HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-6-25 Climate Action Commission Agenda Packet
Iowa City Climate Action Commission Agenda
Monday, October 6, 2025, 4:00 p.m.
Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall
410 E. Washington St., Iowa City
Meeting Agenda:
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Sept. 8, 2025 minutes
4. Announcements/Reports
a. Action items from last meeting: Commission members asked to provide prioritization
scoring for transportation items ahead of October meeting.
b. Recap of Climate Fest events
c. Events
i. Volunteer Bike/Ped Count Data Share Out (Oct. 23, noon-1 p.m., virtual)
ii. Iowa Energy Summit (Oct. 29-30, Coralville Hyatt)
iii. Other events in the community (Commissioners)
5. New Business
a. Small scale nuclear class project presentation (Grace Dillingham, Adam Swartzendruber,
UI engineering students) – report presentation and discussion
6. Old Business
a. Prioritization scoring of Accelerating Iowa City’s Climate Actions Plan
i. Final scoring of action items related to transportation – review and refine
ii. Preliminary discussion of a potential metric for an action item related to
buildings
7. Public Comment on items not on the agenda
Commentators shall address the Commission for no more than 3 minutes. Commissioners shall
not engage in discussion with the public concerning said items.
8. Recap
a. Confirmation of next meeting time and location
i. Monday, November 10, 2025 4-5:30 p.m.
b. Actionable items for commission and staff
9. Adjourn
If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact
Sarah Gardner, Climate Action Coordinator, at 319-887-6162 or at sgardner@iowa-city.org. Early requests
are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
IOWA CITY CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 8 – 4:00 PM – FORMAL MEETING
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Anderson, Emma Bork, Wim Murray, Brinda Shetty, Michelle
Sillman, Angie Smith, Robert Traer
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jamie Gade, Ben Grimm, Zach Haralson
STAFF PRESENT: Daniel Bissell, Sarah Gardner, Diane Platte
OTHERS PRESENT: Chelsea Cozad
APPOINTMENT OF TEMPORARY CHAIR:
Due to the absences of both Gade and Haralson, Smith volunteered to serve as temporary chair to run
the meeting.
CALL TO ORDER:
Smith called the meeting to order at 4:01.
APPROVAL OF AUGUST 4, 2025 MINUTES:
Traer moved to approve the minutes, Krylov seconded, and the motion carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Action items from last meeting (staff): Gardner sent an email reminder for open meetings training. Staff
followed up on a question about the EV chargers at Dubuque St. Parking ramp being out of service and
confirmed they are again operational. Gardner shared EV charging data with commissioners.
Commissioners were invited to do some preliminary thinking about prioritization scoring for
transportation action items in the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
Events:
• Volunteer Bike/Ped Count, Sept. 9-11
• Climate Fest, Sept. 19-25. Event descriptions and details at icgov.org/climatefest
o Pop-Up Pocket Park, Sept. 19, 3:30-5:30 p.m., City Hall
o Drive Electric Car Show, Sept. 20, 7:30 a.m.-noon, Farmers Market
o Solar Energy Art Show and Tour, Sept. 22, 4-6:30 p.m., Airport
o Tending Iowa’s Land Read Aloud, Sept. 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Lagoon Shelter House
o Resilience Hub Hang Out, Sept. 24, 5-8 p.m., Bike Library
o Film Screening, Sept. 25, 6:30-8 p.m., Dream City
• Other events in the community (commissioners): Smith shared information about an event on
Oct. 22. The author of When Driving Is Not an Option book will give a noon lecture at UIHC,
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September 2025
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conduct a bike audit in the evening, and possibly hold conversation with transportation leaders
in between. The public is invited to the lecture and the bike audit.
OLD BUSINESS:
Comprehensive Plan Discussion, continued
• Smith shared a summary of public input sessions provided to the steering committee by the
consultants. Priorities identified included: housing, mixed use development, senior housing,
more trails and parks, expand public transit, bike safety improvements and shared use paths,
green infrastructure, home improvement assistance, street trees, and public art.
• Gardner suggested picking up the discussion of EVs from the last meeting, noting that the
Accelerating Iowa City’s Climate Actions Plan calls for implementing recommendations from the
EV Readiness Plan to meet the goal of accelerating EV adoption. Based on this, she suggested
identifying key themes from the EV Readiness Plan that should be included in the
Comprehensive Plan.
• Krylov expressed a concern that business, not government, should be driving the installation of
EV charging stations, noting decision-makers should be mindful of where the tipping point might
be in letting private entities take over the installation of chargers so that government is not
competing with a business.
• Traer expressed curiosity about how usage data compares for specific charging systems (Tesla,
DC Fast Chargers, etc.). Not every vehicle can use a Tesla charger, so this may leave behind EV
owners who do not have a converter. Data collection on usage of various available systems
would be useful.
• Gardner noted in Iowa CIty there currently are more privately-owned chargers than public
chargers, and that owning some chargers allows the City access to data it would not otherwise
have about how the stations are used. The City is also able to offer lower-cost charging than
private entities to help ensure people are universally served.
• Gardner asked for details about concerns regarding charging in parks. Krylov expressed a
seasonality concern and noted that workplace charging is reported to be most useful. Traer
noted he did not feel concerned about wildlife impacts but thought dwell-time at different parks
should be considered. There was consensus that placing chargers in parks with amenities like
sports fields and swimming pools should be a higher priority than placing them in parks where
people may not stay as long.
• Krylov expressed concern about rising costs of electricity as a result of AI and data centers.
Gardner noted that powering a vehicle using electricity is far cheaper than powering one using
gas, so even if rates rise, it would still likely cost less to fuel a vehicle using electricity for the
foreseeable future.
• Grimm asked if we know at what point the market would be saturated with EV chargers across
town. Gardner shared that during the development of the EV readiness plan, a target of 450
charging ports per million residents helps spur EV adoption.
• Bork asked how many charging stations are in Iowa City, both public and private. Bissell
answered there are 16 public charging ports. Including privately owned, there are 30 ports. DC
Fast Chargers are all privately owned. City chargers are Level 2.
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September 2025
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• Bork asked for information about the usage of City chargers. Bissell estimated 400 charging
sessions per month, characterizing it as steady demand.
• Traer asked if the hospital has chargers. Bissell answered in the affirmative, noting that the
hospital charges 40 cents per kilowatt hour, whereas the City charges 16 cents per kWh. He
noted as an EV driver himself 40 centers per kWh is more in line with what he would expect to
pay for DC fast charging rather than level 2 charging.
• Gardner asked if commissioners thought EV charging should be included in the amenities
available within a 15-minute walk anywhere in the city.
• Shetty suggested focusing on intentional planning of housing types should be prioritized with a
focus to start with ensuring charging is available within 15 minutes of apartments or condos
rather than within 15 minutes of every household.
• Smith suggested amenities for all citizens regardless of their income status are the ones to
prioritize in 15-minute cities: groceries, doctor, work, and the like.
• Sillman noted that used EVs and used hybrids are going to become more accessible to people,
thus more income levels will be represented by the EV market.
• Smith noted that our transportation planning is still car-centric. Anderson added that the 15-
minute city should require no car, so EVs are not really part of that conversation.
• Traer suggested staying time (shopping, business, hospitals) should be a better measure of
where chargers should be located.
• Krylov asked why – in the CAAP – the stated goal was for only 50% of City vehicles be electric,
why not 100%. Gardner noted she was not present for the development of the plan and so could
not say with certainty how that number was chosen, but speculated one possibility might be the
lack of viable electric models for certain large vehicles such as snowplows making it difficult at
the time the plan was written to set a target of 100%.
• Gardner summarized the emerging consensus as not including EV charging as an amenity in the
15-minute city concept, as it is focused more on walkable and bikeable spaces, but as far as the
City’s strategy for public EV infrastructure, it should be to locate charging where people spend a
significant amount of time.
• Smith offered an analogy to advancing bike usage as requiring infrastructure, shaping human
behavior, and organizational partners. The EV equivalent would be building charging stations,
promoting EV usage, and working with organizations like workplaces and hospitals to help
accelerate EV adoption.
Prioritization scoring of Accelerating Iowa City’s Climate Actions Plan
• Commissioners responded to the final scoring of action items relating to buildings, as outlined in
the agenda packet. “Net zero public housing” as a Tier 1 priority was discussed, and it was
decided that “increasing energy efficiency in public housing stock and moving toward net zero”
would be a better characterization of this goal.
• Gardner asked about updated wording of specific actions. Commissioners affirmed that the
updated wording in the agenda packet was acceptable.
• Gardner asked about combining items such as BE-1, BI-1, and BI-3. Commissioners determined it
was best to leave them separate.
• Gardner asked if every action item should be given a verb and commissioners affirmed yes.
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September 2025
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• Scoring of action items related to transportation – preliminary review will take place before the
October meeting.
• Sillman asked if TCP-1 “Establish and electric and fuel-efficient vehicle purchasing policy” meant
City purchasing. Gardner affirmed it did.
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
• None
RECAP:
Confirmation of next meeting time and location:
• Monday, October 6, 4-5:30 p.m. Emma J. Harvat Hall
Actionable items for commission and staff:
• Gardner will email the transportation report and scoresheet. Commissioners will score them and
send scores back. Gardner will average the scores and present them at the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
Shetty moved to adjourn, Sillman seconded, and the motion carried. Meeting adjourned 5:31.
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September 2025
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5
CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2024-25
NAME
TERM EXP.
9/
8
/
2
4
10
/
7
/
2
4
11
/
1
8
/
2
4
12
/
2
/
2
4
1/
6
/
2
5
2/
3
/
2
5
3/
3
/
2
5
4/
7
/
2
5
5/
5
/
2
5
6/
2
/
2
5
8/
4
/
2
5
9/
8
/
2
5
Anderson
KEY: X = Present
0 = Absent
0/E = Absent/Excused
NM= No Meeting
* No longer on Commission
ACCELERATING IOWA CITY’S CLIMATE ACTIONS PLAN, PROGRESS 2020 -TO DATE
TRANSPORTATION
EDUCATION ACTION ITEMS
T E -1: SIGNIFICANT TRANSPORTATION EDUCATION AND OUTREACH CAMPAIGNS
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
20201: Launched Climate Ambassador program, which includes segments related to
transportation.
2021: Held the first EV Car Show as part of Climate Fest. Bus wraps for new electric buses were
designed to include climate action promotion component.
2022: "Speaking of… Electric Vehicles" webinar held in March. Electric Bus Bash held May.
2023: “Walk and Roll Weekly” campaign launched. Book Bike purchased in collaboration with the
library. Collaboration on a Bike to Work Week event at Big Grove. Climate Fest events include
decorated bus stops, live music and engagement activities at transit hub . EV car show featuring
both the electric bus and electric cargo "Book Bike" at the Farmers Market.
2024: "Bus Buddy" video series launched followed by March “Route Madness" campaign. First Bus
Buddy engagement training offered to Wonderful Westside girls group. Iowa City hosted Bike to
Work Week breakfast at Swan Ramp, serving 100+ residents. Practice bus bike ramp installed at
Swan Ramp. Climate Fest included a Transit Trivia night and largest attended EV car show to date
(17 different EV models, 1670+ attendees). “Fear Free” Fare Free campaign launched with
Halloween Fare Free booth in Downtown District pop up retail space encouraging families to try
downtown shuttle while exploring downtown.
2025: Summer marketing campaign promoting extension of Fare Free service highlights
accomplishments to date, including Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) reduction. Second March “Route
Madness” campaign to engage transit ridership. Bike to Work Week breakfast at Swan park serves
165+ residents. Collaboration with MPO transportation planners on August citizen science
Bike/Ped data collection event. EV car show and “Walk and Roll Weekly” promotional item planned
for Climate Fest.
1 Throughout this report, “2020” is used to indicate new efforts initiated in 2020, while “2020
baseline” indicates relevant ongoing efforts that were continued into 2020.
T E -2: LAUNCH AN ECO -DRIVING CAMPAIGN ALONGSIDE EMPLOYERS
S TATUS: UNDERWAY
2021: Discussions with ACT about a carpooling campaign to incorporate into workforce return to
campus (ACT ultimately decides to continue remote work and sell campus).
2022: MPO transportation planners hosted "Easy on the Gas" Lunch and Learn highlighting carpool,
vanpool, rideshare, express bus, and dial-a-ride options for area commuters.
2024: Employers identified for planned outreach to encourage use of Fare Free service by
employees. Outreach to northside employers with limited response. Ongoing collaboration with
Downtown District to promote Fare Free services to and through downtown employers.
2025: Outreach effort planned for firm moving into former Pearson campus
INCENTIVE ACTION ITEMS
TI -1 : INCENTIVIZE PUBLIC TRANSIT OPTIONS
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2021: Implemented Transit Study fare and transfer policy changes. Both the ICPL and Recreation
Division offer a "ride home" pass valid for Iowa City Transit in summer.
2022: ICPL/Recreation Department offer "ride home" pass again.
2023: Launch of Fare Free pilot in August results in 53% increase in ridership over August 2022;
ongoing marketing/engagement to encourage transit usage planned (see TE-1)
2024: City Council raises downtown parking fees to support ongoing Fare Free transit service ;
anticipated $1.5M revenue annually to support fare free service (see also TR-1). First year of Fare
Free initiative show sustained ridership growth (450K additional rides), including increase over
previous August; 1.8 million VMT reduction within city limits recorded between 2023 and 2024.
2025: City Council votes to extend Fare Free service for an additional year, with annual review of
the program to determine future extensions. National Parking Day “Pop Up Pocket Park” planned
as part of Climate Fest to highlight role parking fees play in incentivizing/paying for Fare Free
service.
TI -2 : EXPLORE ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) INCENTIVES BASED ON THE READINESS PLAN
STATUS: LONG -TERM/ONGOING
2021: EV Readiness Plan completed.
2022: Multi-family grant program launched to assist with electrical panel upgrades and equipment
installation costs of EV charging units at apartment buildings.
2023: Level 1 charging project completed for Peninsula Condo HOA. EV charging grant program for
condos and HOAs adjusted to cover half the cost of equipment and installation (formerly covered
installation only) following end of MidAmerican EVSE rebates.
2024: Ongoing promotion of EV incentives for new and used vehicles in the IRA.
2025: Targeted outreach to landlords and condo HOAs throughout summer to promote EV charging
grant.
R EGULATION ACTION ITEMS
TR -1 : REVIEW PARKING REGULATIONS AND CONSIDER INNOVATIVE WAYS TO
ENCOURAGE ALTERNATIVE MODES OF TRAVEL
STATUS: LONG -TERM/ONGOING
2022: City enacted ordinance allowing parking enforcement staff to issue warnings/ticket vehicles
blocking bike lanes.
2024: Demonstration bus bike rack installed on Chauncey Swan Ramp; new informational video on
how to use the rack produced. New parking rates paired with refreshed marketing of Fare Free
transit service (see also TI-1). ICDD and city staff collaborate on use of "Hello Lamppost" service
for messaging on parking and transit service downtown.
2025: Parking study planned to begin late 2025 with an aim of reducing minimum parking
requirements.
TR -2 : REQUIRE CLIMATE CHANGE ANALYSIS FOR NEW SUBDIVISIONS AND
REZONINGS
STATUS: IN DEVELOPMENT
2024: CAO staff representative included in steering committee for comprehensive land use plan
("comp plan") update to ensure incorporation of climate change considerations.
2025: Comp plan presentation to Climate Action Commission; ongoing discussion with
Neighborhood Development Services staff about inclusion of climate action priorities.
CITY POLICY ACTION ITEMS
T CP -1 : ESTABLISH AN ELECTRIC AND FUEL -EFFICIENT VEHICLE PURCHASING POLICY
STATUS: COMPLETED
2020: Written policy completed which includes preferences for EVs; describes process by which
vehicle options are to be evaluated
2022: Zero Emissions Fleet Transition Plan for future transit purchases, including EV and hydrogen
cell buses, completed. Climate Action and Fleet Service staff collaborated on installation of
additional charging stations to support two new EVs added to City fleet. RFP released to contract
for a Zero Emissions Fleet Transition Study for all city vehicles.
2023: UI engineering students complete benefit-cost analysis of hydrogen vs electric "fuel" for city
fleet vehicles; firm selected to conduct fleet transition plan. Fleet review and vehicle
recommendations completed as part of Fleet Transition plan; related infrastructure analysis
commences. Iowa City Transit featured on national transit panel as a model of how to collaborate
with utility on fleet electrification efforts.
2024: Fleet Transition Study completed; staff memo and study shared with Council; staff in
conversation with Johnson County about initiation of their study and potential areas of overlap .
Level 2 charging station installed to support acquisition of electric vehicles for police department .
Separate fleet analysis for Fire Department completed.
2025: City continues to pilot EVs in different parts of the fleet, purchasing Two Ford Lightnings as
community outreach vehicles for PD and AmeriCorps team and a Chevy Blazer EV patrol vehicle for
PD.
TCP -2 : TRACK ADHERENCE TO CITY IDLING POLICY
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2020: 30 City vehicles equipped with AVL technology to provide digital idling data.
2021: 60 additional vehicles equipped with AVL. Division managers (Water Treatment, Resource
Management, Streets, etc.) begin receiving weekly reports on idling data for their vehicles.
Equipment superintendent reviews reports monthly for entire fleet. Efforts made to increase
compliance within individual divisions.
2022: 19 additional vehicles equipped with AVL. Ongoing monitoring with weekly reports to division
managers and month review by Equipment superintendent. Significant reduction of idling
confirmed across all divisions.
2023: 3 new vehicles equipped with AVL. Ongoing monitoring. Idling reduction levels maintained.
2024: Ongoing monitoring. Idling reduction levels maintained.
2025: Ongoing monitoring. Data errors detected with some AVL units. Equipment superintendent in
communication with AVL to resolve issue/replace malfunctioning units. Idling reduction levels
maintained.
TCP -3 : REVIEW TRANSPORTATION SUBSIDIES, WORK SCHEDULES AND TELE -WORK
POLICIES FOR CITY EMPLOYEES
STATUS: COMPLETED
2020 baseline: Discounted transit passes offered to all city employees opting out of parking
passes.
2021: Following COVID-19 pandemic, conversations on flex/tele-work policy initiated within city
management.
2022: New tele-work and flexible work options offered to City employees, to be implemented on a
departmental basis. Six month review of program showed ongoing support among employees and
managers.
2024: Discounted EV charging incentive for city employees proposed to replace discounted transit
passes following adoption of Fare Free transit service.
P UBLIC PROJECTS
T PP -1 : COMPLETE THE TRANSIT STUDY AND IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS TO
BOLSTER SERVICE AND INCREASE RIDERSHIP
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2020: Oct. 2020: Completed Transit Study presented to City Council.
2021: New route, fare, stop changes implemented as recommended by the study. Adjustments
made to four transit routes (2, 10, 12, 13) based on driver and rider feedback to better
accommodate route transfers.
2022: Transit approved to hire 4 additional bus drivers to help cover new routes and services in
support of Transit Study recommendations
2023: Transit system upgrades implemented: buses on Court and Towncrest routes begin running
20-minute service; expanded service on N. Dodge route up to Highlander; 8 routes implement
earlier start times. In Sept., procurement authorized for a Bus Rapid Transi t Feasibility Study.
2024: Annual ridership objectives and measures developed in collaboration with Harvard
Bloomberg program, with a target metric established to grow to 1.9 million rides per year by 2030.
2025: Updates to some routes planned to continue implementation of Transit Study
TPP -2 : COMPLETE ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) READINESS PLAN AND IMPLEMENT
RECOMMENDATIONS
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2021: EV Readiness Plan completed. High priority actions: Pursue grant program prioritizing DC
fast chargers; amend code to require EV charging as a permitted accessory use, and to include
requirements or incentives (i.e. density bonus) for the installation of charging infrastructure in new
construction or major renovations; Identify locations for publicly-owned EV chargers; connect
income-qualified and disadvantaged communities with low-interest EV loan programs; explore
partnership with dealers to facilitate point-of-sale rebates for EVs; develop comprehensive EV
resources website for Eastern Iowa audience
2022: EV charging rebate for apartment and condo buildings launched in March (see TI-1);
Secured VW settlement funds to add EVSE to Chauncey Swan and Dubuque Street parking ramps.
2023: Parking staff implemented EV tax at public charging stations as required by state law.
2024: Two dual-port level two chargers added to public ramps at Chauncey Swan and Dubuque
Street. CAMBUS and Coralville funding request for electric buses included in MPO Transportation
Improvement Plan (TIP); Cedar Rapids submits for EECGB funding for 4 light duty EVs. Iowa City
Climate Action rep added to steering committee to find new host organization for Clean Cities
Coalition after state terminates contract with the DOE
2025: EV information page in development for Iowa City website .
TPP -3 : ACHIEVE GOLD BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY STATUS AND BEGIN WORK
TOWARD PLATINUM STATUS
STATUS: LONG TERM/ONGOING
2021: City applied for Gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community designation.
2022: City received Silver-level designation, but has submitted documentation showing peer cities
with lower scores receiving Gold and Platinum designations in hopes of a revised rating .
2024: Application submitted for Gold-level designation. Received Silver-level designation. Planning
staff review designation criteria with League of American Bicyclists.
TRANSPORTATION PRIORITIZATION SCORING SHEET
CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSIONER
(name)
SCORING INDICATORS (USE WHOLE NUMBERS ONLY)
1 = Monitor and explore opportunities as they arise
3 = Maintain current efforts and have strategies in place to react to new opportunities
5 = Top priority: Grow efforts in this area and actively seek new opportunities
ACTION ITEMS
Number Item Notes Score
TE-1 Significant transportation education
and outreach campaigns
TE-2 Launch an eco-driving campaign
alongside employers
TI-1 Incentivize public transit options
TI-2 Explore electric vehicle (EV)
incentives based on readiness plan
TR-1 Review parking regulations and
consider innovative ways to
encourage alternative modes of
travel
TR-2 Require climate change analysis for
new subdivisions and rezonings
TCP-1 Establish an electric and fuel-
efficient vehicle purchasing policy
TCP-2 Track adherence to city idling policy
TCP-3 Review transportation subsidies,
work schedules, and telework policy
for city employees
TPP-1 Complete the transit student and
implement recommendations to
bolster service and increase
ridership
TPP-2 Complete EV Readiness Plan and
implement recommendations
BPP-3 Achieve Gold Bicycle Friendly
Community status and begin work
toward Platinum status
Prioritization Tiers for Climate Action Items Related to Buildings
BE = Education, BI = Incentives, BR = Regulation, BCP = City Policy, BPP = Public Projects
Tier 1 Priorities :
Grow Efforts in this area and actively seek new opportunities
Action
Item
Strategy
BE-2 Parter with stakeholders to promote green building construction and rehabilitation
BI-4 Offer TIF-funded climate action incentives aimed at reducing industrial and commercial
energy consumption
BPP-3 Increase energy efficiency and pursue electrification of municipal buildings
BI-1 Offer free home energy assessments and basic weatherization services to Iowa City
households
BPP-2 Partner on a net zero affordable housing project
Tier 2 Priorities:
Maintain current efforts and have strategies in place to react to new opportunities
Action
Item
Strategy
BI-6 Continue to offer financial incentives for enhanced energy standards based on a home
energy rating program
BI-9 Launch an electrification incentive program
BPP-1 Pursue solar or battery storage partnership with MidAmerican Energy
BPP-4 Advocate for state legislative changes to enable subscription-based community solar
BE-1 Promote energy efficiency and performance tips to the public
BR-3 Incorporate strict energy standards into height and density bonuses
BI-2 Enhance energy standards for city rehabilitation projects
BR-5 Develop Climate Action requirements for all existing and future rental permits
BI-5 Develop or partner with local stakeholders on a comprehensive climate action
rehabilitation program
BE-5 Incorporate an education component into future solar installations on city properties or
facilities
BR-2 Incorporate stricter energy standards into TIF financing policies
BE-3 Continue to collaborate with the local realtor community to promote home energy
performance to buyers through MLS inventory, HERS ratings, and other mechanisms
BR-1 Create a more robust energy code inspection program
BCP-1 Advocate for state adoption of advanced energy codes
BCP-2 Advocate for aggressive energy code development and adoption
Tier 3 Priorities:
Monitor and Explore opportunities as they arise
Action
Item
Strategy
BE-4 Educate the community on energy usage for water treatment and delivery
BI-3 Coordinate neighborhood energy blitz events
BI-10 Incentivize energy enhancements and building re-and retro-commissioning for
participants in the energy benchmarking program
BR-4 Incorporate energy benchmarking requirements into financial incentive agreements such
as TIF funding and Climate Action Grants
BI-8 Complete a net-zero demonstration rehabilitation project
BI-7 Initiate a net-zero house design competition
BR-6 Continue periodic reviews of city zoning codes related to solar readiness/friendliness
and make timely updates
Potential Objective/Target (Metric) for Tier 1 Item
BE = EDUCATION, BI = INCENTIVES, BR = REGULATION, BCP = CITY POLICY, BPP = PUBLIC PROJECTS
Tier 1 Priorities
BE -2: Partner with stakeholders to promote green building construction and rehabilitation
promote green building
construction and
Remodelers
Realtors
Achieve percentage of new
homes receiving HERS
rating
rated homes built in
2026 relative to total
number of new homes
appraisers with green certified training
similar to HERS program researched, designed,
Other possibilities
BI -4: Offer TIF -funded climate action incentives aimed at reducing industrial and
commercial energy consumption
Potential O&T:
• Number (or percent) of TIF-awarded properties incorporating climate action projects
o Easy data to gather, feasible to set targets
• Percent reduction of energy use for TIF-awarded properties
o Potentially challenging data to gather, tricky to set targets (each project differs)
BPP -3: Increase energy efficiency and pursue electrification of municipal buildings
Potential metrics:
• kWh saved in municipal buildings following energy efficiency intervention
o Easy data to gather, tricky to set targets due to unique nature of each building and
intervention
BI -1: Offer free home energy assessments and basic weatherization service to Iowa City
households
Potential metrics:
• Audits performed annually
o Easy data to gather, feasible to set targets, may not change much year to year
BPP -2: Partner on a net zero affordable housing project
Potential metrics:
• Still be in exploratory phase; may be difficult to set a target until the first project is
constructed