FY2022

CLIMATE ACTION AND OUTREACH

Iowa City is committed to leading the state and country in progressive environmental initiatives and ensuring this community offers a high quality of life for all residents and visitors. The Office of Climate Action and Outreach is staffed by three employees, including a Sustainability Coordinator, Climate Action Analyst, and Climate Action Engagement Specialist, responsible for management of City climate action initiatives and leading the City’s implementation of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Staff efforts are focused upon reducing community-wide greenhouse gas emissions and promoting efficiencies in energy usage, transportation, and waste management, as well as behavioral changes that lead to reduced carbon emissions. Staff is tasked with facilitating these projects and programs as well as encouraging community partnerships and collaborations that inspire private and individual investment in climate action and adaptation initiatives. As the current and potential impacts of climate change intertwine with City operations at many levels, this division collaborates with all City departments to ensure climate objectives are being met throughout the organization. Current projects include overseeing the implementation of the City’s first Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and its supplementary report, Accelerating Iowa City’s Climate Actions . This effort involves working with the Climate Action Commission, community volunteers, and an internal team of cross-departmental staff. Other responsibilities include annually updating the community greenhouse gas emissions reporting and ensuring that the City completes requirements for the Covenant of Mayors requirements for climate action. The Office of Climate Action and Outreach communicates the City’s climate action efforts through a variety of media and creates community outreach opportunities through meaningful engagement around climate action. Recent Accomplishments: • Held first Iowa City Climate Fest, inviting community to tell their “climate action story” and explore the five categories present in the City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan • Developed Climate Ambassador program to amplify public engagement, awareness, and ownership of community climate action objectives • Initiated Root for Trees program to incentivize residential tree planting • Completed initial study of methane capture and reuse at City Landfill and Wastewater Treatment Facility, identifying possible solutions for future implementation Upcoming Challenges: • Continued implementation of initiatives within Accelerating Iowa City’s Climate Actions report • Augmenting diversity, equity and inclusion throughout climate action initiatives and strengthening relationships and partnerships to ensure planned projects are supportive of all Iowa City populations • Further integrating sustainable best practices into City operations through increased analysis and improvements to processes, policies, and physical infrastructure HIGHLIGHTS

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