The public is encouraged to join Mayor John Haila and Iowa State University President Dr. Wendy Wintersteen at a Town Hall Meeting focused on creating a Climate Action Plan (CAP) for Ames. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 25, at City Hall City Council Chambers, 515 Clark Ave.

The meeting will be streamed on the City’s Facebook (www.facebook.com/cityofames) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/user/AmesChannel12) pages and from the City’s website at www.CityOfAmes.org/Channel12

Developing a Climate Action Plan for Ames is part of the Ames City Council goal of valuing environmental sustainability, and the City of Ames has completed several preliminary steps toward developing a plan for Ames. The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory, a community-wide baseline for carbon emissions, was completed in 2020. This data provides a foundation from which to build a CAP and community goals for reduction.

Sustainability Solutions Group (SSG) has been hired to facilitate the process. The Ames City Council serves as the project steering committee, and a volunteer, representative Supplemental Input Committee has been appointed to help provide feedback.

As an organization, the City has a long history of implementing environmentally sound choices in operations, equipment purchases, services provided, and policies that guide organizational decision-making. The completed CAP should engage and empower residents, businesses, and institutions toward ownership and responsibility in ensuring a resilient and sustainable future through lowered GHG emissions. More information is available at www.CityOfAmes.org/Sustainability