HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-10-2025 Climate Action CommissionIowa City Climate Action Commission Agenda
Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall
410 E. Washington St., Iowa City
Meeting Agenda:
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Oct. 6, 2025 minutes
4. Announcements/Reports
a. Action items from last meeting: Staff will compile transportation scores and provide a
matrix along with potential Objectives/Targets.
b. New Hire: Kendall McMullen, Climate Action Engagement Specialist
c. Events
i. Other events in the community (Commissioners)
5. Old Business
a. Resilience Hub pilot project update (Audrey Wiedemeier, Iowa City Bike Library)
b. Prioritization scoring of Accelerating Iowa City's Climate Actions Plan
i. Final scoring of action items related to transportation — review and refine
ii. Finalization of potential metrics for an action items related to buildings and
transportation — review and refine
iii. Action items related to adaptation —preliminary review and scoring
6. New Business
a. Location for future Climate Action Commission meetings —discussion
7. 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.
8. Recap
a. Confirmation of next meeting time and location
L Monday, December 1, 2025 4-5:30 p.m,
1. Election of Chair and Vice Chair
b. Actionable items for commission 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 sgardner@iowo-city.org. Early requests
are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
MINUTES
IOWA CITY CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION
OCTOBER 6— 4:00 PM — FORMAL MEETING
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
PRELIMINARY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Anderson, Emma Bork, Jamie Gade, Ben Grimm, Zach Haralson,
Wim Murray, Michelle Sillman, Robert Traer
MEMBERS ABSENT: Nadja Krylov, Brinda Shetty, Angie Smith
STAFF PRESENT: Sarah Gardner, Diane Platte
OTHERS PRESENT: Grace Dillingham, Adam Swartzendruber
CALL TO ORDER:
Gade called the meeting to order at 4:00.
APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 MINUTES:
Minutes were corrected to reflect accurate attendance. Anderson moved to approve the corrected
minutes, Sillman seconded, and the motion carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Action items from last meeting (staff): Commissioners were asked to provide prioritization scoring for
transportation items ahead of this October meeting. Because a discussion was deemed to be useful,
commissioners will also discuss scoring in today's meeting.
Recap of Climate Fest events: Gardner reported great attendance and participation. Tour of the solar
array/solar art show was an especially popular event. Gardner noted solar array tours at the airport
would help with public education ahead of future solar installations discussions.
Events:
• Volunteer Bike/Ped Count Data Share Out, Oct. 23, noon-1 p.m. on zoom
• Iowa Energy Summit, Oct. 29-30, Coralville Hyatt
o Student -built house will be featured.
• Other events in the community (commissioners): none
NEW BUSINESS:
Presentation and discussion on small scale nuclear: Grace Dillingham, Adam Swartzendruber, UI
engineering students
• Gardner introduced the topic by explaining that a small-scale nuclear reactor is not planned for
Iowa City or anywhere nearby. Rather, the presentation was being offered for information
sharing purposes only. It stemmed from a University of Iowa engineering and sustainability
course that reached out during the spring semester to solicit topics for student research
projects. Climate Action staff suggested information pertaining to small scale nuclear energy
Climate Action Commission
October 2025
Page 2 of 4
would be useful, given rising interest by various utilities in exploring the technology. Dillingham
and Swartzendruber took up the project and shared the results at the end of term, which
highlighted key differences from prior nuclear generation technology and a comparative cost
analysis to renewable energy sources. Staff invited the students to present the research to the
commission in recognition of their work.
• Dillingham and Swartzendruber presented their research as summarized on the slides in the
agenda packet.
• Haralson noted he appreciated the consideration of timeframe in the table shared in the slides
and asked for clarification on the table comparing solar with and without storage. Haralson also
asked about construction time for natural gas and Natrium facilities. Swartzendruber shared
that the first TerraPower unit was originally slated to take two years to construct but is now
slated to be completed in 2030 and that he could not speak to how long it takes to construct a
natural gas plant. Gardner asked if the 2-6 year estimate was just construction time or if it
include permitting time, and Swatzenruber confirmed it was construction only. Gardner shared
that adding planning and permitting to construction can increase the timeframe to 8-10 years.
• Bork noted similar costs for nuclear and solar to construct but a significantly longer payback
period for nuclear and asked what accounted for the difference. Swartzendruber answered
ongoing labor costs to operate a nuclear generation unit result in the longer payback period.
• Sillman asked about safety features for extreme weather. Dillingham noted that the Natrium
reactor is underground so less vulnerable to severe weather.
• Anderson asked if researchers explored politics and public perception of nuclear project in
Wyoming. Dillingham responded that Terra Power has partnered with another energy company
that possibly has more ties to Wyoming, but public perception was largely outside the scope of
this research project.
• Gade asked about number of jobs created. Swartzendruber reported a team of 5 engineers plus
40-50 technicians would operate the Natrium facility.
Prioritization scoring of Accelerating Iowa City's Climate Actions Plan
• Gardner summarized items from the transportation section and commissioners offered scoring
of action items relating to transportation.
• Gade asked if a reduction in parking tickets had been observed as a result of public transit being
incentivized (TI-1) through Fare Free service. Gardner noted there had been a decrease in use of
downtown parking facilities but would have to find out if a decrease in parking fines had also
occurred.
• Haralson asked if UIHC would be strong candidate for eco-driving campaign (TE-2).
• Gardner noted the City is currently undertaking a parking study (TI-1, TR-1).
• Gardner explained that the participation of a Climate Action Commission member on the Comp
Plan committee is the new interpretation of TR-2.
Angie Smith joined the meeting.
• Gardner noted an RFP to purchase more bus shelters was in the works (TPP-1). Haralson asked if
Fare Free has produced uniform increases in ridership and whether a new Transit Study, post -
Fare Free, may be needed. Gardner shared that some routes had experienced larger increases
Climate Action Commission
October 2025
Page 3 of 4
than others, and that staff were tracking that data. She shared a new transit study would most
likely not be undertaken until after the Transit Facility is built, around 10 years after the initial
transit study.
• Haralson asked if purchasing more electric buses fits into the transportation set of goals.
Gardner affirmed that bus purchasing falls under TCP-1, and City Council will soon be
considering purchasing Gillig electric buses. Gillig is the maker of all of the other buses owned by
the City. If approved, Gillig buses will probably be operating in the city in 2027.
o Murray asked if other cities have also had issues with ProTerra buses. Gardner affirmed
that to be the case and suggested that one of the functions of government is to
experiment with new technologies to support their emergence in the market.
• Gardner asked about possibilities for Potential Objective/Target (Metric) for Tier 1 Item: Partner
with stakeholders to promote green building construction and rehabilitation, sharing three
possible options from the agenda packet. Commissioners discussed possibilities. Gardner asked
if they would like time to consider the options and make a determination in the next meeting,
when it might be possible to do so alongside a transportation -related metric. The Commission
confirmed this preference.
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
• None
RECAP:
Confirmation of next meeting time and location:
• Monday, November 10, 4-5:30 p.m. Emma J. Harvat Hall
Actionable items for commission and staff:
• Gardner will compile transportation scores and provide a matrix along with Objectives/Targets.
ADJOURNMENT:
Sillman moved to adjourn, Haralson seconded, and the motion carried. Meeting adjourned 5:24.
Climate Action Commission
October 2025
Page 4 of 4
CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2024-25
r
w
a
u+
m
co
to
NAME
TERM EXP
0
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
A
N
ALn
A
N
1l
11
(!1
(I
lfl
Ul
Ul
lfl
Michael
12/31/2025
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
Anderson
Emma Bork
12/31/2026
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
Michal Eynon-
12/31/2024
X
X
X
Lynch
John Fraser
12/31/2024
X
O/E
O/E
Jamie Gade
12/31/2025
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
Ben Grimm
10/31/2026
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
Zach Haralson
12/31/2025
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
Nadja Krylov
12/31/2026
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
Wim Murray
MidAmerican
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
Rep
Michelle Sillman
12/31/20025
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Brinda Shetty
UI Rep
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Angie Smith
12/31/2025
O/E
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
Gabe Sturdevant
12/31/2024
X
O/E
X
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Robert Traer
12/31/2026
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
KEY: X = Present
0 = Absent
0/E = Absent/Excused
NM= No Meeting
* No longer on Commission
RESILIENCE HUB FINAL GRANT SUMMARY REPORT
Name of Grantee: Iowa City Bike Library
Project Description:
The Iowa City Bike Library's Resilience Hub Project strengthens community connections,
sustainability, and resilience through facility improvements and education. Major components
included roof replacement, electrical upgrades, and solar installation, as well as mural
installation and the design of a rainwater -harvested bike wash system. These efforts support our
goals to create durable, energy -efficient spaces for gathering, expand community education,
and model sustainable infrastructure.
Total Amount Expended on Project(s): $83,910
Grant Fund Expenditures:
• Martinez Roofing —Roof replacement, including OSB repair— $37,400
• Advanced Electrical —Electrical upgrades for solar readiness— $12,560
Total Grant Expenditures: $49,960
Other Financial and Material Contributions:
• Solar Integrators (Tim Dwight): In -kind contribution toward solar installation — $16,155
• Iowa City Bike Library: Paid balance of solar array installation — $24,500
• City of Iowa City Public Arts Program: Partial funding of mural — $4,000
• Private Donor: Partial funding of mural — $5, 000
• College of Engineering, University of Iowa: Partnering on rainwater -harvested bike
wash design and construction (two -semester in -kind partnership).
Media Coverage:
KCRG-TV featured our solar installation in June 2025, highlighting our partnership with former
NFL and Iowa football player Tim Dwight and Solar Integrators.
Watch here: KCRG News Story
Challenges & Lessons Learned:
The roof replacement exceeded initial estimates by $11,880 due to unexpected OSB damage
discovered during construction. Despite this, project timelines remained on track. Future
projects will include additional contingencies for hidden structural repairs. Community volunteer
engagement and strong partnerships offset higher costs and increased project impact.
Person Completing Report: Audrey Wiedemeier, Executive Director
Signature: Audrey Wede»,,e;ee
Date: 11 /04/25
Appendix: Progress Tracker
Initiated Underway Completed
Focus Area 1 � Create
Space for Communty
AIM"
Action 1.12
Action 1.1.3 fi
Action 1.1.4
Action 1.2.1
Action 1.2.2
Action 1.2.3
SupportFocus Area 2:
...
Values
Action 2.1.1
Action 2.1.2
Focus Area 3:
Sustainabdity and
Water Harvesting
Action 3.1.1
Action 3.1.2
Action 3.1.3
* = 1st Highest Funding Priority
s� = 2nd Highest Fundinq Priority
TE = Education, TI = Incentives, TR = Regulation, TCP = City Policy, TPP = Public Projects
Tier 1 Priorities:
Grow Efforts in this area and actively seek new opportunities
TPP-2 Implement recommendations from completed Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan (EVRP)
TR-2 Require climate change analysis for new subdivisions and rezonings
TPP-1 Complete the transit study and implement recommendations to bolster service and
increase ridership
Tier 2 Priorities:
Maintain current efforts and have strategies in place to react to new opportunities
Action
Item
TE-1
Strategy
Continue significant transportation education and outreach campaigns
TI-1
Incentivize public transit options
Review parking regulations and consider innovative ways to encourage alternative
modes of travel
Explore Electric Vehicle (EV) incentives based on the readiness plan
TR-1
TI-2
TE-2
Launch an eco-driving campaign alongside employers
TPP-3
Achieve Gold Bicycle Friendly Community status and begin work toward platinum status
TCP-1
Establish an electric and fuel -efficient vehicle purchasing policy
Tier 3 Priorities:
Monitor and explore opportunities as they arise
Questions to further refine prioritization tiers
• Should TR-2 be reworded to "Include climate change considerations in comprehensive
plan update and implement in new subdivisions and rezonings"? Further clarification?
• Should TCP-1 "Advance the electric and fuel -efficient vehicle purchasing policy"?
Potential Objective/Target (Metric) for Tier 1 Items
Select one target (#1, 2, or 3) from each of the following tables for CY2026:
. Buildings •:
Time Period
Recurrence
CAAP Section
CAAP Subsection
CY 2026
Annual
Buildings -Education
BE-2
Objective Action
Subject
Sector
Adoption Date
Partner
with stakeholders to
Homebuilders
Jan. 1, 2026
promote green building
Remodelers
construction and
Realtors
rehabilitation
Appraisers
Action
SubjectTarget
Quantity
1) Achieve
percentage of new
40%
Number of HERS
homes receiving HERS
rated homes built in
rating
2026 relative to total
number of new homes
built
2) Engage
Realtors and/or
40
Participants in the
appraisers with green
certified training
designations training
1
3) Initiate
program for remodelers
new program
similar to HERS program
researched, designed,
for new construction
and proposed
CY 2026 I Annual I Transportation -Public
Projects
Implement recommendations from Public parking areas
completed Electric Multifamily properties
Vehicle Readiness Plan Workplaces
(EVRP) Car dealerships
1) Expand public EV charging 3
outside of downtown
_ ramps
2) Partner With area employer to 1
install EV charging
3) Initiate EV ambassador group 1
that connects local EV
owners with each other
and interested residents
TPP-2
Jan. 1, 2026
Number of charging
ports in parks, at rec
centers or airport
Grant awarded to an
employer to support
EV charging for staff
new program
researched, designed,
and proposed
Other possibilities
BI-4: Offer TIF-funded climate action incentives aimed at reducing industrial and
commercial energy consumption
Potential O&T:
• Number (or percent) of TIF-awarded properties incorporating climate action projects
o Easy data to gather, feasible to set targets
• Percent reduction of energy use for TIF-awarded properties
o Potentially challenging data to gather, tricky to set targets (each project differs)
BPP-3: Increase energy efficiency and pursue electrification of municipal buildings
Potential metrics:
• kWh saved in municipal buildings following energy efficiency intervention
o Easy data to gather, tricky to set targets due to unique nature of each building and
intervention
BI-1: Offer free home energy assessments and basic weatherization service to Iowa City
households
Potential metrics:
• Audits performed annually
o Easy data to gather, feasible to set targets, may not change much year to year
BPP-2: Partner on a net zero affordable housing project
Potential metrics:
• Still be in exploratory phase; may be difficult to set a target until the first project is
constructed
TR-2: Include climate change considerations in comprehensive plan update and
implement in new subdivisions and rezonings/Require climate change analysis for new
subdivisions and rezonings
• Target would likely be easier to set CY2027 based on the climate change inclusions in the
completed comp plan update
TPP-1: Complete transit study and implement recommendations to bolster service and
increase ridership
• Climate -friendly features included in new transit facility design
• Continued route improvements
• Addition of bus shelters
o With the exception of the addition of bus shelters, it would be difficult to assign
numbers to these items (and number of bus shelters would likely be budget
constrained), but a reporting frequency on progress made toward any of these goals
could be established as a measurable item.
ADAPTATION
EDUCATION ACTION ITEMS
AE-1: DEVELOP CLIMATE AMBASSADOR TEAM
STATUS: COMPLETED / LONG TERM/ONGOING
2020-25: Climate Ambassadors program launches in 2020. As of 2025, ten cohorts have
completed the program, including two staff cohorts to aid in deployment of City Strategic Plan.
AE-2: ESTABLISH RESILIENCE HUBS
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2021: Resilience Hub outreach, education, and planning commences.
2023: Climate Resilience Corps distributes resilience kits to 216 households.
2024: Resilience Hubs established at Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County (NCJC) and Iowa
City Bike Library. Phase 1 (Planning) implemented and final planning reports presented to Climate
Action Commission.
2025: Phase 2 (Implementation) initiated for NCJC and Bike Library. Bike Library pursues electrical
system upgrades to support rooftop solar and NCJC pursues an emergency backup generator for
new Towncrest location.
AE-3: EDUCATE AND COORDINATE WITH LOCAL AGENCIES ON HEALTH IMPACTS
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2022: Climate Action staff begin collaborating with Johnson County Public Health on
messaging/public education regarding high heat and health impacts.
2023: "Spot the Hot" NIHHIS-CAPA Urban Heat Island Mapping campaign in collaboration with
Cedar Rapids with input/participation by Johnson County Public Health.
2024: Exploratory discussion with Johnson County Public Health on possible collaborations related
to respiratory health and climate impacts.
2025: High heat preparedness exercise conducted at NCJC led by Johnson County Public Health.
Cooling stations with high heat information and cooling bandanas at summer events, including
Pride, Party in the Parks, and Summer of the Arts Riverfront Rhythms concerts.
AE-4: CONCENTRATED EDUCATION CAMPAIGN FOR PRIVATE PROPERTIES ABOUT
NATIVE PLANTINGS, PERMEABLE PAVEMENT, RAIN GARDENS, SOIL HEALTH, RAIN
BARRELS AND CISTERNS
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2021: Americorps held Rain Barrel Giveaway/Engagement event. City partnered with the IC Area
Business Partnership to hold a 'Green Buildings' Webinar featuring permeable paving and rain
gardens and related resources for businesses. Parks & Recreation conduct outreach and
education activities in conjunction with community gardens.
2022: "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. Climate Action Grant awarded
to M68 Apartments to replace turf grass with native plantings.
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. My Garden of a Thousand Bees film screened as part of Climate
Fest, highlighting native plants and pollinator health, and related bee craft workshop held at Robert
A. Lee
2024: Continued outreach on SQR program at Public Works Week/Wastewater Open House event.
Climate Action Grant awarded to Bur Oak for Native Shrub/Pollinator Plant program targeted within
Eastside neighborhood. Climate Action Grant awarded to Plated Table to establish native plantings
on property right of way.
2025: Continued outreach on SQR program at Public Works Week/Landfill Open House event.
Rainscaping information/giveaway conducted by a climate ambassador in collaboration with St.
Thomas More at water quality event. Collaborative agreement with Bur Oak to continue Native
Shrub/Pollinator Plant program, expanding to additional neighborhoods. Discussion with Johnson
County about expanding Pocket Prairie program into Iowa City.
AE-5: COORDINATED EFFORTS WITH LOCAL EMERGENCY AGENCIES AND UTILITY
AGENCIES PROVIDING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2020-present: City staff participate in regular Local Emergency Planning Committee
2021: Climate Action Grant awarded to the Multicultural Development Center to conduct an
Extreme Weather Preparedness Workshop for youth served by MDC
2022: Johnson County Public Health (JCPH) Emergency Manager provided supplies for inclusion in
Teen Resilience Corps kits.
2024: Johnson County EMA engaged with Resilience Hub project and training (see also AE-2).
Partnership with Johnson County EMA, HACAP, Johnson County Public Health, the Community
Foundation, United Way, the UI Disaster PrepWise Team, and the Neighborhood Centers of
Johnson County to host an emergency preparedness event as part of Welcoming Week. Climate
Action Staff join the Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) coordinating group for
Johnson County EMA.
2025: Continued participation by Climate Action staff in COAD activities.
INCENTIVE ACTION ITEMS
AI-1: PARTNER WITH PROJECT GREEN ON A TREE PLANTING PARTNERSHIP;
INCENTIVES FOR PRIVATE TREE PLANTING
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2020-present: Parks staff host opportunities for individuals and organizations to hold tree planting
events, often around Earth Day.
2020: Root for Trees tree voucher/planting program launched. 520 vouchers were distributed, 333
redeemed.
2021: Second year of Root for Trees program 492 vouchers redeemed.
2022: Third year of Root for Trees program launches, now managed by Climate Action staff; 376
vouchers redeemed.
2023: Fourth year of Root for Trees program launches; 314vouchers redeemed, including 1000th
tree planted through Root for Trees program. Forestry staff partner with Project Green to secure
$200K REAP grant for native tree/prairie plantings and trail improvements.
2024: Fifth year of Root for Trees launched; 294 vouchers redeemed. Forestry staff partners with
Project Green to use Heritage Tree funds to rebuild tree canopy in Oakland Cemetery.
2025: Sixth year of Root for Trees launched.
REGULATION ACTION ITEMS
AR-1: STREET TREE ORDINANCE
STATUS: IN DEVELOPMENT
2020-present: Neighborhood Development Services staff began drafting an ordinance; currently
implemented administratively through zoning and development processes
AR-2: INCREASE TREE PLANTING REQUIREMENTS IN LANDSCAPING, PARKING LOTS,
AND UPON RENEWAL OF RENTAL PERMITS
STATUS: IN DEVELOPMENT
2025: Climate Action staff in conversation with Neighborhood Development Services staff
exploring a possible incentive program in commercial areas identified as candidates for parking
reduction to follow completion of Parking Study in 2026.
CITY POLICY ACTION ITEMS
ACP-1: DEVELOP REVIEW STANDARDS FOR NEW CITY FACILITY CONSTRUCTION AND
MAJOR REHABILITATION THAT ACCOUNTS FOR CLIMATE ADAPTATION PRINCIPALS
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2020: Environmentally Responsible Management Certification earned for Iowa City Parks & Rec
Facilities. Iowa City currently holds the record for the most fields/complexes certified.
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
2024: Updated city Strategic Plan includes item calling for new adaptation plan to better inform city
projects including new facility and infrastructure updates.
2025: Climate Action staff participate in U.S. Green Building Council conference focused on
resilient design and construction for buildings.
PUBLIC PROJECTS
APP-1: FLOOD MITIGATION AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS/PROJECTS;
BUYOUTS
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2020-present: Creek clean up volunteer events coordinated by City Stormwater Engineer
2021: City staff participate in the 2021 Iowa River Clean -Up; remove a total of 8,800 pounds of
waste from the river. New Public Works facility completed, featuring rainwater collection from the
roof and vegetative buffer in portion of site located within the floodplain.
2022: Streambank stabilization improvements completed for Willow Creek.
2023: Park View Terrace property in 100-year floodplain purchased for demolition; anticipate using
local funds rather than federal dollars for buyouts going forward.
2024: Dubuque Street renovation completed, pairing storm sewer improvements with new
curbside native plantings for stormwater management. Airport solar array built 8 feet off the ground
rather than standard 3 feet off the ground to account for placement within the floodplain.
2025: Project Cleanup
APP-2: CONTINUE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATURAL AREAS MANAGEMENT PLAN
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2020: 100+ acres of prairie establishment in their first/second years of life with additional acres of
prairie planned annually.
2021: Staff initiated conversations with UI about opportunities to expand support for natural areas
and onsite education. Prairie Establishment FAQ available on City Parks website
2022: Native planting improvements in Terry Trueblood, Peninsula Park, and Kickers Soccer Park.
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.
2024: Prescribed burn plans in development for all prairie areas; staff collaborating with USFWS on
Sand Hill Prairie Park management and with Drake and Johnson County Conservation on species
inventory. $200K REAP grant secured for native species plantings, invasives removal, and
stormwater capacity restoration of Sycamore Greenway trail
2025: 40 acre parcel added to Hickory Hill Park. Total prairie area exceed 200 acres.
APP-3: EXPAND PUBLIC TREE PLANTING
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2020: Tree Canopy Memo provided to City Council, demonstrating need for incremental tree
canopy replacement activities.
2021: Parks and Forestry plantings approved by Council; goal to plant 1,000 trees, double the
annual allotment of trees through partnerships and coordinated events, and add additional
Forestry staff to care for the new plantings. 1,200 new tree plantings completed in public areas by
Forestry staff and partnership planting events with local organizations.
2022: 750 trees planted, predominantly in right of ways in South District Neighborhood
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.
2024: iTree canopy coverage assessment completed showing 36% canopy coverage in urban area.
500 streettrees planted along Mormon Trek Blvd, South of 6 SSMID boundary, and targeted infill
along additional streets; AmeriCorps team assists with tree planting at city -owned rental
properties; 875+trees total planted in public areas in 2024.
2025: Forestry staff secure a Trees Please grant to support additional tree plantings at Ryerson's
Woods.
APP-4: EQUITY REVIEW OF NEIGHBORHOOD AND POPULATION OUTREACH; DEVELOP
OUTREACH PLAN FOR POPULATIONS HIGHLY IMPACTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2021: UI Graduate intern developed equity toolkit, Commission recommended staff use the toolkit
in the development of projects. Green Iowa Americorps member completed update to USDN/Iowa
City Climate Action Equity Report.
2023: Neighborhood equity map revised to utilize Justice 40 (J40) criteria in alignment with federal
funding considerations; most recent Root for Trees vouchers mapped. Outreach pathway for
populations highly impacted by climate change incorporated into proposed Resilience Hub
program design.
2024: Equitable outreach toolkit finished as part of regional Climate Pollution Reduction Grant
(CPRG) planning process, key provisions included in RFP for regional Comprehensive Climate
Action Plan contract for Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) for East Central Iowa.
2025: Staff propose alternate equity mapping approach in memo to Commission, pairing program
participation maps with map of participation in utility discount program as a potentially more
actionable approach and in anticipation of shifting federal priorities related to J40 reporting
requirements.
CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSIONER
SCORING INDICATORS (USE WHOLE NUMBERS ONLY)
1 = Monitor and explore opportunities as they arise
3 = Maintain current efforts and have strategies in place to react to new opportunities
5 = Top priority: Grow efforts in this area and actively seek new opportunities
ACTION ITEMS
Number•Score
AE-1
Develop Climate Ambassador team
AE-2
Establish Resilience Hubs
Educate and coordinate with local
AE-3
agencies on health impacts
AE-4
Concentrated education campaign
for private properties about native
plantings, permeable pavement,
rain gardens, soil health, rain barrels
and cisterns
AE-5
Coordinated efforts with local
emergency agencies and utility
agencies providing critical
infrastructure
AI-1
Partner with Project Green on a tree
planting partnership; incentives for
private tree planting
AR-1
Street tree ordinance
AR-2
Increase tree planting requirements
in landscaping, parking lots, and
upon renewal of rental permits
ACP-1
Develop review standards for new
city facility construction and major
rehabilitation that accounts for
climate adaptation principals
APP-1
Flood mitigation and stormwater
management programs/projects;
buyouts
APP-2
Continue implementation of the
natural areas management plan
APP-3
Expand public tree planting
APP-4
Equity review of neighborhood and
population outreach; develop
outreach plan for populations highly
impacted by climate change