Council hears sustainability office’s request to extend climate coordinator, funded by federal tax credits

Gina Bell, the city’s director of sustainability, told the Dubuque City Council on April 16 that the sustainability office seeks a one‑year extension of its climate action coordinator position and outlined a package of municipal projects and grants supporting the request. Bell said the extension would be funded using direct‑pay provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, which she described as a tax‑credit mechanism that returns funds to local governments and would leave no net property‑tax impact for residents.

The request comes as part of a broader overview of Sustainable Dubuque work dating to 2006. Bell highlighted recent program activity: the city’s Green Iowa AmeriCorps team has completed 11 home energy audits this year and more are scheduled; the Energy Savers program replaces failing hot water heaters and heating systems for low‑income households; and the Youth Climate Action Fund distributed $130,000 to support 29 youth‑led projects. Bell also described two recommended municipal solar capital projects (library and the Multicultural Family Center) and estimated roughly $20,000 in annual energy savings per site, plus eligibility for a one‑time direct‑pay provision payment of about $90,000 if the projects are started promptly.

Council members pressed Bell and staff for specifics about the coordinator’s duties and measurable outcomes. Bell said the role originated from the Resilient Community Advisory Commission as a limited three‑year position with a defined workplan (three actions per year) and that the coordinator has since led projects including the municipal building energy inventory and grant management for programs such as the Youth Climate Action Fund. Councilmember questions focused on what the coordinator would be expected to accomplish in the coming year and how the city will measure return on investment.

During the exchange Jennifer Larson, the city’s chief financial officer, and other staff acknowledged a wording error in the budget packet that listed a net property‑tax cost for the position. Staff confirmed the position is intended to be funded by the federal direct‑pay tax credit and that the council would not be required to use property taxes for the coordinator’s salary. Mayor Kavanaugh and other members credited staff for securing tax credits that have already returned money to the city.

With questions still outstanding about specific annual targets and metrics, councilmembers asked staff to follow up with written goals for the coordinator role and to correct the budget document wording. The council did not take a final action on the coordinator extension at the April 16 session.