Date set for next community meeting

Find out how you can get involved in the rollout of Iowa City’s Climate Action Plan during an upcoming community meeting.  Save the date for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, 2018, in Meeting Room A of the Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St.  Attendees will have an opportunity to consider what actions they can take in their own lives to help implement the plan. More information will be available soon. Stay connected to icgov.org/climateaction.

City now offering official organics collection carts

Residents interested in using official City carts for organic waste, including yard clippings and food scraps, can choose to use a 95-gallon or 25-gallon cart for curbside service. To reserve a 95-gallon cart, call Resource Management at 319-356-5151. Residents interested in a 25-gallon cart can pick one up at several to-be-determined summer events. Stay tuned for more information at icgov.org/organics.  Residents are not required to use official carts. They can opt to use their current container instead. It must be upright and 20-35 gallons in size, limit 50 pounds. For questions, call 319-356-5151 or email jane-wilch@iowa-city.org.

City named a Bike Friendly Business

The City has a lot to celebrate as national Bike to Work Week comes to a close. 

The League of American Bicyclists recognized City Hall, the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center and the Iowa City Public Library with a silver level Bicycle Friendly Business award.

City Council is committed to improving bicycle infrastructure and adopted the Iowa City Bicycle Master Plan in 2017 with a goal of expanding the community's bicycle network and the role it plays in achieving community goals for transportation, development, wellness and more.

"We are proud to earn this designation from the League of American Bicyclists and aim to lead by example, inspiring more people in the community to bike to work, but also for pleasure," City Manager Geoff Fruin said. "Our love for bicycling has drawn worldwide cycling events to Iowa City, including the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup, and will bring thousands of bicyclists during RAGBRAI in July."

Moving forward, the League will give the City access to a variety of tools and technical assistance to become even more bicycle-friendly.  

It isn't too late to celebrate! Bike Month continues in Johnson County. Check out Think Bicycle's full list of events happening in May. 

How 'bout some music?

The Summer of the Arts Friday Night Concert Series will kick off tonight (Friday, May 18) and will take place in a new location this season due to construction on the Iowa City Pedestrian Mall. 

The concerts, which typically takes place on the Weatherdance Fountain Stage, will relocate to Iowa Avenue between Clinton and Dubuque Streets. This area of Iowa Avenue will close to traffic and parking most Fridays from 1:30 to 11 p.m. through Friday, August 31. 

The first concert will feature performances by the City High and West High Jazz Ensemble. View the full concert schedule online. These music events are free and open to all. 

*Photo credit: Summer of the Arts 

Subscribe and share

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #SustainableIC. Subscribe to this newsletter and other news at icgov.org/e-subscriptions. 

Upcoming Events

Vinyasa Flow Yoga

Balance your body, mind and spirit! This first class is free to attend from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22 at the Mercer Aquatic Center Wellness Room. Bring your own yoga mat. Attendees must be at least 14 years of age and sign a waiver upon entrance. If under 18 years of age, a legal guardian must sign this waiver. Subsequent classes will be available on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Family Sports Night

Get going! Iowa City Parks and Recreation will host a sports night from 6:45-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at Wetherby Park, 2400 Taylor Dr. This is a family friendly event with soccer and basketball skill challenges and activities for youth. Free basketballs and soccer balls will be available for families to take home until supplies run out. There is no fee to participate in this event. RSVP to the Facebook event for updates and reminders.  

Farmers Market

Grab your baskets, bags and boxes! The 2018 Farmers Market season is in full swing inside Chauncey Swan Ramp, 405 E. Washington St. 

Markets take place on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to noon through October. 

Credit, debit and SNAP/EBT cards are accepted. 

Learn more, icgov.org/farmersmarket. 

Sustainability Spotlight

This month's Sustainability Spotlight features Danielle Sitzman, the City's new Development Services Coordinator. Danielle defines sustainability as being able to meet the transportation, housing, health, social, and economic needs of present residents and businesses without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. Read on, icgov.org/sustainability.

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. Learn more, www.STARcommunities.org.