Iowa City is working to become a more bike friendly community.
Last month, the City hosted its first open house to
discuss the Iowa City Bicycle Master Plan, a plan to expand access to bicycle facilities and create an environment where bicycling is part of daily life and culture.
The plan’s framework will rely on the League of American
Bicyclist’s Bicycle Friendly Community 5 E’s Approach: Enforcement, Education,
Engineering, Evaluation and Encouragement. Iowa City will add a sixth E for
Equity – a critical element in the plan.
More than 120 people attended the kick-off event where consultants provided an overview of the plan making process that will guide staff and elected officials. Participants also had an opportunity to review maps, provide comments and help create vision statements. They also discussed challenges and opportunities for bicycling in Iowa City.
At least two additional public meetings will
happen before a plan is presented to the City Council for approval. To take an online survey and learn more about the plan visiticgov.org/ICbikeplan.
Apply to join the Climate Action Steering Committee
Iowa City is accepting applications for its Climate Action Steering Committee.
The steering committee will oversee the development of the City's first Climate Action and Adaption Plan, which includes goals to reduce and a reach a community-wide greenhouse gas emission target.
The committee will include stakeholders and five at-large members. To learn more and apply online visit icgov.org/climatecommittee.
Mark your calendar for Prairie Preview!
A free, annual conservation event that attracts hundreds of people will happen in Iowa City next month.
Bur Oak Land Trust will host its 34th annual Prairie Preview on Thurs. March 9, 2017 at the Clarion Highlander, located at 2525 North Dodge St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
More than 40 exhibitors will showcase their organizations and University of Iowa Biology Professor Steve Hendrix will deliver: “Wild bees of Iowa: Hidden diversity in the service of conservation.” Refreshments will be provided. Stop by the Iowa City booth for a Natural Areas Brochure, which features the locations of city-owned prairies, wetlands and forests.
Bur Oak Land Trust protects and conserves the natural areas of Johnson and surrounding counties for future generations. To learn more visit buroaklandtrust.org.
Celebrate Black History Month in Iowa City
The Iowa City Public Library is hosting a series of events to commemorate Black History Month.
Events range from TED talks and presentations to live music featuring gospel, jazz and drums. Children's activities are also available and include an Underground History Program with a traveling trunk from the African American Museum of Iowa.
Community commemorates MLK Jr. with day of service
Members of the community celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during a day of service on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017.
Participants gathered at Grant Wood Elementary School where they made blankets and other items for those in need. Performers and speakers honored and reflected on the legacy and life of Dr. King.
People working to make a difference in the local community were also recognized and awarded during the event.
Sustainability Spotlight: Daniel Southwick
This month’s Sustainability Spotlight features Daniel Southwick, Research Assistant for the City of Iowa City’s Office of Sustainability.
Daniel defines sustainability as "ensuring your actions today don't impact
societies ability to meet its needs for the future." In his role, Daniel calculates greenhouse gas emissions for the City and the Compact of Mayors, a worldwide climate reduction agreement. Learn more about Daniel and his research by visiting icgov.org/sustainability.
Connect with us online and on social media
Watch for sustainability updates on the City of Iowa City Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #SustainableIC. If you haven't already, give us a like and follow! To subscribe to this newsletter and other City news visit icgov.org/e-subscriptions.
4-STAR: In March 2016, Iowa City was awarded a 4-STAR Community Rating for sustainability excellence, by being formally certified in the STAR Community Rating System. STAR offers the nation's leading certification program in evaluating local sustainability, encompassing social, economic and environmental performance measures. More info: www.STARcommunities.org.
This newsletter is published by the City of Iowa City Sustainability Office. For more information, contact Brenda Nations, Coordinator, at 319-887-6161 or brenda-nations@iowa-city.org.
