 Want to meet others engaged in climate action in Iowa City? Take a deep dive into the City's climate action plan and efforts? Learn more about resources available through the City and help inspire others to get involved? Consider becoming a Climate Ambassador!
Applications are now being accepted for the free training, which runs for 10 weeks from Feb. 10-April 14. Training sessions includes tours, discussions, and activities that provide an up-close look at the City's climate action efforts.
Find more information and apply to the the program by visiting icgov.org/CAambassadors.
 The City’s CDBG Homeowner Rehab is available to assist income eligible homeowners with forgivable loans between $1,000 - $24,999 with home improvement and energy efficiency projects. Eligible improvements include:
- Replacement or upgrade of heating and furnace systems.
- Window replacement (must be Energy Star compliant).
- Insulating and weatherproofing.
This is program is subject to funds availability. For more information and to apply, visit icgov.org/housingrehab.
In addition, Iowa City offers a grant for income-qualified Iowa City homeowners that covers the cost to increase the amount of insulation in their home. For more information and to apply, visit icgov.org/insulate.
The Johnson County Emergency Management Agency's (EMA) app, JoCo Ready, is able to quickly notify users of important public safety announcements, such as snow emergencies, boil advisories, and other time-sensitive notifications.
The free JoCo Ready app combines multiple public safety-related resources in one convenient location, including:
- 511 Iowa road conditions
- County weather conditions
- Alert Iowa mass notification system
- Pulse Point AED locator
- Project Lifesaver, a search-and-rescue initiative for children and adults prone to wandering
To download, iPhone and Android users can go to the Apple Store or Google Play store, respectively, and search for "JoCo Ready."
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Rachel Truitt
Green Iowa AmeriCorps member
How do you take climate action?
When we first moved into our home we got extra attic insulation, which has helped with heating and cooling bills, comfort level in the home, and energy efficiency. I now work with Green Iowa AmeriCorps to spread the word on energy efficiency improvements by doing free home energy audits. My favorite way to take climate action is just living my life knowing I was put here to take care of the earth and all it entails. The biggest things I do are volunteering for organizations that have an environmental focus. In my daily life, we have planted five fruit trees and have a large garden with the waste going into our compost to be reused.
Why is it important to take climate action?
Everything we do now is going to have an effect on my children and future grandchildren. I want them to be able to enjoy going on nature hikes, having clean safe drinking water, and having safe food -- all of which are affected by our choices today.
What can others do to take climate action?
Anyone can take actions, from volunteering with environmental organizations, to putting in a small garden, to weatherizing their home for the summer heat and winter cold. Every little bit helps.
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