proposed project at Waterworks Prarie Park was  not approved. ‐ Oct. 2020: Johnson Clean Energy District granted funds to  perform solar feasibility study to include potential solar sites. ‐ Solar study completed January 2022; potential follow‐up  priorities identified in CAC working group ‐ Working group reviews potential priorities; memo sent to  City Council in Sept. 2022.‐ Jan. 2021: Receive Solar Feasibility Study from JCED and  share with Climate Action Commission ‐ Pursue partnership projects as directed Underway Solar prioritization working group  recommeded continuing  converations with MidAmerican  Energy about hosting a solar project,  adding battery storage to the  conversation, and planning public  engagement efforts to address any  concerns from residents 2Jan‐22 BP‐2 Net‐Zero Public Housing 1.1 & 1.7 ‐ July‐Sept. 2023: Staff design pilot program offering grants  for energy efficiency upgrades to single‐family rental  properties tied to landlord agreement to accept section 8  vouchers to launch in January ‐ Summer 2022‐spring 2023: Monitor Habitat for Humanity  Climate Action Grant project to identify potential for future  Net Zero partnership  ‐ Jan. 2024: Talk with Housing to Identify location for  project (retrofit or construction) ‐ See also BI‐2In Development Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 3 Jun‐24 BP‐3 Municipal Building  Efficiency and  Electrification 1.4 & 1.7 ‐ The City is undertaking a full upgrade from HID to LED  lighting on all parking ramp top decks. 10 have been  completed on the Court St. Ramp and and 31 more are  planned for replacement at the Dubuque, Capitol, and Swan  ramps in Spring 2022.  ‐ Complete LED lighting retrofit added to projects slated for  third floor City Hall summer 2022 ‐ LED lighting retrofit for Waterworks slated for fall 2022 ‐ February 2023: Airport and fire station HID lights upgraded  to LEDs; Facilities management and climate staff establish  quarterly meetings with MidAmerican Energy and Nexant to  review upcoming facilities projects and identify energy  efficiency opportunities. ‐ Sept. 2023: LED lighting for Mercer Park ball field #1  approved Climate Action Analyst & Facilities staff collaborate to  assemble necessary data before initiating planning. ‐ Mercer Park outdoor lighting retrofit identified as possible  2023 project; looking to pair it with EV charging Long‐Term  Ongoing 2Sep‐22 BP‐4 Advocate for State  Legislative Changes to  Enable Subscription‐Based  Community Solar 1.5 ‐ Included in City Council State Legislative Priorities in 2021,  2022 ‐ Dec 2022: City Council approves inclusion of virtual net  metering in legislative priorities ‐ Aug ‐ Sept. 2023: Climate Action Staff met with state  Energy Office to discuss Solar for All community solar  application and barriers to implementation under current  MidAm tarrifs ‐ See also BP‐1 Long‐Term  Ongoing Solar prioritization working group is  supportive of the continuation of this  approach and recommends  coordination with other municipal  entities and interested organizations 1Aug‐20 TE‐1 Significant Transportation  Education and Outreach  Campaigns  2.3 ‐ Climate Ambassador program includes segments related to  transportation. ‐ Sept. 2021: EV Car Show as part of ClimateFest ‐ Dec. 2021: Bus wraps for new electric buses designed to  include climate action promotion component ‐  "Speaking of… Electric Vehicles" webinar hosted March  2022, Electric Bus Bash held May 6 ‐ May 2023:“Walk and Roll Weekly” campaign launched; Book  Bike purchased in collaboration with the library; booth at Bike  to Work Week event at Big Grove.  ‐ Sept. 2023: Climate Fest events include decorated bus  stops, live music and engagement activities at transit hub,  and EV car show featuring both the electric bus and electric  cargo "Book Bike"at Farmers Market ‐ Ongoing: identify opportunities through marketing study.  Ideas: celebrations/thank you's for dedicated riders,  supplemental transit facility or stop improvements ‐ Future: Work with Transportation Services Department on  aligning messaging (i.e. bus fair video) ‐ Prioritize messaging in areas where education can make a  difference, EVs and transit Long‐Term  Ongoing Contribute ideas and suggestions for  initiatives, partnerships, and  outreach. 3May‐24 TE‐2 Launch an Eco‐Driving Campaign Alongside Employers  2.5 ‐ June 2022: MPO transportation planners hosting "Easy on  the Gas" Lunch and Learn highlighting carpool, vanpool,  rideshare, express bus, and dial‐a‐ride options for area  commuters. Potential ideas: grant for installation of EV charging ports,  paired with informational campaign and car‐free week  (coordinated with employers). "Safe Routes to Work"  campaign? '‐ June 2022: Staff in conversation with ACT about  collaborating on an employee carpool program Underway Contribute ideas and suggestions for  initiatives, partnerships, and  outreach. Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 2Sep‐21 TI‐1 Incentivize Public Transit Options 2.2 ‐ July 2021: Implemented Transit Study fare and transfer  policy changes. ‐ Both the ICPL and Recreation Division offer a "ride home"  pass valid for ICT ‐ June 2022: ICPL/Recreation Department offer "ride home"  pass again ‐ Aug. 2023: Launch of Fare Free pilot results in 53% increase  in ridership over August 2022; plans for ongoing  marketing/engagement to encourage transit usage ‐ 2022: Explore low‐income fare free pilot program Underway Contribute ideas and suggestions for  initiatives, partnerships, and  outreach. 3Jan‐22 TI‐2 Explore Electric Vehicle  (EV) Incentives Based on  the Readiness Plan 2.5 EV Readiness Plan completed. High Priority Actions: '‐ Grant program, prioritizing DC fast chargers ‐ Amend code to require EV charging as a permitted accessory  use, and to include requirements or incentives (i.e. density  bonus) for the installation of charging infrastructure in new  construction or major renovations ‐ Identify locations for publicly owned EV chargers ‐ Low‐interest EV loan assistance for income‐qualified and  disadvantaged communities ‐ Partnership with dealers to facilitate point‐of‐sale rebates  for Evs ‐ Develop comprehensive EV resources website for Eastern  Iowa audience ‐ March 2022: Multi‐family rebate program proposal to assist  with electrical panel upgrades and equipment installation  costs of EV charging units at apartment buildings launched ‐ April 2023: Agreement signed with first condo association to  help fund wiring/outlets to support EV charging readiness ‐ July 2023: Level 1 charging project completed for Peninsula  Condo HOA 2022: High Priority actions included in EV Readiness Plan  ‐ April 2022: Launch EV Grant Program   ‐ Sept. 2022: Code changes in tandem with BR‐2, BR‐3 2023: Monitor fed/state funding opportunities Long‐Term  Ongoing 2Apr‐23 TR‐1 Review Parking  Regulations and Consider Innovative Ways to Encourage Alternative Modes of  Travel 2.6 FY23 Recommended Budget includes funding to complete a  study on possible Parking Code changes. ‐Spring 2022: City enacted ordinance allowing parking  enforcement staff to issue warnings/ticket vehicles blocking  bike lanes ‐ April 2023: Climate Analyst meet with NDS to understand  building and land use issues and develop analysis report  with recommendations, including equity analysis Long‐Term  Ongoing 3Oct. 2025 TR‐2 Require Climate Change  Analysis for new  Subdivisions and  Rezonings 2.4 Not Started  ‐Summer 2022: Post question to USDN forum about similar  programs ‐Winter 2022: Engage planning staff for feedback; identify  resources needed ‐ Summer 2023: Present recommendations to CAC for  review and recommendations Not Started Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 1May‐20 TCP‐1 Establish an Electric and  Fuel‐Efficient Vehicle  Purchasing Policy  2.2 ‐ Sept. 2020: Written policy completed which includes  preferences for Evs, describes process by which vehicle  options are to be evaluated ‐ Spring 2022: Zero Emissions Fleet Transition Plan for future  transit purchases, including EV and hydrogen cell buses,  completed ‐ Summer 2022: Climate Action and Fleet Service staff  collaborating on installation of additional charging stations to  support two new EVs added to City fleet. ‐ Sept. 2022: RFP released to contract for a Zero Emissions  Fleet Transition Plan for all city vehicles ‐ Dec. 2022: Permanent chargers for electric buses delivered  to transit facility, installation underway. ‐ May 2023: UI engineering students complete benefit‐cost  analysis of hydrogen vs electric "fuel" for city fleet vehicles;  firm selected to conduct fleet transition plan. ‐ Sept. 2023: Initial fleet recommendations presented by ICF  to staff; work commencing for related infrastructure analysis ‐ Jan. 2022: Arrival of 4 electric transit buses ‐ April 2022: Staff exploring possibility of building upon the  Zero Emissions Fleet Transition Plan for transit to a full  Fleet Transition Plan for all City vehicles.  Completed 1May‐20 TCP‐2 Track Adherence to City  Idling Policy  2.7 ‐ AVL equipment provides digital idling data. In FY20, 30 City  vehicles were equipped with AVL technology, and another 60  vehicles equipped in FY21. ‐ Winter 2022: Climate Action Analyst to work with Fleet  Superintendent to commence regular reporting and  analysis of effectiveness Long‐Term  Ongoing Review reports as implemented. 3Feb‐24 TCP‐3 Review Transportation  Subsidies, Work Schedules  and Tele‐Work Policies for  City Employees 2.1 ‐ 2021: Following COVID‐19 pandemic,  conversations on  flex/tele‐work policy were initiated ‐ June 2022: City Manager's Office presented new tele‐work  and flexible work options to City employees, to be  implemented on a departmental basis.‐ Staff will continue to evaluate potential opportunities ‐ Fall 2023: Pilot staff engagement program to increase bus  ridership to City Hall with aim to share best strategies with  area employers Completed Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 1Jan. 2019 TPP‐1 Complete the Transit Study  and Implement  Recommendations to  Bolster Service and  Increase Ridership  2.1 ‐ Oct. 2020: Completed Transit Study presented to City  Council ‐ July ‐ Aug. 2021: New route, fare, stop changes  implemented as recommended by the Study ‐ Adjustments made to four transit routes (2, 10, 12, 13)  based on driver and rider feedback to better accommodate  route transfers ‐ Aug. 2022: Transit approved to hire 4 additional bus drivers  to help cover new routes and services in support of Transit  Study recommendations ‐ May 2023: Transit system upgrades implemented: buses on  Court and Towncrest routes to begin running 20 minute  service; expanded service on N. Dodge route up to  Highlander; 8 routes now have earlier start times. ‐ Sept. 2023: Procurement authorized for a Bus Rapid Transit  Feasibility Study ‐ 2022: Staff will explore low‐income free‐fare pilot  program and late‐night on‐demand service Long‐Term  Ongoing 2 Jul‐21 TPP‐2 Complete Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Plan and Implement Recommendations  2.2 ‐ May 2021: EV Readiness Plan completed ‐  EV charging rebate for apartment and condo buildings  launched in March 2022. ‐ July 2022: Climate Action staff help secure VW settlement  funds to add EVSE to Chauncey Swan and Dubuque Street  parking ramps. ‐ Dec 2022: Parking staff preparing to implement required EV  tax at public charging stations in 2023 as required by state  law. ‐ See TI‐2 for implementation of resulting  recommendations Long‐Term  Ongoing 2Aug‐21 TPP‐3 Achieve Gold Bicycle Friendly  Community Status and Begin Work Toward Platinum Status 2.3 ‐ Aug. 2021: City applied for Gold‐level Bicycle Friendly  Community designation ‐ Spring 2022: City received Silver‐level designation, but has  submitted documentation showing peer cities with lower  scores receiving Gold and Platinum designations in hopes of a  revised rating ‐ Ongoing progress on Bicycle Master Plan completed  annually Long‐Term  Ongoing May want to provide suggestions or  support for local bicycle initiatives Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 1 Jun‐20 WE‐1 Engage the Public to  Compost Organic Waste 3.2 ‐ May 2021: Organic waste curbside collection direct mail  postcards.  ‐ Resource Management and Climate Action Staff initiating a  partnership with Table to Table on a  a small‐scale  commerical food waste processing system. Completed food  audit. ‐Planning for 2022 Zero‐Waste Farmer's Marketing &  composting staff underway. ‐ AmeriCorps to host vermicompoting workshop in April 2022 ‐ May 2022: "Love Food, Fight Waste" education campaign  launched to provide education/resources to reduce  residential food waste. ‐ Sept. 2022: City collaborates with Table to Table for "Just  Eat It" film screening at municpal airport; Food waste  processing system installed at Table to Table ‐ Oct. 2022: "Speaking of... " discussion included focus on  composting process in Iowa City ‐ May 2023: Home compost bin bulk buy program launched  (order doubled after bins sold out in first hour); "Food Waste  Wednesday" drop‐off program pilot launched at Eastside  Recycling Center ‐ Sept. 2023: City secures $4 million EPA grant to improve  and expand footprint of compost facility by 2 additional  acres ‐ 2023: Launch residential drop‐off pilot program Long‐Term  Ongoing Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 1 Jul‐20 WE‐2 Education Campaigns for  Neighborhoods to Reduce  Waste/ Consumption at  the Source 3.3 ‐ Course materials created for educators ‐ Climate Ambassador Program includes waste unit ‐"Speaking of… Wishful Recycling" webinar hosted in Feb.  2022 ‐ May 2022: Targeted waste diversion campaign initiated by  the City during dorm move out collected 2,800 pounds of  unopened, non‐perishable food, 385 pounds of grooming  projects, and 22 pounds of batteries. Afternoon shift of  Energy Blitz collected 140 pounds of batteries and 60 pounds  of lightbulbs.  ‐ July 2022: Donation Drive‐Thru event diverted 8,246 pounds  of material from the landfill; July "Speaking of..." discussion  emphasized reducing consumption as a higher priority  climate action than purchasing "green" products. ‐ Nov. 2022: Proposed improvements to Sturgis Ferry Park  include cardboard compactor and five recycling bins. ‐ April 2023: "Speaking of... Plastics" discussion at Big Grove  focuses on purchasing practices and reducing consumption as  key strategies. ‐ July 2023: Proposed improvements to Sturgis Ferry Park  include new recycling facilities Monthly: Climate Action & Resource Management staff are  piloting a public outreach campaign with the goal to  educate and engage on differing climate action/resource  mgmt. topics each month. ‐ Resource Management staff researching Recycling  Ambassador programs as possible parallel  offering/supplement to Climate Ambassador program Long‐Term  Ongoing Feedback or suggestions welcome. 3Oct‐24 WI‐1 Incentivize Construction  Waste Diversion 3.4 Jan. 2022: Staff began preliminary conversations on a  possible partner program in Jan. 2022. ‐ Oct. 2022: Resource Management staff attend Build + Reuse  Conference on demolition recycling ‐ May 2023: Partnership between City and Habitat for  Humanity formed to sell bricks removed during Ped Mall  projects with proceeds benefitting future builds ‐2023: Resource management staff explore possibility of  construction demo disposal template In Development Recommend examples from other  cities or building projects. 2Feb‐23 WR‐1 Develop a  Policy/Ordinance Requiring Specific  Demolition or Deconstruction  Recycling Standards/ Procedures 3.4 Not Started  ‐ Spring/summer 2023: Resource management staff  research policy examples and capacity issues. ‐ Fall 2023: Resource management staff present to CAC for  recommendation Not Started Recommend examples from other  cities. 2Jan‐21 WR‐2 Mandating Signage to  Assist Waste Collection 3.1 ‐ Spring 2021: City received a grant to implement signage at  multi‐family residential buildings for uniform labeling of  waste/recylcing containers Completed Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 2 Jun‐20 WCP‐1 Require All Park/Public  Space Rentals to Recycle  and Use "Green" Event  Best Practices. 3.5 ‐ June 2020: Staff developed agreements for sports  organizations renting athletic facilities. ‐ June 2022: Parks Department begins using can and bottle  bins for waste diversion at athletic fields ‐ Sept. 2023: Parks, Resource Management, and Climate  staff explore "pop up" waste reduction event at Farmers  Market utilizing durable dishware Completed/Long‐ Term Ongoing Review new contracts for parks  athletics use and provide guidance  for general parks rentals, including  equity review 1 May‐20 WCP‐2 Initiate a Methane  Feasibility Study 3.7‐3.8 January 2021: Study completed and presented to Climate  Action Commission. Commission recommended to City  Council to not advance the project at this time; deemed cost  prohibitive. ‐ Summer 2023: Upgrades made to wastewater facility to  enable food waste processing pilot. ‐ Sept. 2023: Biodigester/Methane Capture project proposed  for wastewater facility ‐ 2023: Climate Action Staff explore potential funding  opportunities under IRA ‐ Annually: Resource management staff revisit study to  identify new opportunities Completed Commission Members Prepared a  Recommendation 1May‐20 AE‐1 Develop Climate  Amassador Team 4.2 ‐ Three cohorts completed during 2020‐2021 ‐ Fourth ambassador cohort completed training March 2022. ‐Climate Ambassador Newsletter to launch summer 2022 to  help retain trainees/sustain engagement ‐ Climate Ambassador Picnic scheduled for July 2022, Field  trips for Climate Ambassadors to landfill and transit facility  scheduled for August. ‐ Nov. 2022: Fifth cohort of Climate Ambassadors complete  training; a parallel Climate Ambassador training for City staff  in development to aid in deployment of new City Council  Strategic Plan. ‐ Winter 2023: Staff revisit program to refresh/update  based on previous trainings Completed/Long‐ Term Ongoing Receive update and assist with  recruiting new participants. Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 2Apr‐21 AE‐2 Establish "Resilience Hubs" 4.2 ‐ As part of ClimateFest 2021, Resilience Hub outreach and  education completed by A&W Sustainable Planning. ‐ Climate Resilience Corps. program ready to launch June  2022 ‐  Feb. 2022: A&W Sustainable Planning hosted a climate  resilience workshop in collaboration with the Center for  Worker Justice to identify vulnerabilities and possible  resilience measures for the populations they serve. ‐ Sept. 2022: Solar Prioritization Working Group recommends  continued use of Climate Action Grants to support solar  installations at nonprofits to support their function as  resilience hubs; Staff participate in USDN resilience hub  training ‐ Nov. 2022: Discussions initiated with Neighborhood Centers  of Johnson County about collabortating as a resilience hub;  Resilience Hub Working Group engaged to help evaluate sites  as potential emergency shelters vs. resilience hubs or  resilience partners. ‐ March/April 2023: Climate Resilience Corps distributes  resilience kits to 216 households; ongoing discussions with  NCJC as potential resilience hub pilot site. ‐ Spring/Summer 2023: Develop implementation plan and  launch pilot  ‐ See also SLI‐1 In Development Working group supports efforts to  establish resilience hubs through  research, meetings, event planning,  promotion, etc. 1May‐21 AE‐3 Educate and Coordinate  with Local Agencies on  Health Impacts 4.7 ‐ Staff continue to participate in Invest Health initiatives ‐ May 2022: Climate Action staff met with Johnson County  Public Health to collaborate on messaging/public education  regarding high heat and health impacts. ‐ July 2022: High heat resilience kits distributed at Lucas  Farms History Days event. ‐ Summer 2023: “Spot the Hot” NIHHIS‐CAPA Urban Heat  Island Mapping campaign initiated in collaboration with  Cedar Rapids with input/participation by Johnson County  Public Health. ‐ Sept. 2023: Johnson County Public Health presented on  high heat impacts and safety measures at Climate Fest event  discussing Spot the Hot results Invest Health: ‐ Invest Health project Community Health Index: ‐ February 2023: Engage Johnson County Public Health on  Community Health Index ‐ Summer 2023: Commence Community Health Index Study ‐ October 2023: Develop recommended actions with  stakeholder group based on CHI metrics ‐ 2023 ‐ 2030: Implementation with regular data tracking Underway Attend invitation to public health  stakeholder meeting (unscheduled);  consider guidance about ideal  projects, or other partners   Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 2Apr‐21 AE‐4Concentrated Education Campaign for Private Properties about Native Plantings, Permeable Pavement, Rain Gardens,  Soil Health, Rain Barrels  and Cisterns 4.5  ‐ Spring 2021: Americorps held Rain Barrel  Giveaway/Engagement event; City partnered with the IC Area  Business Partnership to hold a 'Green Buildings' Webinar ‐ Parks & Recreation conduct outreach and education  activities in conjunction with community gardens ‐ "Your Best Lawn" video campaign in April 2022 resulted in  double the number of applications to participate in the Soil  Quality Restoration (SQR) program for 2022 ‐ May 2022: Climate Action Grant awarded to M68  Apartments to replace turf grass with native plantings. ‐ April/May 2023: Parks staff host first Native Plant  Symposium in April; AmeriCorps team launches “Native  Neighborhoods” program; NDS staff launch “Lawn Love”  program and related videos to promote native landscapes at  residences. ‐ Sept. 2023: My Garden of a Thousand Bees  screened as  part of Climate Fest, highlighting native plants and  pollinator health, and related bee craft workshop held at  Robert A. Lee ‐ 2024: Explore collaboration with engineering on a Goldie  campaign focused on stormwater management  ‐ Future: Hold stormwater management education activity  or demonstration projects Long‐Term  Ongoing Provide feedback and  recommendations for existing natural  areas and stormwater management  programs 2Mar‐23 AE‐5 Coordinated Efforts with  Local Emergency Agencies  and Utility Agencies  Providing Critical  Infrastructure 4.3‐4.4 ‐ City staff participate in regular Local Emergency Planning  Committee ‐ As part of 2021 Climate Action Grant, the Multicultural  Development Center completed an Extreme Weather  Preparedness Event targeting underserved youth, including  co‐benefits of STEM education on assembling Raspberry Pi  computers the youth were able to keep for their homes.  ‐ May 2022: Johnson County Public Health Emergency  Manager providing supplies for inclusing in Teen Resilience  Corps kits.  ‐ Summer 2023: Engage with police and fire departments  to research opportunities with Smart 911 and Special  Needs Emergency Registry ‐ See BP‐1 for utility resilience recommendations from Solar  Feasibility Study Long‐Term  Ongoing Identify priority issues to be brought  up with emergency management ‐  specifically equity concerns. 1 Jul‐20 AI‐1Partner with Project Green  on a Tree Planting  Partnership; Incentives for  Private Tree Planting 4.6  ‐ October 2020: Root for Trees tree voucher/planting  program launched. 520 vouchers were distributed, 333  redeemeed ‐ Annually Parks staff host opportunities for individuals and  organizations to hold tree planting events, often around Earth  Day ‐ The City completed approximately 1,200 new tree plantings  in 2021 through both City plantings and partnership planting  events with organizations. ‐ Second year of Root for Trees program distributed 492  vouchers. ‐ Feb/March 2023: Forestry staff in conversation with Project  Green to use Heritage Tree funds for a 5‐year plan to  reestablish oak savannah in Oakland Cemetary.‐  Fall 2023: Convene meeting with Project Green to discuss  future opportunities Long‐Term  Ongoing Engage withs with Project Green,  Master Gardeners, etc. to plan  additional projects Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 1Sep‐22 AR‐1 Street Tree Ordinance 4.6 ‐ NDS Staff began drafting an ordinance; currently  implemented administratively through zoning and  development processes See BR‐2, BR‐3; implement as comprehensive code update In Development 2Sep‐22 AR‐2Increase Tree Planting Requirements in  Landscaping,  Parking Lots,  and Upon Renewal of Rental Permits 4.6 Not Started  ‐ 2024: NDS staff incorporate into comprehensive plan  update process ‐ See BR‐3, BR‐5, AR‐1; implement as comprehensive code  update Not Started 2Oct‐21 AP‐1 Develop Review Standards  for New City Facility  Construction and Major  Rehabilitation that  Accounts for Climate  Adaptation Principals 5.7 ‐2020: Environmentally Responsible Management  Certification earned for Iowa City Parks & Rec Facilities. Iowa  City currently holds the record for the most fields/complexes  certified. ‐ October 2021: Climate, Public Works, and Facilities convene  meeting and research similar policies in other cities; Analyst  to compile list of scheduled facility projects and identified  facility needs through master plan, review existing design  standards, and dig into Energy Manager facility energy usage  data to identify high‐priority needs Long‐Term  Ongoing Provide recommendations for  developing review standards for new  or improved City buildings  1 Jun‐20 ACP‐1 Flood Mitigation and  Stormwater Management  Programs/Projects;  Buyouts 4.5  ‐ Annually: Creek clean up volunteer events coordinatd  through City Stormwater Specialist ‐ Oct. 2021: City staff participated in the 2021 Iowa River  Clean‐Up which removed a total of 8,800 pounds of waste  from ther river. ‐ Nov. 2022: Streambank stabilization improvements  completed for Willow Creek. ‐ Feb. 2023: Park View Terrace property in 100‐year  floodplain purchased for demolition; anticipate using local  funds rather than federal dollars for buyouts going forward. ‐ The City continues to pursue flood buyout properties as  opportunities arise. ‐ Stormwater projects included in CIP ‐ City stormwater grant program ongoing Long‐Term  Ongoing Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 1May‐20 ACP‐2 Continue Implementation  of the Natural Areas  Management Plan 4.5‐4.6  ‐ Currently 100+ acres of prairie establishment in their  first/second years of life; Additional acres of prairie added  annually; include educational & outreach components ‐ Staff initiated conversations with UI about oppprtunities to  expand support for natural areas and onsite education ‐ Prairie Establisment FAQ available on City Parks website ‐ 2022: Native planting improvements in Terry Trueblood,  Peninsula Park, and Kickers ‐ Summer 2023: Improvements to forest and savanna  habitats in Hickory Hill; native seed drill purchased to aid in  future prairie plantings; prescribed burns in establish prairie  areas followed by good growth response. Long‐Term  Ongoing 1Sep‐20 ACP‐3Expand Public Tree  Planting  4.6 ‐ Sept. 2020: Tree Canopy Memo provided to City Council,  demonstrating need for incremental tree canopy  replacement activities. ‐ Spring 2021: Parks and Forestry 2021 plantings approved by  Council; goal to plant 1,000 trees, double the annual  allottment of trees through partnerships and coordinated  events, and add additional Forestry staff to care for the new  plantings. 2021 Tree Planting memo sent to Council. ‐ Fall 2021: Second year of Root for Trees vouchers ‐ 2022: 750 trees lanted in spring/summer 2022,  predominantly in South District Neighborhood ‐ Fall 2022: Third year of Root for Trees program launches,  now managed by Climate Action staff; 206 vouchers  distributed within first three weeks of program. ‐ Summer/Fall 2023: Street tree planting along Nevada Ave  (south of Lakeside), Aster Ave, Whispering Prairie Ave, Blue  Stem Ct, Coneflower Ct, Indigo Dr, Indigo Ct, Thistle Ct,  Whispering Meadow Dr, Primrose Ct, Blazing Star Dr, Pinto  Ln, Friendship St. (may carry into 2024) ‐ Sept. 2023: Fourth year of Root for Trees program  launches; 293 voucher applications received in first two  weeks Iowa City Parks & Forestry will continue to conduct annual  tree plantings and update City Council on those efforts ‐ Planned tree planting/prairie planting for 2023 to expand  Ryerson's Woods using funds secured through 2021 Carbon  Sequestration Plan Long‐Term  Ongoing Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 2May‐20 ACP‐4 Equity Review of  Neighborhood and  Population Outreach;  Develop Outreach Plan for  Populations Highly  Impacted by Climate  Change 4.1‐4.2 ‐ May 2021: UI Graduate intern developed equity toolkit,  Commission recommended staff use the toolkit in the  development of projects ‐ Summer 2021: Green Iowa Americorps member completed  update to USDN/Iowa City Climate Action Equity Report ‐ June 2023: Neighborhood equity map revised to utilize  Justice 40 criteria in alignment with federal funding  considerations; most recent Root for Trees vouchers  mapped. ‐ Ongoing: Climate Action Analyst will continue work on  equity mapping tool ‐ Ongoing: Climate staff in conversation with NDS about  existing tree removal program for EAB impacts on under‐ resourced populations ‐ November 2023: Climate Analyst presents updated equity  map of current programs to CAC (and continues to provide  annual updates going forward) ‐ See AE‐3 for focused public health equity outreach  opportunities Long‐Term  Ongoing Provide gudiance on areas of focus or  process for equity review 1Sep‐20 SLE‐1 Host Sustainability Forum  and Events 5.5 ‐ Sept. 2020, 2021, 2022: ClimateFest) ‐ Feb. 2021: Sponsored virtual speaker, Climate Action and  Communities of Color ‐ April 2021: Launched Project 51, public education campaign ‐ April 2022, 2023: AmeriCorps host Earth Expo  ‐ Aug. 2022: Small business focus group held to discuss  sustainability priorities, resources, and alignment of funding  opportunities. ‐ Feb. 2023: Virtual discussion on "Accelerating Black  Leadership and Sustainability" scheduled for Feb. 9 in  collaboration with Office of Human Rights. ‐ April 2023: "Speaking of... Live!" held in collaboration with  Big Grove (see WE‐2) ‐ Sept. 2023: "Speaking of... Live!" held at Green House  focused on resources for renters and tabling event for area  conservation groups held at Big Grove during Climate Fest ‐ Annually: ClimateFest ‐ The Climate Action Engagement Specialist will lead other  outreach, education, and engagement events in  conjunction with a wide variety of climate action efforts as  opportunities arise Completed/Long‐ Term Ongoing Commission may provide feedback  and suggestions for events last year  and planned in 2021 (Climate  Festival,  Earth Fest, other education  and events) 1 Jun‐20 SLE‐2 Launch a Green Business  Program: "Climate Action  at Work"  5.5 ‐Summer 2020: Pilot Climate Action at Work Awards Program  launched, with five businesses recognized. ‐ 2021: Smart Series webinars for businesses in partnership  with the Iowa City Area Business Partnership. ‐ Sept. 2021: Awarded five businesses through 2021 Climate  Action at Work Awards Program. ‐ April 2022: Climate Action Staff participated in One  Sustainable Iowa Conference panel highlighting Climate  Action at Work awardees in April 2022.  ‐ May 2022: Research energy tracking / certification  programs in other communities and explore  implementation as part of benchmarking discussion ‐ 2024: Engage economic development coordinator in  review of program and make recommendations for  program updates/refresh Completed Suggest updates or new directions  for the program Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 1 Jun‐20 SLPP‐2 Develop a Climate Action  Strategic Communications  Plan 5.5 ‐Feb. 2021‐ Jan. 2022: Staff collaborate with Cause Impacts to  review existing marketing practices and develop new  marketing approaches ‐ May 2022: Soft launch of Goldie mascot at May Public  Works Open House, updated logo finalized in May; Climate  Action and Communications staff performed a  comprehensive review of communications assets to  identify/prioritize those to be updated. ‐ Dec. 2022: 650% increase in insulation program applications  following launch of "What R You" Goldie campaign; A/B  testing on ICgov.org/Insulate page shows 60% more  engagement with Goldie than conventional "live action"  video. ‐ Sept. 2023: Community‐wide mailer sent to every Iowa City  household highlighting Climate Fest events and other  Climate Action programs/resources ‐ Future: Ongoing 12‐month marketing plans developed in  the summer and launched each fall in collaboration with  communications staff Completed Contribute feedback through  workiing group and commission  discussions 2Nov‐22 SLE‐3 Local Procurement  Campaign ‐ Buy‐in from Local  Commercial Groups 5.3 ‐ Initial conversations with UI, Business Partnership, and ICDD ‐ Spring 2022: Resource management staff working on  Beyond PlastIC initiative to work with local restaurants on  procuring alternatives to plastic to‐go containers  ‐ Fall 2023: Explore possible Goldie campaign connected to  bringing your own to‐go containers when dining out  ‐ 2024: Engage economic development coordinator in  discussion of future direction/recommendations for these  efforts In Development Working group feedback and  recommendations welcome.  1Nov‐20 SLI‐1 Expand Community  Climate Grants 5.4 ‐ Climate Action Grant Program launched in 2019 ‐ 2022 updates to grant program: Specified non‐profit and  business categories at higher denominations ($10,000).  ‐ 2021: Establish parallel Youth Mini Grants (2022 transition  to open/ongoing applicatioin window for YMG) ‐ August 2022: Climate Innovation Grant program established  to help fund emerging technologies. ‐ March 2023: To encourage wider participation, limit  established of two awards within any three year period to  any one organization; 17 applications received. ‐ May 2023: Awards given to Bike Library (HVAC), Catholic  Worker House (water heater), CommUnity (refrigeration  unit), Deerfield Commons (insulation), Dubuque St. Apts.  (insulation), Fin & Feather (solar), The Green House  (mechanical composter/reusable to‐do containers), IC  Compassion (community gardening), JC Railroad Historical  Center (HVAC), Summit Apartments (insulation), Youth Mini‐ Grant (peer‐to‐peer education program). ‐ 2023: Monitor PIN grant overhaul and based on that  explore possibility of bi‐annual or open application window Completed/Long‐ Term Ongoing Participate in review committee;  assist with recruiting grant applicants  and promotion Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 3Dec‐23 SLI‐2 Incentives for the Public to  Create and Maintain Local  Food Production and  Community Gardens 5.4 ‐ Iowa City Parks & Rec annually offers community garden  plot program ‐ 2022: Climate Action Grants given to Horace Mann  Elementary School, Field to Family, and Kirkwood Community  College in support of increasing access to community  gardens/local foods. '‐ April 2022: Staff attended Johnson County Local Foods  Roundtable to identify future needs/opportunities ‐ June 2023: Urban chicken regulations revised to do away  with neighbor consent requirements, increase the number  of allowable chickens to 6 hens, and allow for chickens at  multifamily dwellings ‐2023: Connect with Johnson County Food Policy Council to  learn more about commercial kitchen initiative at JC Porr  Farm; explore commercial kitchen or other food production  support as possible offering through resilience hub  program Long‐Term  Ongoing Suggest updates or new directions  for the program 1Sep‐20 SLP‐1 Community Garden  Expansion/ Additions 5.1‐5.2 ‐ UI Student completed community garden assessment report ‐ Chadek Green community garden improvements include  paved parking lot, pathways, raised beds, water spigots and  restrooms adjacent to the parking lot. ‐ Dec. 2022: Partnership with Kirkwood Community College to  install "seed library" boxes at all community gardens for 2023. ‐ April 2023:  Community Garden program begins offering  weekly tips and garden information via email to participants  throughout the gardening season. ‐ Parks and Rec staff review community garden plot rentals  annually and weigh current and future demand. ‐ Climate Action Analyst to add plot rentals to Climate  Action equity mapping tool to analyze gaps in  coverage/access ‐ Future: Explore opportunities to expand gardens by the  private sector or other community partners installed for  community use. ‐ Public input survey conducted in Dec. 2021. Planning  underway for improvements to Chadek Green. Long‐Term  Ongoing Commision may choose to provide  recommendations, work on this as a  project, or suggest example programs  from outside Iowa City 2 Jul‐22 SLCP‐1 Develop a Green  Procurement Policy 5.3 ‐ 2021: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.  ‐ August 2022: City Purchasing division working with office  supply vendor accounts to apply a sustainability filter to staff  searches for products that will place green/sustainable  products at the top of returns.   ‐ Aug. 2023: Procurement staff propose "sustainable  procurement" as the topic of the next Iowa Public  Procurement Association to explore topic and benchmark  practices across the state  ‐ Nov. 2023: Staff conduct research into example policies  and analysis of existing City policies,  https://www.ecocenter.org/our‐work/purchasing‐safer‐ cities/sustainable‐procurement‐roadmap/step‐2‐creating‐ environmentally; convene meeting with purchasing ‐ Jan. 2023: Purchasing to author policy updates ‐ April 2023: Solicit feedback from staff climate  ambassadors on practices in each department/division to  review and build upon ‐ Summer 2023: Adopt Green Purchase Policy Long‐Term  Ongoing Commision may choose to provide  recommendations or suggest  example programs from outside Iowa  City Phase Initiate Code Action Plan  Alignment Milestones Action Plan + Deadlines Status Commission Opportunities 2Jan‐22 SLCP‐2 Develop a City  Sustainability Operations Guide and  Make Available to the  Public/Organizations  Throughout Iowa City 5.7 ‐ Feb‐March 2023: Climate ambassador training offered to  staff to increase cross‐departmental collaborations and  identify opportunities to increase green practices across city  operations ‐ June 2023:  Solicity suggestions from the CAC as to vision  for community portion of this action ‐ Winter 2023: Engage with facility manager professional  organization to identify information channels with which to  collaborate or amplify information sharing (similar to  realtor outreach) Long‐Term  Ongoing Commision may choose to provide  recommendations or example  programs from outside Iowa City 2nd St 1 2 t h Av e Holida y R d W F o r ev e r g r e e n R d H ig h w a y 2 1 8 218 218 C o r a l v i l l e 1 N D o d g e S t S Gilbert St M usca t i ne Av e R o c h e s t er Av e E C o u r t S t N Dubu q u e S t 1 s t A v e1 2 t h Ave 1 1 F44 F46 6 8080 80Universityof Iowa -Iowa City Camp us U ni v e r s i t y H e i g h t s I o w a C i t y 1 F46 6 6 Iowa City Municipal Airport 1 category 1 category Energy Audits FY23 County of Johnson, IA, Iowa DNR, Esri, HERE, Garmin, SafeGraph, GeoTechnologies, Inc, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, USDA 8/30/2023 0 1 20.5 mi 0 2 41 km 1:105,327 Neighborhood & Development Services - MPOJC Division Climate Action Commission October 2, 2023 Topics to Cover •What is a Metropolitan Planning Organization? •What is the role of MPOJC? •Iowa City Focus •Questions / Comments What is a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)? •A federally-mandated transportation programming and policy-making organization. •Required by legislation for any urbanized area (UZA) with a population >50,000. •Channels federal funding for transportation projects and programs to local entities. •Ensures that expenditures of federal funds for transportation projects and programs are based on a local planning process. What is a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)? •Facilitates collaboration between governments, interested parties, and residents in the planning process. •Fosters cooperation on transportation infrastructure planning and other locally-determined issues intended to reflect the region’s shared vision for its future. •Provides continuing analysis of short term and longer-term transportation projects. •Allocates scarce federal and other transportation funding resources to achieve regional goals/visions. What is the MPO of Johnson County? •The Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Iowa City Urbanized Area. •Specializes in Transportation, Traffic Engineering, Grant Writing, and Land Use Planning. •Provides a forum for regional issues, such as affordable housing and environmental policies. What is the role of MPOJC? •Ultimately, the role of MPOJC is to funnel federal and state transportation funds to projects and programs through the cooperative planning and decision-making process. •Appropriates $10+ million in Surface Transportation Block Grant and Transportation Alternative Program funding biennially. •Appropriates approximately $4.5 million in public transit operating funds to Iowa City, Coralville and University of Iowa annually. •Appropriated/Administering an additional $17 million of emergency covid relief funding. •The majority of our day-to-day work is oriented to smaller short- term studies for local communities -intended to provide professionally sound recommendations on transportation- related issues and investments. Iowa City Focus •Long Range Transportation Plan –Articulates the long range plans and community vision for transportation improvements for all modes. Complete revision required every 5 years. •Iowa City Bicycle Master Plan –Adopted in 2017 and provides a set of prioritized bike infrastructure projects and information related to education, enforcement, encouragement, and evaluation. •Pedestrian and Vehicle Collision Analyses –Provides detail on areas of concern and provides guidance on where best to invest resources. Iowa City Focus •Review of subdivision and development plans •Assist with grant applications •Assist with comprehensive plan updates •Conduct traffic signal studies, signal timing evaluations and intersection level-of-service analyses •Conduct speed studies and manage traffic calming program Iowa City Focus •Manage on-street parking, requests, and signage •Manage traffic control signage and respond to resident concerns •Manage pavement markings, locations and requests •Plan and coordinate bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure •Assist Iowa City Transit with transit route data, planning, and federal reporting requirements •Facilitate bike master plan planning and implementation •Conduct traffic forecasting and maintain DOT travel demand model Division Staff •Kent Ralston, Executive Director & Iowa City Transportation Planner Responsible for all administrative duties and operations of the MPO. •Emily Bothell, Senior Associate Transportation Planner Primary contact for traffic engineering-related issues, such as transportation studies, traffic control analysis, and traffic forecasting. •Sarah Walz, Associate Transportation Planner Primary contact for bike and pedestrian planning and graphic design. •Tunazzina Alam, Associate Transportation Planner Primary contact for GIS mapping and traffic count programs. •Hannah Neel, Associate Transportation Planner Primary contact for transit grant administration/reporting and Transportation Improvement Program development/management Questions / Comments? MPOJC.org