HomeMy WebLinkAboutStrategic Plan Status Report 2015 FINAL0
City of Iowa City
November 2015
Strategic Plan Final Report
1
Contents
City of Iowa City Organizational Profile ............................................................................................................................................. 2
Strategic Plan Process ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3
2014-2015 Strategic Planning Calendar .......................................................................................................................................... 3
Core Values for City Employees* .................................................................................................................................................... 4
Strategic Plan Priorities ................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Strategic Economic Development Activities ...................................................................................................................................... 5
A Strong Urban Core .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Healthy Neighborhoods ................................................................................................................................................................... 10
A Solid Financial Foundation ........................................................................................................................................................... 16
Enhanced Communication and Marketing ...................................................................................................................................... 17
Notable Projects and Initiatives Incorporating the Inclusive and Sustainable Values ..................................................................... 19
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives ........................................................................................................................................ 22
2
City of Iowa City Organizational Profile
Iowa City is governed by an elected city council of seven members: four council members at-large and three district members. The council is responsible for appointing the city manager, city
attorney, and city clerk. The city manager serves as the chief administrative officer for the organization. The city manager implements the policy decisions of the city council, enforces city
ordinances, and appoints city officials, as well as supervises the directors of the city’s operating departments.
Iowa City employs approximately 600 full-time staff members to execute the city council’s policies and provide public services to over 70,000 residents. The City provides numerous utilities to
its residents including water, sewer, stormwater, and garbage and recycling services. In addition, the city provides many other services including public safety, building and housing inspections,
parks and recreation, street maintenance, engineering, development services, transportation, local cable television programming, and senior services.
In 2008, Iowa City was designated as a City of Literature by UNESCO becoming the third city recognized internationally and the first and only U.S. city to date. Since 2014 the City has been
recognized in over twenty “Best Of” publications including “The Best Small City for Educated Millennials” by Business Insider, “The Best City for College Grads” by the Huffington Post, and “The
Best City for Successful Aging” and “Number Five Best Performing Small City” by the Milliken Institute.
City Council Members
Matt Hayek, Mayor
Susan Mims, Mayor Pro Tem
Rick Dobyns, District A
Terry Dickens, District B
Jim Throgmorton, District C
Michelle Payne, At-large
Kingsley Botchway II, At-large
3
Strategic Plan Process
The strategic planning process involves multiple steps, including gathering input from the general public, City staff, and the City Council. The planning process focused on 1) Issues, Concerns,
Trends and Opportunities 2) On-Going or Committed Projects 3) Significant and New Projects, Programs, Policies and Initiatives and 4) Organizational Effectiveness.
The 2014-2015 Strategic Plan outlines the primary areas of focus for the community. Numerous additional projects, initiatives and policy matters that are not specifically mentioned in this
document have been carried out or will also be addressed as appropriate.
The City staff continues to coordinate various actions that contribute to successful outcomes in each of the identified focus areas. This Status Report notes each of the focus areas, explains the
major accomplishments to date, and presents a sample of future plans to further these goals.
2014-2015 Strategic Planning Calendar
Fall 2013 Public and City staff input presented to the City Council
Strategic planning work session with the City Council
Winter 2013 Adoption of the Strategic Plan
2014-2015 Implementation of action items
Periodic status updates
Fall 2015 Final action steps completed
Creation of a new 2016-17 Strategic Plan
4
Core Values for City Employees*
Strategic Plan Priorities
Fostering a more INCLUSIVE and SUSTAINABLE Iowa City through
a commitment to:
Strategic Economic Development Activities
A Strong Urban Core
Healthy Neighborhoods
A Solid Financial Foundation
Enhanced Communication and Marketing
Note: The City Council has expressed that inclusivity and sustainability are guiding
principles that should be considered when working within each of the stated
priorities
Integrity
Mean what you say
Do as you say
Be honest
Be ethical
Be consistent
Be committed
Communication
Be expressive
Provide feedback
Be friendly/open
Be clear
Be authentic
Be reflective
Listen
Leadership
See the whole picture
Take risks
Show passion
Be respectful
Be tactful
Engage
Empower others
Celebrate others
Be collaborative
Be supportive
Inspiration
Encourage others
Help set the pace
Be excited about the future
Show faith in your team
Be visionary
Embrace new concepts
Don’t quit before you start
Life-Long Learning
Be self-directed
Show creativity
Find solutions from multiple sources
Seek to learn
Evaluate and adjust when needed
Share knowledge
Practice what you learn
*Core values were developed by Iowa City staff
during the 2012-13 strategic plan year
5
Strategic Economic Development Activities
Goal: The City strives to expand and diversify the economic base of the community, particularly in existing planned commercial and industrial areas
that have established supporting infrastructure.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Towncrest
Completed the Williams Street streetscape improvements in conjunction
with the new commercial buildings on Muscatine and Williams
Completed the Wade Street water main replacement project
Awarded a façade grant to Iowa City Hospice
Improved appearance of the Kerr-McGee redevelopment parcel
Approved plans and provided assistance to enhance the design of new
apartment building which replaced a blighted parcel on Muscatine Ave.
Continue to market the Kerr-McGee property for
redevelopment
Identify further redevelopment options in the district
Continue to offer façade improvement opportunities
Expand streetscape enhancements as redevelopment
occurs
Iowa City Marketplace
and First Avenue
Retail Corridor
Completed significant public improvement projects on Lower Muscatine
Avenue, Sycamore St. and First Avenue to improve storm water
management, traffic flow, bicycle/pedestrian accommodations and
aesthetic appeal of the corridor
Initiated the First Avenue grade separation project which will be
completed in 2016 and includes a road diet from Bradford St. to Mall
Drive and evaluating the potential to extend to Highway 6.
Entered into a development agreement with mall ownership to improve
the site and attract new tenants.
Lucky’ s Market opened as new anchor tenant in July of 2015
Continue to work with the Iowa City Marketplace
ownership group to revitalize the property and fill
vacant spaces
Support other redevelopment efforts in the corridor
6
Strategic Economic Development Activities (continued)
Goal: The City strives to expand and diversify the economic base of the community, particularly in existing planned commercial and industrial areas that have
established supporting infrastructure.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Highway 6 /
Highway 1
Completed environmental assessments on city owned land at Riverside Dr. and Highway 6 and
began relocating public facilities from the property
Initiated a master plan update for the new Public Works campus to aid in the relocation of public
property from Riverside Dr. and Highway 6
Facilitated the sale of all remaining airport properties in Aviation Commerce Park and retired all
airport debt with the proceeds
Completed work on the Highway 1 pedestrian trail project from Orchard St. to Sunset St.
The USPS completed their relocation to Pepperwood Plaza
Continue to relocate public facilities from the
property at Riverside Dr. and Highway 6
Facilitate redevelopment of vacant or underutilized
properties along the corridor
Work with the Airport Commission on the
development of unused south airport property
Plan for the extension of the Highway 1 pedestrian
trail from Sunset St. to Mormon Trek Blvd.
420th Street
Industrial Park
Completed the public infrastructure improvements and achieved shovel ready status from ICAD
and the State of Iowa; signed contract with a listing agent to market the property
Continue to market the property in coordination
with ICAD
Evaluate north 73 acres as a potential site for a
youth sports complex
7
Strategic Economic Development Activities (continued)
Goal: The City strives to expand and diversify the economic base of the community, particularly in existing planned commercial and industrial areas that have
established supporting infrastructure.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Moss Ridge Campus
and Northgate
Worked with Moss Ridge Campus and Pearson to negotiate an access road to the property
and secured a $1.9 million RISE grant for the project
Construction of Moss Ridge Road was completed in 2015
Approved an expansion of the Northgate Office Park and received a $283,000 State RISE
grant to facilitate a road extension
Complete the platting of Moss Ridge Campus
development lots
Assist with private development issues as needed
Other Economic
Development Efforts
Worked with ICAD and the University of Iowa Office for Research and Development to
launch MERGE, a facility housed in the ICPL commercial space coupling ICAD’s CoLab
operations with University STEM-focused faculty
Finalized a land trade with Hy-Vee to facilitate their relocation and expansion on the
former Robert’s Dairy property on North Dodge Street.
Executed an agreement with ALPLA to expand their Iowa City operations and bring high
quality jobs into the community
Cooperation with significant UI projects including the School of Music, Art Museum, Art
Building West, Hancher, Children’s Hospital, N. Dodge medical clinic and two new
dormitories
Launched a new micro-loan fund program for low-moderate income entrepreneurs
Achieved a 6.6% reduction in the City property tax rate over the last four years
Continued sponsorship of Mission Creek and Entre Fest
Initiated discussions with potential broadband utility providers
Revised the City’s economic development policies to better match strategic plan objectives
Expand City presence at the ICAD Co-Lab and
encourage young entrepreneurs to grow their
business in the local community
Help in the planning of the 2016 Entre Fest in Iowa
City
8
A Strong Urban Core
Goal: It is the City’s goal to promote growth of the Downtown and Near Downtown areas in a manner that builds upon the existing vibrancy of the region, serves
persons of all ages and backgrounds, and complements the surrounding neighborhoods and University community.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Downtown
Iowa City and
Northside
Marketplace
Notable continued partnerships with the ICDD including BenchMarks, TreeHuggers, advertising, power
washing, expanded WiFi, Coffee with a Cop, support of their ‘Friends’ fundraising effort, retail assessment,
Northside Marketplace lighting and a dedicated police officer position in the district
Successfully completed two full years of the “First Hour Free” parking initiative and expanded parking for
automobiles and mopeds on Washington and Dubuque Streets.
Assisted Telepharm with employment-related parking incentive for downtown office space
Executed an agreement with Meta Communications to expand their business to the Park at 201 and added
high quality jobs in the community
Facilitated significant private redevelopment efforts including the MidwestOne historic building, Grossix
building, and the Northside Commons project
Completed three rounds of awards for the Building Change façade grant program
Adopted the Downtown and Pedestrian Mall Streetscape Plan and commenced work on phase one design
Changed signage regulations to allow for sandwich board signs
Executed a development agreement for the Chauncey project at College and Gilbert
Installed solar trash compactors/recycling bins downtown with plans to install more
Continue to work with the private sector to
strengthen and diversify the economic base
Implementation of the Downtown
Streetscape plan, including the new ped mall
public art piece
Consider additional policy changes that can
assist in meeting the shared goals of the City
and ICDD (signage, dumpster/alleys, café
regulations)
Evaluate multi-use building with New Pioneer
Co-op on the Recreation Center parking lot
Work with the ICDD on a new waste
collection and recycling strategy downtown
Partner with the ICDD on a review of design
and signage guidelines downtown
9
A Strong Urban Core (continued)
Goal: It is the City’s goal to promote growth of the Downtown and Near Downtown areas in a manner that builds upon the existing vibrancy of the region, serves
persons of all ages and backgrounds, and complements the surrounding neighborhoods and University community.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Downtown
Iowa City and
Northside
Marketplace
(continued)
Resurfaced the playground area as one of many master plan quickstart projects
Contracted with Shelter House for monthly supplemental cleaning efforts as well as coinciding with special events, festivals
and home football games
Completed a retail study with the ICDD and work with their new Retail Development Director
Started “#ThankYouIowaCity”, which is a card that Officer Schwindt, or other officers working in the downtown area, can
hand out to someone for doing something to make downtown a great place. A number of downtown businesses have signed
on to sponsor the project and offer thank you rewards
New and expanded special events including One Book Two Book, Soul Fest, and Oktoberfest
Successfully hosted as a 2015 RAGBRAI pass-through stop
Executed a lease agreement to support the ICAD/University of Iowa MERGE partnership in the Library commercial space
which will support an entrepreneurial center
Launched Music is the Word, a nine month line-up of musical programming welcoming the UI School of Music to downtown
Evaluate multi-modal traffic
model study for potential
implementation of street
design recommendations
Evaluate Jefferson Hotel
repurposing with the UI
Launch a mobile payment
application for parking
10
A Strong Urban Core (continued)
Goal: It is the City’s goal to promote growth of the Downtown and Near Downtown areas in a manner that builds upon the existing vibrancy of the
region, serves persons of all ages and backgrounds, and complements the surrounding neighborhoods and University community.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Riverfront Crossings
Implemented affordable housing policy when city financial incentives are
used on a project
Finalized the Burlington Street Dam and Iowa River Restoration study, as well
as initial park planning for the North Wastewater Plant site
Adopted the form based code
Partnered with MidwestOne Bank on a new facility that is nearing completion
Secured an $8.5 million state flood mitigation grant and completed the
demolition of the old wastewater plant
Signed a redevelopment agreement for the Court / Linn site
Entered into development agreements for the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, Sabin
Townhomes and Riverside West apartment projects
Entered into a lease purchase agreement for the new parking facility on
Harrison Street
Completed work on the Harrison Street reconstruction project
Worked with the University on the School of Music development
Finalize the Riverfront Park master plan
process
Consider land acquisition strategies to
return properties in the 100 year flood
plain to open space and secure ROW
needed for road reconfigurations
Plan public improvements for Riverside
Drive, including streetscape enhancements
and a pedestrian tunnel through the
railroad embankment
Work with the University of Iowa on the
Art Museum project
Implement the Clinton / Burlington
intersection improvements
Consider additional affordable housing
policies
11
Healthy Neighborhoods
Goal: The City aims to invest in and deliver core services to neighborhoods in a manner that enhances overall stability and maintains the intended
character while facilitating new opportunities to improve the quality of life.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Land Use Regulations
Completed annexations for two new elementary
schools in Iowa City
Created a new Horace Mann Conservation District
Amended the City Code to allow for Outdoor Service
Areas in residential and mixed-use zones associated
with restaurants
Completed the South District planning effort
Amended code to allow for rooftop service areas
with added accessibility requirements
Consider recommendations from the South District
Plan update
12
Healthy Neighborhoods (continued)
Goal: The City aims to invest in and deliver core services to neighborhoods in a manner that enhances overall stability and maintains the intended
character while facilitating new opportunities to improve the quality of life.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Public Infrastructure
Completed the Dubuque St. pedestrian bridge
Enhanced CIP funding for neighborhood parks
Installed the Sycamore Greenway trail head public
artwork in the Grant Wood neighborhood
Completed a master plan for Willow Creek and
Kiwanis parks and began Phase I improvements
Purchased the Chadek property and converted it to
infill parkland
Secured future infill parkland through the Palisades
development on North Dubuque Road
Working with the ICCSD to create a community
center partnership at the new south elementary
Developed new park signage at multiple locations
Pursued neighborhood park improvements at Court
Hill Park, Tower Court, Reno Park and Highland Park
Converted South Governor Street (Bowery to
Burlington) from one-way to two-way traffic
Ensure that future CIP funding is sufficiently provided
for core neighborhood improvements
Continue to promote the Neighborhood Traffic
Calming Program
Continue the Program for Improving Neighborhoods
(PIN) grant program
Install a new playground feature at Mercer Park
Continue phase one plan for improvements to
Willow Creek and Kiwanis parks
Continue to rollout the new park signage
Develop a master plan for Lower City Park - a
consulting firm has been engaged
Planning to launch a Library Bookmobile program in
FY 2017 to service local neighborhoods
13
Healthy Neighborhoods (continued)
Goal: The City aims to invest in and deliver core services to neighborhoods in a manner that enhances overall stability and maintains the intended character while
facilitating new opportunities to improve the quality of life.
Targets for
Actions
Accomplishments Future Plans
Private
Building
Stock
Worked with ICSSD on new schools. Annexed property for two new elementary schools. Budgeted funds for
partnership for expanded/shared gymnasium space.
Purchased fifty-six homes for the UniverCity program since 2011. Fifty-one homes have been sold through
November 2015.
Continued the GRIP rehabilitation program. Assisted sixteen existing homeowners over the last two years with an
estimated eight more in FY16.
Used Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds to rehabilitate sixty-two owner-occupied homes
over the last two fiscal years. It is estimated twenty-two additional homes will be rehabilitated in FY16. Two
homeowners received down payment assistance to acquire homes in targeted neighborhoods. These two homes
are also available for rehabilitation assistance.
Continue to obtain funding resources to
continue UniverCity, GRIP and targeted
neighborhood improvement programs.
Expand UniverCity program with the
acquisition of up to five homes in FY16.
Research a Green Building pilot program.
14
Healthy Neighborhoods (continued)
Goal: The City aims to invest in and deliver core services to neighborhoods in a manner that enhances overall stability and maintains the intended character while
facilitating new opportunities to improve the quality of life.
Targets for
Actions
Accomplishments Future Plans
Nuisance
Mitigation
Updated the rental disclosure forms to better inform tenants of local ordinances and increased the fine for
non-compliance with the form requirement
Increasingly used existing code provisions to require annual property inspections when nuisance or
criminal complaints are received
Complete rollout of ICgovXpress to all departments to be more responsive to neighbor issues, including the
Police Department, which is able to respond 24/7.
Continue to utilize the new neighborhood liaison position in the ICPD to work with Neighborhood Services,
Housing & Inspection Services, landlords, tenants, and associations on nuisance related matters as well as
working with the downtown liaison officer
Restructured staff in Neighborhood and Development Services to improve response to nuisance issues
Provided training to local Association of Realtors and the Greater Iowa City Apartment Owner Association
on issues related to property management, specifically relating to occupancy and tenant behavior.
Amended housing code to better address property maintenance issues
Continue outreach to neighborhoods to promote
ICgovXpress and the Neighborhood Liaison Police
Officer program
Increase the use of Nextdoor, a private social network
designed to connect neighborhoods. Nextdoor, which
opened to public agencies in the fall of 2014, also
enhances the City’s ability to communicate with Iowa
City residents and address issues affecting specific
neighborhoods.
Continue to enhance communication on neighborhood
association Facebook pages and other social media
platforms
Systematic inspection of properties in the University
Impact Area
15
Healthy Neighborhoods (continued)
Goal: The City aims to invest in and deliver core services to neighborhoods in a manner that enhances overall stability and maintains the intended character while
facilitating new opportunities to improve the quality of life.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Open Stakeholder
Communication
Assisted neighborhood associations in reestablishing a more active
Neighborhood Council and provided necessary resources to respond
to the interests as determined by the membership.
Formed new neighborhood associations in the Mercer Park / Dover
Street neighborhood and in the Mark Twain neighborhood (Lucas
Farms)
Helped establish a business association in the Gilbert Court area to
address growing public safety concerns
Consolidated the HIS and Planning Departments to streamline
communication with residents and businesses
Initiated a “Coffee with a Cop” program and held several sessions
throughout the community including at the center for Worker Justice
Continued staff outreach to various neighborhood associations and
assisted with communications as appropriate
Library staff continues weekly visits to the Neighborhood Centers to
visit with children and conduct outreach
Implemented use of the social media platform, Nextdoor, to enhance
communication between the City and neighborhoods
Expanded ICgovXpress to all departments
Continue to work with the ICCSD on facility issues, including exploring
partnerships to enhance facilities and offer before and after school
programming, and increasing participation in the Library Summer
Reading Program
Continue to work with the Neighborhood Council to provide resources
and guidance to address their interests.
Updated Planning
Documents
Completed a new south district planning effort timed with the
opening of the new Alexander Elementary School
16
A Solid Financial Foundation
Goal: The City aim to create a strong and sustainable financial foundation that will provide needed stability and flexibility while utilizing taxpayer dollars in the most
efficient and responsible manner.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Financial Policies
Adopted economic development policies to help guide the use of public incentives
Reduced the municipal property tax rate in each of the last four years (6.65%
decline)
Created an emergency reserve fund to protect against rapid revenue loss or assist
with disaster mitigation needs
Evaluated fee structures of various services and established new revenue
benchmarks to reduce property tax dependency
Increased minimum fund balance policy from 25% to 30%
Retired all airport related debt
Implementation of new Financial/Utility software system
Called 2008A GO bonds saving $220,010 in interest expense
Continue to reduce the property tax rate and
explore options for diversification of our
revenue sources
Continue to review service charges to ensure
that rates are sustainable and sufficiently
recover costs
Evaluate the impact of the gas tax increase and
allocate appropriate funding for projects in the
upcoming budget cycle - pavement
rehabilitation, brick streets, and curb ramps
Continue to look for opportunities to call
additional bonds early, saving interest expenses
Financial Analysis and
Communication to the
Public
Maintained the City’s AAA bond rating from Moody’s
Received the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation award each year since 2012
Received the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
for the 29th consecutive year
Continue to enhance the budget document and
associated financial reporting
Incorporate performance measures that are
linked to the City Council’s strategic plan
Build performance measure history
17
Enhanced Communication and Marketing
Goal: The City strives to be a high-functioning, customer service orientated organization that actively supports and engages stakeholders through
clear, open and innovative communication methods.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Coordinated
Communications
Hired a new Community Engagement Specialist in the Parks and Recreation
Department to enhance communication from that department
Established a growing social media presence through multiple platforms
Launched a redesigned website and e-subscription service
Participate in new student and transfer student orientations at the University of
Iowa
Received a top score from the Sunshine Review for excellence in website
transparency
Library card registration and other program materials made available in Spanish.
Outreach visits by Library staff include use of translators on occasion
Created a presence to interact with residents and visitors at the 2015 Arts Fest,
Juneteenth celebration and 2015 Soul Fest
Partnered with University of Iowa classes for improved student outreach and
engagement
Required accessibility for rooftop service areas beyond ADA
Expanded use of icgovXpress to respond to customer requests more quickly and
efficiently.
Continue efforts to better coordinate
messages coming from various city
departments
Continue to implement the Munis
centralized computer software
program
Further integrate the use of social
media into the organization and
introduce more interactive efforts
that engage key staff and elected
officials in social media
Plan for electronic newsletter options
for Library users
Senior Center to explore shift to more
electronic communications
Continue local outreach at public
events
18
Enhanced Communication and Marketing (continued)
Goal: The City strives to be a high-functioning, customer service orientated organization that actively supports and engages stakeholders through clear, open and
innovative communication methods.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
Customer Service
Orientation
Initiated front lobby remodel project to provide a more welcoming environment for
the public.
Expanding the electronic development plan submission process that was initiated in
2013
Initiated an instantaneous email alert to contractors after building inspections have
been completed
In coordination with the University of Iowa and Coralville, launched a transit trip
planner application http://planner.ebongo.org
Launched ParkMe smart phone application
Installed accessible door openers on second floor restroom doors of the Library
Library circulation policies reviewed from customer point of view; fine structure
simplified, number of holds increased.
Installed a new Iowa DOT self-serve kiosk at the Library
Continue to examine ways to streamline interactions
between the city and public
Expand instantaneous email alert to housing
inspections
Partner with the Post Office to host passport fairs at
the Library
19
Notable Projects and Initiatives Incorporating the Inclusive and Sustainable Values
Category Project Status
Inclusive
City Park Pool ADA
Improvements The project was substantially completed prior to the 2014 summer swimming season.
Curb Ramp Program An inventory has been completed and a work plan is being developed. The City Council doubled the funding for repairs in FY 2015 and
additional CDBG funds were committed to repairs downtown and in low to moderate income census tracts.
1105 Challenge Grant The 1105 Project has been completed and they are operational. The 1105 Project Kitchen, a resource for entrepreneurs opened in 2015.
Fast Trac Funding The City funded an extension of Fast Trac through the Diversity Focus organization.
Ad Hoc Diversity
Recommendations
The recommendations have been received and staff is actively working on implementation. The “DIF” report provides significant detail on
actions the Police Department has taken related to these recommendations. There are numerous outreach initiatives that have been
started or expanded in the last two years.
Welcoming City Initiative The City has officially signed up for this program and has joined a network of other cities aiming to create a more welcoming, immigrant-
friendly community.
Mayors for the Freedom
to Marry Coalition Mayor Hayek has joined over 400 other Mayors in this effort to support equal marriage rights for all people.
Municipal Equality Index Received the top score in the State of Iowa on the Municipal Equality Index rating from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
Downtown Banners
The City partnered with ICAD, CVB, ICDD and the University of Iowa to install new banners that feature a diverse mix of local residents
and several languages. The banners extend a welcome to new students and all residents and express the City’s inclusive values. Also, the
Housing Authority partnered with the Affordable Homes Coalition and Association of Realtors for fair housing/affordable housing
banners that were up for the month of April 2015.
Fair Lending Training The Human Rights Commission and staff coordinated this training for area realtors and lenders. The program was administered by staff
from the John Marshall Law School and stems from a recommendation in the Impediments to Fair Housing report.
Court Hill ADA
Improvements This sidewalk infill project created an accessible path from Court Street to Friendship Street through Court Hill Park.
Staff Training
In 2014, staff responsible for frequent interactions with the public undertook cultural competency training from Culture Friendly
Consulting. Transportation Services staff participated in a training session titled “Building Diversity Skills in the Transit Workplace”, which
was offered by the National Transit Institute. In 2015 a mandatory training entitled “Diversity in the Workforce” was held for employees.
20
Category Project Status
Inclusive
(cont.)
International Student
Orientation
Staff worked with the University of Iowa and now participates in the international student orientations and other related events
throughout the year. This gives the City a chance to welcome new international students and break down communication barriers.
Senior Center Training Promoted multiculturalism and inclusiveness by hosting a professionally facilitated diversity training session during the Senior Center’s
annual members meeting.
Police Department
Community Outreach
The Police Department has initiated several new outreach programs including a basketball program at South East Junior High, a youth
police academy and participation in events such as national Night Out, Juneteenth and others.
Public Safety Youth
Academy
Police, Fire and Johnson County Ambulance Service partnered to create this academy that aims to get more youth from diverse
backgrounds interested in public safety careers
Arabic Library Materials The Library has added a small collection of Arabic language materials to its collection
Sensory Story Time Kits The Library acquired four kits that are designed to make story time more accessible and enjoyable for children with autism spectrum
disorder
Equity Report Issued the City’s first Equity Report and created a corresponding plan for actions.
Website Accessibility The City’s new website is ADA and Section 508 compliant. Accessible websites can be used by all qualified users, including those with
disabilities and those utilizing assistive technology to access information.
Sustainable
University of Iowa IISC
Partnership
Year one of the program has been completed and based on its success a second year was initiated.
New Sustainability Office Shifted the focus of the Environmental Coordinator in Public Works to a Sustainability Coordinator in Neighborhood and Development
Services.
Edible Landscape Projects The City partnered with Backyard Abundance to receive a $23k grant for public orchard project that expands the Edible Forest Maze in
Wetherby Park. A second grant for $24k was received to install edible landscaping around the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center.
Heartland Network
Climate Adaptation and
Urban Ag Initiatives
Iowa City has joined with several other Midwestern communities and received a grant to work with climatologists to better understand
and prepare for challenges associated with climate changes. A second grant focuses on urban agriculture best practices
Animal Shelter Committed to adding a geo-thermal component to the Animal Shelter project.
LED Streetlight
Conversions
Staff is actively converting city owned streetlights to LED. Similarly, Mid-American is actively converting their lights to LED.
21
Prescription Drug
Program
The Police Department sought and was awarded a grant from CVS to install a prescription drug container in their lobby. This program
provides the public a 24/7 option to keep old prescriptions out of the waste stream and our waterways.
Awareness and Discount
Programs
Staff continues to work with local retailers to offer discounted rain barrels and compost bins to the community. As part of Earth Day
events staff also hosted educational programs on gardening, composting, bike maintenance and other topics at the East Side Recycling
Center.
Electric Vehicle Purchase Purchased the City’s first electric vehicle for use at the South Wastewater Plant
Earthbox Project The Senior Center started this program which saw members plant and maintain vegetable gardens at senior assisted living and day-care
facilities targeting low-income and frail seniors.
Blue Zones The City continues its support of the Blue Zones program and has adopted numerous policies and pursued multiple projects to further
the Blue Zones effort.
Compost Program Initiated a residential compost pilot and received the EPA’s Food too Good to Waste award for its success
STAR Rating System Selected to participate in the STAR Community Rating system to better understand progress on sustainability goals
Solar Compactors Received a grant to defray some costs for four new solar trash and recycling units to be located in downtown
22
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives
Category Project Status
Public
Facilities
Animal Shelter Construction has been completed and the shelter is in full operation
City Hall Lobby Upgrade
and NDS Improvements Work is underway and due to be completed in early 2016
South Wastewater
Treatment Plant Expansion Construction is substantially complete
Police Storage and Fire
Training Temporary storage space has been secured. A more permanent solution is being contemplated on the new Public Works campus
Riverfront Crossings
Parking Facility A lease purchase agreement has been executed for a new facility to be located on Harrison Street in the Riverfront Crossings district.
23
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives (continued)
Category Project Status
Flood
Recovery
Gateway Project National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Review Process has been completed. The final design is nearing completion. Project letting
expected in the upcoming winter with construction in 2016-2018.
West Side Levee Construction is substantially complete.
Rocky Shore Flood
Gate/Lift Station Construction is substantially complete.
North Wastewater
Treatment Plant Demo
The plant has been decommissioned and an $8.5 million state flood mitigation grant has been secured. Work has commenced with
mercury and asbestos remediation complete and demolition is complete.
Peninsula Secondary
Access
Staff is working with the property owner to establish the ability to install an emergency access in the event a flood would close Foster
Road.
Buy-out Program Applied for additional funding to remove more properties from the 100 year flood plain
24
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives (continued)
Category Project Status
Public
Infrastructure
Burlington/Clinton
Intersection Construction is delayed due to extensive redevelopment in the area.
Burlington/Madison
Intersection Construction is delayed due to extensive redevelopment in the area.
Downtown Streetscape The plan has been adopted and implementation activities have commenced. Washington Street improvements are planned for 2016.
Dubuque Street
Pedestrian Bridge I-80 Construction completed in 2015.
25
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives (continued)
Category Project Status
Public
Infrastructure
(cont.)
First Avenue Railroad
Grade Separation Construction has commenced with completion expected in late 2016.
First Avenue Storm Sewer
Phase 2 The project has been completed.
Moss Ridge Road Construction is complete.
Lower Muscatine Road
Reconstruction Construction is complete.
Park Road 3rd Lane The design is being done as part of the Gateway Project and will be constructed with that project.
Harrison Street
Reconstruction Construction is complete.
Sycamore Street Construction is substantially complete.
Mormon Trek Road diet and turn lane addition expected in early 2016
26
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives (continued)
Category Project Status
Parkland
Development
Kiwanis / Willow Park
Improvements Master plan has been completed. Phase 1 construction is underway and is to be completed in 2016.
Ned Ashton House The facility is open for rentals and final grounds improvements from Project Green are substantially complete. A REAP grant has been
received to complete additional improvements.
Normandy Drive
Restoration The final construction phase is currently underway.
Mercer Park Playground The project will be completed in 2016.
Neighborhood Park
Improvements Tower Court improvements are substantially complete and work is underway in Highland Park.
27
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives (continued)
Category Project Status
Other
Utility Billing and ERP
Software Software is currently in use.
Kronos Timekeeping A conversion to electronic timekeeping is underway.