City outlines early steps to implement Sustainable Urbandale action plan

The Urbandale City Council received an update on the Sustainable Urbandale Action Plan and a new public hub that staff described as a one‑stop place for residents and businesses to find sustainability actions and city initiatives.

John Coniar (staff title not specified) presented the overview and the near‑term implementation plan. “SUEP's main goals are people, renewable energy, net 0 energy buildings, and infill development,” Coniar said, describing roughly 70 action items produced by Iowa State students and the city’s intent to prioritize short‑term items that scored above 0.5 in a ranking exercise.

Why it matters: staff emphasized quick, visible steps to build community awareness and momentum while staff and commissions take longer‑term zoning and policy work to permit and incentivize native plantings.

What the city will do next - urbandale.org/green: Staff completed a public hub at urbandale.org/green as a “single source space” to explain actions residents and businesses can take. Coniar credited city staff Derek and Anna for creating the page. - Native plantings (action item G2): Community Development is researching zoning and best practices to allow or incentivize native plantings by right; staff expect to present a recommendation to the Planning & Zoning Commission in October or November and to city council by December. - Local business renewable‑energy videos (action item E6): Economic development and the Chamber will identify local examples and city marketing and communications will produce one or two short videos by December 2025 to spotlight successful renewable projects. - Pollinator/local flora plan (action item G3): Parks and Rec will draft a plan and pilot one or two sites (with potential Boy Scout participation) into 2026; Scott Hoke of Parks and Rec was cited as coordinating.

Council input and timing Councilmembers asked for follow‑up metrics; one councilmember asked for year‑over‑year numbers for stormwater and rain‑barrel reimbursements to see whether new communications drove increased uptake. Coniar said he would…