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StrategicPlanSummary-12-2017-1
City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 319-356-5010 icgov.org 2016-17 Strategic Plan Summary December 2017 Table of contents ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................2 Introduction and overview ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................3 - 7 Priority 1: Promote a strong and resilient economy ...............................................................................................................................................................8 - 14 Priority 2: Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core ..................................................................................................................................................15 - 21 Priority 3: Foster healthy neighborhoods throughout the City .......................................................................................................................................22 - 27 Priority 4: Maintain a solid financial foundation ....................................................................................................................................................................28 - 29 Priority 5: Enhance community engagement and intergovernmental relations .......................................................................................................30 - 41 Priority 6: Promote environmental sustainability ..................................................................................................................................................................42 - 54 Priority 7: Advance social justice and racial equity ...............................................................................................................................................................55 - 64 Page: 2 . . . Table of Contents City Council members are, from left: Terry Dickens, District B Pauline Taylor, District A Jim Throgmorton, At-Large, Mayor John Thomas, District C Kingsley Botchway II, At-Large, Mayor Pro Tem Susan Mims, At-Large Rockne Cole, At-Large City of Iowa City organizational profile City Council 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. City Manager 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. City staff 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. These include water, sewer, stormwater, garbage and recycling utilities, as well as public services like public safety, building and housing inspections, parks and recreation, street maintenance, engineering, development services, transportation, local cable television programming, and senior services. City accolades 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 20 “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. Page: 3 . . . Introduction and Overview History and background The strategic planning goal-setting session focused on the following areas: u Issues, concerns, trends, and opportunities u Ongoing or committed projects u Significant new projects, programs, policies, and initiatives Council further refined their top priorities and initiatives at subsequent work sessions. Specific programs, policies, and projects were iden- tified to guide staff activities for the next two years and communicate Council’s priorities to the public. The resolution on the March 1, 2016 City Council agenda formally adopted the Council’s strategic plan priorities and reflected the lan- guage, goals, and intentions that were developed by the City Council in the work sessions and meetings held Nov. 30, 2015, and Jan. 14, Jan. 21, Feb. 2, and Feb. 16, 2016. Iowa City’s 2016-17 Strategic Plan This strategic plan intends to foster a more inclusive, just and sustainable Iowa City. u 1. Promote a strong and resilient local economy u 2. Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core u 3. Foster healthy neighborhoods throughout the City u 4. Maintain a solid financial foundation u 5. Enhance community engagement and intergovernmental relations u 6. Promote environmental sustainability u 7. Advance social justice and racial equity Page: 4 . . . Introduction and Overview City Council-identified projects, programs, policies, and initiatives for the Strategic Plan Promote a strong and resilient local economy • Identify how the City and local partners can effectively market and grow the local foods economy • Review and consider amending the City’s Tax Increment Finance (TIF) policy • Promote neighborhood commercial districts and build stronger relations with business owners throughout the community • Work closely with the University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College on future facilities and economic development opportunities, especially in the Riverfront Crossings District • Work closely with the ICCSD, Kirkwood Community College, labor organizations, Iowa Works and others to explore the feasibility of an industrial arts/crafts facility in Iowa City • Proactively seek opportunities to facilitate development of our interstate entryways in a manner consistent with this strategic plan • Develop programs aimed to enhance small business development and retention with a focus on diverse communities Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core • Consider creating a new City Council committee with a focus on the sustainable built environment • Suppor t historic preservation efforts • Initiate public dialogue about the meaning and importance of a walkable neighborhood and how to achieve it • Encourage diverse housing types and price points for a variety of income levels Page: 5 . . . Introduction and Overview Page: 6 Foster healthy neighborhoods throughout the City • Consider amending the City’s Annexation Policy to require the provision of affordable housing in residential/mixed-use areas • Evaluate the implementation of a Form Based Code in one or two parts of the community • Develop strategies to diversify the membership of neighborhood associations • Substantially improve access and use of public spaces through improvements to sidewalks, streetscapes, parks, and schools Maintain a solid financial foundation • Continue to monitor the impact of the 2013 property tax reform and evaluate alternative revenue sources as determined necessary • Continue to build the City’s Emergency Fund • Monitor potential changes to Moody’s rating criteria and maintain the City’s Aaa bond rating • Continue to reduce the City’s property tax levy • Maintain healthy fund balances throughout the City’s diverse operations Enhance community engagement and intergovernmental relations • Provide timely and appropriate input on the ICCSD’s planned 2017 bond referendum • Televise regular City Council work sessions • Significantly improve the ability of Council and staff to engage with diverse populations on complex or controversial topics Promote environmental sustainability • Raise Iowa City’s Bicycle-Friendly Community status from silver to gold by 2017 and aspire toward a platinum status in the future • Evaluate and consider implementation of a plastic bag policy • Under take a project in FY 2017 that achieves a significant measurable carbon emission reduction • Set a substantive and achievable goal for reducing city-wide carbon emissions by 2030, and create an ad-hoc climate change task force, potentially under an umbrella STAR Communities committee, to devise a cost-effective strategy for achieving the goal • Collaborate with community partners on sustainability efforts . . . Introduction and Overview Advance social justice and racial equity • Develop and implement a racial / socioeconomic equity review toolkit • Suppor t the Housing First initiative and other local homeless efforts, including the temporary winter shelter • Consider creating a City Council committee with a focus on social justice and racial equity • Evaluate initiatives to effectively engage the community’s youth • Identify and implement an achievable goal to reduce disproportionality in arrests • Create a racial equity grant program • Develop a partnership with the University of Iowa and other key stakeholders that will aid efforts to recruit and retain a greater minority workforce • Identify a substantive and achievable goal for the provision of affordable housing in Iowa City and implement strategies to achieve this goal Page: 7 . . . Introduction and Overview Strategies to meet this goal: Identify how the City and local partners can effectively market and grow the local foods economy u Budgeted a total of $55,000 for local foods initiatives in FY17 & FY18 u Farm to Street Dinner The City is in its second year of partnership between Johnson County and the Iowa City Downtown District in hosting a community meal fundraiser that supports local food producers, raises awareness about local food systems, and benefits a selected nonprofit, in addition to the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Foundation. Field to Family was the beneficiary in 2016 and the Iowa Valley Global Food Project received support in 2017. The City provided financial support in the amount of $5,000 for the event, and staff to help plan and provided operational support for permit applications, road closures, traffic control, recycling and clean-up, all while working with fellow coordinating partners. u Community Meal A community “Serving up Opportunity” BBQ was held in Wetherby Park in collaboration with local food vendors. This event featured guest speaker Jason Sole, the Minneapolis NAACP President, Criminal Justice Consultant, and Professor at Hamline University. Children’s activities, live entertainment and booths from various organizations were provided. u Double Your Bucks The City supported the “Double Your Bucks” program at the Iowa City Farmers Market. Through the program, electronic benefit transfer (EBT) users doubled their cash when making purchases at farmers’ markets. u Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) The Iowa City Farmers Market began offering a centralized Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in 2016. More than 200 people attended the inaugural Iowa City Farm to Street Dinner on Linn Street in late August 2016. Tickets for the 2017 event went on sale in advance, and again sold out within a matter of hours. Page: 8 . . .1 Promote a strong and resilient local economy u Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program The Senior Center partnered with the Heritage Agency to distribute 100 packets of checks for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). Intended for low-income older adults, each qualified participant received $30 in checks to use at local farmers’ markets for produce or honey. The City sponsored the program at $5,000. u Summer 2017 Beginner Garden Program The City funded a master gardener-instructed program with 20 families/individuals participating. This successful program could be expanded to more weeks and more on-site coaching from the program instructor. The program’s first year went very well. The twenty participating families received gardening kits, including equipment and seeds, and were instructed by Master Gardener Nancy Pope. In future years, the program could be expanded to more weeks and more on-site coaching from the program instructor. The program was promoted directly to underserved populations through the following avenues: • Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County - family support staff • Coalition for Racial Justice • Center for Worker Justice • International Women’s Club • Sisters In Power - social group • Black Voices Project u Garden Plot Rentals Twenty plots were added at Kiwanis Park and 16 were added at Reno Park. All 200 garden plots available for rent were full this year. u Backyard Abundance Edible Classroom project The City helped to support the Backyard Abundance edible classroom educational project at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. • Community partnership with several sponsors and supporters including the State of Iowa Department of Agriculture • Ribbon cutting on Sept. 17, 2016 Building the Backyard Abundance Edible Classroom Project at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. Page: 9 . . .1 Promote a strong and resilient local economy The Farmers Market Taste of Market sizzles with local flavor. u Plant Sale and fundraisers Backyard Abundance, Friends of Hickory Hill Park and Project Green held sales in 2016 and 2017 at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department. u Farmers Market events: Taste of Market and Local Food Fair • Market staff grilled and distributed free samples from our local vendors. • Field to Family hosted a Local Food Fair to showcase the work being done to support Iowa City’s local food system in 2016. Review and consider amending the City’s Tax Increment Finance (TIF) policy u TIF policy stakeholder meetings TIF policy stakeholder meetings are complete. Nine focus groups were held to solicit feedback on current policies and recommendations for improvement. Focus groups included past TIF recipients; affected taxing entities; nonprofit organizations including representatives from labor organizations; architects, engineers, and developers; community promotional organizations such as the Iowa City Downtown District, Chamber of Commerce, and the Convention and Visitors Bureau; environmental advocacy groups; and arts and cultural organizations. u Economic development policy update The City’s Economic Development Policies were amended May 3, 2016, to include a requirement for the provision of affordable housing when residential projects receive public financing, including TIF. Fifteen percent of residential units must be affordable for a minimum of 20 years when a project receives City funding. • The Council Economic Development Committee considered a first draft of new TIF Policies at its July 21, 2017, meeting. A new TIF policy approved by the Economic Development Committee on Oct. 19, 2017 was presented to Council on Nov. 6, 2017. The TIF policy, including new or updated measures for sustainability, building heights downtown, historic preservation, economic justice, affordable housing, quality jobs, and other public interests, was approved. Promote neighborhood commercial districts and build stronger relations with business owners throughout the community u Involvement with business community City staff serve on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce, Iowa City Area Development Group (ICAD), and the Iowa City Downtown District. Staff members regularly attend functions offered by these groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce roundtable lunches. Page: 10 . . .1 Promote a strong and resilient local economy u Small business engagement Through the “So, you want to start a business?” and “Building Business Basics” programs, as well as the Kirkwood scholarship partnership, staff is working to strengthen relations with Kirkwood Community College and emerging small businesses. Work closely with the University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College on future facilities and economic development opportunities, especially in the Riverfront Crossings District u MERGE MERGE is a collaboration with ICAD and the City of Iowa City for entrepreneurial co-working space and prototype laboratory. The facility is located in the City- owned Iowa City Public Library commercial space and is provided to MERGE at reduced rent. The City also supports ICAD operations annually. The City Council has authorized the City Manager to contribute up to $100,000 for build out of the space. MERGE held a grand opening/reception on June 15, 2017. Kirkwood Community College is also a partner in MERGE and supports its operations through programming and sponsorships. Work closely with the ICCSD, Kirkwood Community College, labor organizations, Iowa Works, and others to explore the feasibility of an industrial arts/crafts facility in Iowa City u It does not appear there is enough support for the development of a new facility at this time but City staff remains vigilant in identifying opportunities as they may arise. However, City Communications promoted existing apprenticeship programs through a partnership with labor organizations. MERGE co-working space and prototype lab. Page: 11 . . .1 Promote a strong and resilient local economy The MERGE open house was held in June 2017. Page: 12 Proactively seek opportunities to facilitate development of our interstate entryways in a manner consistent with this Strategic Plan u Forest View Comprehensive Plan At their Aug. 18, 2017, meeting, the City Council unanimously approved a comprehensive plan amendment for the Forest View redevelopment. Develop programs aimed to enhance small business development and retention with a focus on diverse communities u Increase number of minority owned businesses Entered into discussions with Johnson County, Kirkwood Community College, MidWestOne Bank, and Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County to evaluate strategies to increase the number of businesses in the area that are owned by women and/or persons of color. u “So, you want to start a business?” workshop series Partnered with Kirkwood Community College, Community CPA, and Sankofa Outreach Connection to provide the “So you want to start a business…?” educational series with financial support from Hills Bank & Trust Company, MidWestOne Bank, and University of Iowa Community Credit Union. Five business development workshops were held at Kirkwood’s Iowa City campus during May and June 2016, marketed to women, immigrants, and persons of color. Approximately 50 people attended the workshops that provided information and technical assistance to those wanting to start their own business. PowerPoint slides are available on the City’s website and the series was recorded and aired on City Channel 4. u “Building Business Basics” workshop series On May 20, 2017, staff held the “Building Business Basics” workshop on the Iowa City Kirkwood campus. Over 80 participants rotated through five stations to learn how to complete a business plan and what community resources are Over 80 people participated in the Building Business Basics workshop series, helping them learn the major concepts of creating a business plan. . . .1 Promote a strong and resilient local economy available to assist. The workshops ended with a roundtable lunch with small business owners. Sankofa Outreach Connection, Kirkwood and the Center for Worker Justice helped market the workshop to women, immigrants and persons of color. Translation services were provided by the Center for Worker Justice and Kirkwood. Hills Bank & Trust Company, MidWestOne Bank, and University of Iowa Community Credit Union provided financial support. Another session of “Building Business Basics” will be held in spring 2018, partnering with Kirkwood and several other community organizations. MidWestOne Bank will continue to operate the affiliated MicroLoan program. u MicroLoan Program The City’s MicroLoan Program was adjusted to provide better terms (3% interest, $10,000 maximum loan for a 5-year term). This program provides low to moderate income persons with access to affordable loans to start or expand a business in Iowa City. The program has had renewed interested following the workshops held at Kirkwood and the improved loan terms. u Scholarships The City is providing a grant to sponsor two scholarships for female and/or minority students interested in taking an independent study class on how to start a business at Kirkwood’s Iowa City campus during the 2017-2018 school year. Their participation is a direct follow-up to the “Building Business Basics” workshop held in May 2017. Other initiatives u “Center of Influence Tour” Job Fair The Human Resources Division participated in the April 14, 2016, job fair at the Iowa City National Guard Armory. The fair was open to the public and included a variety of employers from different industries throughout the corridor. u Job and Resource Fair A job and resource fair sponsored by the City, Iowa Works, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Shelter House, and Successful Living, was held on Sept. 12, 2017, at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. Page: 13 . . .1 Promote a strong and resilient local economy September 2017 Job Fair held at Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. Page: 14 . . .1 Promote a strong and resilient local economy u Facade improvements Funding was approved for façade improvements for Big Grove Brewery’s Iowa City location. This redevelopment is an important first step in revitalizing the southern portion of the Riverfront Crossings District. The planned park development, adjacent to the Big Grove site, will also help encourage further investment in the area. City Council has approved several amendments to the Riverfront Crossings Form Based Code for Big Grove and surrounding properties. u Harrison Street Parking Facility The 600-space Harrison Street Parking Facility opened in April 2017. The parking ramp connects to the new MidWestOne building to the west and the soon to open Sabin Townhomes to the east. In addition, this facility will provide vital parking for future developments in the Riverfront Crossings area. The facility provides parking for monthly and visitor vehicles, bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles, as well as two electric vehicle charging stations. u Community support • Approved funding for Film Scene and Riverside Theatre, two of Iowa City’s invaluable non-profit organizations that provide arts entertainment. • Approved funding for Entrefest, a conference for entrepreneurs and other business people held in Downtown Iowa City. The Big Grove project will encourage further investment in the Riverfront Crossings District. The new Harrison Street Parking Facility opened in April 2017. Strategies to meet this goal: Consider creating a new City Council committee with a focus on the sustainable built environment u Council considered this action at an April 5, 2016, work session and decided not to move forward with the committee as proposed. Support historic preservation efforts u Historic Preservation fund The new Historic Preservation Fund will provide grants and low-interest loans to homeowners making improvements to historic properties. Grants and loans will fund 50% of project costs, up to $5,000. Grants are available for owner-occupied homes where the household income is 140% of median income or less. Loans are available to landlords, and to owner-occupied homes where the household income is more than 140% of median income. u Houser-Metzger House move The City facilitated the move of the historic Houser-Metzger House from 422 Iowa Ave. to 623 College St. in 2016. As a result, approximately 45 tons of demolition debris was kept out of the landfill, and a historically appropriate house was moved to the College Green Historic District. Several departments and divisions, including Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Police, and Neighborhood and Development Services, devoted time and resources to guiding the move of the house. u Rehabilitation of Upper City Park log cabins The City secured a $25,000 Historical Resource Development Program grant for rehabilitation of City Park’s Old Settlers’ Association of Johnson County Cabins. The cabins are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Work is anticipated to be completed in 2018. The total cost of the project is $256,900, supplemented by the Historical Resource grant and $11,263 in private donations. Council approved the final bid award on June 20, 2017. The home at 304 S. Summit St. was restored to its former beauty and earned its owners an Historic Preservation Award. Preservation efforts are also being completed for the log cabins in Upper City Park, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Page: 15 . . .2 Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core u Historical designation The historical designation of 716 N. Dubuque St. was approved at the April 19, 2016, City Council meeting. u National Register of Historic Places A home at 715 W. Park Road was nominated for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. u Other historic preservation • In May 2017, a development agreement reached with the new development, Augusta Place, required designation of the Unitarian Church at 10 S. Gilbert St. as a historic landmark. The designation is complete and the Unitarian Church is now officially a local landmark. • 715 W. Park Road nominated for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. • Funded a historic survey of Downtown Iowa City – survey commenced July 2017. This project, planned for completion by March 2018, is supported by a $5,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The site analysis is now complete and the consultant is currently comparing findings to the 2001 survey. A meeting was held recently with downtown businesses and property owners. • The Historic Preservation Commission held a reception in November 2016 to honor Henry Fisk, an Iowa City architect known for his Mid-Century Modern designs, including the original Press-Citizen building, the municipal airport terminal, and several homes in Manville and River Heights. • A historic house tour was given in May 2017 featuring the Byfield House at 715 Park Road, the City-owned Ned Ashton house, and several Mid-Century Modern houses in Manville Heights. u Civil Rights Grant The Historic Preservation Commission was awarded a $16,000 Civil Rights Grant from the National Park Service. The grant will be used to fund the nomination of Iowa City’s Tate Arms rooming house and the Iowa Federation Home Dormitory Page: 16 In order to address the need for African American housing, the Tate Arms building, located at 914 S. Dubuque St., was established around 1940 and served as a private rooming house for male African American students until the mid-1960s. It was named after its owners, Junious (“Bud”) and Elizabeth (“Bettye”) Crawford Tate. In 1920, The Iowa Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs opened the Federation Home, located at 942 Iowa Ave., to serve as a dormitory for African American women studying at the University. This dormitory operated until 1950. . . .2 Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core to the National Register of Historic Places. The two buildings serve as landmarks associated with the struggle for housing equality for Black students at the University of Iowa. Initiate public dialogue about the meaning and importance of a walkable neighborhood and how to achieve it u “Missing Middle: Responding to the Demand for Walkable Urban Living” public and staff presentations conducted by Dan Parolek Daniel Parolek is a nationally recognized architect, urbanist and leader in architecture, design, and urban planning. Missing middle housing is a term Parolek uses to define the type of housing that falls between single-family homes and large apartment complexes or high-rises, like duplexes, fourplexes, bungalow courts, mansion apartments, and live-work units. The missing middle provides housing for a range of incomes, ages, and lifestyles, and easily fits in with existing single-family neighborhoods, infill or urban renewal areas, or new construction projects. u Zach Benedict presentation Zach Benedict is one of the leading voices in the “Lifetime Community” movement, focusing on the socioeconomic benefits of age-friendly neighborhoods. Benedict discussed research that indicates successful cities consistently prioritize communal attachment through social offerings, openness, and aesthetics. u Jay Walljasper workshops Two public presentations were conducted in spring 2016. The first, “All That We Share: A Discussion of the Commons,” was focused on a discussion of how community resources must be actively protected and managed for the good of all. The second event, a workshop titled “25 Ways You Can Create a Strong Community” focused on placemaking and the commons with an emphasis on community development in Iowa City’s downtown. u Jeff Speck presentation Jeff Speck visited Iowa City in October 2016 and held numerous events, including interviews with staff, a staff tour of town, a presentation to Johnson County elected officials, and a public presentation at the Iowa City Public Library. Jeff Speck is a Zach Benedict Jay Walljasper Dan Parolek Page: 17 . . .2 Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core city planner and urban designer who, through writing, lectures, and built work, advocates internationally for smart growth and sustainable design. As Director of Design at the National Endowment for the Arts from 2003 through 2007, he oversaw the Mayors’ Institute on City Design and created the Governors’ Institute on Community Design, a federal program that helps state governors fight suburban sprawl. Speck is the author of “Walkable City – How Downtown Can Save America One Step at a Time.” The Iowa City Public Library Book Club discussed this book at a recent meeting. u Robin Hambleton visit: “Leading the Inclusive City” In March 2016, Robin Hambleton, Professor of City Leadership in the Centre for Sustainable Planning and Environments at the University of the West of England in Bristow, presented “Leading the Inclusive City” at the Iowa City Public Library. The program addressed global inequality and how cities can take steps to minimize inequality, advance social justice, promote environmental responsibility, and bolster community empowerment. Encourage diverse housing types and price points for a variety of income levels u Inclusionary housing code amendments Council adopted inclusionary housing code amendments for the Riverfront Crossings District on July 5, 2016. u Affordable housing requirements for TIF projects Council adopted affordable housing requirements for projects supported through tax increment financing (TIF) on May 3, 2016. Since then, the City has had several notable projects adhere to these standards, including: • Augusta Place, approved May 2, 2017, with 6 affordable units onsite and 12 offsite. • Hieronymus Square, approved Sept. 19, 2017, with 2 onsite and 5 offsite units or fee paid in lieu. Page: 18 Jeff Speck . . .2 Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core Page: 19 • Rather than housing units, potential upcoming TIF projects are likely to have components of road work. In these cases, affordable housing units may be gained through the support for completing road projects with TIF dollars if projects are approved. u Housing First/FUSE initiative Council supported the Housing First/FUSE initiative, including financial support of $275,000 and adopting the necessary zoning code amendments. The project will construct a facility that provides low-barrier housing for chronically homeless individuals. The zoning code amendments were adopted July 5, 2016, and in 2017, Shelter House received a $2.7 million grant from the Iowa Finance Authority to support building construction. u Augusta Place Augusta Place at 10 S. Gilbert St. and over the existing City Hall parking lot, is a mixed use residential development. Six onsite units will be purchased by the Housing Authority for affordable downtown housing and an additional 12 existing units at an offsite developer-owned property will rent at <40% area media income (AMI). Construction began in fall 2017. Other initiatives u Urban Core Sign Code Amendments Amendments to the Sign Code were adopted in November 2016. The sign code amendments were based on a study completed by the firm Kiku Obata, sponsored by the City of Iowa City and the Iowa City Downtown District. The amendments are intended to foster more pedestrian-oriented signs and variety of signage. u Washington Street median planting project In 2016, City staff from various departments volunteered to assist the Parks Division in replanting the Washington Street medians after the Houser-Metzger House move.Augusta Place will soon be constructed at 10 S. Gilbert St., next to City Hall. Construction plans will retain the historic Unitarian Church building. . . .2 Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core Page: 20 u City Hall beautification In spring and summer 2017, significant landscaping work was done around City Hall. New plants, sod, and limestone seating boulders were installed, along with new sidewalk, stairs and seating area at the Washington Street entrance. u Washington Street Reconstruction Project The City Council approved the contract for the reconstruction of the two blocks of Washington Street between Clinton and Linn streets. In addition to upgraded underground utilities, the project enhanced the accessibility and walkability through wider sidewalks, narrower vehicle lanes and crosswalks. The project also evenly distributed parallel parking, enhanced plantings and street trees, improved ADA ramps and slopes, and provided consistent café locations for predictable pedestrian paths. The major construction work is complete and the contractor is completing punch list items, including kiosks. To increase the pedestrian friendly nature of the project, traffic signals planned for the Dubuque and Linn street intersection were replaced with stop signs as directed by Council. u Co-Sign project The City supported the Co-Sign project, which helps demonstrate new urban core sign code. Twenty-thousand dollars split between FY17 and FY18 assisted 12 businesses in the Downtown District to install new creative signage. A well- attended reveal event was held on Aug. 11, 2017. u Passport Parking The Iowa City Parking Department and the University of Iowa implemented a mobile parking service in May, using PassportParking as the vendor. Drivers can now pay for parking using smart phones, tablets or other electronic devices. Signage on or near the meter provides the zone and space number needed to complete the transaction. The app allows users to pay for the space, set an expiration alert, and extend their stay time up to the maximum allotted time. PassportParking can be used at every City metered space, most University meters, the Chauncey Swan PassportParking was implemented in Iowa City in May 2017, providing mobile parking payment options. Washington Street improvements included wider side- walks, enhanced plantings and parallel parking. The Co-Sign project brought new creative signage to Downtown Iowa City. . . .2 Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core Page: 21 The First Avenue grade separation and road diet projects improves walkability. Ramp, and the new Harrison Street facility. The app has seen upwards of 635 daily transactions and an average of 410 daily transactions, up from a daily average of 120 when first implemented. A significant increase is anticipated fall 2017. u Notable walkability projects outside the core • The First Avenue Grade Separation Project and remainder of the First Avenue road diet, spanning from Mall Drive to Route 6 is complete. • Although completion was slated in 2017, the Mormon Trek Boulevard project will be completed in 2018. The schedule was lengthened due to the need for property acquisition. The Clinton Street project has also been delayed due to no bids received on the project, and will be rebid for the 2018 construction season. • Council gave direction to staff, and preliminary budget authority, to hire a consultant to study the feasibility of a road diet on Gilbert Street from Market Street to McCollister Boulevard. This study was added to the consultant agreement with Alta Design for the Bicycle Master Plan and is currently being completed. . . .2 Encourage a vibrant and walkable urban core Strategies to meet this goal: Consider amending the City’s Annexation Policy to require the provision of affordable housing in residential/mixed-use areas u Revised annexation policy City Council directed staff to prepare a revised annexation policy as part of the Affordable Housing Action Plan. Due to the need to address State legislative changes to rental occupancy laws and significant department workload, this policy was temporarily delayed. A policy is planned for presentation in spring 2018. Evaluate the implementation of a form-based code in one or two parts of the community u Concept plan Dan Parolek’s firm Opticos has been conducting a zoning analysis of the Northside and South District neighborhoods in order to determine the viability of a form based code in order to promote missing-middle housing. Missing-middle housing is defined as housing types in between single family homes and large apartment buildings, like duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, and neighborhood-scale apartment buildings. Opticos will also be providing recommendations related to on-street parking in near-downtown neighborhoods. Opticos held public meetings and stakeholder interviews in February, May and July 2017. The report and recommendations were presented to Council in August 2017. Preliminary plans and estimates are underway for development of a form based code in the Northside and South District neighborhoods. u Ordinance amendments and rezonings The Council adopted the east-side mixed use form based code Sept. 20, 2016. The Orchard District form based code was adopted by Council May 16, 2017. Page: 22 Recommendations on the concept plans for the Northside and South District neighborhoods were presented at a public meeting in July 2017. . . .3 Foster healthy neighborhoods throughout the City Develop strategies to diversify the membership of neighborhood associations u The approved FY18 Budget expanded PIN Grants with the hope of broadening appeal to more neighborhoods and increasing neighbor engagement. It is too early to see significant change, but the City has received a new application for PIN funding from a neighborhood that has not recently submitted a request. Substantially improve access and use of public spaces through improvements to sidewalks, streetscapes, parks, and schools u Mercer Park playground improvements The City’s largest play area at Mercer Park was installed in spring 2016. It is all- inclusive, meaning it is designed to allow access for families and children of all abilities. u Highland Park renovation This completed project features new playground equipment, sidewalk accessibility improvements, and a water fountain with a bottle filler and dog dish. u Pheasant Hill Park playground improvements The neighborhood weighed in on the playground’s design at a well-attended neighborhood meeting. Playground was installed in summer 2017. u Park ADA Access and Facility Master Plan Council approved the contract for services to RDG Planning and Design at the Sept. 6, 2016, Council meeting. The master plan is a 10-year planning document that prioritizes providing equitable, accessible, and well-maintained park facilities throughout the City. Park facilities have been evaluated for accessibility and maintenance needs, and recommendations for future facility needs. A draft plan was presented to Council on Aug. 1, 2017, and several identified projects are included in the draft FY19 budget. A sport court for basketball and futsol was completed at Wetherby Park in June 2017. Page: 23 Construction crews at work in Cardigan Park. . . .3 Foster healthy neighborhoods throughout the City u Other park improvement initiatives • Willow Creek Park: restroom and trails, 2016 • Happy Hollow Park: restroom and shelter, spring 2018 • Mercer Park: tennis courts/pickleball court renovations, completed summer 2017 • Frauenholtz-Miller Park: shelter, paths, playground, water fountain, completed summer 2017 • Hill Park Trail: bridge replacement, completed summer 2017 • Cardigan Park: Master plan complete. Playground, fall 2017; paths, landscaping, shelter, fire pit, 2018 • Creekside Park: Park Master Plan, completed to guide park renovation in FY18. Public meetings, slated for late spring 2017 • Wetherby Park: sport court for basketball and futsol, completed summer 2017 • Park planning: planning processes completed for Lower City Park and Eastside Sports Complex • Riverfront Crossings Park: phase I construction, began July 2017 • Hickory Hill Park: trail improvement and signage design underway with RDG. Improvements, planned for completion in spring 2018. u Expanded curb ramp projects in 2016 The City Council approved doubling the funds allocated to the dedicated curb ramp project in each of the last three years. In 2016, the program installed ramps near Grant Wood Elementary, an area near the County Administration building, and other locations in the community as requested by residents. A significant portion of this work was funded by the CDBG allocation for infrastructure improvements. Also in 2016, pavement rehabilitation funding for asphalt overlay was increased significantly. For the next several years, the Capital Improvement budget proposes continuing the annual increase for the pavement rehabilitation by $100,000 per year. Pavement rehabilitation projects also include new curb ramps and accessibility measures. Page: 24 Phase I for Riverfront Crossings Park began in July 2017. Riverfront Crossings pedestrian bridge . . .3 Foster healthy neighborhoods throughout the City Page: 25 Other public space initiatives u Complete Streets funding Annual complete streets funding of $300,000 began in 2017. This is a new City Council initiative. Funds were used to support a road diet on Sycamore Street and will be used for the Clinton Street road diet next year. In 2018, an allocation of $150,000 is programmed for Bicycle Master Plan implementation. u Tree Inventory A contract was awarded to Plan-It GEO for Tree Inventory/Emerald Ash Borer Response and associated street tree plantings plan. The project is 80% complete. The scope was expanded mid-project to include trees along many of the existing trails. u Natural areas The City’s Natural Areas Maintenance and Master Plan RFP has been awarded to AES (Applied Environmental Services), and the project is underway. The assistance provided by Americorps has helped with natural area maintenance, and the group is coordinating larger volunteer efforts for invasive species removal in spring 2018. u Sycamore Street and Lower Muscatine Road The Sycamore Street and Lower Muscatine Road Landscaping Improvements were completed in spring 2017. This project adds street trees along both streets and installs landscaping in the roundabouts in the Sycamore Street corridor. Other initiatives u Response to State Legislature’s residential occupancy legislation In the 2017 legislative session, the State of Iowa changed the law to prevent cities from using familial status to regulate housing occupancy. The City Manager gave a presentation on neighborhood stability and potential solutions to address concerns stemming from the change in law. Staff assessed these opportunities and received Council feedback in October. To address a high number of requests to expand existing rental properties in anticipation of the law change (effective Jan, 1, 2018), the City Council decided to place a temporary six month moratorium on building Some of Iowa City’s natural areas are showcased at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. . . .3 Foster healthy neighborhoods throughout the City Page: 26 permits to expand existing rental properties or establish new rental permits. Code changes with revisions requested by Council during the initial presentation, have been presented to Council for final approval. More amendments to the Zoning Code will be presented early in 2018 to address additional housing concerns. u Library Bookmobile The new ICPL Bookmobile arrived in April 2017 in time for a National Bookmobile Day celebration with Antelope Lending Library. The Bookmobile had a great summer with 19 weekly stops and 4 bi-weekly stops. Weekly Party in the Park programs, in conjunction with the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department, drew 488 visitors to the Bookmobile and 1,186 people attended the thrice weekly Stories in the Park programs. The Bookmobile also went to the Farmers Market, Juneteenth, the Airport’s Sertoma Fly-In Breakfast and Paws for a Cause. The Bookmobile Fall Schedule runs four days a week from Aug. 28 through Dec. 21, 2017. Highlights include 17 Weekly Stops, 4 new stop locations, Wednesday morning stops at areas preschools, a Monday stop at Grant Wood Elementary coordinated with the evening English Language Learning program, and a Thursday morning stop at Mercer Park coordinated with Parks and Recreation’s Tot Time program. u Housing Exterior Loan Program The Housing Exterior Loan Program (HELP) offers financial assistance to help upgrade the safety and appearance of local housing stock, while preserving neighborhood vitality. Zero-interest loans are provided for 50% of the cost of eligible improvements, up to $10,000. u UniverCity updates Since 2011, the City has purchased 65 homes for the UniverCity program. Fifty-eight have been rehabilitated and sold for homeownership. Five homes are currently being renovated and staff is working on the bid documents for one home. One purchase offer is pending and set to close in Jan 2018. There is a signed purchase agreement to purchase two additional properties this fall. There is one additional property to buy as budgeted for FY18. Nineteen homes were sold to households under 80% of median income. This UniverCity program home is one of 65 homes renovated by the City for owner-occupied housing. The Iowa City Public Library’s new bookmobile began visting various locations in May 2017. . . .3 Foster healthy neighborhoods throughout the City Page: 27 u TRAIL Office location at the Senior Center Tools and Resources for Active Independent Living (TRAIL) is a non-profit organization that helps older adults remain in their own homes as they age. TRAIL provides volunteer support services, refers prescreened service providers, and offers opportunities for social engagement. The Center provides part-time shared office space to the TRAIL Executive Director. u Prairie Hill Cohousing The City has been supportive of efforts to establish a cohousing neighborhood. The Iowa City Cohousing community has purchased 7.8 acres south of Benton Hill Park, west of the Iowa River, on the 900-block of Miller Ave. The Prairie Hill development will consist of 33 owner-occupied, LEED certified homes, provide a common house to gardens, and create a diverse, sustainable community. This project hopes to reduce carbon emissions and support income-qualified households. The City has contributed $15,000 in matching funds for 15 State Workforce Housing Tax credited units. The Prairie Hill housing community will have no rental restrictions or income limitations, but the average dwelling unit cost for the assisted units may not exceed $200,000 per unit. The City has shared information about Prairie Hill meetings and efforts, as well as offered space to the groups at public events. Phase I of the Cohousing development is under construction and some of the first residents will be able to move in by early 2018. . . .3 Foster healthy neighborhoods throughout the City Strategies to meet this goal: Continue to monitor the impact of the 2013 property tax reform and evaluate alternative revenue sources as determined necessary u Alternative revenue streams are being evaluated in conjunction with affordable housing initiatives. The Affordable Housing Fund was funded through FY19 by TIF loan repayments to the City’s General Fund. A variety of other funding mechanisms are available through other programs within the Affordable Housing Action Plan and development operations. u Adjusted refuse collection and recycling fees to support increases in current and new services; the added yard waste/food waste fee provides a steadier and more reliable funding stream for new and current services; Landfill fee increases for miscellaneous charges to cover actual costs. u 2017 Park Fee adjustments completed. u Water Rate adjustment planned for FY19 budget proposal. Continue to build the City’s emergency fund u The City has created an emergency fund in order to prepare for the effects of 2013 property tax reform. The emergency fund will give the City financial flexibility given the uncertainty of future revenue and maintain service levels in the event of a sharp decline in revenue or the loss of State of Iowa ‘backfill’ payments. u The City transferred $500,000 for excess ending General Fund fund balance for FY16. Monitor potential changes to Moody’s rating criteria and maintain the City’s Aaa bond rating u Moody’s reaffirmed the City’s Aaa general obligation bond rating with the 2016 bond issue. The rating report noted that, “The City’s financial operations are expected to remain healthy, given strong financial management, significant operating fund reserves and sufficient revenue raising flexibility.” u A Moody’s scorecard analysis was conducted with Speer Financial in early March 2017. The City called the 2009C GO Bond on June 1, 2017. u The City refunded the 2009A Sewer Revenue Bonds and the 2009B Water Revenue Bonds on July 1, 2017. The net present value (NPV) cash flow savings were $879,253 and $1,033,306, respectively, over the next eight years. Page: 28 . . .4 Maintain a solid financial foundation Page: 29 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 Iowa City Tax Rate 17.297 17.717 17.853 17.757 17.842 17.269 16.805 16.705 16.651 16.583 Percent Change -0.03% 2.43% 0.77% -0.54% 0.48% -3.21% -2.69% -0.60% -0.32% -0.41% $12.00 $13.00 $14.00 $15.00 $16.00 $17.00 $18.00 Iowa City Property Tax Rate Trend Aaa Aa1 Aa2 Aa3 A1 A2 A3 Baa1 Baa2 Baa3 State 2 7 11 12 19 13 2 0 1 1 % of Total 2.94% 10.29 16.18 17.65 27.94 19.12 2.94% 0.00% 1.47% 1.47% 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 Number of CitiesDistribution of Moody's General Obligation Bond Ratings for Cities in Iowa Continue to reduce the City’s property tax levy u The fiscal year 2016-2017 budget reduced the City’s property tax levy rate by $0.07, the fifth consecutive year of levy rate decreases. The fiscal year 2017-2018 property tax levy rate was decreased for the sixth straight year, this time by $0.25 as of July 1, 2017. u Recent Airport agreements allowing for private construction of additional hangars expands aircraft housing abilities and supports regional business travel, and generates revenues that reduce reliance upon taxpayer levy. Maintain healthy fund balances throughout the City’s diverse operations u The City’s funds currently have healthy fund balances. Utility rates and service charges are evaluated annually to ensure they are sufficient to fund operations and capital improvement needs. Maintaining adequate fund balances is a large component of Moody’s bond rating criteria. FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 Iowa City Tax Rate 17.297 17.717 17.853 17.757 17.842 17.269 16.805 16.705 16.651 16.583 Percent Change -0.03% 2.43% 0.77% -0.54% 0.48% -3.21% -2.69% -0.60% -0.32% -0.41% $12.00 $13.00 $14.00 $15.00 $16.00 $17.00 $18.00 Iowa City Property Tax Rate Trend Aaa Aa1 Aa2 Aa3 A1 A2 A3 Baa1 Baa2 Baa3 State 2 7 11 12 19 13 2 0 1 1 % of Total 2.94% 10.29 16.18 17.65 27.94 19.12 2.94% 0.00% 1.47% 1.47% 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 Number of CitiesDistribution of Moody's General Obligation Bond Ratings for Cities in Iowa . . .4 Maintain a solid financial foundation Strategies to meet this goal: Provide timely and appropriate input on the ICCSD’s planned 2017 bond referendum u Communicate Support The Council approved a resolution in support of the planned school bond referendum on May 16, 2017. Televise regular City Council work sessions u This has been implemented. Additionally, Council requested that Economic Development Committees be recorded and air. This has also been implemented. Significantly improve the Council and staff’s ability to engage with diverse populations on complex or controversial topics u Council and staff have participated in a number of panel discussions, forums, neighborhood meetings, and listening posts that will help inform the conversation. Some recent examples of public outreach on complex or controversial topics include: • City staff attended the “Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) Forum: The Impact of Racial Injustices on Youth” held at the Iowa City Public Library and sponsored by the DMC Youth Committee for Johnson County in 2016. • TIF stakeholder meetings were held with a broad range of community groups in 2016 and 2017. • The Police Department participated in a panel discussion on Police and Public Safety at the “Relax:Talk:Grow” event held at the Iowa City Public Library. It was sponsored by the University of Iowa African American Council and the University of Iowa Public Policy Center in 2016. • In 2016, police officers participated in a community forum at a local church which highlighted a recent high profile stop of a minority individual. The interaction Page: 30 . . .5 Enhance community engagement & intergovernmental relations In May 2017, City Council approved a resolution in support of the ICCSD school bond referendum. had generated thousands of YouTube hits and was seen as a positive example of how police officers should interact with minority community members during high stress events. • All sworn members of the department completed online 2016 “Fair and Impartial Policing” training. This was part of an online training series that officers complete every month and is beneficial for officers when engaging with the public • Council listening posts have been held at new locations, engaging a more representative sample of the community. • Staff created a budget at-a-glance document to convey key points of the FY17 budget and will further refine that effort for the FY18 budget. • The Mayor initiated a new neighborhood walk program to engage residents in varying parts of the community in 2016 and continues to walk different areas of the community. Other initiatives Several of these include activities related to recommendations from the Ad Hoc Diversity Committee and actions plans from the reports on racial equity. u Staff roundtables The City Manager’s roundtable conversations have continued to engage community stakeholders on issues of inclusivity and social justice. Community groups that attend roundtables include but are not limited to: Black Voices Project, the Coalition for Racial Justice, the Human Rights Commission, the Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa, and Johnson County. u Crisis Intervention Team concept Council and staff have been working with several local agencies to explore the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) concept for assisting individuals experiencing mental illness or substance abuse crises. The working group includes law enforcement agencies, health care providers, community advocacy groups, social service providers, and elected officials. Several Councilmembers and City staff have travelled to San Antonio, Texas to observe the program’s operations first-hand, and officers have Page: 31 The Mayor began a neighborhood walk program in 2016 to engage residents in the community. Police officers attend a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training to learn how to assist individuals with mental illness or substance abuse crises. . . .5 Enhance community engagement & intergovernmental relations received weeklong training in the program. A curriculum has been set for local training, and each sworn officer will attend a 40 hour training session in CIT during 2017 and 2018. Three sessions were held in 2017. u Shelter House donation drives In 2016, the City celebrated National Community Development Week by sponsoring a donation drive for Shelter House to collect cleaning supplies and personal care products. In 2017, ICPD and Bruegger’s Bagels partnered on a Thanksgiving Food Drive. Patrons brought in a canned food item in exchange for a discount on their meal. 171 lbs. of canned goods were collected for the Crisis Center. u City department and division initiatives - Outreach Community Outreach Officer In 2016, ICPD added a full-time a Community Outreach Officer position. Neighborhood Patrols and Building Relationships The Police Department has significantly increased neighborhood foot patrols and officers are getting out of their patrol vehicles to engage the community and build relationships through non-enforcement interactions. Southside Substation The Police Department enhanced the use of their Southside Substation by encouraging officers to complete paperwork and other administrative tasks at this facility, thus being more visible and available to the community in that area. Additionally, the Community Outreach Assistant is now based out of the substation and maintains regular office hours at the facility. Recreation Program Supervisor - Special Populations The Recreation Program Supervisor position was amended to include outreach to underserved populations. New programs have included a Beginner Gardening program and summer Teen Dynamics afternoon and evening recreation program. Coffee with a Cop The Police Department continues to expand “Coffee with a Cop” to promote dialogue with diverse populations in geographically dispersed locations throughout the community. Coffee with a Cop promotes dialogue between residents and police throughout the City. Page: 32 Police have increased their visibility by engaging in neighborhood foot patrols to build relationships in the community. . . .5 Enhance community engagement & intergovernmental relations Emergency Services Youth Summer Camp ICFD and ICPD partnered with the Johnson County Ambulance Service to present two day camps for nearly 80 junior and senior high students. Attendees came from 24 Iowa City and regional schools, and were introduced to the work emergency responders do to keep our community safe, while also given opportunities to gain hands-on experience in EMS, fire and police skills. LOST Program In 2016, the Police Department collaborated with several community organizations to launch the “Loved Ones Safe Together” or LOST, program to assist in identifying and locating community members who have been separated from their families or caretakers. ICPD hosted a community presentation to launch the project. This program is currently being underutilized by the community. A review of marketing efforts will take place in August, focusing on boosting enrollment in the program. Library Cards The Iowa City Public Library extended outreach on how to get a library card by creating handbills in several languages, including Spanish and Arabic. Autism Special Access Hour In 2016, ICPD took part in the Iowa City Public Library’s Autism Special Access Hour, where people with Autism could become more familiar with police. Safety Messages The Library also worked with the ICPD and ICFD to create bookmarks they use in their outreach initiatives. The bookmarks feature contact information for each department, encourage students to read, and shares how to get a library card, with safety messages in English, Spanish, Arabic and French. Intergenerational Social Group An intergenerational social group formed in summer 2017. Monthly events were held during fall 2017, including “speed friendshipping,” a board game social, and team trivia events. Events have been well attended with participant ages ranging from pre-teen to 80+. The monthly program series will continue in spring 2018. Page: 33 Ashten “IRONMAN”Hayes says: EMERGENCY: 911 Routine Calls: 319-356-5275 “Seat belts save lives ...always buckle up!” “¡Cinturón de seguridad salva vidas ... siempre use su cinturón de seguridad!” “Bouclez vos ceintures!” Any Iowa resident may obtain a Library Card Visit icpl.org/cards to pre-register for a Library Card. A photo ID and Iowa address verifi cation are required for a Library Card. Cualquier residente de Iowa puede recibir una tarjeta de biblioteca Visite el sitio web icpl.org/cards para el registro previo de una tarjeta de biblioteca. Para obtener una tarjeta de biblioteca se solicita una identifi cación con fotografía y una dirección confi rmada del estado de Iowa. Tout résident d’Iowa peut obtenir une carte bibliothèque Vous pouvez vous préenregistrer à icpl.org/cards ou visiter le service d’aide de la bibliothèque en personne. Une carte d’identité et un justifi catif de domicile en Iowa sont nécessaires pour l’obtention d’une carte de bibliothèque. The Iowa City Police Department encourages everyone to READ! How to Get a Library Card Did you know: With your Library Card you can get two FREE bus passes each week. www.icpl.org/hours-location/ride Ashten “IRON M A N ” Hayes says: EMERGENCY: 9 1 1 Routine Calls: 3 1 9 - 3 5 6 - 5 2 7 5 “Seat belts sa v e l i v e s ...always buc kl e u p! ” “¡Cinturón de seguridad sal v a vidas ... siem p r e use su cinturó n de seguridad! ” “Bouclez vos c ei n t u r e s! ” Any Iowa resi d e n t m a y o b t ai n a Li b r a r y C a r d Visit icpl.org/cards to pre-registe r f o r a Li b r ar y C a r d. A p h o t o ID and Iowa ad d r e s s v e ri fi c at i on a re r e qu i r ed f or a L i b r a ry C a rd. Cualquier res i d e n t e d e I o w a p u e d e r e c i b i r u n a tarjeta de bi b l i o t e c a Visite el sitio w e b icpl.org/card s para el registro p r e vi o d e u n a tarjeta de bi bli o t e c a . P a r a o b t e n e r u n a t a rj e t a d e bi bli o t e c a se solicita un a i d e n ti f i c ac i ó n c o n f o t o g r af í a y u n a d i r e cc i ó n confi rmada del e s t a do de I o wa. Tout résident d’ I o w a p e u t o b t e ni r u n e c a r t e bibliothèque Vous pouvez v o u s p r é e n r e gi s t r er à icpl.org/cards ou visiter le service d’ai d e d e l a bi bli o t h è q u e e n p e r s o n n e. U n e c a r t e d’identité et u n j u s ti fi c at if de d om ici l e e n I o w a s o nt n é c e s sa i r e s pour l’obtentio n d’ u n e c a r t e d e bi bli o t h è q u e. The Iowa Cit y P oli c e D e p a r t m e n t encourages e v e r y o n e t o R E A D ! How to Ge t a L i b r a r y C a r d Did you know : W i t h y o u r L i b r a r y C a r d y o u c a n g e t t w o F R E E bus passes ea c h w e e k. w w w . i c p l. o r g / h o u r s -l o c a t i o n / r i d e A bookmark project by the Iowa City Public Library and the Police Department encouraged reading, shared safety messages, and provides information in several languages on how to get a Library card. ICFD and ICPD presented two camps for nearly 80 junior and senior high students this summer. . . .5 Enhance community engagement & intergovernmental relations Page: 34 u City department and division initiatives - Participation in events Public Events ICPD officers attended many public events including: Memorial Day Honor Ceremonies; Donations of food/fruit at the Youth Shelter; Hawkeye Day of Caring Community Cleanup - Wetherby Park; Autism Day - Terry Trueblood Recreation Area; Texas Roadhouse Special Olympics fundraiser; Kites for Kids at three locations; Bike Rodeo; Party in the Park - Market Square Park; Wetherby Park BBQ; attendance at various school sporting events. Community Events Calendar The Police Department launched a police/community events calendar to enhance the effectiveness of community outreach positions. This calendar is available to all police and city employees and will encourage greater participation and interdepartmental cooperation. Community Presentations Iowa City officers participated in numerous community presentations, including: Safe Kids Event - display of bomb truck; ALICE active shooter response training to a number of community entities; ODARA risk assessment presentation at National Guard Readiness Center and Johnson County Courthouse; domestic violence training at several locations; “In Her Shoes” - domestic violence educational event; RVAP advocate training; K9 Presentation - Terry Trueblood and Johnson County Attorney’s Office; Safety Village Tours - Grant Wood Elementary; CIT Presentation - Homeless at St. Patrick’s Church; Drivers education classes; Cub Scout Den meetings; child safety issues. UI Training ICPD officers conducted five, one hour training sessions entitled, “Know the Law,” to 459 University of Iowa students in 2016. School Events Iowa City Public Library staff attended events at Mark Twain and Grant Wood Elementary Schools. In total, 201 students received new or replacement library cards through the Library’s outreach programs to help students get library cards in time for summer and the Summer Library Bus program. Additionally, Library staff Officer Faulkcon of the ICPD and K9 Rakker give demonstrations to South East Junior High students. Community Involvement ICPD provides Safety Village tours for groups of children. . . .5 Enhance community engagement & intergovernmental relations Twenty children were chosen to be a part of the annual “Shop With A Cop” day on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016. Page: 35 attended back to school events at all Iowa City elementary schools to promote and issue library cards and share the new bookmobile schedule. Fifty-two new cards were issued. Job Fair The Human Resources and Police Departments participated in the “Center of Influence Tour, Lunch and Job Fair” with the National Guard and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The job fair was an opportunity to network with other area employers and to visit with job seekers. Juneteenth Celebration Council members and City staff from several departments participated and volunteered in events held as part of the Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Iowa City. The City co-sponsored the event. Earth Day Staff participated in Kirkwood Community College’s Earth Day Event sponsored by Kirkwood’s Ecology and Environmental Club. Police Chaplain Program The Police Department encouraged their chaplain unit to attend police/community events to enhance their involvement in departmental activities and give the ICPD another tool to collaborate with the community. Shop with a Cop In 2016 and 2017, the ICPD took local youth shopping for the holidays at the Iowa City Walmart as part of the Iowa City Police Association’s Shop with a Cop Program. Durham School Services provided transportation for the event. The Iowa City Police Association collaborated with the Iowa City Masons Lodge #4 and Kohls to host a Clothe A Child event on Nov. 11, 2017. The event provided winter clothing for 20-25 kids in the Iowa City area, with each kid (accompanied by parent and officer) selecting winter clothing up to $200 in value. Community Partnerships The Police Department was involved in a number of Community Partnerships: Human Trafficking Meeting; Johnson County Elder Abuse; Prelude - Current Trends in Drug Abuse Training; . . .5 Enhance community engagement & intergovernmental relations “Shop With A Cop” continued in 2017. Page: 36 • Iowa City Downtown District – To champion the Iowa City Downtown District as a progressive, healthy, and culturally vibrant urban center of the region. • Local Homeless Coordinating Board – The Local Homeless Coordinating Board is a community collaboration dedicated to preventing homelessness in Johnson County. • The ICPD continues to collaborate with the Iowa City Bike Library to repurpose abandoned bicycles impounded by the Department. Instead of being auctioned or recycled as scrap metal, the Bike Library refurbishes some of the bicycles, which are then loaned out through their organization. The remaining bicycles are collected by Working Bikes, a non-profit that rescues discarded bicycles and gives them new life by redistributing them in global communities. During the previous quarter, the Downtown Liaison worked with staff and the City Manager to amend City Code which covers impounded bicycles. The amendment will allow the Police Department and other City Staff to repurpose unclaimed bicycles for community outreach with disadvantaged youth and adults. “Free Wheels” is the name of a new outreach program developed, which provided 15 children with bicycles, as well as training in safety and maintenance, an introduction to City trails, and all of the necessary safety equipment. • Citizen Police Academy - All law enforcement agencies in Johnson County provide a structured curriculum to community members, one night per week for three months, giving valuable insight into all aspects of law enforcement policy, practice and training. • Safety Village - All Johnson County law enforcement and fire departments, the Iowa City Community School District, Mercy Hospital, Johnson County Ambulance Service, Joint Emergency Communications Center and several community businesses and individuals put on a two week summer camp designed to present safety topics to 45 children, ages 6 to 7, in addition to various events throughout the year. • The Department also continues to partner with entities such as The Dream Center, Broadway Neighborhood Center, DVIP, DMC, Diversity Roundtable and the Johnson County Attorney’s Office. Multiple City departments are participing in the summer Party in the Park events. City staff worked to provide bicycle training in safety and maintenance to area disadvantaged youth through the “Free Wheels” program. . . .5 Enhance community engagement & intergovernmental relations Page: 37 • The Iowa City Public Library partnered with the UI International Writing Program to host nine Friday International Author events. These programs provided an opportunity for the community to meet and converse with writers from around the world who were the 2017 Writers in Residence at the UI International Writing Program. All of these events were broadcast live on The Library Channel. ICPL hosted a series of programs with the UI Public Policy Center. Wonk Wednesdays – A Public Policy Project, is a series of monthly community focused events. Topics included Environmental, Health and Immigration Policy. Witching Hour The Library hosted free events for the Witching Hour Festival where one of the highest attended events was a panel discussion, “Invisible and Ignored: the Power of Centering the VOICES and EXPERIENCES of Women of Color through Art, Written Expression, Film and Leadership. Party in the Park Efforts have been made to increase outreach of multiple City departments at summer Party in the Park events. Additional flyers and media releases have been used to encourage residents to attend. Wasn’t That a Time? A song writing project led by The Center’s intergenerational choir, the Family Folk Machine and Awful Purdies, funded in part by the Iowa Arts Council, involved writing songs based on stories collected from community members. The culmination of the project was a performance of the songs on the main stage at the Iowa Arts Festival in 2017. Challenging Age-Related Stereotypes The Center initiated the AgeMore marketing theme focusing on adaptability and the positive aspects of aging rather than age-related losses and media messages trying to persuade people to become “ageless.” The AgeMore logo has appeared on all printed material and will be carried on through 2018. SAGE Table In 2017, The Center participated in a one day national event that invited LGBT people and allies of different generations to share a meal. It provided opportunities to have conversations, build connections, and strengthen community ties. The Center’s AgeMore logo will continue in 2018. . . .5 Enhance community engagement & intergovernmental relations Page: 38 u Other Initiatives Fire Department Strategic Plan Following a year-long collaborative effort between internal and external stakeholders, the Iowa City Fire Department finalized its 2017-2021 Strategic Plan. The plan incorporates and supports the initiatives of the Council’s Strategic Plan throughout its seven goal areas. Immediate priorities include enhancing overall health and wellness of personnel and fostering community outreach and agency partnership efforts. Iowa City Airport Outreach • Airport Strategic Plan – The Iowa City Airport Commission began the process of developing a five year strategic plan to help guide near future airport operations. This plan will provide near-term goals and objectives which will incorporate portions of the City Council Strategic Plan and the Airport Master Plan. Completion of the plan is expected later this fall. • A public sur vey was conducted online in June 2017 as part of the strategic plan process, and asked a variety of airport-related questions (views, knowledge, and perceived strengths/weaknesses) and received 575 responses. • Young Eagles airplane rides – The Airport partnered with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 33 to give aircraft rides to youth ages 8-17. This event is meant to give kids brief exposure to aviation and some of the possible activities and careers that can be associated with aviation. Nearly 80 rides were given over the course of two days, June 10 and 17, 2017. • The Ser toma Fly-In/Drive-In Pancake Breakfast took place Aug. 20, 2017 – This event raised money for the Sertoma organization and invited everyone to the airport to view aircraft, receive free hearing screenings, and enjoy a morning of activities hosted by a number of support groups. Wet Shelter The ICPD worked with the Local Homeless Coordinating Board to prevent homelessness in Johnson County. The wet shelter subcommittee has successfully implemented a third annual temporary shelter to provide an alternate housing option for the winter months, for individuals who are intoxicated or are otherwise . . .5 Enhance community engagement & intergovernmental relations Page: 39 ineligible to receive housing at Shelter House. The Wet Shelter opened for the fourth time in early December 2017. Data-Driven Justice Initiative The Downtown Liaison was invited to represent the ICPD and participate in the White House’s Data-Driven Justice Initiative. This is a coalition of city, county, and state governments who have committed to using data-driven strategies to divert low-level offenders with mental illness out of the criminal justice system and change approaches to pre-trial incarceration. The City recieved a $25,000 grant in cloud services from Amazon to be used toward this initative. Information about the DDJ program was presented to Council in August 2017. Further, the Laura and John Arnold Foundation funded Iowa City, as one of three awarded cities in the United States, to continue work on the region’s data driven justice initiative for the next two years. Art in the Afternoon The Senior Center has a partnership with Artifactory to sponsor monthly programs called Art in the Afternoon. The Center provides a venue for local artists to present intergenerational programs featuring their work. In September, the program featured Latif Behroz, a peace volunteer who has done “art and grafiti for peace” and helped set “The Kindness Wall of Kabul,” which was featured in the New York Times. In October, the program featured cartoonist Robert Yale Richardson and his paintings and drawings in watercolors, pastels, and ink. November featured Aaron Stephens, who showcased his abstract drawing techniques. County/City Cooperation Staff removed parking meters adjacent to the Johnson County courthouse and reserved parking for courthouse business at the request of the Board of Supervisors to help alleviate courthouse space issues. In summer 2016, the City approved a code amendment to permit a well at the County Poor Farm to allow greater access to irrigation water for farming operations. The City of Iowa City and City of University Heights agreed to terms for the ICFD to provide fire protection services to University Heights, effective July 1, 2016. An open house was held at Fire Station No. 2 to commemorate the long sought after agreement. Officer David Schwindt accepts the award from Amazon for the Data- Driven Justice Initiative in June 2017. . . .5 Enhance community engagement & intergovernmental relations Page: 40 In February 2016, ICFD entered into an agreement with Johnson County Ambulance Service to share space during the construction of a new ambulance headquarters, and an ambulance remains after the grand opening of the new ambulance facility. The repositioning of an ambulance and crew at Fire Station No. 4 has been of mutual benefit to both entities, as the location affords prompt response to emergencies in the adjacent fire districts. City Staff Wellness Committee Initiatives Staff representing several departments throughout the City take part in fundraising events throughout the year, raising funds and awareness for various local non- profits including the United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties, the Crisis Center, and the Miracle Burn Camp of Iowa, as well as other social service initiatives. The 2017 Iowa City staff fundraising campaign smashed a goal of $60,000 and raised over $73,000 for organizations that directly support Eastern Iowa, Johnson County and Iowa City. Communications Initiatives The City’s Communication Office has increased focus upon Strategic Plan items, incoporating heavy use of video productions and social media to promote and provide eduation on City initiatives, issues and programming. Communications created an ICPD Twitter account and have begun using Twitter as an avenue to push out news and safety information, and even to promote recruitment of new police officers. Relief of Library Fines & Summer Library Bus (new) To keep children reading in the summer, the Library waives fines and replacement fees for students in the summer to make sure their Library Account is in good standing. This summer, 655 primarily low-income children had fines and fees waived. The Summer Library Bus program provided 2,655 free rides. The program provides a free ride to the Library on any Iowa City Transit Bus for students up to age 18 and the adults accompanying them. Hand-painting Substation walls with day care children Day care children are invited to come to the Iowa City Police Substation and add their handprints to the walls, right alongside those of ICPD officers. The Wellness Committee promotes many great projects for City staff. The annual leaf raking volunteer program and spearheading our United Way fundraiser are a couple of examples. . . .5 Enhance community engagement & intergovernmental relations Page: 41 National Night Out This program heightens crime and drug prevention awareness, generates support for and participation in neighborhood anti-crime programs, strengthens neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, sends a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Partners: Johnson County Neighborhood Centers, ICFD, Crime Stoppers, Target, Hy-Vee. Kids Day This event was held in City Park, once in July and once in August. City Police and Fire employees were joined by the University Police Department, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and Johnson County Ambulance Service in giving free donuts and juice boxes to kids and adults who attended. The City received feedback that the participants loved seeing all the community helpers in the same location at once. Kids were able to move from place to place to visit each station. It is estimated that 280 people attended the July event. Evidence collection presentations at the Iowa Children’s Museum Iowa City Police Crime Scene Technicians (CST) gave age appropriate demonstrations and hands on instruction on the collection of various types of evidence to the children in attendance. The Police Department’s Kids Day and National Night out are two events that build relationships between police and residents of all ages in Iowa City. . . .5 Enhance community engagement & intergovernmental relations Page: 42 Strategies to meet this goal: Raise Iowa City’s “Bicycle-Friendly Community” status from silver to gold by 2017 and aspire toward a platinum status in the future u Bike master plan The City hired Alta Planning & Design to complete the Bicycle Master Plan in 2016. The planning process took approximately 10 months, and the final Bicycle Plan was adopted by resolution on Aug. 1, 2017. The planning goals identified in the request for proposals included the articulation of a clear vision and achievable goals that address supportive policies and safety needs of all users, diverse public participation, strategies, performance measures, concepts and cost estimates, as well as a phased action plan for achieving Gold level status as a Bicycle Friendly Community. Alta formed both a Technical Advisory Committee and a Bicycle Advisory Committee to lead the process. The groups met six-to-eight times over the course of the project. Several public workshops drew hundreds of residents over the course of the year. The consultant provided an update to the Council in early summer and the final plan was presented in July 2017. An application to the Bicycle Friendly Community program maintained Silver status, but the City can reapply each year. Steps to implement the Bicycle Master Plan should boost chances at gaining Gold or Platinum status in the future. Additionally, the project scope with Alta Planning & Design was amended at request of Council to complete a study of Gilbert Street from Market Street to McCollister Boulevard. Alta is working on concepts for the corridor design and information should be submitted by the firm in the near future. Results from that study are expected in fall 2017. u Supported the 2016 bike boulevard demonstration Graduate students from the University of Iowa College of Public Health demonstrated a bike boulevard, a low speed and low volume street that optimizes bicycling conditions to create safer, more sustainable, and beautiful community streetscapes. . . .6 Promote environmental sustainability Page: 43 It creates more defined bike lanes and controls traffic flow to build a network of comfortable and safe streets for everyone. The City provided financial and logistical support, and acted as the fiscal agent for a grant received by the event’s organizers. Approximately 140-160 bicyclists rode the route on College Street from City High to the Saturday morning Farmers Market. Participants also received informational materials and bike checks from World of Bikes, and giveaways funded with a grant from People for Bikes. u Bicycle Sharing Program A bicycle sharing project is in development as a joint project between the City and University of Iowa and included partial funding from the Iowa Department of Transportation. New technology and program options have led the City and University to reevaluate opportunities. As a result, a new project with little-to-no upfront cost is being pursued. u Bike parklet A bike parklet was fabricated and installed near the corner of Dubuque and Washington streets in 2016. The design was selected through a request for proposals issued as a partnership between the Downtown District and Think Bicycles of Johnson County. The following goals were stated in the RFP: • Add a unique and imaginative on-street structure that enhances and activates the aesthetic of the street corner. • Create additional safe and convenient bike parking Downtown. • Provide an impactful visual cue of the community’s ongoing commitment to bicycle usage and alternative modes of transportation. u Bike amenities New bike racks were installed along the 100 and 200 blocks of Washington Street during the reconstruction project. Three additional stations that include four racks, a fix-it station, and a pump were installed outside the Iowa City Public Library, the corner of College and Clinton streets, and inside the Clinton Street entrance to the Capitol Street Parking Ramp. The bike parklet is located on the corner of Dubuque and Washington streets. New bike amenities installed on the corner of Clinton and College streets. . . .6 Promote environmental sustainability Iowa City was selected again in 2017 to host the Cyclo- Cross World Cup. Page: 44 u Bike Month Support Council members and City staff participated in and provided logistical support for several events, including the Family Ride with Mayor Throgmorton and the New Pioneer Co-op to Co-op Ride. The City provided a $1,500 sponsorship for the events. Mayor Throgmorton also issued a proclamation supporting Bike Month. Bicycle education programs in 2017 were expanded significantly from one week to a full month of activities in May, providing a wide range of events and education sessions available to residents. Activities were programmed in coordination with community and regional agencies. u Jingle Cross In 2016, Iowa City hosted Jingle Cross, a Telenet Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Cyclo-Cross World Cup at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. While Jingle Cross has been a well-known cycling race for years, the World Cup event put Iowa City again on the international stage. The City contributed $20,000 to support the event last year and in early 2017, Jingle Cross was selected again to kick off the Cyclo-Cross World Cup tournament in September 2017. u Bill Nesper presentations Bill Nesper, Program Director for the Bicycle-Friendly America for the League of American Bicyclists, gave two presentations in spring 2016: “Becoming a Bicycle- Friendly Business” and “Bicycle-Friendly Communities.” The talks were co-sponsored by the cities of Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty; Johnson County; University of Iowa Office of Sustainability; Iowa City Area Development Group; the Convention and Visitors Bureau; Chamber of Commerce, and other local organizations. The events were held at the MERGE facility in the Iowa City Public Library building. u Trail, street, and sidewalk improvements Several upcoming capital improvements that support being a bike-friendly community are planned, including the Highway 1 trail extension, Riverside Drive pedestrian tunnel, and road diets on Mormon Trek Boulevard, First Avenue, and Sycamore Street. • The Riverside Drive Pedestrian Tunnel is currently being designed. This project will include a multi-use path along the west side of Riverside Drive from Benton to Myrtle streets, a tunnel through the Iowa Interstate Railroad embankment Mayor Jim Throgmorton participates in the Family Ride with the Mayor. . . .6 Promote environmental sustainability Page: 45 and a traffic signal at Myrtle Drive. The project will also install street trees and is planned to be bid in fall 2017 with construction in fall 2017 and spring 2018. • The First Avenue four-lane to three-lane conversion project was completed in summer 2017. The project constructed a conversion from Highway 6 to Mall Drive and ties into the First Avenue Grade Separation Project. • The Mormon Trek Four Lane to Three Lane Conversion Project is currently in the design phase. The project is planned to be bid in fall 2017 with construction in fall 2017 and spring 2018. • There are two sidewalk/trail extensions at City facilities. A sidewalk/trail extension is substantially complete at the Parks Maintenance Facility on South Gilbert Street and a sidewalk/trail extension, currently in the design phase, is planned for construction at the Iowa City Water Treatment Facility on Stephen Atkins Drive in spring 2018. u Bike Lessons The Senior Center partnered with the Bike Library and Bicyclists of Iowa City to offer a multi-session beginning biking class intended to reintroduce older adults, or anyone who had not been on a bike for a while, to the fun and benefits of bicycling. u Downtown traffic model City Council reviewed and directed staff to pursue road diets on Clinton and Madison streets in Downtown Iowa City. u RAGBRAI The City intends to submit a bid to be an overnight host city for the 2018 RAGBRAI event. u BIKE SHORTS Communications has partnered with the Police Department, MPOJC, and area bicycle advocates to prepare short educational videos for bike riders and drivers. The pieces focus on safe riding and tips for sharing the road. Beginning biking classes were offered to reintroduce older adults, as well as others, to the fun and benefits of bicycling. . . .6 Promote environmental sustainability Page: 46 Evaluate and consider implementation of a plastic bag policy u Plastic Bag Ban State legislation removed the City’s ability to regulate most plastic bag use. The City will move forward with regulation when permitted. For example, the Iowa City Farmers Market did not allow vendors to provide plastic bags at the 2017 market. Undertake a project in FY2017 that achieves a significant measurable carbon emission reduction u AmeriCorps partnership Audits have been completed in all City-owned targeted housing units. Insulation has been installed in 31 units where it was found to be substandard and rebates were awarded from MidAmerican for 12 of those units. An additional 22 units will have insulation installed after summer weather passes, and we anticipate qualifying for rebates for 11 of those units. New windows have been installed in one unit while four other units are scheduled to have their windows and doors replaced by early spring 2018, with replacement cost of approximately $30,000. u Energy Efficiency grants The City awarded three grants totaling $9,068 for energy efficient lighting projects at non-profits: Mayors Youth Empowerment Program, Little Creations Daycare, and the Free Medical Clinic. The City’s grant funds were matched with $12,850 in rebates from MidAmerican Energy. Each year, these three non-profits will save $1,200-$2,600 in electricity expenses. u Climate Action Grant A new grant opportunity was posted in July 2017, designed to support partnerships between community-based groups. The City Council approved $25,000 for projects that address and enhance local climate action through innovative work, aligning with the City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, which is in progress. Applications will be accepted online through March 2018. Three applications have been received from partnered community groups. Awards are anticipated before the end of the year and approximately half of the total allocation for this program is left to award through spring 2018. AmeriCorps staff assisted the City with auditing all City- owned housing units for energy efficiency. The Farmers Market provided a limited number of free, reusable shopping bags for the 2017 market after no longer allowing vendors to provide plastic bags. . . .6 Promote environmental sustainability . . . Page: 47 Set a substantive and achievable goal for reducing City-wide carbon emissions by 2030, and create an ad-hoc climate change task force, potentially under an umbrella STAR Communities committee, to devise a cost-effective strategy for achieving the goal u In December 2016, Council approved a resolution setting a community-wide greenhouse gas reduction goal of 25-28% for the year 2025, and 80% by 2050. At the time of the commitment, this was the target the U.S. had committed to in the Paris Agreement. After the U.S. pulled out of the agreement this year, numerous cities across the country chose to uphold the commitment and targets. u In December 2017, along with over 60 other mayors, Mayor Throgmorton signed the Chicago Climate Charter specifically identifying our emissions reduction goals.” u In January 2017, Council approved a resolution creating the Climate Action Steering Committee. Five of the members serve at-large and were selected by Council. The Committee is tasked with assisting the consultant selected to develop the City’s first Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, which will address emissions reduction and STAR community sustainability goals. To-date, five Steering Committee meetings have been held. A public engagement meeting was held at the Iowa City Public Library on Nov. 2, 2017 with approximately 100 attendees. Collaborate with community partners on sustainability efforts u STAR Community Rating The City of Iowa City was awarded a 4-STAR Community Rating for sustainability excellence in March 2016 by being formally certified in the STAR Community Rating SystemTM (STAR). The City’s approved final score is 484.8, the highest-scored city in the state. Iowa City is the fifth community in Iowa and 47th nationwide to achieve certification from STAR, a nonprofit organization that certifies sustainable communities. Other Iowa STAR communities are Charles City, Dubuque, Davenport and Des Moines. . . .6 Promote environmental sustainability Page: 48 Information and data were gathered for the application throughout 2015 with the assistance of dozens of City staff members, community partners, state agencies, local and regional governments, and private sector employers. STAR Workshop A STAR workshop was held for staff and facilitated by STAR in July 2016. During the workshop, staff identified doable actions to improve sustainability. Staff is working to complete the actions in this plan and has made significant progress, particularly in the area of Climate and Energy. Leading STAR Community Indicators A subset of 21 STAR metrics is posted annually on the STAR website to demonstrate Iowa City’s progress in key sustainability metrics. In June 2017, the second year of data was posted, and can be compared with other communities. These 21 metrics are also now included as metrics in the City’s budget document. u Electric vehicle charging stations An electric vehicle (EV) charging station project is currently being finalized. This is a joint project between the City and the University of Iowa to install EV stations in their parking spaces. The Harrison Street Parking Facility currently has two EV stations on the ground level. This project will expand the City’s current station network. u Local food partnerships Some examples of local food partnerships were completed to help promote environmental sustainability include: Edible Classroom The City partnered with Backyard Abundance, the State of Iowa Department of Agriculture, and others on the Edible Classroom project, which provides an educational component for several classes offered by the Recreation Division. Double Up Food Bucks The City, Johnson County, Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative, and the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have partnered to enable low- income families to double the value of their SNAP dollars when purchasing Iowa- grown fruits and vegetables at the Farmers Market. . . .6 Promote environmental sustainability Page: 49 Farm to Street Dinner In 2016 and 2017, local food producers, restaurants and community members came together to support local foods and food initiatives over a community meal that raises money for local food efforts. Environmental Education and Support for Senior Population The Senior Center has established partnerships with community groups, such as the Bur Oak Land Trust, Green Iowa AmeriCorps, and 100 Grannies, to offer programming that raise awareness and provides education related to environmental sustainability. Witching Hour Festival The ICPL hosted a Witching Hour Festival presentation, “Honey and Mass Extinction: What every Iowan should know about the state’s bee population.” Other initiatives u Waste minimization strategies Processes for multi-family building recycling, food waste processing, and an electronic waste ban were presented to Council in fall 2016 and implemented between fall 2016 and Jan. 1, 2018. • Recycling services are now required for new multi-family developments. Existing multi-family units will be required to be in compliance at the point of the next rental permit renewal, in roughly two years. • Curbside food waste collection began in 2017. Accepted food waste materials will be collected as a part of the yard waste collection process. • Electronic waste consisting of TVs and computer monitors was banned from being landfilled in fall 2016. These materials are still accepted for processing, but can not be disposed of in the landfill. • Processes for single stream recycling and a corrugated cardboard ban were presented to Council in spring 2017. Proposed fees for these services were included in the FY18 budget. Single stream recycling began Dec. 4, 2017, and the ban on corrugated cardboard at the landfill is effective Jan. 1, 2018. The City rolled out its curbside composting program in spring 2017. . . .6 Promote environmental sustainability More than 200 people attended the inaugural Iowa City Farm to Street Dinner on Linn Street in late August 2016. Page: 50 • Hauling services in Downtown Iowa City are now provided by one vendor for dumpsters within the City right-of-way. This change will also offer an enhancement of services, like additional recycling, daily pick-ups and composting option. u Online forms for improved customer service The City is working to increase efficiency and ease for community members completing applications and permit forms. The Clerk’s Office and Communications are identifying and updating forms to be submitted conveniently online. u Local monarch conservation efforts The wintering monarch population in Mexico has decreased more than 90%, which is thought to be due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Iowa City is committed to creating an environment that allows monarchs to thrive and rehabilitate during the summer months. Initiatives include milkweed distribution, monarch waystations in several parks, local education and research activities, as well as signing the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge. Iowa City Monarch Festival The Iowa City Monarch Festival was held at the Eastside Recycling Center and included several kids’ activities, such as a Monarch scavenger hunt, a chrysalis giveaway, and information on raising caterpillars. The event was free and open to the public and was held again for an even larger crowd in September 2017. u Sustainability newsletter and social media presence The “Sustainable Iowa City” newsletter continues to provide information to the public on a wide variety of sustainability topics, from social justice initiatives to energy-related programming. It is intended to broaden awareness of the City’s initiatives and extend the opportunity for public engagement. u Covenant of Mayors In February 2016, Mayor Throgmorton signed on to the Covenant of Mayors, formerly Compact of Mayors, the world’s largest cooperative effort among mayors and city leaders to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It was launched at the 2014 United Nations Climate Summit. The Covenant of Mayors has both climate mitigation and adaptation compliance requirements, which are to be completed within three years. The City has set a reduction target and recently conducted a community-wide 1 Jodi DeMeulenaere From: City of Iowa City <CityofIo w a C i t y @ p u b l i c . g o v d e l i v e r y . c o m > Sent: Tuesday, August 09, 201 6 8 : 5 3 A M To: Jodi DeMeulenaere Subject: Sustainable Iowa City Ne w s l e t t e r - A u g u s t 2 0 1 6 Having trouble viewing th i s e m a i l ? View it as a Web page . August 2016 | Visit us o n l i n e a t www.icgov.org/sustaina b i l i t y . Pollinator garden plant e d a t F i r e S t a t i o n 4 In July, nearly 1,000 nati v e p l a n t s w e r e p l a c e d i n t h e b i o c e l l i n front of Fire Station 4, lo c a t e d a t 2 0 0 8 D u b u q u e R o a d . M i l k w e e d and other native plants th a t s e r v e a s n e c t a r s o u r c e s f o r pollinators were planted a s a p a r t o f t h e i n i t i a t i v e t o r e h a b i l i t a t e the North American Mon a r c h b u t t e r f l y p o p u l a t i o n , w h i c h h a s declined by more than 90 % i n t h e p a s t t w o d e c a d e s . M i l k w e e d waystations are being pla n t e d a r o u n d I o w a C i t y i n a n e f f o r t t o nourish Monarch populat i o n s w i t h n e c t a r p l a n t s . C h e c k o u t s o m e of the waystation location s a n d s e e w h a t y o u c a n d o t o h e l p here . STAR sustainability wo r k s h o p h e l d i n I o w a C i t y A STAR sustainability wo r k s h o p was held at the East Side Recycling Center on July 21, during which City em p l o y e e s and local partners came t o g e t h e r to develop priorities, nex t s t e p s , and methods for the City a n d o t h e r organizations to build on t h e i r current sustainable prac t i c e s . T h e workshop educated atten d e e s o n how to understand their relationship with sustain a b i l i t y , a s well as present a national c o n t e x t for Iowa City’s 4-STAR c o m m u n i t y rating. Check out the Cit y o f I o w a City's full STAR report here . Edible Classroom at Re c r e a t i o n C e n t e r The 2016 Iowa City Monarch Festival was a big success. . . .6 Promote environmental sustainability Page: 51 greenhouse gas inventory, both which are requirements outlined by the Covenant. Upcoming requirements include completing a climate vulnerability assessment, and completing a community-wide action plan and a climate adaptation plan, which should be finalized by May 2018. By the end of 2017, draft strategies have been selected, based on feedback from the Steering Committee, November Community Engagement meeting, and stakeholder interviews. u Greenhouse Gas Inventories The community greenhouse gas inventory is complete. The community inventory is a requirement of the Compact of Mayors and provides data to evaluate progress as emission reduction initiatives are completed. This summer, staff assembled a municipal greenhouse gas inventory to aid in the development of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, as well as assess the current use of resources and address sources of City-created carbon emissions. The final municipal report was shared with the public and Council in August. u EcoCity Footprint Tool Iowa City is the first U.S. municipality to participate in the EcoCity pilot program. The EcoCity Footprint Tool is designed to analyze community-wide emissions and consumption data. The City received a grant valued at $26,000 to be able to participate. Information gained will assist in the development of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Our EcoCity partners presented the data in fall 2017 and are finalizing a report for the City. Based upon the results, staff is working on a variety of ways to address over consumption of resources, including the development of an awareness campaign around food, reduction of landfilled textiles, and coordination of a neighborhood footprint reduction challenge. If grant assistance is available from outside agencies, the City will pursue these opportunities. u Emerald Ash Borer public events In 2016, two public events were held in partnership with the Iowa State University Extension, Iowa Department of Agriculture, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources to educate the public and green industry professionals on Emerald Ash Borer identification and responses. . . .6 Promote environmental sustainability Page: 52 u Big Bellies Solar-powered trash and recycling compactors have been installed in Downtown Iowa City. Evaluation of the initial units has been positive, with low contamination rates of recyclable materials. The manufacturer of Big Bellies has changed the model from the option to own to rental equipment, significantly altering the cost- effectiveness of this product. Staff will continue to identify opportunities to install more when and where feasible. u Craft Your Environment Fair The Craft your Environment Fair was held at Eastside Recycling Center. Dozens of artists showed how recycled goods can be used to create art, home décor, and other projects, keeping it out of the landfill. The fair was held in partnership with Friends of Historic Preservation, Salvage Barn, and Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore. u Million Gallon Challenge Parks and Recreation staff held a “Million Gallon Challenge” in 2016 to conserve 1 million gallons of water. Between April 12 and Sept. 1, the mix of cooperative weather, a three-minute reduction in irrigation cycles, removing some areas from irrigation plans, installing rain sensor irrigation equipment, and efficiently monitoring systems, resulted in a savings of 1,425,654 gallons of water — 820,530 treated and 605,124 effluent. u Green Business recognition A recognition program for sustainable and “green” Iowa City businesses is currently being developed by staff in collaboration with the University of Iowa. Staff plans to rollout the program in spring, in conjunction with the sustainability themed semester. u Sustainability themed semester Staff is representing the City at the University of Iowa’s theme semester planning meetings. The UI will be focusing on sustainability, especially climate related issues, during spring 2018. The City will partner with the UI by hosting tours, recognizing sustainable businesses and collaborating on other projects throughout the semester. Willowwind students partner with the City of Iowa City to recognize Arbor Day by planting a tree provided by Parks and Recreation. Big Bellies, the solar-powered trash and recycling compactors, have been extremely popular in downtown Iowa City. . . .6 Promote environmental sustainability Page: 53 u Arbor Day partnership In 2016, Willowwind School students planted a Skyline Locust tree provided by Parks and Forestry staff after a presentation and reading of the Arbor Day proclamation. u Facilities improvements Solar Projects As instructed by City Council, staff is pursuing analysis of ground or rooftop solar projects on one or more City properties. A request for proposals was made for analysis and design. A consultant has been selected from nine respondents and should begin analysis of several City facilities before the end of 2017. HVAC Study A consultant has been selected for an HVAC study and Building Automation Systems (BAS) Design Project for three City facilities, including City Hall, Robert A. Lee Recreation Center and Mercer Aquatic Center. The project involves cataloging all HVAC equipment in the three facilities and recommendations for systematic replacement and repair, in regard to building and energy efficiencies. The contract allows for design and bid out of the BAS for all three facilities, allowing for enhanced control and monitoring of the HVAC systems. The project will be bid this summer and installed in phases through summer 2018. Boiler and HVAC Replacement at Mercer Aquatic Center Council approved funding in February for replacement of boiler and HVAC systems at Mercer Aquatic Center. These systems are original to the facility and have been operating since installation in 1988. A consultant has been selected and design work is in progress. Greater efficiencies in water and energy use will be gained by a replacement of these systems. Due to significant potential energy savings, a rebate incentive may help fund this replacement. Energy Improvements at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area In November 2016, the City removed the propane gas tank at the H₂O Building at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and installed a natural gas line. This is a safer, more cost effective and efficient energy supply for the facility. Replacing the boiler and HVAC at Mercer Aquatic Center will result in improved water and energy efficiencies. . . .6 Promote environmental sustainability Page: 54 Digital Control Installation at Recreation Center and Mercer Digital regulating valves and an improved sensor were installed for the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center and Mercer Aquatic Center pools. Digital controls will more efficiently release and regulate heat for the pool water. This project was completed at RALRC in October 2016 and in January 2017 at Mercer Aquatic Center. Boiler Replacement at Robert A. Lee Recreation Center The Robert A. Lee Recreation Center boiler replacement project involved replacing the heating system with high efficiency boilers and installing high efficiency water heaters. Annual cost savings projected is $6,293. A $30,396 rebate from MidAmerican was received, along with a bonus incentive of $6,293 from the Commercial Energy Solution program. Tracking energy use in City facilities Staff tracked the City’s more than 300 natural gas and electricity accounts. This data is used to monitor efficiencies and use, as well as to calculate municipal greenhouse gas emissions. Tree planting projects The City is planning three additional tree planting projects on Lower West Branch Road, Camp Cardinal Boulevard, and in various neighborhood infill locations in fall 2017/spring 2018. . . .6 Promote environmental sustainability Strategies to meet this goal: Develop and implement a racial/socioeconomic equity impact review toolkit u Staff has initiated a review process for City procedures, policies, programs, and services using a new pilot equity racial/socioeconomic equity toolkit. Participating departments in the first review are Police, Transit, Human Resources, Human Rights, Finance, and Neighborhood and Development Services. The pilot ended in August 2017 and Council was updated on the outcomes in a fall 2017 report. Support the Housing First initiative and other local homeless efforts, including the temporary winter shelter u Council supported the Housing First/FUSE initiative, including financial support of $275,000 and adopting the necessary zoning code amendments. The project will construct a facility that provides low-barrier housing for chronically homeless individuals. The zoning code amendments were adopted on July 5, 2016. The City’s contribution to the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County aided the Shelter House’s local share costs for the $2.7 million grant awarded by the Iowa Finance Authority. Consider creating a Council committee with a focus on social justice and racial equity u Council considered this action at the April 5, 2016, work session and decided not to move forward with the committee as proposed. Consideration of creating an ad-hoc committee on social justice and racial equity was removed from Council’s pending work session topic list due to a significant number of social justice and racial equity projects currently in progress. Evaluate initiatives to effectively engage the community’s youth u Sports programs Parks and Recreation staff created a program that ran for eight weeks in the spring 2016 to teach basic American sport skills. It was open to any youth who wished to attend, but was specifically marketed to members of the Sudanese community through community leadership. Seventy-seven youth participated. A similar program started in June 2016 that focused on basic swimming skills. The goal of these programs is to help provide comfort levels with sports so that all children feel comfortable participating in existing sport association programs. Page: 55 . . .7 Advance social justice and racial equity u Civil rights tour sponsorships The City provided sponsorships for two youth to participate in the “Civil Rights and Historically Black Colleges and Universities Tour” conducted by KoNec. u Teen Dynamics Summer Program The Teen Dynamics Summer Program was introduced to provide teens with opportunities for positive interaction, education, relationship building, and activities during summer break. The program was held Monday through Friday from 3 to 7:30 p.m. at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. The program ran from June 5 through Aug. 11, 2017. u Not a Box program In 2016 and 2017, the Iowa City Public Library, along with other community organizations, started the “Not a Box” parties for the summer months. These are family events planned for late Saturday afternoons at parks located in neighborhoods designated as being low-to-moderate income. The program is focused on children ages 3-8. Not a Box, a book by Antoinette Portis, is a story about imagination and creativity in which a young rabbit’s imagination frees him from the constraints that he has just a box. u Any Given Child program In 2016, The Any Given Child arts program hired a program coordinator. This is a program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts which assists communities in providing equitable arts education for all students in grades K-8, regardless of socioeconomic status. Support for the program that assists the Iowa City Community School District is provided by the cities of Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty, Hancher Auditorium, US Bank, and M.C. Ginsberg. u G! World program In 2016, the Iowa City Police Department visited with members of “G! World” at South East Junior High. The officers were invited to answer questions and provide feedback to the group of seventh and eighth grade female students. “G! World” is an award winning mentoring program aimed at empowering girls of color ages 12-18. Page: 56 Police officers play area teens in a game of basketball as part of the Teen Dynamics Summer Program. . . .7 Advance social justice and racial equity u Holiday Story time In 2016 and 2017, the Iowa City Public Library presented a Holiday Story time ahead of Santa’s arrival at a local homeless shelter and collected books to donate to the Iowa City Homeless Children’s Trust Fund. u YES! Program In 2016 and 2017, the City Manager, Mayor Pro-Tem, Parks and Recreation, Library, Office of Equity and Human Rights and Neighborhood Services staff hosted 30 youth enrolled in the “YES! Program,” or Youth Empowered to Serve. The program, administered through Johnson County Social Services, provides kids ages 14-17 with the opportunity to develop job skills, build positive community connections and prepare for a productive adulthood. u Safety Village All Johnson County law enforcement and fire departments, the Iowa City Community School District, Mercy Hospital, Johnson County Ambulance Service, Joint Emergency Communications Center and several community businesses and individuals put on a two week summer camp designed to present safety topics to 45 children, ages 6-7, in addition to various events throughout the year. u RAGBRAI In 2017, the Police Department worked with community organizations to take a group of high school age kids on a day of RAGBRAI. They camped out during the outing and interacted with other cyclists and police officers while learning about this lifelong recreational and fitness activity. Identify and implement an achievable goal to reduce disproportionality in arrests u Traffic stop study The Police Department invited Dr. Chris Barnum to present his disproportionate minority contact (DMC) study to all Police Department staff; both sworn officers and civilian personnel, to provide a full understanding of what the results of the study mean and how to properly define, document and submit data. Additionally, Sarah Page: 57 The ICPD sponsored a day of RAGBRAI for teen cyclists. . . .7 Advance social justice and racial equity Bruch, Assistant Professor and Director of the Social and Education Policy Research Program at the University of Iowa, presented to the Department on the impact of police/community interactions, and more specifically on the negative effects that police interaction have on minority communities. The training is provided to dispel the crime/race association and reiterate our expectation that we deploy resources based on crime trends and not solely by neighborhoods or specific populations within our community. The training took place in late July 2017. Community Discussion on Criminal Justice Reform City staff from Police and Equity and Human Rights participated in “Building a Foundation for Criminal Justice Reform in Iowa.” The community discussion focused on criminal justice reform at the local level through individual, organizational, and community action. GARE Support The City was a lead sponsor in a conference held in April called, “Advancing Racial Equity: The Role of Government - Iowa.” The Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) presented the day-long conference, which was open to City employees and the public. The conference was designed to deepen the understanding of racial equity and to teach participants to apply this learning to their work and lives. Racial Equity Report The 2017 Racial Equity Report was published in November 2017. The annual report is a way for the City to measure its progress as it relates to improvements for communities of color. The report, published since 2014, provides the yearly racial demographics for police charges against youth and adults, the racial demographics of City staff, and the racial demographics of people serving on City Boards and Commissions. Iowa City Law Enforcement Non-Discrimination Policy The Council passed a resolution at its formal meeting reaffirming the City of Iowa City Law Enforcement Non-Discrimination Policy. The resolution reaffirms a similar resolution passed in 2001. Create a social justice and racial equity grant program u Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant A social justice and racial equity grant was created and made available for Iowa City organizations to apply for funding. In March 2017, the Human Rights Commission recommended that five local organizations be funded for fiscal year 2017. The Council approved the grant allocations at its meeting on March 21, 2017. The grant re-opened for a second round of applications in December 2017. Page: 58 . . .7 Advance social justice and racial equity Page: 59 Develop a partnership with the University of Iowa and other key stakeholders that will aid efforts to recruit and retain a greater minority workforce u Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC) The City joined the Central Midwest Higher Education Recruitment Consortium in the fall of 2016 and recently updated its membership for 2017. The Consortium is administered through the University of Iowa. Assistant Provost for Faculty at the University Diane Finnerty is the interim Director for the Central Midwest HERC. Other members include Kirkwood Community College, University of Iowa, Coe College, Mount Mercy, Grinnell, and ICAD. u Workplace Revolution sponsorship The City co-sponsored Workplace Revolution held at the Double Tree Hotel in downtown Cedar Rapids. The day-long event was designed to assist in retention, recruitment and employee engagement. Topics included investing in workplace culture. Other sponsors were Diversity Focus, the Iowa City Area Development Group and Kirkwood Community College. u Emergency Services Summer Youth Camps Youth camps for students interested in public service careers were held during the summer as a partnership between the Iowa City Fire Department, Police and Johnson County Ambulance Service. The camps were free to students and lunch was provided. u Community meeting City staff attended a meeting to discuss next steps for diversity and inclusion in the corridor in light of Diversity Focus ceasing operations after 11 years. The meeting was organized by Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett. Other participants included General Mills, ACT, University of Iowa, Rockwell Collins and the City of Cedar Rapids. The event was held at the Kirkwood Center for Lifelong Learning campus in Cedar Rapids. . . .7 Advance social justice and racial equity The free Emergency Services Summer Youth Camps were well attended in 2017. Page: 60 Identify a substantive and achievable goal for the provision of affordable housing in Iowa City and implement strategies to achieve this goal u Affordable Housing Action Plan At the June 21, 2016, work session, staff presented a summary of new and existing strategies for the provision of affordable housing, potential funding sources, and recommendations for future action. The Housing and Community Development Commission, Affordable Housing Coalition, and the general public provided feedback on the recommendations in the Action Plan. Council held a work session on September 20, 2016, to consider public input and give staff direction on the Action Plan recommendations. Significant progress has been made on the action items in the plan and work will continue into 2018. u Diamond Senior Apartments The City Council approved City funding of $600,000 for the $7.4 million LIHTC project that will construct 36 affordable units for seniors and four market rate units. The City also supported their application for IEDA Workforce Housing Tax Credits. This project meets a strong need for affordable senior housing, and is located in a neighborhood with access to services. The former building has been demolished and construction is underway. u Affordable Housing Conference City staff from Neighborhood and Development Services, the Police Department and the City Manager’s Office attended the Affordable Housing Conference sponsored by the Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition. The event included several sessions with differing topics, but the overall takeaway was that affordable housing is an engine of equity and growth. Other initiatives and events u Human Rights Ordinance The Fair Housing Ordinance was amended to include Housing Choice Vouchers and other rental subsidies to the definition of Public Assistance Source of Income. The Human Rights Commission’s Fair Housing Law brochures were updated to inform the public of this change and were produced in multiple languages. u Black History Month community events Several community events to celebrate and educate during Black History Month were programmed through a collaborative effort of Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, Black Voices Project, Dream Center, Iowa City Human Rights Commission, Iowa City Police . . .7 Advance social justice and racial equity Page: 61 Department Community Outreach, United Action for Youth, City High - G!world, New Creations International Church, and Johnson County Social Services. The Library also presented Black History Month programs and displays. u Leading the Inclusive City Leading the Inclusive City program featuring Professor Robin Hambleton of the University of the West of England was held at the Iowa City Public Library. The event was sponsored by the cities of Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty, Johnson County, the University of Iowa School of Urban and Regional Planning, and the University of Iowa Public Policy Center. u Review of City job requirements In an effort to expand the applicant pools for City employment, departments have reviewed minimum education requirements to ensure that they are truly needed for the position, or if reasonable skills and work experience can be substituted. u Kingdom Center visit Council members and staff were invited to a luncheon at the Kingdom Center. Participants toured the facilities, learned about programming and partner organizations including the Dream Center, and had a robust discussion of building bridges to have meaningful conversations on difficult topics, de-escalation training, and the Crisis Intervention Team concept. u Invest Health program Iowa City was chosen to participate in the “Invest Health” program, a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Reinvestment Fund to support new strategies to improve neighborhoods facing the biggest barriers to better health. Iowa City was chosen from a very competitive field. Safe, decent, affordable housing is a strong focus of the program. Iowa City’s team is a partnership between the City, University of Iowa Colleges of Medicine and Public Health, and the Housing Fellowship. At their last convening, held the week of Dec. 4, 2017, the City presented childcare system enhancements as well as a proposal for an Arthur St. Health Center, targeted to those with chronic mental illness. It is possible that presented projects may be awarded additional funding. . . .7 Advance social justice and racial equity Page: 62 u Great Stories Club The “Great Stories Club,” a collaboration between Tate High School and the Iowa City Public Library, is sponsored through a grant from the American Library Association. The Great Stories Club gives under served youth facing significant challenges the opportunity to read, reflect, and share ideas on topics that resonate with them. Last year’s theme was, “The Art of Change: Creation, Growth and Transformation.” Seventy-five sites are in this year’s program, including two in Iowa City. Most recently, the group read and discussed The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. u Hiring and employing non-US citizens The Office of Equity and Human Rights collaborated with the University of Iowa Legal Clinic to sponsor a training for employers on the hiring and employment of non-US citizens. Participants included City staff. u Community BBQ City Departments including Parks and Recreation and the Office of Equity and Human Rights were sponsors in “Serving Up the Community BBQ” presented by the Black Voices Project. Other sponsors included Field to Family, Center for Worker Justice and Backyard Abundance. u LGBTQ Safe Zone Staff from many City departments attended “LGBTQ Safe Zone” and “Leadership for Equity and Inclusion” trainings from the University of Iowa’s Diversity Office and National Coalition Building Institute in spring 2017. u Lunch and learn events A series of “Lunch and Learn” events have been held for current City Board and Commission Members. The “Conversations on Diversity” were facilitated by Professor Katrina Sanders of the University of Iowa College of Education. u Mobile hotspots The Iowa City Public Library began lending mobile hotspots in February 2017. The devices allow users without internet access to connect to the internet anywhere on any wireless-enabled device such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. The Iowa City Police Department takes part in “Serving Up the Community BBQ.” City staff participated in “LGBTQ Safe Zone and Leadership for Equity and Inclusion training” through the University of Iowa. . . .7 Advance social justice and racial equity Page: 63 YOURKNOW RIGHTS Hate Crimes CITY OF IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 www.icgov.org/humanrights 356-5022 or 356-5015 humanrights@iowa-city.org EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND NON- DISCRIMINATION IS THE LAW AND YOUR RIGHT If you believe you have been discriminated against, or you want more information on types of prohibited discrimination, please contact the Human Rights Coordinator at 356-5022 or the Human Rights Investigator at 356-5015. ©2016 u Resume assistance In December 2016, the Iowa City Public Library held four sessions with Iowa Workforce Development to assist displaced IAD workers to create a resume to use in upcoming job searches. u City sponsored job fair The City held a Job Fair in September at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center to showcase opportunities for work at the City and many local employers. u Diversity awareness The Iowa City Public Library has had displays sharing the winning entries of the Human Rights Commission’s Youth Essay and Art Contest Juneteenth Contest Winners. A display for Soul Fest highlighted literary, musical and film works by African Americans, and one titled, Race in America intended to raise awareness of racial issues in the U.S. Other displays shared titles with LGBT characters and themes, celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month, Transgender Awareness Month, Native American Heritage Month.”Also, in August 2017, the Library held a drag show event for teens that created a safe space for teens curious about drag. u Eliminating Racial Bias Conference The City sponsored “Accomplices in Eliminating Racial Bias,” a conference presented by the Johnson County Disproportionate Minority Contact Committee in March 2017. The conference hosted former Iowa educator and renowned anti-racism activist Jane Elliott. u Law Enforcement Re-Affirmation and Rights Brochures The Human Rights Office issued a, “Know Your Rights” brochure series on responding to bias and hate crimes. The brochures, as well as the recently passed resolution reaffirming the public safety function of local law enforcement, are available in English, French, Arabic, Spanish and Chinese. . . .7 Advance social justice and racial equity Page: 64 u Efforts to diversify City recruitment Through community feedback received in the Racial Equity Toolkit process, Human Resources has increased efforts to disseminate information on employment opportunities to racially diverse populations. This included review and expansion of the distribution lists for job postings and flyers promoting available resources to learn about employment opportunities. Updated flyers were sent to more than 150 local organizations in February 2017, including a variety of non-profits, places of worship, neighborhood centers, City facilities and buses. Flyers were also offered in Spanish, French, Simple Chinese, and/or Arabic upon request. . . .7 Advance social justice and racial equity