HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-08-2020 Climate Action CommissionIowa City Climate Action Commission Agenda
Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 3:30 — 5:00 p.m.
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Meeting Agenda:
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of August 3, 2020 minutes
4. Public Comment of 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).
5. Staff Announcements
a. Action items from last meeting
b. Position vacancy update
i. Announced at 8/4Is Council meeting, has to be open for a minimum of 30 days
to all those eligible that wish to apply.
ii. The application deadline is 9/8/20 with Council appointment on 9/15/20.
c. Progress updates on "Accelerating Iowa City's Climate Actions' (see attachment).
d. Ghg inventory (see attachment)
e. Metrics- 2 years data (see attachment)
6. New Business:
a. Johnson Clean Energy District — Cheryl Miller
b. Discussion of making a formal statement similar to Human Rights Commission
c. Equity considerations
d. Working group evaluation
e. Update on working groups
i. Buildings (Krieger, Karr, Soglin)
ii. Transportation (Leckband, Giannakouros)
iii. Outreach (Krieger, Fraser, Holbrook, Bradley)
iv. Equity/Adaptation (Tate, Hutchinson)
v. Waste (Bradley)
7. Recap of actionable items for commission, working groups, and staff
8. Adjourn
If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact
Brenda Nations, Sustainability Coordinator, at 319-356-6161 or at brendo-notions(Oiowo-citv.org. Early
requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
IOWA CITY CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION
AUGUST 3, 2020 —3:30 PM— FORMAL MEETING
ELECTRONIC MEETING
Electronic Meeting
(Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting is being held because a meeting in person is impossible
or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of Commission
members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Madeleine Bradley, Stratis Giannakouros, Grace Holbrook, Kasey
Hutchinson, John Fraser, GT Karr, Jesse Leckband, Becky Soglin,
Eric Tate
MEMBERS ABSENT: Matt Krieger
STAFF PRESENT: Sarah Gardner, Ashley Monroe, Brenda Nations
OTHERS PRESENT: John Barr, Zach Harrelson, Benjamin Grimm
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
None
CALL TO ORDER:
Soglin called the meeting to order.
APPROVAL OF JULY 6, 2020 MINUTES:
Fraser moves to approve the minutes from July 6, 2020.
Tate seconds the motion, a vote was taken, and the motion passes 8-0 (Giannakouros not
present for the vote).
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
John Barr just wanted to thank Juli Seydell-Johnson for her extensive update on the plans by
the parks department. Certainly, the question he posed in June was pretty broad, not just
specific to Scott Park, and she did a great job of providing a broad overview, but he thinks it is
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August 3, 2020
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incumbent upon everyone with this specific park issue to then come back and make it more
specific in a future date.
Benjamin Grimm gave quick update on the school district progress and climate actions, they are
trying to find a consultant to look at the whole breadth of their climate action efforts and their
entire operation and what they've implemented and what they can still implement. Their goal is
to figure out some sort of plan that would work into the facility's master plan 2.0 effort, which he
believes is slotted for 2023. He also noted there is some movement again on the environmental
stuff with the AmeriCorps staff and they are going back and revisiting their recycling pilot
programs at the one junior high, one high school, and one elementary school. Grimm stated
given the current COVID situation, they're kind of waiting to see how that all pans out as to
when students were back in the building and how they would actually implement that with the
projected cafeteria complex complications with social distancing and everything.
STAFF/COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Action Items from last meeting: Nations noted the first one was for her to add the co -benefits
sheet to this packet, which she did. She added that Soglin worked on that and it is in the packet
and they're also on the Google Drive. Nations sent the link for the transportation. She also sent
the Human Rights Commission statement about the recent developments that was requested.
Finally, she got the future zoom meetings set up.
Updates from Climate Action and Outreach Office: Nations stated they're going to be doing
these updates every other month in rotation with updates of the 100-day report. Some of the
recent activities that they've been doing are they just awarded the climate action grants, they
awarded seven and they're listed on page 17 of the packet. They also finished up the fiscal
year 2020 grants except for two that wanted an extension because of COVID reasons, which
was granted. Nations noted they're finalizing two more grants and have an award to Johnson
Clean Energy District on hold for now until they get things going with the new AmeriCorps
members.
They launched the Climate Action at Work, the green business recognition program. They have
ten applications so far that they're hoping to award businesses or organizations for their climate
action work. Nations asked if there is a Commissioner that would like to review the nine
applications and help staff make decisions
Regarding the metrics, which will be discussed in more detail later, she listed out all five
categories which she is hoping they can agree on tonight and then she can have two or more
years of data to present next month to see how it's looking from when they completed the
Climate Action Plan because they'd like to have an update for the two year anniversary.
Nations noted the monarch festival launched on Sunday, it was a virtual festival but very popular
as they had in less than 24 hours over 1000 hits, which is pretty good because that's twice as
many as they probably had at an actual in person festival. We have some good videos and
really cool information. The Farm to Street event has been cancelled for this year.
Gardner is working on the climate festival and the publicity is going to launch this week. Gardner
stated the climate festival website is live and ready to be viewed. There are some interactive
elements that will be added in as they're developed, including the launch video, which was just
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August 3, 2020
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completed today. She noted they are anticipating the first press release going out this week,
and then they'll start marketing that pretty aggressively in the weeks ahead. Gardner added they
are continuing their outreach to businesses and organizations to participate and have gotten
some wonderful responses back already. Utility insert ads and advertising about the event went
out over the weekend.
Gardner next discussed the marketing RFP, noting they are just finalizing the dates as to when
folks need to get questions to them for the question and answer section and also the date then
for the final application. They expect that to be nailed down and then the RFP itself will go out
this week.
Nations asked if Gardner had any updates on the climate ambassador program? Gardner
stated she did, and she's been making some wonderful headway in developing the modules for
that. She noted they seem to be on track to launch the application for it during the climate
festival and then expect the program itself then to launch sometime in October.
Nations noted they did finalize getting the contract for the EV readiness planning program, it
was awarded to ICF, which is a consulting firm that has done both regional and city EV
readiness plans. They are excited to start kicking that off and so they'll have their first call with
them sometime in the next week or two.
Nations stated she still have not gotten all the information she needs to to complete the
greenhouse gas inventory for 2019, she needs information from MidAmerican and from Eastern
Iowa Light & Power.
Monroe next discussed the tree planting project and the Fair Trade information that's in the
agenda packet. One of the objectives in the Accelerating Climate Action Report is framed as a
private tree planting effort in coordination with Project Green. Monroe said they are still
continuing to pursue a potential partnership with Project Green and hopefully this project can
start that. It's a pilot program that would be an instant rebate for any customers that would like
to purchase a tree. They haven't finalized the cost share yet but would think that will be
indicated by the cost of the actual trees in stock. They've reached out tentatively to both Iowa
City Landscaping and Earl May, just based upon the fact that they're based in Iowa City and
would be the nurseries that would be more likely to have stock available and additionally partly
to support the local businesses. They would coordinate a list of eligible type species in
coordination with the City's forestry division and then residents can choose whatever planting is
appropriate for them and the City would repay the nursery for the balance of the cost. Monroe
noted they are thinking carefully about equity and want to make sure that people are able to
transport a tree or can be assisted with any type of delivery or tree planting. Homeowners or
property owners who are eligible for some other type of discount or income eligible program at
the City will be eligible for assistance with transporting and planting, they have yet to define
what the requirement would be for that but are trying to make it as low barrier as possible.
Additionally, if somebody comes to the City and has no interest in the program because they
can't afford whatever that tree cost is, the City might be able to cover either the whole balance
of that tree purchase or a greater portion to reduce the cost dramatically. Monroe is curious
about what the Commission's feedback might be about this, please communicate with Nations,
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Gardner, her or anyone. Monroe added this effort will be paired with education about tree care,
both through the City and through the nursery that's facilitating that action. Monroe stated this
program can get more trees in the ground in a quicker amount of time and give the residents a
greater responsibility and pride and in that tree care.
Tate noted it looks like from an equity standpoint, the City is focusing on access to this program,
monetarily and physical ability, etc., and wondered if they are going to track demographic
characteristics of who takes advantage of this program so they can assess the equity on the
back end. Monroe replied she hasn't given a lot of thought to the racial or ethnic demographics,
they would want to track the location of plantings so that they can establish a mapping of
whatever the increase to the tree canopy is as well as tracking the geographic distribution of
where the trees are planted. She is not sure how they would collect that racial or ethnic
information but if the Commission feels very strongly about doing that, they'll figure out a way to
do it.
Tate asked if there is any sort of application process or any sort of paperwork that needs to be
filled out to participate in this program? Monroe replied that is still in development. It could be
very simple paperwork in order for them to get a voucher or whatever it is if they distribute it that
way. The could include other demographic information on the application as well.
Tate stated there's two principles that would work here, one is distributional equity in this
resource that the City is providing and the second is the individual one. One approach is to do
based on places so they can compare neighborhoods and parts of the City and the other
approach is on the individual level and it's not always easy to compare those and see if the
individuals are benefiting from this program, are they representative of the area of town that
they live in, for example, and just looking at area of town can only tell so much. Therefore, if
they want to look at the distributional equity of this and any other program, they need to collect
the data.
Monroe stated if they have a general consensus or a lack of opposition they will work through
the finer details of the program and she is hoping to get this out later this month so people can
start planting in the fall when it gets a little bit cooler. Perhaps they can work through the
working groups maybe to bring it back and just fine tune anything with the equity working group
and maybe the outreach groups and make sure they're okay to go ahead. The Commission
agreed to a general consensus of the program.
Giannakouros added there is a website called native plant finder, and it's run by Dr. Tallamy, at
the University of Maryland, and they've developed a way that one can prioritize and rank what
kind of trees or shrubs are planted in a yard by zip code and therefore maximizing the
interactions of moths, butterflies, etc. He noted on campus they plant a lot of gingko and it
might as well be made of concrete as it's useless in terms of biodiversity. So, it depends on
what the program they're trying to do is if it's like shade trees and those benefits versus
biodiversity that should be prioritized. The City arborist probably knows the same things but he
would like to see some kind of an assist to homeowners so that for example planting an oak is
probably the most important thing they could plant in the backyard as it has such a an impact on
moth species and that in turn leads to caterpillars which leads to birds having food.
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August 3, 2020
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Giannakouros is happy to discuss this more offline but thinks it would be cool to see that
biodiversity component, at least the education piece so if someone decides not to get a tree like
that, they at least understand the impact that decision can have on biodiversity in the City. If it
isn't done in private backyards, we're not going to have tons of biodiversity.
Monroe agreed and thanked Giannakouros for bringing that up, they absolutely want to
encourage the biodiversity, that will be part of that education component and part of that pre -
selected species. The City wants to share why the there are certain preferred trees.
Nations asked about this website where you can look at it by zip code and see the lists all of the
different tree species. Giannakouros said there's a website called native plant finder, and it's run
through a National Wildlife Federation and Doug Tallamy is the advisor to that effort. It's not
really user friendly, or super intuitive.
Soglin stated she would have a concern about upkeep of the trees through the first two or three
years and whether folks are going to be provided things like fencing if they're in an area with
deer, and other help maybe in that first and second year. She noted that the failure rate of trees
can be so high and obviously they would want to avoid that. Monroe agreed noting they are
experiencing that quite a bit with the publicly transplanted trees, so they are definitely sensitive
to that and yes they want to provide resources and make sure that that people have whatever
supplies or guidance that they need. She thinks this would be a really great opportunity for
some type of volunteer group or connections for Project Green or others to help with that effort.
Leckband stated he would be remiss if he didn't add they need to be sure to include some
information about One Call if they're digging holes in their yard. They don't want anyone hitting
a gas line or a power line or water line or sewer line when they're digging.
Frasier stated he happen to notice on a neighborhood website the other day someone had been
on vacation or something and came home, this was in Manville Heights, and they noticed that a
number of trees had been removed and they were rather shocked about this. Frasier
understands that a tree is not a tree is not a tree is not a tree but at the same time, he is
wondering since they're enforcing this concern, and really building on planting trees, planting
trees, planting trees, if there's a possibility of putting up some sign or billboard or notice, so
when people see that trees are being assassinated, they understand why and what the reason
is and that the trees are in fact going to be replaced, etc., so you there isn't an undue concern
on the part of the citizenry. When they take out trees maybe they ought to make an extra effort
to notify the population why that is, in fact happening. Monroe acknowledged that's a good
comment and stated that Parks and Recreation does give notice to people but there are
instances where that could be missed. If there are other ways the City can go about notifying
neighborhoods or areas then she is happy to pass the message along to staff.
Monroe wanted to mention that she, Nations, and Wendy Ford from the City met with
MidAmerican staff the other day about their rebate and incentive programs that are residential
and commercial scale. It's helping the City to develop a better, more informed program as they
move forward with the TIF and urban renewal area project that is in the process of approving
final approval to move ahead with amending those areas so they can get rebates for energy
efficiency projects. MidAmerican gave them a bunch of good ideas that she thinks they can
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move forward into new development with the Commission for additional electrification projects
and those kinds of things.
The final thing Monroe wanted to mention is the Fair Trade campaign information that was
included in the agenda packet. Just as an FYI the Human Rights Commission has been in
discussion about implementing an effort to join the Fair Trade campaign for the City and she just
wanted to add it to their awareness that another Commission is in discussion about this. Of
course, there's climate implications that go along with the Fair Trade initiatives so there can be
further discussion at another date, but she wanted to include it so that they're aware that a
resolution has been drafted. It hasn't been brought to Council yet, but they're getting close.
Nations shared that Katie Sarsfield decided to resign from the Commission and that's why she's
not at this meeting. Because they have applications still that are pretty recent, Council will be
probably looking at those to appoint a new member at their next at their next meeting.
Giannakouros volunteered to be on the review committee for the climate action at work, the
green business recognition program.
REVIEW AND DISCUSS FINALIZING ALL METRICS:
Nations stated they want to quickly review the metrics and see if there are any comments on the
proposed final metrics that were include in the agenda packet. She noted there's still probably a
month or so if they gather the data and it doesn't look right or it seems like they forgot
something, at the next meeting they can add those. They have spoken with the buildings group
and she feels pretty good about getting their renewable energy from MidAmerican and Eastern
Line & Power and the Iowa Power Plant and keeping track of that because it has such a big
impact on emissions and then looking at residential, commercial and industrial, their
greenhouse gas emissions as a group and then they would also include the municipal buildings.
She also worked with the transportation working group and discussed looking at vehicle miles
traveled, bus ridership, transportation mode split, number of electric vehicles in City vehicle
miles traveled divided by the amount of gasoline that they use and those went pretty well and
realizing that transportation modes split is estimated data, but it's a good way to see how people
are getting around town. Regarding waste she talked to the landfill about looking at the total
landfill tonnage, which comes from the whole county, so looking at that divided by the county
population, and looking at the recycling and organic tonnage. She'll be working with them on
figuring out what numbers are the best. Nations stated the two last ones were actually the
hardest to do, she talked to the adaptation and equity group and they're wanting some more
data, but it seems like because at every single meeting they talked about trees that they need
some numbers about trees for tree canopy and shade. She is going to have some new data on
a grant that she's working on but doesn't know if they'll be able to have it annually nor the
number of new trees planted. They can track the number of trees planted with the City project,
but as Soglin said just because someone plants a tree it doesn't mean in three years, it's still
alive. Looking at trees and also the number of trees that the City plants and overall tree
numbers seems to be really important to the public and is important for a lot of reasons. They
are also thinking about looking at the stormwater management program cost share for residents
and maybe also including something for other stormwater public projects too, she will try to find
out more and start trying to get the data for that. Finally, she noted Krieger thought it would be
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good to track something like the number of organizations doing climate action at work, even
though it may not be a big impact on the emissions, but just showing the number of
organizations that they recognize, or also the number of people that complete the climate
ambassador program. Those last two areas were hardest to find numbers on so if anybody has
any input or any ideas of other things that they could track she is totally open to suggestions.
Fraser asked if as a group should they have any concern or thoughts relative to COVID impact
on recycling pop can and bottles? Is that stuff being recycled since people aren't able to get
their nickel for it? Some grocery stores are back in the business of taking some of those, but a
lot could potentially end up in the landfill. Soglin notes that is a great topic, but they might have
to table it because it's not on the agenda and while it's important to the immediate issue of the
metrics, it's kind of a separate issue. Nations added they won't have 2020 data until the middle
of 2021 but agrees COVID is going to change a lot of stuff, things like transportation and the
data is going to be wonky and they're just going to see a weird year and not trends.
OUTREACH AND MESSAGING REGARDING THE CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION:
Soglin noted this refers to the Commission and the goals. What they had asked last time was for
everyone to go back to their working group and ask the two questions that were posted here of
what can be done now regarding outreach and messaging, and what can or should be done
after the marketing report. Perhaps each working groups can report what they discussed and
ideas.
Transportation: Leckband noted they didn't have a meeting this past month, so they haven't
addressed the questions yet. Personally, he feels they need to try to engage on equity and
socio-economic differences and transportation modes and impact.
Outreach: Gardner stated in terms of what can be done, obviously the ClimateFest next month
is going to forward a lot of those goals. One of the things she's been talking about working on
with the Climate Ambassador program and Climate Action at Work is consistency of messaging.
She is sure that's something they're going to hear in response to the marketing RFP as well.
She pointed out that one of the things that all three of those have in common is that each of
them focus very specifically on the five sections of the plan and that's just a baseline approach,
to make sure people know there are five sections of the plan and then from there build up. She
reiterated that once they get the report back in response to the RFP, they'll show how to refine
that and build on that messaging.
Equity and Adaptation: Hutchinson noted they didn't discuss these questions specifically but
one thing that came to light at the meeting with the Refugees Alliance of Johnson County that
Nations invited to our last group meeting, was some major communication divides with some
groups that they should probably be engaging with. So, she thinks one thing maybe that the
equity group can facilitate with regard to what can be done now is identifying those
communication divides with assistance from various groups and figuring out how to approach
that.
Waste Working Group: Bradley noted they haven't had a chance to meet given that Sarsfield
resigned, but in terms of what can be done now is to review actionable items within the working
groups.
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Buildings Group: Soglin shared the building working group discussion on this, they also had
some discussion about digital divide, which perhaps intersects with some of the things that
adaptation group was concerned about. They thought that for what can be done now is just on
active topics to maybe go back to the to the goals and look at them and see what's truly active
and where there's opportunity. For example, Karr and Krieger had been reaching out to the
realtors and that's happening now, so they want to recognize which of the actions are already in
progress. Related to that is if there's a way to give a heads up to groups and individuals that the
marketing firm may want to engage with them, so they're first interaction isn't just someone
trying to schedule a meeting with them, but give them a head's up that the firm will want their
input and this may be happening in a couple months. This will allow them the ability to start
thinking a little bit about the topics. There was someone who mentioned that the City of
Evanston had done a survey and that might be a good resource. Also, it is important to note the
commercial versus residential side of things to really understand that one approach may not
meet everybody's needs. And then for going forward, there were thoughts about once the
marketing firm is engaged, that the branding be easy for everybody to understand, not too
complicated and to always keep in mind the co -benefits as they had noted that was a prominent
part of the Ann Arbor Climate Action Plan.
EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR ALL CLIMATE ACTIONS
Soglin noted she came across the article that Nations included in the agenda packet. A quick
summary is as Fraser noted, there's COVID related impacts on things like recycling, and there
will be immediate as well as long term effects. This article is about planning and climate related
projects, such as, getting folks to be able to eat meals in the streets since they shouldn't be
inside a restaurant or closing down streets for bike lanes. There are neighborhoods that have
been overlooked, sometimes lower income or neighborhoods of people of color. Given some of
the comments that were made at the meeting last time, she just thought it was just a really
relevant topic for them to be thinking about going forward.
Tate noted one of his takeaways from an article was also whose priorities or projects are being
fast tracked? Whose priorities do they reflect? Soglin agreed, noting there is a sentence in the
article stating they are fast to make changes that wealthy white residents value. Tate added
some of what the author suggested as sort of solutions were along the lines of modes of
engagement. He thinks they are a bit challenged, they have to make sure that it's in a place it's
accessible and maybe the time that's accessible. Stephanie Bowers talked about some other
things like the way that it's advertised or maybe there's free parking or childcare or food or
something like that, which is all sort of being up ended by COVID because they're not having
any of these in person meetings, which he thinks is probably accentuating the disparities with
sort of engagement and opportunities to rectify that. Therefore, he feels they need to be even
more thoughtful than pre COVID.
Soglin noted that Gardner has connections to other cities on communications and maybe they
can learn from other people's successes and unintended mistakes and what works and doesn't
work.
Fraser noted when he reads articles like this, the term that's coming up in his mind to remind
him to think deeper is this term institutional? Institutional, a big deal, it's just institutional is
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embedded everywhere to the degree that they don't even recognize that it's embedded. He
must really ask himself is there truly equity or is it institutionalized to such a degree that they
need to change a lot in order for there to be equity.
UPDATE ON WORKING GROUPS:
Equity and Adaptation: Hutchinson noted the majority of her notes were recapping the
meeting with Refugees Alliance of Johnson County.
Waste: Bradley noted they have not met since the last meeting.
Buildings: Soglin noted their major discussion was about the metrics and communications and
outreach.
Karr added through the Johnson Clean Energy District they have distributed about a quarter of
their LED light bulbs in Iowa City, and they're working through the process of trying to get the
word out and get those distributed in the COVID world. They're hopefully getting flyers to the
neighborhood centers in multiple languages this week, that took a little bit of time to get some
translations done, but they're working on that.
Transportation: Giannakouros said they did not meet.
RECAP OF ACTIONABLE ITEMS FOR COMMISSION, WORKING GROUPS, AND STAFF:
Soglin gave a recap of the actionable items. First if any Commissioner had additional thoughts
about the tree program make sure to follow up and connect with Monroe on that.
Soglin noted Nations had sent out the statement from the Human Rights Commission but it was
not officially on the agenda to be able to discuss it, so could that be on a future agenda.
Nations will add it to a future agenda.
Soglin next addressed the scheduling of the next meeting, the next meeting was supposed to be
September 711' as it always is the first Monday of the month, but that lands on Labor Day.
Nations proposed to move the meeting to Tuesday, September 8, and everyone agreed.
Nations added if the Commission has any input on the metrics, they could send those to her.
She will have two years of metrics available for review at the next meeting.
Fraser added an action item from himself, he kept waiting for COVID to go away and the City
offices to open but he's going to give up on that and will get in touch with Gardner to help her
with the Ambassador Program.
Gardner added although it's not necessarily something that has to be done by next month, she
hopes that all the Commissioners can be thinking ahead to the Climate Festival that will take
place in September. They're going to be asking residents and organizations and businesses to
post something online talking about why climate action matters to them or the types of climate
action they take. There are more details on the website and there's a hashtag to use
#IowaCityTakesAction and it is her hope that each of the Commissioners will at least consider
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posting something as a way of participating in the festival.
ADJOURNMENT:
Tate made a motion to adjourn.
Giannakouros seconded the motion.
A vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously.
CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2019 - 2020
NAME
TERM EXP.
\
\
\
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
0
0
0
N
0
0
N
0
N
0
N
0
N
0
N
Madeleine Bradley
12/31/2022
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
John Fraser
12/31/2020
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Stratis
Giannakouros
UIRep
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Grace Holbrook
12/31/2021
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
Kasey Hutchinson
12/31/2022
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
GT Karr
12/31/2020
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Matt Krieger
12/31/2020
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
MidAmerican
Jesse Leckband
Rep
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
E
X
Katie Sarsfield
12/31/2020
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
--
Becky Soglin
12/31/2022
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Eric Tate
12/31/2021
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
E
X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No
Meeting
-- -- = Not a Member
10
Progress update on "Accelerating Iowa City's Climate Actions" as of 7-6-20
New/
plan
Next Alignment Initia
Equity Focus
Step
Buildings
Solar Partnership with New 1.5 April
Brought forward to City Council in April and
Closed
MidAmentan
was not approved. No next steps plred at
this point. Will assess opportunities as
locations or chances present themselves.
Encourage the Local Realtor
New
1.1 & 1.6
May
Buildings Working Group indicated initial
Benefits for informed buying/selling, may need
In
Communityto Include Energy
conversations were in motion with local
incentive assistance later on, if concentration of
Development
Performance in the Multiple
realtors about value of this action. Staff
activity falls within only a few neighborhoods or
Listing Services (MLS) Property
checked with the group members about
stakeholder interest lacking. Education for all residents
Inventory
where this stands. CAO/CMO can offer
and renters about housing with energy efficiency and
support as needed. Example programs
indoor air quality speaks to equity concerns.
elsewhere need to be presented. More
Commission and Working Group recommendations
research and education needed on realtor and
and feedback needed.
homebuying/selling, paired with engagement
with ICAAR. Concerns include an inability to
sell inefficient properties.
Launch aTIF-fu nd ed climate
New
1.2&5.4
May
Economic Development finalizing
action incentive program
requirements. In August Council finalized
aimed at reducing industrial
approved establishing and approving Urban
energy consumption
Renewal Areas at Heinz, Sycamore, and Scott
Six. Staff is currently finishing a plan to engage
with businesses in these areas and
encouraging them to take advantage of
funding assistance in remaining years of the
TIF agreement.
Advocate for State Ad option
New
1.1-1.4
May
Asked State contacts about progress for rule
Could support these efforts with help from education
of Advanced Energy Codes
making process. Response was that due to
and advocacy from underserved groups that directly
COVID, the spring 2O2O meeting was delayed
benefit from housing improvements.
with hopes to reconvene in fall. City staff
preparing communications with elected
officials for delivery pre-2021 session. Timing
may require advocacy efforts expanded into
2021.
Advocate for Aggressive
New
1.1-1.4
May
Eligible staff voted for adoption of new IECC
Could support these efforts with help from education
Energy Code Development
codes earlier in 2O2O. This action also requires
and advocacy from underserved groups that directly
and Adoption '(New)
letters to and engagement with elected
benefit from housing improvements.
officials. Advocacy efforts expanded into
2021.
Promote Energy Efficiency and
Next
1.1-1.2, 1.6
June
Initiate planning and needs assessment;
Imperative. Review of equity report and assistance
In
Performance Tips to the Public
feedback from Commission working group.
from EHR staff essential. Commission and Working
Development
Identify resources, contacts, and content.
Group recommendations and feedback needed.
Assess web access and source development,
method of dissemination. Support eventual
actions with strategy from communications
plan (Action 5.1- EDU); Communications RFP
released and due in early Sept. Priority issues
can be established prior to work by selected
consultant with early feedback from the
Commission later this fall.
Partner with Stakeholders to
New
1.1-1.4
June
Initiate introductions to organizations, CAO
Use equity report to ensure stakeholders from
In
Promote Green Building and
staff understanding of goals and example
impacted groups are represented, and feedback is
Development
Rehabilitation
programs necessary. Meetings with City
shared with development community, landlords, and
development staff. Develop group of
builders. Commission and Working Group
stakeholders to discuss barriers and interest in
recommendations and feedback needed.
pursuing green build strategies to better
partner and build new alliances/education
opportunities. Support eventual actions with
strategy from communications plan (Action 5.1
EDU)
En h an ce Energy Stan dard s for
Next
1.1
June
Received updated report from NDS on current
Assisted households currently meet federal income
City Rehabilitation Projects
activity and efforts. Staff currently exploring
requirements. Establish a mapped GIS inventory of
alternatives for rehab projects and ability for
energy efficiency assessments and investments.
City to support incentives or supplemented
Ensure access to energy efficiency and other
energy efficient equipment if homeowners
sustainable design elements in each project through
cannot/won't pay the difference to upgrade.
education and engagement.
Have met with two local HVAC providers to
identify key issues and ideal projects. Proposal
still in development; will bring to Commission
forfeedback and further guidance. Education
components also necessary -communications
strategy outcomes. Equity mapping not
started.
Create a More Robust Energy
New
1.1-1.2
June
Staffis enrolled in energy inspections training.
Commission/Working Groups should assist with how
Code Inspection Program
Additional inspector budgeted in FY21. CAO to
theywould like to measure equity and what should be
meet with NDS staffin fall to understand what
reported to show progress.
staff will be looking at and addressing through
compliance checks.
Develop or Partner with Local
New
1.1-1.4
July
ICED applied for a small grant for
Approach to populations served critical. Commission
Stakeholders on a
neighborhood pilot program. Must define GIA
and Working Group recommendations and feedback
ent
Comprehensive Climate
involvement, capacity and scheduling. GIA
needed forfurther development.
Action Rehabilitation Program
crew begins in late September; opportunities
fortraining supplement to pursue enhanced
energy assessments and community
education. Explore RFQ for external partner/s
to implement a program.
Incorporate Stricter Energy
New
1.3-1.4
Aug
Begin review of options, develop revisions to
Greater equity can be achieved through a geographic
Not Started
Stan d and s into Tax In crement
policy, introduce for Council adoption.
distribution of benefits. Education and advocacy could
Financing Policies
Stakeholder process required. Buildings
benefit populations impacted and served by policy
Working Group and Commission involvement
implementation.
in policy review. Currently working on
expansion of additional areas for energy
efficiency improvements funded by remaining
TIF.
Offer Free Home Energy
Next
1.1
Sept
Mid Summer- Meetings with AmeriCorps,
AmeriCorps is focused on certain groups - seniors, low
In
Assessments through Green
bringing in new team. Work must be finalized
income,veterans. Not sure how they track or report
Develapment
Iowa AmeriCorps
and coordinated with JCED's conceptual
these demographics. May need to get creative in how
expansion of AmeriCorps responsibilities. May
audits are performed in light of Covid-19. Education
need to explore non-AmeriCorps team to
delivery and equipment installation/provision
perform additional assessments and
alternatives probably needed in short term. Establish
weatheruation services. GIA crew begins in
mapped GIS inventory of energy efficiency
late September; opportunities for training
assessments and investments.
supplement to pursue enhanced energy
assessments and community education.
Coordinate Neighborhood New 1.1 Fall Coordinate efforts with Neighborhood Assess equity report to determine any areas of focus.
In
Energy Blitz Events Planner, Recreation, and community NDS can assist with housing/permit data that can help
Development
organizations; Support actions with strategy focus on neighborhoods with less efficient housing
from communications plan (Action 5.1-EDU); stock. Outreach to underserved groups may spur
will likely align this action with introduction of interest in blitz programs or projects. Working Group
Climate Ambassador program. Earlier rollout recommendations and feedback needed.
of small projects with summer activities like
Parties in the Park. Party in the Park were
cancelled due to COVID-19. Climate Action
Grant awarded to Green Iowa AmeriCorps for
a lightbulb exchange, which should be taking
place in early fall.
New/ = r
Plan Month to
Next Workpla Equity Focus
Alignment Initiate
Step
Complete the Transit Study
New
2.1
Ongoing
Due to be completed in early fall, was
Dependent upon study recommendations and
and Implement
somewhat delayed from Covid-19.
selected actions for implementation. Goal is to serve
Recommendations to Bolster
Presentation of proposed measures coming to
residents most needing transit service. Commission
Service and Increase Ridership
City Council in early fall. Primary
and Working Group recommendations needed.
implementation of recommendations to begin
in 2021.
Establish an Electric and Fuel-
New
2.2
May
Actions already in place but written policy
Efficient Vehicle Purchasing
needed. Staff finalizing written policy to be
Policy
completed by next report update.
Track Adherence to City Idling
Next
2.7
May
AVL equipment provides idling data.37
Policy
vehicles currently have the technology and
another AVL for another 60 will be ordered in
FY2021. Currently reformatting reports to
make it easier to read for improved use and
analysis. Staff will compile data and CAO will
assist with reporting. Transportation Working
Group needs to define and clarify their
recommendation before staff can pursue
exploration oftechnology.
Significant Transportation
New
2.3 August Transportation metrics are defined.Some of
Review equityreportto identifygroups and locations
Education and Outreach
the metrics are not yet available from the
to focus attention. Somewhat reliant upon
Campaigns
2019 Census. Climate Ambassador program
recommendations of transit study. Explore language
development is underway. Must continue to
translations. Commission and Working Group
identify how we will engage all residents.
recommendations and feedback needed.
New/
Next
P an Month to
W orkpla
uity Focus
Alignment Initiate
3.7-3.8 May Report presented to staff at end of May. Plan
Consideration will be given after final
Initiate a Methane Feasibility
Next
Study
alternatives needed further development and
recommendations, to impacts on fiscal health of
these are being completed and determined by
Enterprise funds and needs to supplement with rate
early September. Staffwill determine next
changes over time.
steps. Project is near completion.
Engage the Public to Comport
Next
3.2
June
Outreach efforts by staff have included
Focus is reliant upon meetings with staff, current
Organic Waste
distributing information in news releases,
efforts, working Equity Working Group, equity report, Underway
utility bill inserts, social media and website.
translations services available, and outcomes from
Continued efforts will be made on how to
Communications strategy.
tailor it with equity in mind. Expand
opportunities with local businesses. Tie into
carbon sequestration project underway.
Unit for Climate Ambassadors that focuses
on waste is in development.
Require All Park/Public Space
New
3.5
June
Staff reconnected for this project and project
Must assess whether new requirementsimpact
Rentals to Recycle and Use
details are being finalized. Community
populations differently. Working Group
"Green" Event Best Practices.
education, possible stakeholder review
recommendations needed.
needed. Likely spring 2021 rollout with new
rental contracts for sports.
Education Campaigns for
Next
3.3
July
Meet with Resource Management to assess
Focus reliant upon meetings with staff, current efforts, Hot stared
Neighborhoods to Reduce
current materials that have been developed.
working Equity Working Group, equity report,
umption at the
Coordinate with Neighborhood Planner.
translations services available, and outcomes from
N
Communications strategy.
Al]Develop
Climate Ambassador
New
4.2
May
Program is in final stages of development.
Development of program includes application process
Team
Modules developed over the summer will be
not reliant upon technology to participate. if tech is
launched in the fall after the Climate Festival.
necessary, will purchase tablets or other device to
Will coordinate with Outreach and Equity
loan to ambassador participants for training activities.
Working Groups and Communications staff.
Special attention paid to connection with local groups
that can recommend ambassador applicants.
Continue Implementation of
New
4.5-4.6
May
Work agreement executed with AES in May.
Geographic distribution, education variables
the Natural Areas
Significant follow up with neighborhoods
dependent on groups impacted. Engage natural area
Management Plan
required during process. Planned
advocacygroups that can assist with public education.
concentration on intensive maintenance in
neighborhood park prairies. Education needed
about purpose, need and care for natural
areas; build community partnerships with
advocacy groups. Explore possibility of
extended community education accompanying
prairie plantings. Proposal drafted and in staff
review. About 60 acres of public land areas
have been prepared for prairie plantings this
fall.
Equity Review of
Next
4.1-4.2
May
Equity Working Group will review Equity
Emphasis on highly impacted groups, targeted
Neighborhood and Population
Report and determine further action.
outreach and collaboration for development and
Outreach; Develop Outreach
Commission review of project equity review
implementation of each climate action.
Plan for Populations Highly
tool for City and other community climate
Impacted by Climate Change
projects. Staff initiated coordination of
ma ppi ng tools/resources requested by Equity
Working Group.
All
Flood Mitigation and
Next
4.5
June
Met with Stormwater Team. Collect and
Involving various community groups dependent on
Stormwater Management
review current volunteer lists. Assess Ewe
makeup ofexisting volunteer listing and schedules.
Programs/Projects; Buyouts
need to promote existing program. Assess
Review equity report to verify benefits and
creek clean up volunteer process.
participation equitable.
AE-1
Partnerwith Project Green on
New
4.6
July
Actively proposing a private tree planting
Commission provided recommendations and feedback
a Tree Planting Partnership;
program to begin by October. Residentswill
on program proposal. As noted in Workplan, income
I ncentives for Private Tree
be able to use a voucher for a discount on tree
eligible properties will be permitted a greater
Planting
purchase from Iowa City nurseries. Delivery
discount. The options for receiving the income eligible
costs paid until budget met. Low income
discount will be applied for being a participant in the
residents are permitted greater discount for
City's Low Income Utility Discount Program or being
tree purchase and planting. Parks and
located in an income -eligible U.S. Census block. City is
Recreation Department is managing program
tracking planting addresses to monitor geographic
and will conduct significant and targeted
distribution.Additionally, staff engagement will be
interpersonal and neighborhood outreach.
focused in areas that have less tree canopy than other
Will connect with Project Green for additional
parts of town. Engagement will also provide an
opportunities for education and outreach
opportunity to inform about the utility discount
programs.
program.
AR-1001
Street Tree Ordinance
Next
4.6
August
NOS will draft ordinance. Outreach and
New Ordinance will apply to new developments. Not Started
communication needed to educate the public,
make aware.
APP-3
Expand Public Tree Planting
Next
4.6
September
Report our proposed planting for upcoming
Review inventory maps, locate areas in need, target In
year for municipal tree management. Identify
workplan outreach accordingly. Emphasis on benefits Development
stumbling blocks ahead of new plantings.
oftree canopy in low -mod neighborhoods.
Possible small group discussion with impacted
groups - residents, landlords, City staff,
businesses or development groups. Address
negative perceptions through modifications
or education.
Educate and Coordinate with
Ne#
4.3
October
Outreach meetings with Johnson Co. Public
Equity reach will become more clear with agency Not Started
Local Agencies on Health
Health, University of Iowa, etc.
coordination and partnering. Can use equity
Impacts
scale/report to identify starting agency discussions.
Launch a Green Business
Next
5.5
June
Pilot program initiated but rebooted with a
Initial program relies heavily on voluntary
Program:"Climate Action at
modified structure (award s/recognition
participation. Potential for granted funding tied to
Work'
program). Awards program was introduced
participation. Will need to make a greater effort to
and sought applications in summer 2020.
identify and work with businesses with less access to
Additional opportunities for business -related
resources. Geographic access and type of business
programs will be to build a network of
should also be taken into account. Will map
businesses with climate interests that can
geographic participation. Need assistance from
support additional demand and resources for
Economic Development staff, Equity & Outreach
infrastructure and policy upgrades.
Working Groups, and other econ dev and small
Networking model in development with
business assistance groups. For Climate Action at Work
partnering business advocacygroups.
Awards, contacted over BO community groups with an
emphasis on diversity, inviting their participation.
Develop a Climate Action
Next
5.5
June
Released RFP for consultant to develop
Application ofequity principles will be part of process.
Strategic Communications
marketing plan; drafted in June, reviewed by
Feedback from Commission welcome; Commission
Plan
Commission and receiving proposals through
member plans to participate in consultant selection.
early September. Plan will be focused on Iowa
City attributes, alignment with current
initiatives, focused attention to branding,
models for promotional rollout schedules,
template materials for modification by project
or program, equity and "language" for how to
frame climate activities as broadly appealing
content.
Host Sustainability Forum and
Next
5.5
September
Climate Festival is upcoming beginning
Intentional outreach with underserved groups to
Events
September 19th. Activities include digital and
ensure access to awareness, education, and
written storytelling, coordinated
participation. Staff, planning committee, and CAC
individual/community activities, and expanded
Working Group to connect with local organizations
local partnerships. Outreach began in
willing to partner on activities, promotion, or hosting
June/July, finalized steps and promotions in
remote event. Efforts underwayto include translated
August, gearing up for Festival in Sept.
festival materials in digital and print formats.
Community Garden
Next
5.5
September
Working with Parks Department to see if there
Eq uity mapping for plot rentals exists. Need to review Not Started
Expansion/Additions
a re El an s for ad d ition a l commu nity gard en
2020 rentals, identify gaps in geo coverage and gaps in
areas.
possible access for certain groups. Need focused
outreach to see where needs might be to connect
unresourced individuals with plot availability in
upcoming years; will assist in identifying
needs/potential for pocket gardens in ROW.
Expand Community Climate
Next
5.4
November
Consider adding non-profit and business
Follow Equity Report recommendations to identify Not Started
Grants
categories an d d efine wh at the n ew program
and connect with preferred applicant agencies from
will look like next year. Identify h ow grant
first tier needs. Community organizations geared
program ties into other City funding initiatives.
towards underserved and disadvantaged groups could
Could move project earlier in the year to
also fall into this expansion or, the next year's funding
address direct and coordinated support for
could be introduced specifically to certain groups from
Covid-19 recovery.
equity report and an info session can be held by
invitation for these groups, like HRC and HCDC have
done.
1,600,000
1,400,000
1,200,000
m
� 1,000,000
E 800,000
a 600,000
O
U 400,000
200,000
0
2019 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Update
Iowa City Community CO2e Totals by Sector
O e-I N M a V1 l0 n W Ol O r-I N M I V1 lD n W O1 O
r-I eY rl eY rl rY eY rl eY rl N N N N N N N N N N M
O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O
N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N
� Industrial
UI Power Plant
2010 Baseline
— Reduction Trend Line
� Commercial
Transportation
2030 Target
� Residential
� Waste
2050 Target
2010
2019
Difference
% Change from
2010
Industrial
414,455
222,172
-192,283
-46%
Commercial
281,040
173,574
-107,467
-38%
Residential
270,753
199,565
-71,189
-26%
UI Power Plani
247,332
140,406
-106,926
-43%
Transportation
142,094
158,822
16,728
1 12%
Waste
19,037
22,203
3,166
1 17%
Totals: 1,374,712 916,741-457,971 -33%
Year
Cozeemissions per capita in
Iowa City in metric tonnes
2000
20.9
2005
19.6
2009
18.8
2009
15.0
2010
20.3
2011
19.6
2012
18.1
2M
191
2014
18.1
2015
13.3
2016
12.9
2017
12.9
2D18
13.4
2DI9
122
Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Progress Report
% renewablegrid energy(MidAmerican)
1 51% 1 61% 1 19.3% Yes
U of I power plant ghg emissions (in metric tonnes COze)
142,691
140,406
-1.6%
Yes
Residential energy ghg emissions (in metric tonnes COze)
224,557
199,565
-11.1%
Yes
Commercial energy ghg emissions (in metric tonnes COze)
200,816
173,574
-13.6%
Yes
Industrial energy ghg emissions (in metric tonnes COze)
272,582
222,172
-18.5%
Yes
Municipal ghg emissions from facilities (in metric tonnes COze)
Transportation
Total vehcile miles traveled per capita
20,364
2018 Baseline
47728
17,628
2019
4,803
-13.4%
% change
1.6%
Yes
Improved
over
baseline
No
Bus Ridership
1,498,468
1,474,091
-0.02
No
Transportation mode split- Drive alone
58%
NA
NA
Numbers
Transportation mode split -Transit
8.6%
NA
NA
may not
Transportation mode split- Bike
3.5%
NA
NA
be avail.
Transportation mode split -Walk
15.7%
NA
NA
annually
Number of registered electric vehicles (Johnson Co.)
587
Number of electric and hybrid City vehicles
Total landfill tonnage
9
122,772
11
131,251
22.2%
7%
Yes
Improved
baseline
No
Curbside recycling tonnage
1,798
2,295
28%
Yes
Curbiside organics tonnage
2,227
1 3,331
50%
Yes
Adaptation
Percent t reecan opy'
Improved
2018 Baseline 2019 %change over
baseline
41.40% 7
Total number Storwater BMP Grant Awards»»» (by FV)
181 206 13.8% Yes
Number of new trees planted by City
Sustainable Livestyle
Number of Climate Action at Work awards
162 400 146.9% Yes
Improved
2018 Baseline 2019 % change over
baseline
0 0 0 Initiated
Number of Climate Ambassadors trained
0 0 0 in 2020
WORLD RIFE
CHICAGO CUB
I ORLo
$EHIE$
k',
m
Addressing a need to rapidly expand the adoption of solar energy in the Johnson County corridor by developing win -win -
win strategies between Utilities, Government, and Consumers. A primary goal would be the movement to an inside -out
distributed electric generation model. We have identified two primary models to focus on that could rapidly expand solar in
the Johnson County area. The following is an outline of potential report categories for further study.
1. Community Solar (100 KW — 2 MW, site dependent)
(by Warren 7/20/20)
Creating and incentivizing community solar could be an extremely popular program. The targeted demographic for
community solar would be consumers that do not have the appropriate roof or ground space, renters and rental property,
and low income.
• Individual ownership
• Corporate ownership
• Lease/own modules — financing and tax structure requirements
• Low income participation — potential LIHEAP funding
• Identify potential properties that might be City or County green spaces
• Pollinator program
• Community garden plots
• Sheep farm (no goats)
• Legislation or Utility participation and partnership required
• Interconnect — metering — billing structure and rates
2. Solar Farms (1 MW to 5 MW) (large projects)
Studying and identifying the potential for large distributed solar projects for large energy users would provide a vision and
recommended pathway for future planning and development needs.
• Larger tracks of land
• Vacant lands
• Pollinators — bees — like community solar
• Load tagging and corporate and government ownership
• Utility Interconnect and billing mechanisms
• Guaranteed rates and terms
SUB CATAGORIES
Funding
• Tax credits — Federal and State
• Grants — Foundations (Johnson and Washington County)
• Solar Renewable Energy Credits
Tags — WED
Green Power Plan to sell SRECs (develop program and process)
Investors — Corporate + Individual + Banks + Loans -cash flow funded
Analysis needed
• Identify carbon reduction goals
• Identify solar potential
• Identify tax credits and expected cash returns
• Identify SREC markets
• Identify loads
• Identify sites
• Identify needed State legislation and County policy
• Hire consultant to determine area solar potential
• Interconnection, SRECs, kWhr production (metering)
energy billing credits (software), SREC offset billing
Monitoring
• Tracking and Billing Process
• Metering, measuring, and monitoring for operational efficiency
Potential Team Partners: CEEE at UNI, ISETA, Johnson County, Banks, Political support, Energy District
Proposed: Johnson County Solar Energy Strategy
6.26.2020
Objectives: 1) Initiate a dialogue among county and local governments, private sector, and residents
about strategies to accelerate the development of solar energy production in Johnson County; and 2)
develop pertinent landscape, technological, and economic information needed to develop
community solar and solar farm projects.
Project Description
We propose to study solar energy demand, options, siting, interconnections, technologies, and
financing in Johnson County. Many public and private entities and consumers in Iowa are on record in
support of increasing solar and wind energy to reduce energy costs; diversify energy supply; reduce
greenhouse gases and other air pollutants; and support local economies. While wind energy is now a
well -established component of our energy portfolio, solar energy has only recently become cost -
competitive enough to attract attention and investment.
Four models for distributed and centralized solar energy are being adopted around the
country: site solar, solar schools, community solar, and solar farms. Site solar -- small, distributed
photovoltaic (PV) arrays for homes and businesses — is the focus of the popular county -led "Solarize
Johnson County" program. School solar are projects led by community school districts to provide
electricity and educational opportunities for students and communities. Community solar refers to
larger, centralized PV arrays (-100 kW-2 MW) jointly owned or leased by individual homeowners,
renters, and/or businesses that lack the roof or ground space for solar but are interested in low-cost
strategies to tap into it. Popular community solar projects include Farmers Electric Cooperative in
Kalona, Cedar Falls Utilities, and the City of Ames. Solar farms also refer to larger, centralized
installations (1— 5 MW) owned by governments, utilities, or third -party investment groups to supply
large energy users with specific load, interconnection, and business requirements. Bloomfield and
State City, Iowa have constructed municipally -owned solar farms (1.8 and 1 MW, respectfully) to help
meet their energy -independence goals. Identifying larger tracts of land appropriate for solar farms
would provide a pathway for future development in the county.
The focus of this assessment will be on community solar and solar farms. It will (1) conduct
extensive public outreach to assess consumer and investor support; (2) evaluate technological issues,
including interconnection and capacity requirements; and (3) identify potential sites for centralized
solar energy production. A final report will be presented to public agencies at the conclusion of the
study, with recommendations for next steps in pursuing different models. It is anticipated that
technical and outreach consultants will be hired to conduct these (and potentially additional) tasks.
Participants
Collaboration in this study will be sought from Johnson County, City of Iowa City and other interested
communities, financial institutions, energy companies, the University of Iowa, Iowa Solar Energy
Trade Association, and UNI Center for Energy & Environmental Education, and other organizations.
Timeline: Summer 2020— Spring 2021