FY2023 Adopted Budget

prevention, diversion, and co-response efforts, and investments in infrastructure and facility needs through a strong capital improvement program. Significant, one-time federal pandemic relief dollars will help to offset some of the anticipated losses in financial flexibility through Fiscal Year 2025. These funds are prioritized for strategic one-time investments in City Council priorities including transit service improvements, affordable housing, eviction prevention, home repair, childcare and workforce development, BIPOC business support, mental health and social services support, the arts, and hazard resilience. 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 each of these Strategic Plan priorities. Additionally, financial resources are provided to aggressively implement adopted master plans, including the Bicycle Master Plan, Parks Master Plan, Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, the forthcoming Affordable Housing Action Plan and a 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. Climate Action Plan: This budget again includes an emergency levy and departmental dollars to continue implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan. This funding supported significant progress in Fiscal Year 2022, including training new Climate Ambassador cohorts, another round of Community Climate Grants and Root for Trees vouchers, development of a Teen Resilience Corps., bolstered food waste programs, planning for a Zero-Waste Farmer’s Market in 2022, the first annual Neighborhood Energy Blitz, and the launch of new energy efficiency incentive programs for commercial/industrial properties, small businesses, and households. Many of the City’s sustainability efforts are also incorporated into the Parks Master Plan, Natural Areas Plan, and Bike Master Plan. Each of these receive significant funding for implementation through this budget and the five-year Capital Improvement Plan for projects such as tree plantings, urban forest management (including addressing Emerald Ash Borer), on street bike facilities, multi modal roadway improvements, local foods efforts and community gardens, and waste reduction. Affordable Housing & Community Development: An update to the Affordable Housing Action Plan is underway. Substantial resources are again devoted to affordable housing with another $1 million earmarked for the affordable housing fund, bringing the total for this line item to $5.4 million over five years. This is in addition to several other City housing rehabilitation grant and loan

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