FY2022

sources and a conservative outlook, this budget still manages to accomplish significant investments in City Council’s strategic priorities. This budget demonstrates a continued commitment to aggressive climate action. Through the emergency property tax levy (approximately $1 million) and departmental dollars, significant progress was made on the City’s Climate Action Plan during Fiscal Year 2021, including expanding the Climate Action & Outreach office, launching the Root for Trees program, the first annual Climate Fest, completing the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Landfill efficiency and methane study, launching new grant programs for continued energy efficiency improvements in private buildings and homes, and other year-round public education efforts. The Fiscal Year 2022 budget builds upon this climate action momentum to expand these initiatives and continue to invest in City LED lighting improvements and HVAC upgrades, solar energy, the Green Iowa AmeriCorps Program, Community Climate Action Grants, public engagement, and other opportunities to reduce climate emissions. Additionally, this budget dedicates resources to support the City Council’s preliminary plan to restructure the Police Department and invest in prevention, diversion, and co-response efforts with non-profit community partners, increases the annual Aid to Agencies allocation, raises the City’s minimum wage for temporary employees to $15.00 per hour, and invests in infrastructure improvements and a strong capital improvement program. Investment in Strategic Planning, Master Plans and Core Services The City Council’s Strategic Plan includes seven goals for a more inclusive, just and sustainable Iowa City by prioritizing the physical, mental, and economic well-being of all residents: • Advance Social Justice, Racial Equity, and Human Rights • Demonstrate Leadership in Climate Action • Strengthen Community Engagement and Intergovernmental Relations • Invest in Public Infrastructure, Facilities, and Fiscal Reserves • Foster Healthy Neighborhoods and Affordable Housing Throughout the City • Enhance Community Mobility for All Residents • Promote an Inclusive and Resilient Economy Throughout the City Significant resources are devoted to all Strategic Plan priorities, including the aforementioned climate action and adaptation projects, affordable housing, social justice and racial equity, complete streets, and healthy neighborhoods. Additionally, financial resources are provided to aggressively implement recently adopted plans that were crafted after robust public input efforts, including the Bicycle Master Plan, Parks Master Plan, and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, alongside a working update to the Affordable Housing Action Plan and the new working plan to accelerate community policing. Finally, significant resources have been provided to bolster core service levels in critical areas such as community health and safety, roadways, and utility infrastructure. Substantial resources are once again devoted to affordable housing. $1 million is earmarked for the affordable housing fund, bringing the total for this line item to $4.4 million over five years. This is in addition to several other City housing rehabilitation grant and loan programs. The City has

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