Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit and UI Cambus have launched a comprehensive assessment of the area's public transit systems.
With the help of consulting group Nelson/ Nygaard, Iowa City and its partners will review many aspects of current transit systems. These include routes, stops, hours, frequency of service, fares/passes, bus stop amenities and the potential for a zero-fare system in Iowa City. Emerging transportation technologies will also be considered.
The City's climate action plan calls for 55% of vehicular trips to shift to more sustainable methods, such as walking, biking or using public transit. This means that the transit system will need to serve many more people in years to come.
Because public input is critical, community meetings are planned for the week of November 11. An online “Design Your Own Transit System” tool will also be available for riders and non-riders to provide more feedback. Options for change will be presented to community members in early 2020 for another round of feedback. The study is expected to be finalized in June 2020.
Learn more about the study at www.icgov.org/TransitStudy. Sign up for study updates at www.icgov.org/subscribe, and select the “Transit Study Updates” topic.
Iowa City’s Housing Rehab programs can help qualified homeowners make repairs or improvements to their homes. They can include energy efficiency projects (such as the installation of a high-efficiency furnace or insulation), exterior repair, accessibility work and more.
The City’s assistance can take the form of low- or no-interest loans or, in designated areas of the City, grants. Eligibility is based on several factors, including income.
Applications are accepted now through March 1.
Now is the time to prepare your home for winter—before the temperature drops and the winds howl. With a few steps you can improve your energy efficiency, reduce your heating bills—and make your home safer. Here’s a checklist to get you started:
- Check weather stripping and replace if necessary. In some places caulking may help prevent drafts.
- Check gutters and downspouts for proper fastening and re-secure if necessary. Clear gutters of debris.
- Consider a programmable thermostat for your heating system.
- Have your furnace inspected by a qualified technician.
- Clean or replace the air filter in your furnace and clean heating vents.
- Install foam-insulating sheets behind outlets and switch plates on exterior walls to reduce cold airflow from outside.
- Switch ceiling fans to the reverse or clockwise position, blowing warm air down for greater energy efficiency and comfort.
- Flush your water heater tank to remove sediment and check the pressure relief valve to make sure it’s in working order.
- Make sure that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors work as they should.
Would you like to make your lawn greener, healthier and more environmentally friendly? You are invited to apply for 50% of soil quality restoration costs by taking part in the Your Best Lawn program. The program is a partnership between the City of Iowa City, the cities of Coralville and North Liberty, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
The program helps residents enjoy greener lawns using fewer chemicals by providing funding for soil restoration projects on residential lawns. Improved soil quality leads to less ponding, greener lawns and cleaner streams.
Funds are limited, so applications are being taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
Another lawn care note: Iowa City begins its leaf vacuuming on Monday, Oct. 14. More information: Leaf vacuuming
The City Council has authorized the creation of a new 11-member Climate Action Commission.
This new Climate Action Commission succeeds a public steering committee which created the City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, adopted in September 2018. After the plan was adopted, the committee continued as a self-governing advisory board. In August 2019, members of the board recommended the creation of a formal City Commission to help address and support the City’s climate objectives.
Commission members’ terms will be three years, with a two-term limit. Two standing members will represent MidAmerican Energy and the University of Iowa, and six members of the self-governing climate advisory board will continue on the new commission. The City Council will appoint three new members to three-year terms. The application process is open now through Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 5 p.m. Interested community members with varied backgrounds and expertise are invited to apply.
The role of the Commission will include advising the City Council on climate issues, analyzing climate actions with attention to equity, and engaging the public on climate and sustainability goals.
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