Climate Action Commission Meeting of April 6, 2026

The City of Iowa City's Climate Action Commission met on April 6, 2026, to discuss several initiatives related to sustainability and climate action. Key procurement-related topics included the upcoming Grow Solar program, which involves selecting solar installers through an RFP process to provide discounted solar installations across a six-county region. The program aims to support local solar businesses and incentivize solar adoption, with a launch planned for late April and installations completed by February 2027. Additionally, the commission reviewed the HERS grant program, which incentivizes builders to achieve energy-efficient home certifications, noting positive outcomes and recommending continuation of the program's current standards. The meeting also covered a new form-based code development project south of town, emphasizing housing diversity and energy efficiency, with the developer participating in the HERS program. The commission discussed potential future investments in energy navigators to assist residents with energy efficiency tools and programs. Members also volunteered to help score climate action grant applications, which will fund local sustainability projects. No direct contract awards were made during the meeting, but several procurement-related programs and partnerships were highlighted for ongoing and future implementation.