Purpose
A Climate Advisory Committee (CAC) will work with City of Cedar Rapids staff to develop an equitable Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) to meet the targets of the City’s Climate Resolution from January 2021 to September 2021.
Agendas, Minutes & Videos
Meeting Schedule
The Climate Advisory Committee meets 1–2 times per month. Meeting announcements will be posted to this page, pursuant to applicable laws. Upcoming scheduled meetings:
- Tuesday, August 31, 2021 (3:00-5:00pm)
Committee Members
Members will serve in their positions from January 2021 through September 2021.
- Ana McClain
- Carter Oswood
- Dennis Rigby
- Jason Snell
- Jean Wiedenheft
- John Zakrasek
- Kelzye Bedwell
- Kristine Sorensen
- Laura Barr
- Mark Weldon
- Megan Crawford
- Mugisha Bwenge
- Rachel Maker
Member Representation
As stated in the Climate Resolution, committee members should represent:
- Energy industry workers
- Energy industry leaders
- Food insecure residents
- Cyclists
- Public transportation riders
- Vulnerable communities
- Sustainable industry leaders
- Sustainability-focused non-profits
- Local industry leaders
- Business community leaders
Timeline
- CAC Meetings: January - September 2021
- Meeting dates are TBD
- Meetings are public and recorded
- Anticipated meeting frequency is 1-2 times per month, 90 minute meetings, via Zoom.
- Attendance is required; absences may occur though should be communicated in advance
Role of Committee
Committee members are appointed by the mayor and approved by Council.
- Members engage with material and information provided by City staff, coming to meetings prepared to ask questions, share perspective, and create a space comfortable for dialogue and learning
- Members care for transparency, understanding of decisions, and importance of all Resolution goals
- Members may help connect with individuals or organizations for further engagement or feedback
- Members may help promote engagement in the plan (events, surveys, meetings, etc.)
- Members may attend events outside of official meetings to help represent the planning process
- Members may need to or wish to conduct self-guided learning or research online
Background
On February 25, 2020, the Cedar Rapids City Council passed a Climate Resolution declaring the urgency for community climate action to meet the following targets (summary, not comprehensive):
- Reduces Greenhouse Gases: Reduces carbon pollution from coal, gas, and oil 45% by 2030; net-zero by 2050; increases renewable energy to 70-80% by 2050
- Increases Resilience: Adapts to Iowa’s top climate hazards--flooding, flash flooding, high heat
- Meets Needs of Vulnerable Residents: Ensures access to clean water, clean air, healthy food, good parks, tree-lined streets, green jobs, and green job training
To learn more
Find more information on the Climate Action page, or contact Sustainability Coordinator, Eric Holthaus, at e.holthaus@cedar-rapids.org or 319-286-5927.
