HomeMy WebLinkAboutStrategic Plan Report - November 2018 finalIowa City 2018-2019
Strategic Plan
Report
November 2018
View of City Hall from Washington Street.
Table of Contents
Strategic Plan
Goals
3
Vibrant
Urban Core
8
Community
Engagement
17
Introduction &
Overview
4
Healthy
Neighborhoods
12
Environmental
Sustainability
20
Economy
5
Social Justice &
Racial Equity
23
Solid Financial
Foundation
15
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Promote a Strong and Resilient
Economy
Encourage a Vibrant and Walkable
Urban Core
Foster Healthy Neighborhoods
throughout the City
Maintain a Solid Financial
Foundation
Enhance Community Engagement
and Intergovernmental Relations
Promote Environmental
Sustainability
Advance Social Justice and Racial
Equity
for a more Inclusive, Just and
Sustainable Iowa City:
Iowa City's 2018-2019 Strategic Plan
www.icgov.org/strategicplan
3
Introduction &
Overview
City Council members are, from left:
Mazahir Salih, At-Large
Bruce Teague, At-Large
Pauline Taylor, District A, Mayor Pro Tem
Jim Throgmorton, At-Large, Mayor
Susan Mims, District B
Rockne Cole, At-Large
John Thomas, District C
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 75,000 residents.
These include water, sewer, stormwater, garbage
and recycling utilities, as well as public services like
police, fire, building and housing inspections, parks
and recreation, street maintenance, engineering,
development services, transportation,
communication, and senior services.
City of Iowa City
Organizational Profile
Executive Summary
Beginning in January 2018, City Council engaged in a
strategic planning process to define the City’s top
priorities, address significant new projects and initiatives,
and establish a broad vision for the City’s future. City
staff will be responsible for coordinating implementation
and execution of these Council goals over the two year
period. A resolution to formally adopt the 2018-2019
Strategic Plan priorities as defined in these three work
sessions was approved on March 20, 2018.
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5
Promote a Strong and
Resilient Local Economy
a. Undertake a comprehensive assessment of the current public transit system
and implement changes to assure that the service best meets the needs of the
entire community
b. Effectively market and grow the local food economy
c. Through cooperation with the Iowa City School District, Iowa Workforce
Development, Kirkwood Community College, Iowa Works, and others, increase
opportunities for marginalized populations and low-income individuals to obtain
access to skills training and good jobs
d. Work with Procter & Gamble and impacted supply chain companies, local
economic development organizations, and labor unions to respond effectively to
the company’s decision to terminate its local production of beauty care products
In 2018, Iowa City introduced 11 new buses, replacing part of its fleet for the first time in 20 years.1
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Accomplishment Updates What’s Next
1a Staff has met with Coralville, North Liberty and the
University of Iowa to determine their interest in
participating in the study. Coralville and the
University have expressed an interest. The City has
issued a Request for Qualifications for an experienced
transit consultant. The City Council has budgeted
$200,000 for conducting this analysis.
►Council approval of an agreement with selected
transit consultant.
►Expected 12-18 month period for public
engagement and study before final
recommendations are ready.
►Staff analysis to determine possible revenue
streams that can enhance transit access and
service after the completion of the study.
1b City Council has budgeted $50,000 towards
expanding the local food economy.
Horticulture staff changed the landscaping in
approximately thirty round planters located
throughout the City to feature edible plants. With
signage encouraging harvest and tasting, the public
took part during the 2018 growing season. Locations
included City Hall, City Park, Mercer Park and a few
locations in downtown.
Approximately 202 garden plots were leased for the
2018 growing season throughout three community
gardens.
The Recreation division held a small Beginner
Gardening course.
►Additional community gardens are being planned
at Walden Green and an orchard and garden is
planned with the renovation at Creekside Park.
►A series of public meetings were held with
Backyard Abundance in summer 2018 to gather
input on a new configuration for garden plots at
Chadek Green. Final designs, for the 2019
growing season, are being completed. The
improved garden will include a variety of plot
sizes, additional paths, public gathering space,
and a new sculpture.
►The 2018 Farmer’s Market distributed a total of
$3,790 through the “Double Up Food Bucks”
program, $5,283 in SNAP benefits, and 88 senior
vouchers, allowing residents greater purchasing
power at market stands.
►The Senior Center plans to introduce a small food
pantry for food-insecure participants. They are
exploring partnerships and ways to incorporate
local foods.
1c The City’s Economic Development staff is generating
an inventory of local and regional efforts to identify
gaps in services and potential collaborations. Staff is
also working with private businesses to identify
workforce needs and barriers to employment.
►A staff report summarizing findings will be
presented to Council over the winter months of
2018-2019.
1
A job fair, sponsored by the City of Iowa City and Iowa
Works, was held on September 11, 2018 at the Robert
A. Lee Recreation Center. The fair hosted 32
companies offering entry, permanent, and part time
work for unemployed and underemployed individuals.
The City continues to offer the “So You Want to Start a
Business?” program in affiliation with Kirkwood
Community College. Staff is reviewing program format
for the next course.
►Staff is working with Kirkwood Community
College and ICAD to explore ways to better serve
minority and immigrant populations with small
business and general employment resources.
1d Staff has engaged with Procter & Gamble officials
and connected them with local and state resources
to assist with any employees that may be displaced.
Staff has worked with ICAD to express strong support
for growing Procter & Gamble’s remaining operations
and to position the community for attracting new
lines of business within the company. Collectively,
these groups are also working to aid supply chain
companies, which includes helping to determine if
new business partnerships can be established to help
overcome the anticipated loss in Procter & Gamble
business.
Staff nominated and the State and Federal
government approved Opportunity Zone designations
in the census tract that encompasses most of the
physical locations of Procter and Gamble and their
suppliers. This designation provides federal tax
advantages for future investments in the areas.
►Continue to offer support to employees by
engaging with Procter & Gamble to better
understand employee needs
►Continually work with Procter & Gamble and
supply chain companies to determine how best
the City can assist in growing their operations
here in Iowa City.
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1
8
Encourage a Vibrant and
Walkable Urban Core
a. Collaborate with the University of Iowa on its redevelopment of University-
owned property located in the Riverfront Crossings District, and on improving
the quality, accessibility, and use of the Iowa River Corridor
b. Preserve important parts of Iowa City’s history by considering the designation
of additional buildings as historic landmarks, and, by considering the creation of
an historic preservation district for part of the downtown after consulting with
stakeholders
c. Evaluate existing strategies and consider additional actions to address the need
for reinvestment in the city’s existing private housing stock
2A resident takes advantage of the Historic Preservation Fund Program to rehabilitate and restore the exterior of a Moffit home.
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Accomplishment Updates What’s Next
2a Staff meets regularly with University of Iowa personnel
to discuss planning topics, including the RFC
campus and the river corridor. Staff from Iowa City
and Coralville are working with the University of Iowa
to align current master plans along the rivers and
identify ways to strengthen existing plans or fill in
missing gaps between the three entities. City staff is
also heavily involved in the planning of the Big Splash
event along the Iowa River in 2020 that will serve
as pivotal point in time for the community to come
together to celebrate and care for the river.
►Staff will continue to engage with numerous
community partners including the University on
the Big Splash planning, which will include
education, outreach and programs in 2019-20.
►Staff will work with the University and Coralville
to further align river planning efforts after the
master plan compilation is completed.
►After the University announces its intentions for
on-campus housing, staff will engage in further
collaborative planning efforts involving the RFC
campus area.
2b Iowa City currently has 52 individual local landmarks
including five that were designated in 2018 (to-date).
An additional designation has been deferred until
a city-wide ordinance for a transfer of development
rights has been considered.
After a soft roll-out of the new Historic Preservation
Fund in FY18, the City approved seven of eight
applicants for $5,000 matching grants for exterior work
on historic properties. To date, two of those projects
are complete and the other five are in process.
The Downtown Historic Survey was completed and
made available to the public in October 2018. The
Historic Preservation Commission will invite public
comment on the survey and forward its
recommendations to Council this winter.
As of October 2018, staff has reviewed and issued 82
Certificates of Appropriateness, while last year issued
64 in the same time period, indicating that the level
of property reinvestment activity in historic districts
increased this year. A Certificate of Appropriateness is
issued by the Historic Preservation Commission when
a local historic landmark or property within an historic
district wants to make changes to the exterior of the
property.
Council approved a $1 million contribution to the
Englert Theater and Film Scene capital campaign that
will in large part enable the historic renovation of the
Englert building and also make key investments in the
Packing and Provisions Building that currently houses
Film Scene.
►An owner-initiated landmark will begin the
approval process with the Historic Preservation
Commission meeting in December 2018.
►For FY19, the quickly-popular Historic
Preservation Fund grant program has already
received eight applications that either have or
will be approved. If any of the applicant projects
use less than the $5,000 maximum, additional
projects may be funded.
►City Park cabin restorations are nearly complete.
Historic Preservation and Parks and Recreation
will work together to showcase the restored
cabins.
►Staff is currently preparing landmark designation
applications for 225 and 229 N. Gilbert. These
homes were recently purchased by the City from
Mercy Hospital.
►Council will consider location options for the
historic Sanxay-Gilmore House.
2
10
Historic Preservation Efforts
A historic overlay district designation in the Riverfront
Crossings (RFC) District had worked through the
Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and Planning
and Zoning Commission earlier in 2018 but the
designation was withdrawn by the HPC before being
considered by City Council. The City has a grant from
the State to complete a National Register Nomination
for the District. The National Register process will
include State review of the RFC Historic District
Boundaries. Since the property owners frequently
brought up questions about the boundaries, HPC felt
that having the boundaries’ appropriateness confirmed by the State would be beneficial for Council consideration
of the District. The process for the District will start over, with owner meetings and HPC review, once the State has
had a chance to review a draft of the National Register Nomination, likely in spring 2019.
In addition to the grant for the National Register Nomination, the Historic Preservation Commission received two
other CLG (certified local government) grants for:
►An intensive survey of the property at 2040 Waterfront Drive, also known as Friendly Farm. This project may
finish this year and could lead to a future Local Landmark or National Register listing.
►A review of the Summit Street marker (the SE corner of the original town boundary) and to determine how
to stabilize it and whether or not to remove it for interior display and replacement with a replica. City
Planning is still in negotiation with the consultant.
2c Staff made changes to the UniverCity program to
allow for the purchase of duplex properties. The first
duplex, at 520 and 522 N. Dodge St, was acquired
August 1, 2018 and began renovation in November.
A home right next door to the duplex is currently in
the renovation stage. Two recently renovated homes
have current purchase offers.
►The City has purchased and rehabilitated 68
homes within a limited geographic area and it is
becoming increasingly more difficult to purchase
suitable homes for renovation through the
UniverCity program. Considering the new rental
cap in the UniverCity-eligible area, other
opportunities for neighborhood stability
throughout town are being reviewed. Staff has
begun a comprehensive assessment of all
housing programs and plans to present Council
with findings and recommendations in 2019.
Council should provide staff any specific requests
that it wants considered during this review. 2
Accomplishment Highlight
Summit Street Monument circa 1900, when the inscription was still visible,
and in its current condition.
Historic Preservation Efforts (cont.)
The City continues to work through a Civil Rights Grant from the National Park Service for the National Register
Nomination, educational materials and signage for two properties (Tate Arms building and Federation home),
that served as housing for African-American students and residents in Iowa City in the early 20th Century. The
two Nominations are being reviewed by the State in fall 2018 and will go to the National Park Service for review in
spring 2019. Signage and educational materials are in progress.
An emergency grant was recently received from the State for the structural review and pre-planning for the
relocation of the Sanxay-Gilmore House at 109 E Market Street. The consultant will complete their review in fall
2018. An Executive Session was held with City Council on July 17, 2018 to discuss possible relocation sites.
11
2
Foster Healthy Neighborhoods
Throughout the City
a. Modify the existing Affordable Housing Action Plan to include new strategies to
improve the availability and affordability of housing in Iowa City
b. Embed the “Missing Middle” concept into the City’s land development practices
by adopting a Form Based Code for at least one (preferably two) of our
neighborhoods
c. Ensure the next two budgets contain sufficient funds to make meaningful progress
toward achieving the goals of the Bicycle Master Plan and Parks Master Plan
d. Complete an analysis of traffic accident data and identify actions to improve the
safety of our roadways for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians
3Crews work on Creekside Park as part of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
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Affordable Housing
Action Plan
The Iowa Finance Authority recognizes
outstanding projects and programs for
leadership and innovation in advancing
affordable housing development. On
Sept. 5, 2018, Iowa City won the
Innovation Award at the 2018 Housing
Iowa Conference in Des Moines for its
Affordable Housing Action Plan.
Accomplishment Highlight
Source: @IALtGov “Adam Gregg presents the Innovation Award to Iowa City and Iowa City
community housing advocates.”
Accomplishment Updates What’s Next
3a Council increased the affordable housing
commitment from $750,000 to $1,000,000 in FY19.
Council adopted an Affordable Housing component
to the City’s annexation policy in July 2018. Also in July,
Council approved a development agreement for the
Foster Road extension and development area that
leverages an estimated $2-3 million dollars in
affordable housing funds over the next ten years.
Staff has begun preliminary research on new
approaches to expand affordable housing efforts in
the coming years.
►Council should let staff know if there are any
specific proposals or polices that they want to
consider as part of this effort.
►Staff will further our research and offer Council
recommendations in early 2019.
►An update on the City’s affordable housing action
plan was provided to Council in the November 15,
2018 Information Packet.
3b Council provided staff direction to pursue a
form-based code in the South District.
►Staff will present a consultant agreement to the
Council in the fall.
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3
14
3c The FY19 budget provides funding for numerous
projects contained in the Bicycle Master Plan and
Parks Master Plan. Cardigan Park was outfitted with a
new playground, shelter, and the first fire ring in a City
park. Phases 1 and 2 of Riverfront Crossings Park are
complete and Phase 3 of the project, which includes
a restroom installation, is underway. Accessibility
improvements at Highland, Pheasant Hill, Tower
Court, and Villa Parks will be complete by the end
of 2018. A full redevelopment of Creekside Park
began in September 2018.
Design consultants have been selected for parks
projects at Lower City Park, Willow Creek Park, and a
west side park development, which are included in
the FY19 budget. Well-attended neighborhood
meetings were held for each of the parks to present
and discuss options.
The 2018 construction season initiated projects that
include several new bicycle facilities, including
Governor and Dodge, Clinton, Mormon Trek, Myrtle
and Greenwood, and Camp Cardinal. Camp Cardinal
Blvd lanes are complete. Conversion of four vehicle
lanes to three lanes for vehicle traffic will take place
on Clinton in 2018 or 2019.
►Accessibility improvements are planned at
Mercer, College Green, and Brooklyn Parks in
2019.
►After public meeting and staff review feedback,
consultants will finalize designs for Lower City
Park and Willow Creek Park.
►In 2019, on-street bicycle facilities will be striped
on Mormon Trek, Governor, and Dodge. The
Mormon Trek project includes a lane conversion
from four to three lanes and buffered bicycle
lanes.
►Budget discussions are underway, identifying
more capital projects for the 2020 construction
season. A draft will be brought for approval in
winter 2019.
3d Staff has completed data gathering and is finishing
analysis. Staff will issue a report with findings and
preliminary recommendations in fall 2018 or early
winter 2019.
►Council will need to consider the report and
recommendations and provide staff direction on
follow-up steps and timelines.
3
Maintain a Solid Financial
Foundation
a. Continue to monitor the impact of the 2013 property tax reform and evaluate
alternative revenue sources as determined necessary
b. Continue to build the City’s Emergency Fund
c. Monitor potential changes to Moody’s rating criteria and maintain the City’s Aaa
bond rating
d. Continue to reduce the City’s property tax levy
e. Maintain healthy fund balances throughout the City’s diverse operations
4
15
The City reduced the property tax levy for its seventh consecutive year.
16
Accomplishment Updates What’s Next
4a Property tax reform is consistently monitored as the
2013 changes impact the City tax base.
►A discussion on alternative revenue sources can
be facilitated during the upcoming Council
budget review.
4b The City did not include a deposit to the Emergency
Fund in the FY19 budget. Since January 2018, the
expenditures from the Emergency Fund total
approximately $511,000 for the purchase of three
properties in the flood plain adjacent to Lower City Park,
leaving a balance of $4,670,517.
►The City will continue to monitor use of the
Emergency Fund.
4c The City experienced a third-party bond rating call in
spring 2018 with Moody’s rating service. From that
call, Moody’s maintained the City’s Aaa rating. A new
element of the Moody’s review includes how
communities are addressing climate adaptation.
Therefore, Iowa City’s climate mitigation and
adaptation strategies were included in the ratings
presentation for the first time this year. The City
also increased its capital contributions, resulting in
a positive recommendation from Moody’s.
►The City has started using a predictive budgeting
software technology that allows for specific
simulation of City fiscal considerations. Use of
this technology will permit Finance Administration
to explore opportunities and solutions for
addressing areas of potential concern, according
to the Moody’s report.
4d The City reduced the property tax levy by decreasing
the City’s debt service levy. Responsible borrowing
and early repayment of debt has permitted decreases
in the debt levy. This is the seventh consecutive year
of City debt service levy reduction, resulting in a $0.15
decrease in the FY19 property tax levy.
►The City has a debt service plan that, pending
unforeseen changes, will allow for possible debt
service levy reductions again in FY20.
4e FY2018 year-end fund balances were fairly positive
and FY19 outlook also looks healthy for most funds.
In FY19, the City implemented a 5% increase in water
rates to preserve a balance that will allow for capital
infrastructure maintenance.
►The City continues to monitor fund balances and
will determine whether a change in user fees is
warranted. This will be discussed during the
upcoming Council budget review.
4
Enhance Community
Engagement and
Intergovernmental Relations
a. Experiment with innovative ways of engaging with diverse populations in person
and on social media
b. Improve collaborative problem-solving with governmental entities in the region
on topics of shared interest
c. Improve relationships with the executive branch and legislature by reaching out
to legislators and other elected officials and working with City lobbyists
5
17
L: Facebook Live coverage of a City Council meeting. R: Iowa City’s state legislative delegation tours Riverfront Crossings with staff and council members.
18
Accomplishment Updates What’s Next
5a Communications successfully introduced the use of
Facebook Live for streaming City Council meetings
and variety of other programs. Viewers can actively
comment in real time and engage in dialogue with
other viewers. City Cable Channel 4 ensured that a
purchase of mobile equipment allowed for better-
quality video streaming as the City continues to
expand usage of this platform.
The City has also increased the use of digital platforms
paired with video and quality print visuals to help
communicate complex issues.
City Cable Channel 4 has historically participated in
filming many community events, but this year are
focused on presenting the stories of neighborhoods,
residents, and businesses.
Staff has elevated transparency in City budget
planning by holding two public events, “Breakfast on
a Budget” and “Chip In.” The two new events
encouraged residents to learn about the budget
process, engage actively in question and answer with
staff, and share their priorities, ideas, and suggestions
for community improvements and spending.
►As projects and programs are promoted to the
public, an increased concentration on the
development of marketing plans has elevated
City communications. Use of polling, prize
giveaways, and other incentives have been
received positively. The division will continue to
work with City departments to create effective
marketing and engagement opportunities.
►The Cable division will continue to seek
opportunities to share information that impacts
a diverse group of community members.
►The Parks and Recreation and Senior Center
Departments are developing relationships and
new partnerships with less-engaged community
members and groups. They are also
coordinating events aimed to diversify
programming.
►Due to the success of last year’s event, “Breakfast
on a Budget” will return for the Council budget
review in January 2019.
5b Council has initiated a regional discussion on I-380
planning. The meeting on this topic was held on
August 2, 2018. Iowa City and Coralville elected
officials and leadership agreed at the meeting to
cooperate further on future corridor public
transportation efforts.
Council continues to be active participants in the
quarterly joint government meetings. Council most
recently held a joint meeting with the Johnson County
Board of Supervisors.
Staff presented a regional economic development
protocol agreement to the Council.
►Council needs to identify any additional topic
areas that they wish to address.
5
19
5c During the 2017-2018 state legislative session, Iowa
City worked with lobbying firm Carney and Associates
to monitor and advocate the Council’s legislative
priorities in Des Moines. At the end of the session,
most major concerns, such as preserving the backfill
had positive or neutral outcomes for the City.
Relationships with local legislators remain productive
and several contacts were made with current
legislators as well as with district candidates during
the primary campaign.
On Sept. 7, 2018, staff conducted an Iowa City tour
with area legislators and Council members. The tour
shared the latest improvements to parks, facilities,
and notable development projects, related to State
financial support and local needs.
►The City’s lobbyists continue to attend meetings
and events with legislators from across the state
prior to the next legislative session. Staff has
maintained communication with Carney and
Associates, as well as the Iowa League of Cities
to ensure proper preparation for the fall session.
5
Promote Environmental
Sustainability
a. Adopt an effective Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and ensure the next two
budgets contain sufficient funds to facilitate achieving its goal
b. Support efforts to increase the reach of the Parks and Recreation Foundation
6Community members attend an input session as part of Iowa City’s first ever Climate Action and Adaptation Plan in July 2018.
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21
Accomplishment Updates What’s Next
6a The Climate Action and Adaptation Plan is complete
and was adopted by Council on Sept. 18, 2018.
Several projects described in the Climate Plan are
already budgeted in FY19. These projects include
the initiation of a transit study, a refuse and recycling
route study, public building improvements, bicycle
facilities, and installation of electric vehicle charging
stations. The Plan includes a community toolkit to get
the City started but more project-specific tools are
already being drafted.
A solar feasibility study was completed in summer
2018 and a summary will be presented to Council in
fall 2018. The study provided important information
about the energy load and capacity of eight City facility
sites, as well as the feasibility of renewable energy
system application. Staff will monitor solar PV
application opportunities and bring any feasible
actions to Council in the future. The new Public Works
facility is designed for rooftop solar and funds will be
budgeted in FY20.
►Implementation will continue with the assistance
of the community at-large. Community efforts will
be initiated by City staff and the public, focusing
efforts upon the most impactful recommended
plan actions. An advisory board consisting of
prior Plan Steering Committee members and
other community groups will assist the City in
implementation.
►An internal committee of staff from all City
departments has met and initiated several
projects that further Plan progress. Council will
receive periodic updates.
►Development of a comprehensive
communications strategy for Climate Plan
activities and information will be initiated in late
2018. Outcomes of this strategy will be seen
throughout city and community communications
over the next couple of years, helping to inform
further Plan actions.
►During the FY20 Budget planning process, staff
will identify projects related to recommended
Plan actions and provide a reference during
Council review of the proposed budget.
6b This goal remains in a planning stage. ►Parks and Recreation will work by early 2019 to
discuss these efforts with the Parks and
Recreation Commission.
6
22
Implementation of the Iowa City Climate Action and
Adaptation Plan is underway. A few highlights of recent
achievements and contributing improvements include:
►In October 2018, corridors along Lower West Branch
Road and Camp Cardinal Blvd received approximately
$58,000 in tree plantings to expand tree canopy
coverage. (Action 4.6)
►Green Iowa Americorps performed 43 energy audits
in Iowa City since January 2018 (over 219 total, since
2016) and City building efficiency projects, such as
building automation system installation and upgrades,
boilers, and HVAC replacements continue. (Actions 1.1
and 1.7)
►As they became available, landscape/organics carts
and larger recycling carts were issued to some Iowa
City residents in 2018. A final distribution of recycling
carts and more organics carts is planned for 2018 and
2019. (Action 3.2)
Accomplishment Highlight
Iowa City introduced new 65-gallon recycling carts, and the addition
of organics carts in 95-gallon or 25-gallon sizes. Distribution of carts
will continue in 2019.
6
Advance Social Justice
and Racial Equity
a. Support organizations and efforts that provide services to people experiencing
and recovering from trauma and crisis related to mental health and substance
abuse
b. Consider a policy to limit city business to vendors that pay all employees a wage
of $10.10 or higher
c. Explore expanded use of a racial equity toolkit within City government,
embedding it within city department and Council levels
d. Consider elevating hourly staff wages to $15/hour or more within two years
7
23
Members of the Iowa City Police Department participate in CIT, or Crisis Intervention Team, training.
24
Accomplishment Updates What’s Next
7a The Council has budgeted sufficient funds to be active
partners in the Countywide Behavioral Access Center
planning. The County has identified land and there
is an active steering committee leading the project
forward.
►The City Attorney, City Manager, and Police
Department are working with Councilor Mims,
members of the Access Center Board, to finalize
the formal agreement with Johnson County.
►Council should convey to staff any specific
projects or policies that it wants to consider
outside of the Behavioral Access Center project.
7b This goal remains in planning stages. ►Finance will take the first steps in assessing the
number and type of vendors used by the City.
Staff will determine how such a policy could be
implemented.
7c The next implementation phase for the equity
toolkit was included in Council’s July 5, 2018
information packet. Parks and Recreation, Fire, the
Housing Authority, and the Iowa City Public Library are
evaluating current and potential procedures, policies,
programs or services using the racial and socioeco-
nomic equity review toolkit. This process will continue
through 2019. Recently, the Neighborhood and
Development Services Department used the equity
toolkit to assess housing program proposal options
for the South District.
►Updates will be provided as departments finalize
their review.
►The five departments that initiated use of the
toolkit in 2016 (Finance, Neighborhood and
Development Services, Police, Human Resources,
and Human Rights) will continue to use procedure
and policy reviews aligned with toolkit standards
and outcomes.
7d A cost analysis was provided to Council for a Work
Session discussion on Sept. 18, 2018. Council gave
direction to increase minimum starting wage for
hourly and temporary employees to $11.50 per hour,
beginning July 1, 2019.
►The FY20 budget proposal will reflect this
adjustment and further annual increases will be
reviewed each year, with an end goal of reaching
$15/hr by July 1, 2021.
7