HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-04-28 Info Packet
City Council I nformation Packet
April 28, 2022
IP1.Council Tentative Meeting S chedule
May 3 Work Session
IP2.Work Session Agenda
IP3.Social J ustice & Racial Equity Grant Awards [Previously distributed in the 4/19
Agenda Packet]
IP4.Pending City Council Work S ession Topics
Miscellaneous
IP5.Memo from Neighborhood & Development Services Director: A ffordable
Housing Action P lan
IP6.Press Release: J ohnson County Direct Assistance P rogram application process
open through May 23, 2022
IP7.J oint Entities Meeting: A pril 18
IP8.Civil S ervice E xamination: Right of Way Technician - P ublic Works
Draft Minutes
IP9.Ad Hoc Truth & Reconciliation Commission: April 7
IP10.Community P olice Review Board: A pril 12
IP11.Community P olice Review Board: A pril 20
IP12.Human Rights Commission: A pril 26
April 28, 2022 City of Iowa City Page 1
Item Number: 1.
April 28, 2022
Council Ten tative Meeting Sched u l e
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Council Tentative Meeting S chedule
Item Number: 2.
April 28, 2022
Work Session Agen d a
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Work Session Agenda
Iowa City
City Council Work Session Agenda
May 3, 2022 - 4:00 PM
Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
www.icgov.org
Meeting Rules can be found at: icgov.org/meetingrules
You can watch the meeting on cable channel 4 (118.2 QAM) in Iowa
City, University Heights and Coralville, or you can watch it online at
any of the following websites:
• https://citychannel4.com/live
• https://www.youtube.com/user/citychannel4/live
• https://facebook.com/CityofIowaCity
• Discuss HRC Recommendation for Additional Social Justice Racial Equity Grant
Awards
• Discuss Process for Handling ARPA Funding Requests
• Clarification of Agenda Items
• Information Packet Discussion [April 21, April 28]
• University of Iowa Student Government (USG) Updates
• Council updates on assigned boards, commissions, and committees
Item Number: 3.
April 28, 2022
Social Ju stice & Racial Eq u ity G ran t Award s [Previously d istributed in the
4/19 Ag enda Packet]
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Social J ustice & Racial Equity Grant Awards [Previously distributed in the 4/19 Agenda Packet]
Item Number: 16.
April 19, 2022
Resolution Adopting the Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant Allocations for Fiscal Year 2022.
Prepared By:Stefanie Bowers, Human Rights Coordinator
Reviewed By:Geoff Fruin, City Manager
Sue Dulek, Assistant City Attorney
Fiscal Impact:$75,000.00
Recommendations:Staff: Approval
Commission:
The Human Rights Commission by a 5-0 vote recommends to the City Council the following
organizations for funding: Multicultural Development Center of Iowa, Open Heartland, Center for Worker
Justice, Great Plains Action Society, IC Compassion, Houses into Homes, Iowa City Area Chinese
Association.
Attachments:Approved Minutes HRC 2 22 2022
Resolution
Exhibit A
Executive Summary:
The Human Rights Commission recommends full funding for Multicultural Development Center of Iowa, Open Heartland, Center for
Worker Justice, Great Plains Action Society, IC Compassion, Houses into Homes, Iowa City Area Chinese Association for the Social
Justice and Racial Equity Grant for fiscal year 2022.
Background / Analysis:
In 2017, the City Council created the Social Justice and Racial Equity (SJRE) Grant to assist community-based organizations in
building capacity to address social justice and racial equity needs. Seventy-five thousand dollars has been allocated yearly for the
SJRE Grant since fiscal year 2019. The Human Rights Commission has recommended to City Council for the amount to be doubled to
$150,000.
Social justice and racial equity are defined as both a process and a goal. "The goal is full and equal participation of all groups and
individuals in a society that is mutually shaped to meet their needs, allow them to reach their full potential, and limit/decrease barriers.
This definition includes a vision of society that is equitable, and where all members are physically and psychologically safe and secure."
The grant is available to for profit and non profit Iowa City based organizations to fund programs, activities, or services that help
eliminate inequities in the community. The grant has six priority service areas: education, building communities, housing, criminal justice,
health, and employment. Organizations whose programs, services, or activities address one or more of these priorities are considered
first for funding. Applications for the grant were available to apply for from December 1, 2021 to January 7, 2022.
The Human Rights Commission met on February 22 to review the nineteen funding requests. By a vote of 5-0 the Commission
recommends to City Council to fund the below organizations. The total allocation is $75,000.00.
Multicultural Development Center for Iowa (MDC Iowa) has developed a BIPOC Business Accelerator program (INCubate) that
provides an intensive training program designed to accelerate the growth and development of new and existing minority-owned
businesses in Iowa City. MDC Iowa believes that representation matters and continues to lead by example as an organization with Black
leadership, and staff and training delivered by Black, Indigenous, People of Color. Participants in the INCubate program learn business
fundamentals, assess an existing business model or create a new business model canvas, learn about supply chain management,
competitive landscapes, identify distribution channels and partnership opportunities, practice presentation skills, work on presentation
skills, develop a marketing plan, as well as build a 30-60-90-120-day strategic plan. The entire 16-week program is designed to give the
participants the tools required to self-actualize their business dreams using the skills learned during the program.
Open Heartland through participation in the “We Belong” project participants will build self-esteem and a sense of belonging to a new
culture and community. The majority of the adults served by Open Heartland were not able to finish school in their home countries due to
lack of access, the necessity to go to work at a very young age, or poverty. The project programs and activities, all with free childcare
provided, will be accessible to our clients in their native Spanish language at no cost to increase and promote access. The program
activities will impact families by allowing adults and teens opportunities to: improve their abilities to speak and understand English,
[Previously distributed in the 4/19 Agenda Packet ]
activities will impact families by allowing adults and teens opportunities to: improve their abilities to speak and understand English,
participate in community conversation groups with native English speakers, become computer literate, gain understandings about the
US culture, earn their GEDs, learn new skills to contribute to their economic stability and ability to care for their mobile homes that are in
disrepair, and improve their mental health with active involvement in support groups. All We Belong programs are free and will be
facilitated during evenings and weekends when kids are not in school during calendar 2022.
Center for Worker Justice program involves the development of a public computer lab for community members. The computer lab
would have 7 computers for public use, as well as a printer. The lab would offer assistance with filling out/printing forms and applications,
and basic computer literacy training and English classes. The lab will provide a shared learning environment providing workshops and
educational courses in computer literacy, English language, and other educational subjects. Also, the lab will offer knowledge and
assistance to access government assistance programs that contribute to increasing awareness about and reducing illiteracy as a key
factor of social inequities.
Great Plains Action Society will do a one-day Indigenous People’s Day celebration to be held in downtown Iowa City to promote an
Indigenous worldview through a community event that includes traditional music and dance, first foods, and cultural activities. This
celebration will highlight Iowa City’s multicultural efforts through a collaborative effort that aligns with existing organizations and
businesses in the area. It will also encourage city-based efforts to improve the visibility of Native American and Alaskan Native
populations and issues in the area. Indigenous communities in the United States suffer from the highest rates of missing and murdered
people, youth suicide, unemployment, police murders to name a few prominent issues facing our people. It is because we also suffer
from extreme erasure by the government and media that these issues are ignored and largely go unknown by settler descendant
society. Our event programming will increase community cultural awareness and connectedness through activities, education, and
conversations. Our activity falls into the Building Communities, Education, and Health priority areas as it is creating space for Indigenous
Peoples who are historically overlooked in Iowa City. It also takes the first steps to truly celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day in Iowa City,
which provides important historical and anti-racism education, which in the end benefits the mental health and well-being of Indigenous
Peoples in the area.
IC Compassion will create a training café within our facility at IC Compassion. The café, the Jabez Café, is to provide a place for young
adults with disabilities and mental health illnesses to work and gain the skills they need for future job opportunities. Adults with an
intellectual disability often struggle to find work. Many are under-employed or not working at all. The Jabez Café will train individuals 16
years or older, teaching them to live independent lives and provide a place for them to be. It will stimulate a positive environment which
does not focus on the things that they cannot achieve, but those that they can. As with IC Compassion’s mission, the mission of the
Jabez Café is to work with people from multi-cultural backgrounds. The café will not only impact the trainees, but also the community in
which it serves. The café will help to provide awareness of the barriers people with disabilities face and stimulate the local economy
through purchasing and selling of food and coffee.
Houses into Homes will host a Youth Volunteer Academy that will bring together a diverse group of students from across the community
to volunteer, get to know each other, and learn about social justice. Weekly volunteering will be accompanied by a monthly learning
experience (i.e., Maslow’s hierarchy of needs) or restorative circle (i.e., reflecting on your experience today). Students will have a unique
opportunity to participate in learning activities with students from different schools, different racial and ethnic groups, and different socio-
economic backgrounds. Together students will examine historic and current structures and causes of systemic racism and injustice. The
development of the curriculum will be a collaborative effort. Over the summer of 2022, we will form a steering committee of school and
community leaders to develop the curriculum and select speakers for each monthly workshop. School sponsors and Houses into
Homes staff will be responsible for the mini-lessons and reflections.
Iowa City Area Chinese Association will host a Lunar Year Gala. The Gala performance consists of about 12 pieces, including music
performance and dances, such as professional saxophone duet, violin duet, youth string ensemble, Children's Chorus Club, Chinese
Classic Dance Group, Chinese Folk Dance Club, Qipao Club. Themes range from the delicate elegance of different ethnic ladies to
the folk hero of Hong Kong, from the love of parents to the appreciation of kids. Some pieces also touch upon the topic of today’s
China, shedding light on the desire and wishes of modern Chinese. The celebration will benefit not only the Asian families but also help
stop hatred or misunderstanding in the community. We hope to make America a better place and to build Iowa City into a safe and
inclusive community for everyone to live and thrive. The Lunar New Year Gala is a brilliant artistic celebration of Asia's largest holiday.
The rich cultural heritage will be displayed at the annual Lunar New Year Gala and hope to bring good luck to the audience in the year of
the tiger.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Approved Minutes HRC 2 22 2022
Resolution
Exhibit A
Date: April 7, 2022
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Stefanie Bowers, Human Rights Coordinator
Re: Recommendation from the Human Rights Commission
At their February 22, 2022, meeting the Human Rights Commission made the following
recommendation to the City Council:
Multicultural Development Center of Iowa: $10,000.00
Open Heartland: $9,000.00
Center for Worker Justice: $18,000.00
Great Plains Action Society: $5,000.00
IC Compassion: $ 15,000.00
Houses into Homes: $15,000.00
Iowa City Area Chinese Association $3,000.00
Five out of 7 organizations are new to the funding. Motion by Pries, seconded by
Sivanthaphanith. Motion passed 5-0. (Maliabo and Ahmed abstained).
_____________________________________________________________________
Additional action (check one)
__ __No further action needed
_ ___Board or Commission is requesting Council direction
__X__Agenda item will be prepared by staff for Council action
S:RECform.doc
Approved Minutes
Human Rights Commission
February 22, 2022
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Commissioners present: Mark Pries, Tony Sivanthaphanith, Jason Glass, Roger Lusala, Ashley Lindley,
Bijou Maliabo, Ali Ahmed (via Zoom).
Commissioners not present: Sylvia Jons, Siri Bruhn.
Staff present: Stefanie Bowers, Daisy Torres.
Recommendation to City Council: Yes. The Human Rights Commission recommends the following
organizations for funding from the Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant for FY22.
Meeting called to order: 5:32 PM.
Land Acknowledgement: Lindley read the Land Acknowledgement.
Approval of the minutes from the January 25, 2022, meeting: Pries moved, the motion was
seconded by Lusala. Motion passed 5-0. (Ali, Maliabo not present).
Public comment of items not on the agenda: None.
(Ali present 5:39 PM)
Review of Current Commission Subcommittees & Strategic Plan: The Commission will work on strategic
planning at their March or April meeting. The planning sessions will include a discussion of
subcommittees and areas of focus. Staff will work with the Commission to hire a facilitator who can assist
the Commission on their strategic plan.
(Maliabo present 5:41)
Upcoming meetings: The Commission decided to move its March meeting date from the 22nd to the 29th.
Youth Awards: The Youth Awards Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 11th. The location has
changed from the Englert Theatre to the Hilton Garden Inn. Mayor Teague has agreed to provide remarks
at the event. Nomination forms have gone out and staff will reshare that news release with Commission
members. The event will start at 6PM with a reception and the ceremony will start at 7PM sharp.
Proclamation for International Transgender Day of Visibility: Lindley will accept the proclamation on
behalf of the Commission at the March 22nd Council meeting.
Night of a 1000 Dinners: Night of a 1000 Dinners will be held virtually on Tuesday, March 8. The event is a
community celebration of International Women’s Day and is sponsored by the Johnson County United
Nations Association. Three local women led organization (Inside Out Reentry Community, IC Compassion,
Open Heartland) will be recognized and proceeds will be donated to those organizations plus the UN High
Commissioner for Refugees. Maliabo is on the planning committee. Glass has already signed up to attend
and Pries will be signed up by staff.
Social Justice and Racial Equity Grants: The Commission received 20 submissions for the grant for FY22,
one organization withdrew their request. Commissioners Maliabo and Ahmed are not participating in the
grant recommendation this year because they both serve on the Center for Worker Justice Board of
Directors (CWJ) who submitted an application for grant funding.
Staff went over the requirements and rules for the grants. The recommendation to Council for the grants
for FY22 is as follows:
Multicultural Development Center of Iowa: $10,000.00
Open Heartland: $9,000.00
Center for Worker Justice: $18,000.00
Great Plains Action Society: $5,000.00
IC Compassion: $ 15,000.00
Houses into Homes: $15,000.00
Iowa City Area Chinese Association $3,000.00
Five out of 7 organizations are new to the funding. Motion by Pries, seconded by Sivanthaphanith.
Motion passed 5-0. (Maliabo and Ahmed abstained).
The Commission will discuss potential changes to the SJRE grant for FY23 at its April meeting date.
Reports of Commissioners: Maliabo’s daughter was recognized for a climate action certificate. Lindley
noted that February 18 was the 80th anniversary of the Japanese American Internment Camps during
World War 2. Sivanthaphanith spoke on the anti-LGBT bills being introduced in the Iowa legislator. Lusala
has visited local Black owned restaurants to commemorate Black History Month. Pries mentioned
working with the Interfaith Alliance and also events he is participating in related to the 1619 project.
Glass reminded Commissioners of the upcoming MLK Youth Summit scheduled for February 25.
Staff Reports: Torres reported that Kites for Kids will be held in April in Iowa City and also reminded
Commissioners that the peanut butter and jelly donation drive to support CommUnity Crisis Services
and Food Bank ends on February 28.
Adjourned: 6:42 PM.
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2022
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
1/25 2/22 3/22 4/26 5/24 6/28 7/26 8/23 9/27 10/25 11/22 12/27
Jason Glass 2022 P P
Ashley Lindley 2022 P P
Mark Pries 2022 P P
Roger Lusala 2023 P P
Bijou Maliabo 2023 P P
Tony Sivanthaphanith 2023 A P
Siri Bruhn 2024 P A
Sylvia Jons 2024 P A
Ali Ahmed 2024 P P
KEY: P = Present
A = Absent
Item Number: 4.
April 28, 2022
Pen d ing City Cou n cil Work Session Topics
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Pending City Council Work S ession Topics
PENDING CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION TOPICS
April 28, 2022
Other Topics:
1. Consider a plan for rubberized surfacing at park playgrounds and develop strategies to address equity gaps
noted in the Parks Master Plan and plan for the equitable distribution of destination parks within an easy and
safe distance of all residents.
2. Discuss possible changes to residential zoning classifications to allow and/or require a greater diversity of
housing types (i.e. missing middle)
3. Consider establishing a cost of development framework that can help guide decisions on how best to
accommodate future growth
4. Review low-income fare free transit options
5. Review Sunday transit service operational proposal
6. Discuss low-intensity commercial use allowances in residential zones
7. Discuss long-term planning work group priorities
8. Discuss Local Option Sales Tax
9. Discuss a land acknowledgement for City Council meetings
10. Strategic Planning sessions
11. Update from the local childcare coalition
12. Review of Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan
Item Number: 5.
April 28, 2022
Memo from Neig h b orhood & Devel opmen t Services Director: Afford able
Housin g Action Plan
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Memo from Neighborhood & Development Services Director: Affordable Housing A ction Plan
Date: April 21, 2022
To: Geoff Fruin, City Manager
From: Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood & Development Services Director
Re: Affordable Housing Action Plan
Back in November of 2020 the City Council requested staff to create an Affordable Housing
Steering Committee to aid in the development of a new affordable housing plan that builds off
the Affordable Housing Action Plan approved in 2016.
The direction of City Council was to take a deeper look at the City’s current policies and
programs as they relate to affordable housing and consider what changes can be made to
further our efforts to support affordable housing. The City Council also asked the committee to
recommend how the City can further support affordable housing if additional funds were made
available.
The Steering Committee met each month starting in February of 2021. The committee reviewed
Census and City data as it related to affordable housing and then reviewed the City’s existing
programs and policies. After this review, the City initiated public comment through various
avenues. Finally, the committee formulated the attached recommendations for City Council
review.
The committee based their recommendations on three groupings: 1) recommendations for
existing policies and programs; 2) recommendations for development regulations and 3)
recommendations for programs and policies based on household income if additional funding is
made available.
The Action Plan is a result of staff working closely with a volunteer steering committee focused
on addressing affordable housing in Iowa City. We would like to thank all who volunteered their
time, talent, and expertise to strengthen our affordable housing efforts in Iowa City.
If you have any questions, please contact me at 319.356.5244 or tracy-hightshoe@iowa-
city.org.
2022
Iowa City
Affordable
H ousing
ACTION
PLAN
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 2
Acknowledgements
This plan is a result of City staff working closely with a volunteer steering committee focused on
addressing affordable housing in Iowa City. The members working in collaboration with the public and
area stakeholders provided input and feedback critical to the formation of the final plan. Thank you to
all who volunteered their time, talent, and expertise to strengthen our affordable housing efforts in
Iowa City.
Affordable Housing Steering Committee Members
Jessica Andino
Residential Construction
Iowa City Homebuilders Association
Human Rights Commission
Simon Andrew
The Housing Fellowship
Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition
Sara Barron
Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition
Local Homeless Coordinating Board
Manufactured Housing Task Force
Heath Brewer/Scott Hawes
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity
Crissy Canganelli
Shelter House
Local Homeless Coordinating Board
Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition
Denise Fuller
Horizon's Financial Wellness Center
Ellen McCabe
Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County
Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition
Peter Nkumu
Housing & Community Development Commission
Melissa Schooley
Financial Institution
Greater Iowa City Homebuilders Association
Multiple Non-Profit Housing Related Boards
Mark Signs
Realtor
Planning & Zoning Commission
Terry Vargason
Realtor
Property Manager
Ryan Wade
Developer
Property Manager
PREPARED BY THE CITY OF IOWA CITY
Geoff Fruin, City Manager
Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood & Development Services Director
Erika Kubly, Neighborhood Services Coordinator
Danielle Sitzman, Development Services Coordinator
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 3
Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 4
The Process.................................................................................................................................. 5
Definition of Affordable Housing ................................................................................................ 5
2020 Review of Data ....................................................................................................................... 7
Major Takeaways ........................................................................................................................ 7
Summary of the City’s FY2017-2021 Accomplishments ............................................................... 14
Review of Existing City Programs and Policies .............................................................................. 16
Affordable Housing Fund Distribution Formula ........................................................................ 16
Other Programs and Policies ..................................................................................................... 19
Summary of Public Input ............................................................................................................... 25
Forecast of Local Affordable Housing Revenue Streams .............................................................. 26
Affordable Housing Priorities/Goals ............................................................................................. 28
2022 Affordable Housing Recommendations ............................................................................... 28
Existing Policies and Programs .................................................................................................. 28
Development Regulations ......................................................................................................... 32
Programs and Policies Based on Household Income ................................................................ 33
Summary Tables ........................................................................................................................ 38
Appendices .................................................................................................................................... 41
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 4
INTRODUCTION
Affordable housing is a complex issue that impacts every state and community. The ability to afford
market rate housing relies on several factors including, but not limited to, income/wages, educational
opportunities, affordable childcare, health care, including mental health, and the cost of other
necessities. Multiple factors also influence the cost of housing and the ability to produce affordable
housing, therefore, multiple partners will have to be called upon to address our housing challenges.
Like many growing metropolitan areas across the country, the lack of affordable homes for Iowa City’s
low-moderate income residents continues to present a significant problem. In 2019 Iowa City had 1,245
families in poverty and 54% of renters and 16% of homeowners in our urbanized area are considered
either cost burdened or severely cost burdened.
The 2020 certified Census population for Iowa City is 74,828. The projected population for 2030 is
85,068, an increase of 10,240 residents. Correspondingly, the projected metro population for 2030 is
143,153, an increase of 19,788 residents (2015-2019 ACS data). The metro area will need to add more
than 8,800 new housing units for the metro area’s growing population, of which 4,500 will need to be
added in Iowa City. Currently, the urbanized area does not produce enough affordable housing. The
challenge to provide affordable housing for all our residents will be greater as the region’s
population grows.
The City Council requested staff to create a Steering Committee to build off the Affordable Housing
Action Plan approved in 2016. Since 2016, the City completed 14 of the 15 of the action steps identified
in the Plan. The remaining step was to consider regulatory changes to the City’s Code to support
affordable housing. This remaining step is incorporated into the Committee’s recommendations under
development regulations recommendations. Since 2017, the City has created or assisted 1,293
affordable homes.
The City Council directed staff and the Steering Committee to take a deeper look at the City’s current
policies and programs as they relate to affordable housing and consider what changes can be made to
further our efforts to support affordable housing. The City Council also asked the committee to
recommend how the City can further support affordable housing if additional funds were made
available.
This report and its recommendations were created through community collaboration. After nearly a
year of data review, community engagement, feedback in multiple formats, and input from many
sectors, City Staff and the Affordable Housing Steering Committee has produced a set of
recommendations to build off of the Affordable Housing Action Plan adopted in 2016.
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 5
The Process
The committee started by reviewing data from the 2020 MPO Update of the Affordable Housing Market
Analysis, the City’s FY20 Year End Affordable Housing Report and the FY17-21 Summary Housing Tables,
as well as the Iowa City 2019 Fair Housing Choice Study recommendations.
Next, the Committee reviewed the City’s existing programs and policies. The City also initiated public
comment through multiple avenues: American Rescue Plan Act citywide survey and listening post,
outreach activities at Wetherby National Night Out, Fairmeadows Party in the Park, CommUnity Crisis
Services Food Bank distribution, and Iowa City Compassion Food Bank distribution and meetings with
various stakeholders such as the Disability Services Coordinating Committee and University of Iowa
Student Government leadership. The committee received input from the Greater Iowa City Area Home
Builders Association and Iowa City Area Association of Realtors concerning development regulations
impacting affordable housing.
Finally, the Committee formulated recommendations for City Council review. The recommendations
identified are based on a majority consensus; however, some recommendations did not have full
Committee support. In those instances where there were differences of opinion, the concerns
are noted.
Definition of Affordable Housing
Throughout the process, many asked how the City defines affordable housing. Affordable housing is
generally defined as housing in which the occupant pays no more than 30% of gross income for gross
housing costs, including utilities. For most City administered programs, owner-occupied beneficiaries
must be under 80% of area median income and renter households must be under 60% of the area
median income.
The following table identifies how much income a household may receive to qualify for most City and
federally assisted housing programs. When reviewing program beneficiaries, the majority of households
assisted by the City are under 50% of median income.
Household
Size
30%
Median
Income
(MI)
Hourly
Rate
FTE
50%
Median
Income
(MI)
Hourly
Rate
FTE
60%
Median
Income
(MI)
Hourly
Rate
FTE
80%
Median
Income
(MI)
Hourly
Rate
FTE
100%
Median
Income
(MI)
Hourly
Rate
FTE
1 $20,950 $10.07 $34,900 $16.78 $41,880 $20.13 $55,850 $26.85 $69,800 $33.56
2 $23,950 $11.51 $39,900 $19.18 $47,880 $23.02 $63,800 $30.67 $79,800 $38.37
3 $26,950 $12.96 $44,900 $21.59 $53,880 $25.90 $71,800 $34.52 $89,800 $43.17
4 $29,900 $14.38 $49,850 $23.97 $59,820 $28.76 $79,750 $38.34 $99,700 $47.93
Effective 6/1/2021
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 6
Many of the occupations needed by our economy have wages below 80% of median income. The 2018
Bureau of Labor Statistics provides the mean hourly wages for our metropolitan statistical area for
various occupations.
All these occupations would typically fall under
50% of median income. Our labor market relies
heavily on those who need affordable housing.
In addition to these occupations, many elderly
individuals and those with disabilities often
have fixed incomes and need affordable
housing. The National Low-Income Coalition
identifies the rent affordable to those on fixed
income or low wage workers.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides the fair market rents for over
2,500 metropolitan statistical areas (MSA). Fair Market Rent (FMR) is a statistic developed by HUD to determine
payments for various housing assistance programs. FMR is generally calculated as the 40th percentile of gross
rents for regular, standard quality units in a local housing market. This excludes low-quality units, already
subsidized units (public housing) and units that have been built in the last two years. FMR includes core utilities,
like water and power, but doesn’t include internet and other optional services. The FMRs for the Iowa City MSA
are found below:
Occupational Group
Mean
Hourly
Wage
Food Preparation Workers $11.63
Personal Care & Service $12.67
Building Grounds Cleaning & Maintenance $15.42
Healthcare Support $16.90
Sales & Related $16.25
Office & Administrative Support $18.79
Construction $21.86
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 7
Iowa City Metropolitan Statistical Area Rent Limits – Effective 6/1/2021
SRO Efficiency 1 BDR 2 BDR 3 BDR 4 BDR
Fair Market Rent (FMR) $551 $735 $803 $1,036 $1,483 $1,794
HUD Homeownership Sales price limit is $247,000, effective 6/1/2021.
HUD defines affordable housing as rental housing that is rented under the fair market rent by bedroom size and
homes sold for under the HUD maximum sales price limit. These limits can often exceed what those with very
low incomes can afford.
While the focus of this plan is to address housing needs for those with lower incomes, this plan provides
recommendations for households up to 100% of median income. The recommendations extend to those
up to 100% as no one market stands in isolation. Markets are interdependent on each other, whether
that is different income levels or product types. A healthy market allows households to move through
the market at different stages of life. When the market does not supply the product type a household
needs, there can be a break in the system that can impact many different households.
2020 REVIEW OF DATA
Upon reviewing the 2020 MPO Update of the Affordable Housing Market Analysis, the City FY20
Affordable Housing Report, the FY 16-20 Summary Housing Tables and other Census information, there
was data that stood out concerning our housing market and the need for affordable housing.
Major Takeaways
1. Many Iowa City households are cost burdened.
• 4,322 cost-burdened and 8,116 severely cost-burdened renters in the Iowa City
urbanized area in 2019
• 2,742 cost-burdened and 1,252 severely cost-burdened homeowners in the Iowa City
urbanized area in 2019
A household is considered cost burdened when they pay more than 30% of their income on housing
expenses. They are severely cost burdened when they pay more than 50% of income on housing expenses.
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Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-year estimates.
Iowa City is part of an urbanized area including Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, and University Heights.
The entire urbanized area has a lack of affordable housing; however, changes to housing policy in an 23.0%24.0%19.3%17.3%21.9%19.0%15.7%18.6%8.8%20.2%22.1%26.1%41.3%40.7%14.7%16.3%10.5%14.9%35.6%36.4%0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019
Coralville Iowa City North Liberty Tiffin University Heights
Proportion of Cost-Burdened Renters by Jurisdiction
Cost Burdened Severely Cost Burdened
14.2%13.5%12.9%10.8%16.4%8.8%10.6%14.3%8.5%6.5%1.8%3.2%6.8%6.3%5.5%2.5%6.3%5.8%11.3%8.6%0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019
Coralville Iowa City North Liberty Tiffin University Heights
Proportion of Cost-Burdened Owners by Jurisdiction
Cost Burdened Severely Cost Burdened
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individual jurisdiction may have limited impact on the overall housing needs of the community at large
or even have unintended consequences such as limited types of development, reduction of overall
housing supply or increased housing prices. Land developers and homebuilders can adjust where they
develop, type of housing they produce and the price or rent of the finished home due to the regulatory
environment of different political jurisdictions.
Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa, with over 31,000 students. Many of these students report
on the Census as extremely low income. There is often the misconception that Iowa City has such high-
cost burdened numbers solely due to the university students who may have parental support, financial
aid or share living expenses with other students outside family members. Iowa City has over 6,300
households under age 25. When you remove all households under age 25, the typical undergraduate
student, there are still over 9,200 households who would most likely be considered under 50% of
median income and who would struggle with housing costs in our market.
Household Income by Age of Householder
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2015-2019 5-year estimates.
There are 9,237 Iowa City households with householders age 25 or older who make less than $49,999 a
year.
2. Rents in our urbanized market have increased substantially. Coralville, Iowa City and North Liberty
have all had slower growth in income than in housing value.
Rents increased 11.3% in Johnson County between 2014 and 2019 after adjusting for inflation.
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Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-year estimates.
Out of Reach 2021, an interactive website from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, reports that
a household, based on their zip code, must earn at least $19.23 or more to afford a two-bedroom rental
home in our market.
Iowa City Zip Code: 52240 52245 52246
Two Bedroom Housing Wage: $19.23 $21.54 $19.23
One Bedroom Housing Wage: $15.00 $16.73 $15.00
Fair Market Rent for a Two-Bedroom Home $1,000 $1,120 $1,000
Fair Market Rent for a One-Bedroom Home $780 $870 $780
Source: https://reports.nlihc.org/oor
Housing wage is the estimated full-time hourly wage workers must earn to afford a decent rental home at
HUD’s Fair Market Rent while spending no more than 30% of their income on housing costs.
Office and Administrative Support and Food Preparation and Serving industries employ more than one
in five workers in the Iowa City urbanized area. The food services industry had the lowest mean salary of
any sector - $24,928 in 2019. The office and administration industry employs the largest proportion of
workers in the urbanized area at 12%, with a mean salary of $40,137. Employees in each industry would
have a difficult time finding affordable rental housing in the area. The Iowa City FMR is $1,036 for a two-
bedroom unit and $1,483 for a three-bedroom unit (effective 6/1/2021).
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Source: Iowa Wage Survey, 2020 & U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 5-year estimates.
3. The private market does not typically supply housing for households making less than 30% of
median income.
There are 10,628 households in Iowa City with household income less than $29,999. The far majority of
these would be considered under 30% of median income. When you remove householders aged 25 and
under to mitigate student impact, Iowa City has 5,234 households. The rent that is affordable in Iowa
City to these households is sparce or not available without subsidy.
4. The Johnson County housing market is expensive.
The median home value for the state of Iowa is $147,800. Johnson County’s is $227,600, the second
highest in the state.
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5. There is a lack of affordable homes at a price point that support affordable homeownership or
affordable rental rates for those under 50% of median income.
Based on data supplied by the Iowa City Area Association of Realtors for properties identified with an
Iowa City address, there were 113 homes, or 9% of the total, that were sold for less than $150,000 in
2021. More than 54% of the total sold were over $250,000.
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Includes all properties with an Iowa City address - single family, condo attached, income/investment (home where the
owner does not live in the house), condo detached, and zero lot homes.
6. The full impact of the pandemic and economic recovery is not fully known yet.
The impact of the pandemic is not reflected in the ACS Data. We anticipate more households have
reduced incomes and the need for affordable housing has increased. Based on the demand seen from
our housing and non-profit service providers, those with lower paying jobs have been greatly impacted
and many more struggle to meet housing costs.
Forbes Advisor reports that new home construction is getting hampered by the rising cost of building
materials and a severe shortage of labor. This is coupled with an extremely low housing supply. A major
determinant of home price trends is how much supply is available relative to demand. In Iowa City,
while 2021 saw more lots platted than 2020, these two years mark some of the lowest number of single
family lots produced since 2010. Single family lot production in Iowa City has decreased each decade
since at least the 1990s. The president of the Greater Iowa City Home Builders Association reports that
his company is experiencing significant cost increases. A single-family house bid at the end 2020
compared to the same house bid in 2021 has had an increase of 5% for construction and labor costs,
duplexes and townhomes are seeing over a 20% increase in construction and labor costs from 2020 to
2021. Other local single-family builders are reporting increases of 20-30% over last year.
Faced with rising or high housing costs, lower income households are forced to make choices, including:
• Remain in current housing and cut back on critical necessities.
• Consolidate housing with other households (may lead to overcrowding).
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
Iowa City Market Data, No. of Listings -Sold
Iowa City Area Association of Realtors
2019 2020 2021
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• Move to poor quality housing.
• Move multiple times.
• Move to less desired neighborhoods or farther away and experience longer commutes.
• Lose housing altogether.
SUMMARY OF THE CITY’S FY2017 -2021
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In the last five years, the City has invested over $9.8 million in affordable housing initiatives. Funds have
created or assisted more than 1,293 affordable homes including 181 owner-occupants and 1,112 rental
households/homes. This data excludes Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing, and workforce housing
tax credits.
The focus of many of the City’s housing programs since 2020 has been to stabilize the housing situation
for those impacted by the pandemic. The Direct Assistance activity type was added in FY20 for the
pandemic when the City started to offer several programs for eviction and foreclosure prevention as
well security deposit assistance for income eligible households impacted by the pandemic. This category
also includes downpayment assistance.
Summary Table 1: Funds Invested in Affordable Housing FY2017-FY2021
Funding Amount FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY 2021 TOTAL % Owner Rehabilitation $608,650 $422,621 $473,157 $555,739 $296,875 $2,357,042 24%
Acquisition $250,000 $150,000 $350,000 - - $750,000 8%
New Construction $133,332 $35,000 $200,000 - - $368,332 4%
Direct Assistance - - - $53,000 $107,000 $160,000 2%
Subtotal $991,982 $607,621 $1,023,157 $608,739 $403,875 $3,635,374 37% Renter Rehabilitation $72,149 $167,284 $122,085 $136,000 $19,100 $516,618 5%
Acquisition $254,000 $137,000 $448,216 $173,000 $108,000 $1,120,216 11%
New Construction $1,799,872 $338,217 $580,000 $186,000 $725,000 $3,629,089 37%
Direct Assistance - - - $200,000 $738,053 $938,053 10%
Subtotal $2,126,021 $642,501 $1,150,301 $695,000 $1,590,152 $6,203,975 63%
Total $3,118,003 $1,250,122 $2,173,458 $1,303,739 $1,994,028 $9,839,350 100%
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Summary Table 2: Units Created/Assisted through Affordable Housing Investment
FY2017-FY2021
Units Created/Assisted FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY 2021 TOTAL % Owner Rehabilitation 41 28 28 33 20 150 12%
Acquisition 4 3 6 - - 13 1%
New Construction 6 1 5 - - 12 1%
Direct Assistance - - - 2 4 6 0%
Subtotal 51 32 39 35 24 181 14% Renter Rehabilitation 3 12 16 7 26 64 5%
Acquisition 12 7 24 4 8 55 4%
New Construction 88 17 44 11 47 207 16%
Direct Assistance - - - 29 757 786 61%
Subtotal 103 36 84 51 838 1112 86%
Total 154 154 68 123 86 862 1293
Based on the expenditures and beneficiaries over the last five years for City assisted projects, acquisition
and new construction have the highest average per unit cost. These types of projects also typically have
the longest compliance periods that restrict rent and the incomes of those eligible.
Summary Table 3: Average City Assistance per Unit - Affordable Housing FY2017-FY2021
Activity Type Total Spent
FY2017-2021
Units Created/
Assisted Average Unit Cost Owner Rehabilitation $2,357,042 150 $15,714
Acquisition $750,000 13 $57,692
New Construction $368,332 12 $30,694
Direct Assistance $160,000 6 $26,667 Renter Rehabilitation $516,618 64 $8,072
Acquisition $1,120,216 55 $20,368
New Construction $3,629,089 207 $17,532
Direct Assistance $938,053 786 $1,193
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REVIEW OF EXISTING CITY PROGRAMS AND POLICIES
Affordable Housing Fund Distribution Formula
For the last three fiscal years (FY20-22), the City has allocated $1,000,000 general fund dollars to an
Affordable Housing Fund. The City distributes these funds based on a distribution formula approved by
City Council in June 2016, and revised July 2019:
• 70% to the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County (HTFJC), at least 20% designated for LIHTC
projects
• 7.5% to Opportunity Fund
• 7.5% to Healthy Homes Program
• 10% to programs that assist low-income households secure housing
• 5% reserved for emergent situations
Accomplishments for these funds are listed below.
Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County (HTFJC)
Income Maximum: 80% MI (LIHTC must be below 60% MI)
Type of Housing: Rental or Owner (LIHTC is rental housing)
The Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County (HTFJC), a local non-profit organization, is allocated 70% of
the Affordable Housing Fund dollars. The distribution formula requires that at least 20% of the funds
received must be designated for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects.
Funds are awarded to projects on a quarterly basis through the HTFJC’s Revolving Loan Program.
Projects must be in Iowa City’s corporate limits, serve residents at or below 80% AMI, and comply with
the City’s Affordable Housing Location Model. Similarly, the HTFJC administers funds to support LIHTC
projects in Iowa City that serve households at or below 60% AMI. HTFJC may use up to 8% of the funds
for administrative expenses.
The funds provided to the HTFJC are pooled together with multiple funding sources including Johnson
County, the State Housing Trust Fund and LITHC funding from the Iowa Finance Authority to expand
affordable housing opportunities in Johnson County. Funds are used to address priority needs and often
can fill gaps not covered by other housing programs. The majority of funds for housing projects are in
the form of no or low interest loans that are repaid to the HTFJC for continued investment into more
affordable housing projects. While they can fund projects serving households up to 80%, based on prior
reports, the far majority of households served have much lower incomes.
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The Shelter House 501 project received $725,000 in affordable housing fund dollars. Modeled after the
successful Cross Park Place project, this housing first project was awarded allocations of $250,000 in
FY20 and $475,000 in FY21. The project will provide 36 units of permanent supportive housing to people
who are chronically homeless. All individuals will have incomes below 30% AMI. The project is
anticipated to be completed in 2022.
The FY21 LIHTC set-aside in the amount of $190,000 was awarded to the NEX Senior Apartments
project. The project will have a total of 46 units targeted to households below 30% AMI and 60% AMI.
The project was not allocated tax credits during the 2021 9% LIHTC funding round; however, the Iowa
Finance Authority (IFA) is considering a 4% LIHTC award paired with ARPA funds. IFA is waiting to make a
final award to this project based on guidance from the U.S. Treasury for ARPA funds. The Housing Trust
Fund Board will determine how long they will hold these funds if a decision is not made in the
foreseeable future.
HTFJC reports project accomplishments each July for the previous fiscal year. Their annual report is
provided to City Council for review.
Opportunity Fund, Formerly the Land Banking Fund (7.5%)
Income Maximum: Based on request
Type of Housing: Based on request
The Opportunity Fund is available for any housing opportunity that becomes available that supports the
City’s housing goals and is approved by City Council. The Fund allows the City Council the flexibility to
take advantage of housing opportunities that arise during the year. Balances remaining at the end of the
fiscal under the following categories revert to the Opportunity Fund: Healthy Homes, Secure Housing
and Emergent Situations. The current balance in this fund is $546,114.
Policy Impact to Date: In FY21, the Opportunity Fund was used to respond to the pandemic to access
emergency housing assistance through agreements with Center for Worker Justice and Shelter House
which served 182 households.
In FY20 the City spent $204,000 to purchase Lot 10 in the Lindemann Subdivision, Part 8, for the future
construction of six affordable townhomes. It is hoped the City can work with a developer to combine
this lot with vacant lots in various neighborhoods for a future Low Income Housing Tax Credit Project
(LIHTC) for families.
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Healthy Homes Program (7.5%)
Income Maximum: 80% MI
Type of Housing: Owner or Rental
Healthy Homes is a continuation of the City’s Invest Health initiative which aims to reduce health
disparities for residents living in neighborhoods with higher rates of poverty. The program provides a
grant of up to $7,500 per household for the repair/replacement of items that contribute to poor indoor
air quality. Projects might include repairing plumbing to stop moisture damage, adding or replacing an
air conditioner to control moisture and air quality, or replacing carpeted areas with luxury vinyl plank
flooring. To qualify, households must be under 80% AMI and include a member diagnosed with a lung
disorder such as asthma or COPD. Preference is given to households with a child who has been
diagnosed with asthma.
The program is offered in partnership with the University of Iowa College of Nursing, which provides
health education to applicants to self-manage their condition and maintain a healthy home. The Iowa
City Free Medical Clinic also partners with the program to provide smoking cessations programs to those
interested and mattress encasements when needed.
Program Impact to Date: Twelve projects have been completed and three more are underway. Due to
COVID, projects have experienced some delays, but assessments have resumed.
Income Data:
<30% MI – 7 Households
31-60% MI – 3 Households
61-80% AMI – 2 Households
Type of Housing – 8 Rental, 4 Owner-Occupied
Race/ethnicity not collected.
Secure Housing Programs (10%)
Income Maximum: 50% MI
Type of Housing: Rental
Of the total amount available under the distribution formula for this activity, 70% is allocated for
security deposit assistance. The City entered a partnership with CommUnity Crisis Services and Food
Bank, a local non-profit organization, to administer a security deposit assistance program for households
under 50% of area median income, with preference for those under 30% median income. The maximum
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CITY OF IOWA CITY 19
assistance is limited to the amount of the required security deposit. In FY21, an additional $35,000 in
local COVID relief funds were allocated to this program.
Program Impact to Date: In FY21 the program assisted 99 households secure housing.
30% of the funds available under the distribution formula for this activity is dedicated to a landlord risk
mitigation program that is to be developed. The City plans to work with the Johnson County Local
Homeless Coordinating Board to establish a risk mitigation program with a $30,000 contribution. Funds
would be available for uncovered damages or loss of rent to encourage landlords to rent to difficult to
house tenants. Efforts have been delayed due to the demand for other housing programs such as
eviction prevention, rapid rehousing and security deposit assistance. In FY22, the $30,000 for this
program was reallocated to security deposit assistance. The City will work with the Local Homeless
Coordinating Board to establish this program when time and staffing allow.
Emergent Situations (5%)
Income Maximum: Based on request
Type of Housing: Based on request
The fund is used for low-income households with unanticipated housing costs due to actions not within
their control. Previous assistance was given to tenants displaced due to the redevelopment of the Rose
Oaks multi-family property, relocation assistance to Hawkeye Trailer Court residents to relocate to other
permanent housing, and the winterization of Forest View mobile homes. In FY21 funds were again used
for winterization of mobile homes in Forest View as well as emergency assistance and an Eviction
Diversion Program. If a balance remains at the end of the year, it is applied to the Opportunity Fund.
Other Programs and Policies
Affordable Housing Location Model Policy
City Council adopted the Affordable Housing Location Model (AHLM) in 2011 to determine where new
housing assisted with City funds including CDBG/HOME could be located. The model has three goals:
1. Not further burdening neighborhoods and elementary schools that already have issues related
to a concentration of poverty.
2. Having diverse neighborhoods in terms of range of incomes.
3. Determining the views of the Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD) on the affordable
housing issue.
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CITY OF IOWA CITY 20
Housing projects receiving city funding cannot be located within elementary school districts with higher
than 50% free and reduced lunch rates, within 400 feet of two or more existing subsidized units, or
areas with crime densities in the 95th percentile. Exceptions to these criteria include owner-occupied
housing, rental rehabilitation, or units designated for the elderly or people with disabilities. The
Riverfront Crossings District is also exempt as this area is subject to an Affordable Housing Requirement.
The model criteria were updated in 2017 and the map is updated annually by staff.
Policy Impact to Date: Since the model was created, the City has not subsidized any new housing that is
subject to the policy in prohibited elementary districts.
Annexation Policy
Income Maximum: Based on request
Type of Housing: Based on request
The annexation policy was adopted in July of 2018. The policy states that if the annexation is for
residential development that will result in the creation of ten (10) or more new housing units, the
development will support the City’s goal of creating and maintaining the supply of affordable housing.
Such support shall be based on providing affordable units equal to 10% of the total units in the annexed
area with an assurance of long-term affordability, preferably for a term of not less than 20 years. Income
targets shall be consistent with the City’s existing program requirements.
Under the policy, the developer completes an affordable housing application before building permit
issuance. The developer can meet the requirement through various methods, including, but not limited
to, onsite development of affordable housing, transfer of lots/units to the City or an affordable housing
provider; fee-in-lieu paid to the City’s affordable housing fund; and/or participation in a state or federal
housing program.
Policy Impact to Date: There has been one qualifying annexation since policy adoption. An affordable
housing agreement was entered for the Community View subdivision, which is located off American
Legion Road west of Scott Boulevard. The agreement requires 17 on-site affordable rental units with a
compliance period of 20 years. Construction started on the subdivision in 2021.
City Housing Programs
Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation
Income Maximum: CDBG/HOME, 80% MI, GRIP, 110% MI
Type of Housing: Owner
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The City offers two rehabilitation programs paid through either federal Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) and/or HOME Funds and City general funds. CDBG/HOME funds zero-interest loans and/or
grants to income-eligible homeowners to aid in making repairs to their homes. The program assists to
maintain the City’s affordable housing stock and preserves neighborhoods. The General Rehabilitation
and Improvement Program, GRIP, provides low-interest loans to help homeowners make improvements
as well but allows owners to have a slightly higher income and allows more types of projects, such as
garage additions not allowed under the federal regulations.
Program Impact to Date: $156,503 in CDBG and HOME funds were spent in FY21 on owner-occupied
rehabilitation projects serving 15 low-income homeowners.
CDBG/HOME Competitive Housing Programs
Income Maximum: 60% MI Rental, 80% MI Owner
Type of Housing: Rental or Owner
Iowa City receives federal CDBG/HOME dollars annually to fund a wide range of activities including
building, buying, and/or rehabilitation of affordable housing for rent or homeownership.
Funds are made available to housing providers each year through a competitive application process.
While rental beneficiaries must be below 60% of median income and homeowners below 80% of median
income, most program beneficiaries have much lower incomes.
Program Impact to Date: In FY21, $393,552 in HOME funds were spent to assist 31 low-income
households with affordable rental or homeownership opportunities. These projects also leveraged over
$1.3 million in non-federal dollars.
Annual program accomplishments may be found in the City’s Consolidated Annual Performance and
Evaluation Report (CAPER) on the City’s website at www.icgov.org/actionplan.
Rent Abatement for Emergency Orders Policy
Income Maximum: NA
Type of Housing: Rental
Rent abatement is an enforcement tool used to protect tenants from the financial impact of property
owners not addressing housing code violations. Rent abatement is used when landlords have been
negligent in addressing housing code violations such as no rental permit and loss of a critical service
such as heat or water. The violation directly impacts the tenants, however requiring the unit to be
vacated would place an undue burden on the tenant.
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Please note: Rent abatement must be initiated by the City’s Senior Housing Inspector. It is important
that tenants don’t stop paying rent unless they have a written rent abatement notice issued by the City
as they risk eviction for non-payment of rent otherwise.
Policy Impact to Date: The Council approved the code change in October of 2017. The City has issued
four rent abatement orders to date—three for no rental permits and one for a serious electrical issue.
While the City has used the tool sparsely, the tool has been very effective in achieving compliance with
the housing code.
Riverfront Crossings Affordable Housing Requirement Policy
Income Maximum: 60% MI Rental, 110% MI Owner
Type of Housing: Rental or Owner
The Riverfront Crossings zoning ordinance requires any development containing ten or more dwelling
units on land zoned a riverfront crossings zoning designation to provide affordable housing units in an
amount of at least 10% of the total dwelling units for a period of ten years. This can be achieved by
onsite owner-occupied affordable housing, onsite affordable rental housing, a fee-in-lieu contribution to
an affordable housing fund, off-site affordable housing, and/or contribution of land. Upon rezoning,
property owners enter into an affordable housing agreement outlining how they will meet this
requirement. Funds received from fee-in-lieu payments are restricted for use within the Riverfront
Crossings District.
The fee-in-lieu amount is adjusted every other year based on a formula that analyzes the difference
between renting a market rate unit and renting a dwelling unit affordable to an income-qualified
household for a period of ten years. The fee is currently $112,853 per unit.
Policy Impact to Date:
• Created 46 onsite affordable housing units in the Riverfront Crossing District
• Fee-in-lieu was paid for 11 units.
• Generated $981,950 in fee-in-lieu contributions as of December 31, 2021. Amount includes
fees collected for units out of compliance.
District Specific Programs
Income Maximum: UniverCity 140% MI - has varied since 2011, South District 80% MI
Type of Housing: Owner
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The UniverCity Program created homeownership opportunities in neighborhoods near downtown Iowa
City and the University of Iowa campus. The program focused on areas that retain a single-family
character and a demand for single family housing, but that also have a large renter population.
UniverCity Program Impact to Date: Since 2011, 70 homes were purchased, renovated, and sold
through the program. Over $3.5 million in rehabilitation dollars were invested in these properties.
In FY20, Neighborhood Services replicated the UniverCity Program model to create the South District
Homeownership Program. The City purchases duplexes in the Taylor Drive/Davis Street area. The homes
are rehabilitated and sold to income eligible homebuyers, with preference given to residents of the
neighborhood. The City’s rehabilitation dollars are provided as a forgivable loan and the City uses
federal HOME downpayment assistance to reduce the funds needed by the homebuyer to purchase the
home. The City applies through the competitive CDBG/HOME funding process to secure downpayment
assistance for the homes.
South District Program Impact to Date:
• Eleven duplexes (22 units) have been purchased by the City for participation in the South
District program.
• Three units have been renovated and sold to homebuyers who were previous residents of
the neighborhood. Monthly housing costs were under $600/month for these homes.
• Three units are currently under renovation and will be sold to income qualified buyers upon
completion.
• Eight additional duplexes were purchased in FY22. Several units are currently occupied.
Once units are voluntarily vacated, they will be rehabilitated and sold for affordable
homeownership.
The City is partnering with Kirkwood Community College and the Home Builders Association –
Vocational Training Council to provide workforce development in the construction trades for Iowa City
Community School District (ICCSD) students and women. ICCSD students assisted at 2021-2023 Taylor
Drive this past spring with various residential remodeling (shed construction, painting, siding, and
cabinet, trim, and door installation). The first Residential Construction Confidence Course for Women
started on January 8, 2022. The class provides up to 15 women with an opportunity to learn important
residential remodeling and construction skills including, but not limited to, demolition, kitchen
remodeling, replacing trim, flooring and doors and basic plumbing. The City hopes to continue these
partnerships when there are vacant homes planned for rehabilitation.
Tax Exemption for Affordable Rental Housing Policy
Income Maximum: 40% MI
Type of Housing: Rental
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The City Council approved a tax exemption policy in October of 2019 to incent the construction of
affordable multi-family housing. A 40% tax exemption, for 10 years, is provided on all units in a
residential development of over six units. To be eligible, at least 15%, but not more than 20%, of the
total units must be leased to households under 40% median income. The rent is limited to what a
household at 40% of median income can afford minus the estimated utility allowance for tenant paid
utilities.
Policy impact to date: The City has received no applications for this program. The program may be a
good fit with the Iowa Finance Authority’s 4% LIHTC program. Developers have approached the City
about its use, but none have applied to date.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Policy for Residential Development
Income Maximum: 60% MI Rental, 110% MI Owner
Type of Housing: Rental or Owner
The policy requires that a project in any urban renewal area with a residential component that receives
tax increment financing must provide a minimum of 15% of the units as affordable to tenants at or
below 60% AMI (area median income) for 20 years. If those housing units are for sale, units will be
targeted to households at or below 110% AMI. Developers may be eligible to negotiate a fee-in-lieu of
providing on site affordable housing, or to provide affordable housing elsewhere in the community,
subject to the City’s sole discretion.
If a developer in the Riverfront Crossings District applies for TIF, any financial gap due to affordable
housing created by the RFC zoning requirement is the responsibility of the developer. The affordable
housing above the 10% requirement in RFC could be TIF eligible if the financial analysis determines
a gap.
Policy impact to date:
• Created 26 units of affordable housing.
• An additional 11 units were purchased by the City for permanent affordable housing as a
part of the Augusta Place and the Chauncey development agreements. Of these, 5 units
were placed in the City’s public housing program and 6 units are managed by the City as
permanent affordable housing opportunities.
• Generated $1,805,648 in fee-in-lieu contributions from the Tailwinds project in February of
2021. Applied $1,520,000 to the purchase of eight duplexes as part of the South District
Homeownership program this past summer.
• It is anticipated that the TIF development agreement for Foster Road, approved on
7/17/2018, will generate approximately $2 million for affordable housing over 10 years. The
City anticipates collecting $123,210 in FY22 for affordable housing. The amount will
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CITY OF IOWA CITY 25
fluctuate based on values and rates, but with more construction the values will increase.
The funds generated can be used citywide and must be used for affordable housing.
SUMMARY OF PUBLIC INPUT
The City completed extensive outreach to determine priorities and actions to support affordable
housing. Neighborhood and Development Services staff initiated public outreach specific to affordable
housing while the City Manager’s Office initiated a multi-phase public input process to get input on how
the City should spend the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which provides significant resources
to state and local governments to respond to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Iowa City was
allocated $18.3 million.
ARPA efforts included:
• An online survey that received over 1,800 responses
• Listening sessions and staff attendance at neighborhood events (summer 2021)
• City Boards, Commissions, Committees and Neighborhood Associations invited to share
ideas
• Translated informational flyers and survey links shared with non-profit and social service
agencies
• Meetings with targeted stakeholders such as Catholic Worker House, Agency Impact
Coalition, Open Heartland, Iowa Flood Center and community and economic development
organizations
The most common suggestions heard through the APRA outreach process, as related to housing, include
direct financial assistance to those in need who did not receive direct federal stimulus checks and
unemployment benefits, investments in long-term affordable housing solutions, and rent, eviction, and
foreclosure assistance.
Neighborhood and Development staff led public outreach efforts related to primarily affordable housing
over the summer that included outreach activities at Wetherby National Night Out, Fairmeadows Party
in the Park, CommUnity Crisis Services and Iowa City Compassion food bank distribution days and
meetings with University of Iowa Student Government representatives and the City Manager’s Disability
Services Coordinating Committee. The minutes of the meetings are attached in the Appendix.
Approximately 125 residents from the park activities and the food bank distribution sites completed an
activity that asked them “If the City were to invest additional funds for housing, what would help your
household’s situation best?” 15 choices were presented. The top five answers can be viewed in the
following chart.
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Wetherby National Night Out 8-3-21 Fairmeadows Party in the Park 8-19-21 CommUnity - Food Bank 8-31-21 IC Compassion - Food Bank 9-23 & 9-29 Total Affordable housing for low-moderate income
households (owner-occupied or rental)
18 8 24 27 77
Affordable housing for seniors or those with
disabilities
10 10 14 18 52
Downpayment assistance to purchase a home 16 9 9 11 45
Financial counseling to improve credit to buy or rent
a home
22 7 2 12 43
Utility (gas, electric, and/or water) assistance 12 6 9 12 39
Full results can be found in the Appendix.
Input concerning development regulations to support affordable housing was sought from the Greater
Iowa City Area Home Builders Association and the Iowa City Area Realtors Association. Their letters can
be found in the Appendix.
FORECAST OF LOCAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING
REVENUE STREAMS
The City has various options to pursue for ongoing financial support for affordable housing initiatives.
The City will receive $18.3 million in American Rescue Plan funds and close to $1.8 million in HOME-ARP
funds. The Council may direct a portion of these funds for affordable housing, but it would be a one-
time allocation. The City may pursue the following sources for ongoing support. The note section
identifies any special considerations.
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SOURCE ANNUAL REVENUE NOTES
Local Option
Sales Tax
$8-14 million Requires a public referendum and neighboring
community support. State law now requires that 50% of
revenue be applied for property tax reduction. Funds
could be coupled to address other needs (roads, parks,
public facilities, etc.)
Utility
Franchise
Fee
$900,000 per every 1%
increase (up to 4%
increase possible)
Requires City Council vote. The City currently charges 1%
and state law allows up to 5%.
GO Bond $100,000-$1,000,000+ Requires City Council approval in the annual budget
process and competes directly with other capital needs
including roads, parks, trails, and public facilities.
Increased bonding will push property tax rates up and the
City would pay interest on each issue thus increasing
project cost. Amount eligible to bonded will vary based
on type of project pursued. May necessitate additional
annual operating dollars depending on scope of project.
Emergency
Property Tax
Levy
Up to $1.3 million Requires City Council approval in the annual budget
process. Currently, most of this capacity is dedicated to
fund Climate Action efforts. The levy can be adjusted
from year to year.
Tax
Increment
Financing
(TIF)
Varies based on district District wide increment can be used to support affordable
housing projects in the same urban renewal area.
Supporting a new residential development can support
citywide affordable housing efforts if the URA is based on
economic development – non LMI residential area.
Residential TIF limited to 10 years.
• Foster Road TIF will generate $123,210 in FY22
for affordable housing (will generate $1.2-2
million over life of TIF – 10 years).
• Tailwinds paid a fee in lieu of $1,805,648 to be
used for citywide affordable housing (applied to
purchase of 8 duplexes in the South District
program)
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AFFORDABLE HOUSING PRIORITIES/GOALS
The City Council’s Strategic Plan objectives include fostering healthy neighborhoods and affordable
housing throughout the City. The City strives to do this through:
1. Investing City and federal CDBG/HOME funds to create and/or preserve affordable homes, both
rental and owner-occupied housing throughout the City;
2. Supporting our most vulnerable residents, especially those experiencing homelessness or at risk
of homelessness, maintain safe, affordable housing;
3. Ensuring equitable growth for all Iowa City residents and minimizing displacement; and
4. Supporting innovation in housing and streamlining processes.
2022 AFFORDABLE HOUSING RECOMMENDATIONS
The City has broad powers to support affordable housing through various requirements and funding
mechanisms. The City is willing to pursue courses of action to support affordable housing, except when
legally prohibited. For example, in the state of Iowa, cities cannot institute rent control. Cities are also
preempted by state law from regulating the provisions in a lease between a landlord and a tenant.
In 2016 the City of Iowa City adopted an ordinance to protect source of income. The measure prohibited
landlords from rejecting housing applicants based solely on their use of housing vouchers or other rental
subsidies. The purpose of the Iowa City Human Rights ordinance amendment was to reduce housing
discrimination and give all tenants the same consideration for housing. In 2021 the state prohibited
cities from passing or enforcing “source of income” ordinances. Any city who adopted a source of
income protection may not enforce it after January 1, 2023.
The City will continue to work with our various partners to support and encourage affordable housing
with the mechanisms and funding sources available to municipalities in Iowa.
The Committee’s recommendations for City Council consideration are broken down into three sections:
Recommendations for existing policies and programs, recommendations for development regulations
and recommendations for programs or policies based on household income.
Existing Policies and Programs
The Affordable Housing Steering Committee reviewed the City’s current policies and programs. Most
programs were found to be effectively increasing or preserving the supply of affordable housing;
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however, six recommendations were made to either enhance or make the policy or program more
effective.
1. Affordable Housing Location Model
The model currently aims to distribute subsidized affordable housing more evenly throughout the
community and avoid overconcentration in any one neighborhood. While the intent of the model is a
worthy goal, the model can restrict supply for much needed affordable housing projects. The committee
recommends shifting from a restrictive model to one that incentivizes or prioritizes affordable housing
projects in all neighborhoods, especially those neighborhoods with a lack of affordable housing options
but does not go so far as to restrict supply of potential locations.
If the model is discontinued, it is recommended that there be close monitoring of changes in affordable
housing locations within the community. Achieving mixed-income neighborhoods throughout the City
should continue to be an overall goal.
Recommendation: Discontinue Affordable Housing Location Model and consider incentives or
prioritization policies that encourages affordable housing in all neighborhoods.
2. Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC) Funding Allocation Process
The Committee observed that the current funding process for housing projects does not involve detailed
staff analysis of applications. Staff have years of professional experience and often understand the
funding sources and regulatory environment much more comprehensively than volunteer
commissioners. The Committee recommends that the funding process be restructured to ensure staff
scoring recommendations are provided upfront to the HCDC. Their recommendations should be
considered during the review process to ensure the City is supporting viable, federally compliant
projects that meet the City’s priorities for the entire length of the required affordability period.
Ultimately, the HCDC can still make alternate recommendations to the City Council but the process will
be enhanced by inviting this input from the outset.
Furthermore, policy should be developed upfront as to how funds will be allocated to further improve
transparency in decision-making (e.g., full funding to top-rated applications, or applications will be pro-
rated, or partial funding to applicants based on scores, etc.). The Commission’s final review and ranking
should be based on objective and established criteria, priorities, and data. Discrepancies with staff
scores should be included in the final recommendations to the City Council.
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Recommendation: 1) Require staff analysis and funding recommendations before HCDC review; and 2)
Further define how funds will be allocated to improve transparency (e.g. full funding for top-rated
applications, partial funding based on scores, etc.)
3. Affordable Housing Fund Distribution
The overall funding should be increased with consideration given to the budget with a goal of a 3%
increase each year.
• Allow for greater flexibility in targeted use of funds, for example:
o Prioritize deeply affordable housing (0-30%) but do not restrict to only those at that
income.
o Include Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funding with the Housing Trust Fund of
Johnson County (HTFJC) allocation. However, set as a preferred use but not
restricted/required. If funding is awarded to a LIHTC project and the project does not
get funding from the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), allow HTFJC to withdraw the award
and make those funds available for general applications rather than waiting for the next
LIHTC cycle.
• Maintain Security Deposit Assistance and implement a Risk Mitigation Fund. Typically, Risk
Mitigation Funds cover landlord losses, up to a certain value, but may also include a connection
to resources such as tenant/landlord education, credit repair, etc. to increase rental
opportunities for households who have difficulty finding a landlord who will accept them due to
criminal history, bad credit, bad landlord references, and/or a prior eviction history.
• Increase marketing and communications of availability of the different funds.
• Periodically review (every 5 years as part of the Consolidated Plan for Housing, Jobs and Services
for Low-Income Residents) the affordable housing fund distribution to ensure the set-asides
produce/contribute to the desired policy outcomes.
• Prioritize partnerships with not-for-profit affordable housing developers to preserve affordable
units as their mission is centric to preserving affordability.
Recommendation: 1) Allocate funds to the Affordable Housing fund with a goal of a 3% annual
increase; 2) Include the LIHTC reservation with the HTFJC allocation. If no LIHTC projects apply during
the annual allocation or if an approved LIHTC project does not get IFA funding, allow the HTFJC to
make those funds available for general applications; 3) Implement the Risk Mitigation Fund; and 4)
Enact policy that prioritizes partnerships with not-for-profit affordable housing
developers/organizations to preserve affordable housing units.
4. Support of Non-Profit Housing Provider Capacity
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Typically, developers receive a developer fee to build or rehabilitate housing projects. This fee is only
received if a project is funded. Funds, including operational funds and developer fees, should be
provided on a regular basis to non-profit affordable housing providers who build and/or rehabilitate
residential housing as long-term investments to build the capacity of local providers. This could include
technical assistance in various areas such as housing finance, market analysis, legal issues, property
management, green and/or sustainable building practices and affordable housing design.
Financial assistance for architectural and engineering expenses for the development of multi-family
affordable development, outside of LIHTC projects, is needed to support the development of
townhomes, small apartment buildings, and the rehabilitation of existing multi-family developments.
The City should increase access by non-profit affordable housing developers to various funding
opportunities to incorporate green or sustainable housing practices.
Recommendation: Allow non-profit affordable housing developers who build or rehabilitate
residential housing to apply for additional funds to support ongoing operations; and 2) Allow
developers of affordable housing to apply for technical assistance needs from a variety of City
programs, including but not limited to, the Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund and Climate Action
grants.
5. Annexation Policy
The current policy has only applied to one annexation and thus drawing conclusions is difficult. Staff and
some committee members have concerns about the cost implications and viability of requiring
permanent affordable housing or greater percentages and compliance periods. This is particularly a
concern in a regional housing market where outlying communities that are experiencing robust growth
do not have similar policies. Too stringent requirements could have an unintended impact of pushing
development into other jurisdictions and thus forgoing any affordable housing requirements and
constraining supply in Iowa City.
The Committee does believe that permanent affordable housing achieved through dedication of lots to
the City or a non-profit housing provider is a goal that should be vigorously pursued with future
annexations. If needed, the City should consider contributing funding or exploring unique partnerships
such as tax increment financing or tax abatement to achieve the goal of permanent affordable housing
in new residential annexations.
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Recommendation: Encourage, but not mandate permanent affordable housing in new residential
annexations. With future annexations explore partnerships and funding opportunities to secure
permanent affordability when possible.
6. General Education
Increase efforts to educate all tenants about tenant rights and responsibilities and how to address
housing code problems, perceived discrimination, or other matters most effectively.
Recommendation: Increase efforts to educate all tenants about tenant rights and responsibilities and
how to address housing issues.
Development Regulations
Development regulation is an umbrella term for rules that govern land development. At the local level,
zoning is the way the government controls the physical development of land and the kinds of uses to
which each individual property may be put. This includes the use, size, height, and design of buildings,
and historic preservation requirements. These regulations are contained in the Code of Ordinances of
the City of Iowa City as laws adopted by the City’s Legislative body the Iowa City Council.
The following are recommended changes to the current land-development regulations to increase the
diversity and supply of housing throughout the City:
1. Increase the allowable number and/or type of dwelling units in zoning districts previously limited
to only free-standing single-family dwellings.
For example:
• In Single-Family zoning districts, expand by-right building allowances to permit attached
single-family dwellings, such as duplexes and zero-lot line structures, in more locations.
• Allow accessory dwelling units in more circumstances and locations. To support student
housing, consider ADU’s associated with rental housing (expand from owner-occupied).
• Increase the allowable number of bedrooms per dwelling (duplex and attached single-
family).
2. Facilitate multi-family dwelling development.
For example:
• Continue to look for opportunities to purchase land for future resale/development.
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• Conduct a City-initiated rezoning to allow multi-family housing or mixed use in areas
supported by the Comprehensive Plan and served by transit.
• Reduce the minimum amount of land needed to qualify for a planned overlay
district/planned development.
3. Increase the allowable number of bedrooms per dwelling in multi-family dwellings outside of the
University Impact Area.
Various state and federal housing programs incentivize housing developments that include units
with more than three bedrooms to accommodate large families. Allow larger bedroom sizes to
accommodate local, state and federal funding parameters.
4. Create Form Based Code regulations for additional neighborhoods, focusing on growth areas first
and then infill locations.
Recommendation: 1) Increase the allowable number and/or type of dwelling unit in single family
zoning districts by right in more locations. Examples include ADUs, duplexes and zero-lot line
structures. 2) Increase the allowable number of bedrooms in duplex and zero-lot line structures in
single family zoning districts; 3) Facilitate multi-family development by purchasing land to be
developed; 4) Conduct a City initiated rezoning to allow multi-family housing or mixed use in areas
supported by the Comprehensive Plan; 5) Allow multi-family units with more than three bedrooms
when required to meet local, state or federal affordable housing funding parameters such as the LIHTC
program; 6) Encourage infill development flexibility by reducing the minimum amount to land eligible
to apply for a planned overlay zoning; and 7) Create form based code regulations for additional
neighborhoods, focusing on growth areas first and then infill locations.
Programs and Policies Based on Household Income
If additional funding is made available, the priority should be on housing for those with the lowest
income. In recognizing housing is needed to support a healthy housing market and there needs to be
housing options for all incomes and ages throughout the City, recommendations are made for housing
for households up to 100% of area median income.
0-30% Median Income Recommendations
1. Support a Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund for hard to house tenants.
Landlord risk mitigation programs are intended to add protection to landlords willing to rent to
someone with limited income, a poor rental history, or a criminal history. The funds can cover items
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such as excessive damages to the rental unit, lost rent, or legal fees beyond the security deposit. The
Johnson County Local Homeless Coordinating Board plans to develop a program working in
collaboration with the City. These programs are most effective at a regional level for expanded housing
options and landlord participation.
Recommendation: Seek proposals for a local landlord risk mitigation fund for hard to house tenants
and secure funding to operationalize it annually. Encourage proposals that seek partnerships with
regional entities (Johnson County, Coralville, and North Liberty) to expand housing options and
landlord participation.
2. Support non-profit housing providers develop and maintain permanent supportive
housing/Housing First models.
The Housing First model is a homeless assistance approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing
to people experiencing chronic homelessness. The subsidized housing is provided with the ongoing
option to participate in supportive services but does not place conditions on the housing.
Permanent supportive housing is permanent housing in which housing assistance and supportive
services are provided to assist households with at least one member with a disability in achieving
housing stability.
The City supported Shelter House in the development of Cross Park Place, a Housing First project, that
opened in January of 2019. The project houses 24 one-bedroom apartments with on-site offices and an
exam room for case managers and partners with health and behavioral health clinicians. The City
converted 24 tenant based rental vouchers to project-based vouchers so that those renting at Cross Park
Place have a voucher to assist with rent.
Due to the success of Cross Park Place, plans are underway for the second Housing First project, “The
501 Project,” for persons facing chronic homelessness. Construction started in 2021. The building will
have 36 apartments with a clinic for partnering health clinicians, computer workstations, laundry
facilities and a multi-purpose room for tenants. Like Cross Park Place, housing choice vouchers will be
converted to project-based vouchers to assist tenants pay rent.
The City should continue to provide support for existing permanent supportive/Housing First projects as
well as additional efforts to produce additional housing through acquisition, new construction, or
rehabilitation. The City should expand efforts to include permanent supportive/Housing first projects to
families experiencing chronic homelessness.
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Recommendation: Continue to support existing permanent supportive/Housing First projects,
expanding into projects for families experiencing chronic homelessness.
3. Support major investments.
Support non-profit housing providers to significantly increase their supply of permanent supportive
housing when granted an opportunity, either through acquisition, new construction or by assisting
through creative approaches such as a master lease between non-profit providers and landlords. Under
a master lease scenario, a non-profit service provider enters a lease with one or more landlords to
secure housing for their participants. The participants in the program pay rent to the non-profit service
provider based on the requirements of the program. Consider converting housing choice vouchers to
project-based vouchers for projects assisting those experiencing or with a history of homelessness.
The City is currently collaborating with the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County for the allocation of
ARPA funds. Funds will be dedicated to support larger investments in affordable housing for acquisition,
rehabilitation, or new construction. The goal for the projects selected will be permanent affordability
through deed restrictions, land leases or ownership by non-profit entities whose core mission is to
provide affordable housing.
Recommendation: Allocate ARPA funds and future City funds to support larger investments in
affordable housing assisting those up to 60% median income, prioritizing permanent affordability and
households with lower incomes.
4. Maintain affordable housing through rehabilitation.
Efforts should include grant funds for those improvements that improve energy efficiency and lower
tenant utility costs. In all housing, support aging in place initiatives that supports the ability to live in
one’s own home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. Support
safety improvements and emergency repairs to homes, including mobile/manufactured homes.
Recommendation: Increase funding for those improvements that improve energy efficiency,
lower utility costs, supports aging in place initiatives and improves home safety. Provide grants
where feasible.
31-60% Median Income Recommendations
1. Support security deposit assistance.
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Provide additional funds to support security deposit assistance that allows up to 2 months for those with
poor rental history to get housed. The City allocated $70,000 to security deposit assistance in FY22. The
amount has been increased twice due to demand to a total of $148,000. Previously, the program
allowed up to 2 months of assistance, but due to limited funds available for the remainder of the fiscal
year, assistance was limited to $1,000 in a twelve-month period with a preference for tenants referred
by Shelter House and the Domestic Violence Intervention Program.
Recommendation: Provide additional funds to support security deposit assistance.
2. Support and Expand Eviction Prevention Programs.
Due to the pandemic, housing instability has increased dramatically. Evictions are a destabilizing event
that can send a family into a cycle of financial and emotional upheaval and affect their current and
future prospect for residential stability. The City has allocated over $850,000 to our community partners
to maintain housing for those impacted by the pandemic for eviction prevention and eviction diversion.
It is anticipated that additional funds through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will be dedicated for
this purpose.
Efforts should expand community outreach, especially to landlords, to make more tenants and landlords
aware of eviction diversion and prevention programs. Increase efforts to intervene earlier before
evictions are necessary with opportunities to mediate, work out payment arrangements and file for
rental assistance programs.
Recommendation: Support and expand eviction prevention programs.
3. Energy Efficiency Improvements
Provide grant funding to complete energy efficiency improvements that reduce a low-income tenant or
homeowner’s monthly utility cost. Increase partnerships with non-profit housing providers, including
public housing, to complete energy efficiency improvements.
Recommendation: Provide additional grant funding for energy efficiency improvements that lower
utility costs.
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4. Downpayment Assistance
Support financial assistance to purchase an affordable home. Ensure affordable financing to owner, such
as 30-year fixed loans with area lenders. Assistance also includes credit and financial counseling to
potential homebuyers or those wanting homeownership.
Recommendation: Support downpayment assistance, including credit and financial counseling to
potential homebuyers.
61-100% Median Income Recommendations
1. Downpayment Assistance
Support financial assistance to purchase an affordable home. Ensure affordable financing to owner, such
as 30-year fixed loans with area lenders. Assistance also includes credit and financial counseling to
potential homebuyers or those wanting homeownership.
Recommendation: Support downpayment assistance, including credit and financial counseling to
potential homebuyers.
2. Energy Efficiency Improvements
Provide grant funding to complete energy efficiency improvements that reduce a low-income tenant or
homeowner’s monthly utility cost.
Recommendation: Provide additional grant funding for energy efficiency improvements.
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Summary Tables
Recommendations and Actions Required for Existing Policies and Programs
Recommendation
Type of Action Required
Policy
Change
Increased
Funding Education
Discontinue Affordable Housing Location Model and consider
incentives or prioritization policies that encourages affordable
housing in all neighborhoods.
X
Require staff analysis and funding recommendations of
CDBG/HOME housing applications before HCDC review.
X
Further define how CDBG/HOME funds will be allocated to
improve transparency (e.g. full funding for top-rated
applications, partial funding based on scores, etc.).
X
Allocate funds to the Affordable Housing Fund with a goal of a
3% annual increase.
X
Affordable Housing Fund: Include the LIHTC reservation with the
HTFJC allocation. If no LIHTC projects apply during the annual
allocation or if an approved LIHTC project does not get IFA
funding, allow the HTFJC to make those funds available for
general applications.
X
Implement the Risk Mitigation Fund. X X
Enact policy that prioritizes partnerships with not-for-profit
affordable housing developers/organizations to preserve
affordable housing units in all housing programs.
X
Allow non-profit affordable housing developers to apply for
additional funds to support ongoing operations (Opportunity
Fund, HOME CHDO funds, etc.).
X X
Allow developers of affordable housing to apply for technical
assistance needs from a variety of city programs, including but
not limited to, the Affordable Housing Opportunity Fund and
Climate Action grants.
X X
Encourage, but not mandate permanent affordable housing in
new residential annexations. With future annexations explore
partnerships and funding opportunities to secure permanent
affordability when possible.
X X
Increase efforts to educate all tenants about tenant rights and
responsibilities and how to address housing issues.
X
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Recommendations and Actions Required for Development Regulations
Applicable to Both Single- and Multi-Family
Recommendation
Type of Action Required
Policy
Change
Increased
Funding Education
Encourage infill development flexibility by reducing the minimum
amount of land eligible to apply for a planned overlay zoning.
X
Create form-based code regulations for additional
neighborhoods, focusing on growth areas first and then infill
locations.
X
Recommendations and Required Actions for Development Regulations
Applicable to Single-Family
Recommendation
Type of Action Required
Policy
Change
Increased
Funding Education
Allow by right more types of dwelling units in single family zoning
districts such as duplexes and zero-lot line structures in more
locations. (Note: Comprehensive Plan amendment may be
quired. Possible consultant.)
X X
Increase the allowable number of bedrooms in duplex and zero-
lot line structures in single family zoning districts.
X X
Allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) under more circumstances
and in more locations.
X X
Recommendations and Required Actions for Development Regulations
Applicable to Multi-Family
Recommendation
Type of Action Required
Policy
Change
Increased
Funding Education
Facilitate multi-family development by purchasing land to be
developed.
X X
Conduct a City initiated rezoning to allow multi-family housing or
mixed use in areas supported by the Comprehensive Plan. (Note:
Comprehensive Plan amendment may be quired. Possible
consultant.)
X X
Allow multi-family dwelling units with more than three bedrooms
when required to meet local, state, or federal affordable housing
funding parameters such as the LIHTC program.
X
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If additional funds are allocated/reserved for affordable housing, recommendations based on household
income are below.
0-30% Median Income Recommendations
Seek proposals for a local landlord risk mitigation fund for hard to house tenants and secure funding
to operationalize it annually. Encourage proposals that seek partnerships with regional entities
(Johnson County, Coralville, and North Liberty) to expand housing options and landlord participation.
Continue to support existing permanent supportive/Housing First projects, expanding into projects for
families experiencing chronic homelessness.
Allocate ARPA funds and future City funds to support larger investments in affordable housing
assisting those up to 60% median income, prioritizing permanent affordability and households with
lower incomes.
Increase funding for those improvements that improve energy efficiency, lower utility costs, supports
aging in place initiatives and improves home safety. Provide grants where feasible.
31-60% Median Income Recommendations
Provide additional funds to support security deposit assistance.
Support and expand eviction prevention programs.
Provide additional grant funding for energy efficiency improvements that lower utility costs.
Support downpayment assistance, including credit and financial counseling to potential homebuyers.
61-100% Median Income Recommendations
Provide additional grant funding for energy efficiency improvements that lower utility costs.
Support downpayment assistance, including credit and financial counseling to potential homebuyers.
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APPENDICES
Appendix A: FY17-21 Summary Housing Tables ........................................................................... 42
Appendix B: 2019 Iowa City Fair Housing Choice Study Recommendations ................................ 43
Appendix C: 2020 MPO Update to the Housing Market Analysis................................................. 44
Appendix D: FY20 Year End Affordable Housing Report .............................................................. 45
Appendix E: FY21-25 City Steps Housing Priorities ....................................................................... 46
Appendix F: Update on the 2016 Affordable Housing Action Plan .............................................. 47
Appendix G: Affordable Housing Location Model (November 2020) ........................................... 48
Appendix H: Annexation Policy ..................................................................................................... 49
Appendix I: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) 9-2-21 Council Update ........................................ 50
Appendix J: Home Builders Association 12-10-21 Letter .............................................................. 51
Appendix K: Iowa City Area Association of Realtors 12-10-21 Letter ........................................... 52
Appendix L: University of Iowa Student Government 9-23-21 Meeting Minutes ........................ 53
Appendix M: University of Iowa Student Government 11-6-21 Meeting Minutes ...................... 54
Appendix N: Disability Services Coordinating Committee 9-21-21 Meeting Minutes ................. 55
Appendix O: Neighborhood Outreach Summary Results August-September 2021 ..................... 56
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Appendix A:
FY17-21 Summary Housing Tables
Summary Tables – Affordable Housing FY2017-FY2021
FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY 2021 TOTAL %
Rehabilitation $608,650 $422,621 $473,157 $555,739 $296,875 $2,357,042 24%
Acquisition $250,000 $150,000 $350,000 --$750,000 8%
New Construction $133,332 $35,000 $200,000 --$368,332 4%
Direct Assistance ---$53,000 $107,000 $160,000 2%
Subtotal $991,982 $607,621 $1,023,157 $608,739 $403,875 $3,635,374 37%
Rehabilitation $72,149 $167,284 $122,085 $136,000 $19,100 $516,618 5%
Acquisition $254,000 $137,000 $448,216 $173,000 $108,000 $1,120,216 11%
New Construction $1,799,872 $338,217 $580,000 $186,000 $725,000 $3,629,089 37%
Direct Assistance ---$200,000 $738,053 $938,053 10%
Subtotal $2,126,021 $642,501 $1,150,301 $695,000 $1,590,152 $6,203,975 63%
$3,118,003 $1,250,122 $2,173,458 $1,303,739 $1,994,028 $9,839,350 100%
FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY 2021 TOTAL %
Rehabilitation 41 28 28 33 20 150 12%
Acquisition 4 3 6 --13 1%
New Construction 6 1 5 --12 1%
Direct Assistance ---2 4 6 0%
Subtotal 51 32 39 35 24 181 14%
Rehabilitation 3 12 16 7 26 64 5%
Acquisition 12 7 24 4 8 55 4%
New Construction 88 17 44 11 47 207 16%
Direct Assistance ---29 757 786 61%
Subtotal 103 36 84 51 838 1112 86%
154 68 123 86 862 1293 100%
Activity Type Total Spent
FY217-21
Units Created/
Assisted
Average Unit
Cost
Rehabilitation $2,357,042 150 $15,714
Acquisition $750,000 13 $57,692
New Construction $368,332 12 $30,694
Direct Assistance $160,000 6 $26,667
Rehabilitation $516,618 64 $8,072
Acquisition $1,120,216 55 $20,368
New Construction $3,629,089 207 $17,532
Direct Assistance $938,053 786 $1,193
Compliance Period (FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY 2021 TOTAL %
30+29 0 32 0 36 97 8%
20-29 22 5 2 7 0 36 3%
15-19 1 0 4 2 2 9 1%
10-14 24 23 27 7 21 102 8%
5-9 30 9 30 9 0 78 6%
<5 4 0 0 0 0 4 0%
NA 44 31 28 61 803 967 75%
Total 154 68 123 86 862 1293 100%
Targeted Income lev FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY 2021 TOTAL %
120-140%9 4 2 1 0 16 1%
80-119%17 4 8 10 26 65 5%
60-79%37 23 31 31 468 590 46%
Funding Amount
OwnerRenterTotal
Units Created/Assisted
OwnerRenterTotal
OwnerRenter
50-59%40 29 44 15 0 128 10%
30-49%12 0 30 0 131 173 13%
<30%33 5 8 29 237 312 24%
NA 6 3 0 0 0 9 1%
Total 154 68 123 86 862 1293 1
CDBG/HOME
FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY 2021 TOTAL %
Rehabilitation $395,439 $293,820 $263,111 $337,292 $206,433 $1,496,095 36%
Acquisition 0 0 $100,000 $0 $0 $100,000 2%
New Construction $50,000 $35,000 $80,000 $0 $0 $165,000 4%
Direct Assistance ---$53,000 $107,000 $160,000 4%
Subtotal $445,439 $328,820 $443,111 $390,292 $313,433 $1,921,095 46%
Rehabilitation $58,000 $143,994 $116,492 $136,000 $0 $454,486 11%
Acquisition $50,000 $137,000 $448,216 $173,000 $108,000 $916,216 22%
New Construction $25,000 0 0 $186,000 $0 $211,000 5%
Direct Assistance ---$200,000 $502,186 $702,186 17%
Subtotal $133,000 $280,994 $564,708 $695,000 $610,186 $2,283,888 54%
$578,439 $609,814 $1,007,819 $1,085,292 $923,619 $4,204,983 100%
FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY 2021 TOTAL %
Rehabilitation 28 23 20 22 15 108 16%
Acquisition 0 0 4 0 0 4 1%
New Construction 1 1 2 0 0 4 1%
Direct Assistance ---2 4 2 0%
Subtotal 29 24 26 24 19 103 15%
Rehabilitation 2 9 16 7 0 34 5%
Acquisition 6 7 24 4 8 49 7%
New Construction 24 0 0 6 0 30 4%
Direct Assistance ----474 474 69%
Subtotal 32 16 40 17 482 587 85%
61 40 66 41 501 690 100%
General Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (GRIP)
FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY 2021 TOTAL %
Funding Amount $174,473 $118,901 $210,046 $158,447 $330 $662,197 100%
Units Assisted 5 4 8 10 1 28 100%
Home Exterior Loan Program (HELP) - discontinued
Funding Amount FY2017 FY2018 TOTAL %
Owner
Rehabilitation $15,156 $9,900 $25,056 47%
Renter
Rehabilitation $10,000 $18,032 $28,032 53%
Total $25,156 $27,932 $53,088 100%
Units Assisted FY2017 FY2018 TOTAL %
Owner
Rehabilitation 4 1 5 56%
Renter
Rehabilitation 1 3 4 44%
Units Assisted/Created
OwnerRenterTotal
Total
Funding Amount
OwnerRenter*The City did not collect detailed income data for direct assistance programs in FY21. If the income limit for the program is 80% AMI,
those recipients were counted in the 60-79% category. If the income limit is 50% AMI, those recipients were counted in the 30-49%
category.
Total 5 4 9 100%
UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership Program
FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY 2021 TOTAL %
Funding Amount $250,000 $150,000 $110,000 $60,000 $570,000 100%
Units Assisted 4 3 2 1 10 100%
Tax Increment Financing (TIF).
FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY 2021 TOTAL %
Funding Amount $1,080,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,080,000 100%
Units Assisted 30 2 0 0 0 32 100%
Riverfront Crossings Affordable Housing Requirement.
FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY 2021 TOTAL %
Units Created[1]0 20 12 5 11 48 100%
Fee in Lieu[2]$0 $727,848 $28,396 $0 $0 $756,244 100%
Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County (HTFJC) - Iowa City Affordable Housing Fund
FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY 2021 TOTAL %
Rehabilitation $23,582 $0 $0 $0 $0 $23,582 1%
Acquisition $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 0%
New Construction $83,332 $0 $120,000 $0 $0 $203,332 9%
Subtotal $106,914 $0 $120,000 $0 $0 $226,914 10%
Rehabilitation $4,149 $5,258 $5,593 $0 $0 $15,000 1%
Acquisition $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 0%
New Construction $694,872 $8,217 $380,000 $192,046 $725,000 $2,000,135 89%
Subtotal $699,021 $13,475 $385,593 $192,046 $725,000 $2,015,135 90%
$805,935 $13,475 $505,593 $192,046 $725,000 $2,242,049 100%
FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY2021 TOTAL %
Rehabilitation 4 0 0 0 0 4 3%
Acquisition 0 0 0 0 0 0 0%
New Construction 5 0 3 0 0 8 7%
Subtotal 9 0 3 0 0 12 10%
Rehabilitation 2 4 4 0 0 10 9%
Acquisition 0 0 0 0 0 0 0%
New Construction 58 5 32 0 36 95 81%
Subtotal 60 9 36 0 36 105 90%
69 9 39 0 36 117 100%
Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Matching Funds.
FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY2021 TOTAL %
Funding Amount 0 $330,000 $200,000 $0 $0 $530,000 100%
Units Created 0 29 32 0 0 61 100%RenterTotal
Funding Amount
OwnerRenterTotal
Units Assisted/Created
Owner
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 43
Appendix B:
2019 Iowa City Fair Housing Choice Study Recommendations
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Chapter 5: Impediments & Recommendations
This Chapter analyzes factors that create, contribute to, perpetuate, and increase the severity of fair
housing issues. Identifying contributing factors is important in assessing why members of protected
classes may experience restricted housing choice due to various reasons including, but not limited to,
segregation, disparities in access to opportunity, disproportionate housing needs, or ot her issues. Some
contributing factors are outside of the ability of the City to control or influence; however, such factors
should still be identified and recognized.
After discussing and identifying barriers to fair housing choice in Iowa City, it is important to lay out
strategies to overcome those barriers. These strategies can then be prioritized and incorporated into
subsequent planning processes such as the Consolidated Plan. Ultimately, the City is responsible for
taking meaningful actions to move towards completing the strategies identified. Meaningful actions
are designed and can be reasonably expected to achieve a material positive change that affirmatively
furthers fair housing by, for example, increasing fair housing choice or decreasing dispar ities in access
to opportunity.
The City of Iowa City is committed to providing fair housing choices for all its residents. The City Code
has a broad definition of discriminatory behavior, an inclusive definition of protected classes, and is
clear in its lack of tolerance for discriminatory behavior in the housing market. The City’s
Comprehensive Plan envisions a city with a variety of housing options for the city’s diverse population.
The City’s Zoning Ordinance allows for construction of a variety of housing types at difference price
points. And the City’s Building Code does not impose conditions that could restrict fair housing choice
for protected classes. However, policies and practices can be improved upon and the City can take
additional steps to assure that all protected classes have fair access to housing in Iowa City. These
identified impediments to fair housing choice and some strategies to address them comprise the rest of
this Chapter.
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1: Improving Housing Choice
One of the primary barriers identified is the lack of adequate housing choices throughout
neighborhoods in Iowa City for residents with protected characteristics, who tend to have
disproportionately lower incomes. This includes a lack of availability in addition to d iversity in price
points, housing types, and locations that would facilitate equal access to housing across the City. While
many low-income households in Iowa City are nonfamily student renters, 21% are small families
(including single parents) and 15% are elderly. 31% of low-income households have a member with a
disability. Many are people of color. Large families face additional challenges in finding appropriate
units with the proper price points. Coupled with the City’s expensive housing, this has nega tively
impacted fair housing choice within Iowa City.
Ensuring a diversity of affordable housing is available in a range of locations and types to promote fair
housing choice, especially in areas that promote access to opportunity. This means encouraging the
provision of affordable housing for households of all types in Iowa City, including larger units for
families with children, smaller accessible units with supportive services for the elderly and persons
with disabilities, and adequate housing for students. When considering housing choice, transportation,
supportive services, school quality, and other important factors must also be considered. The City
should continue to support and encourage a diversity of housing types in areas of opportun ity. The
following strategies assist in addressing this impediment to fair housing choice:
Strategy 1: Facilitate a Range of Housing Types
One strategy to overcome this barrier is to allow a wider variety of development types in areas
throughout the community. Since most areas are zoned for low density, single family homes, this will
require exploring ways to increase the density and the types of housing allowable in order to further
fair housing goals. This strategy includes promotion of more types of housing in more varied locations,
which also facilitates the creation of housing units at different price points within neighborhoods.
Many non-single family residential developments require rezonings to increase density. The City can
proactively increase the amount of land available for development by-right for higher densities, as
encouraged by the Comprehensive Plan along major arterials, intersections, and commercial centers.
This may be especially helpful where undeveloped land is zoned for single family and would allow a
variety of housing types as the land is developed . Staff could proactively look for areas intended for
higher densities and initiate a rezoning with the City as the applicant.
Eliminating the distinction between single family and multi -family residential zoning districts would
have a similar effect, thereby regulating by density rather than type of housing. Similarly, the City
could make flexible zoning arrangements, such as OPD overlays, provisional rather than negotiated.
This would encourage its use while simultaneously promoting a range of housing.
Another way to increase housing variety is to remove restrictions on housing sizes for units that are not
detached single family units (i.e. attached single family, duplex, and multi-family dwellings).
Specifically, the code places a bedroom cap on these types of units, which may negatively affect the
ability of certain protected classes to find appropriate units, such as large families. The City should
explore expanding the number of bedrooms from three to four in multi-family units and consider when
this would be allowed to better accommodate larger families throughout the City. While this does not
necessarily change the type of housing, it does allow a greater diversity of units within a specific type
of housing.
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Strategy 2: Lower the Cost of Housing
In addition to facilitating a wider range of housing types throughout Iowa City, reducing the cost of
housing can also help ensure more varied price points, especially in the more affordable rental and
owner markets. The City is already in the process of working with the Home Builders Association to
explore ways of reducing costs through modifications to the zoning and development codes.
One way to lower the cost of housing is to evaluate building and housing permit fees and their effects
on housing costs. Given that these fees have a higher relative impact on lower cost units, it is
recommended that the City explore reducing or waiving fees for properties which are operated for
affordable housing by non-profit housing organizations to offset negative disproportionate impacts. This
could be used for properties in the private market receiving City assistance for a period of time for
affordable housing as well.
It may also be possible to use property tax policies to lower the cost of housing. While there are
already several such programs for the most vulnerable populations, including seniors, persons with
disabilities, and affordable rental housing providers, broadening property tax relief could further help
preserve lower-income homeownership opportunities for the more than 4,000 low income homeowners
in the City. For example, tax exemption policies could be used to increase the affordability of housing.
The ongoing viability of the existing housing stock becomes increasingly important as the cost of new
housing continues to rise. Continued improvement and maintenance of the current stock is vital.
Efforts towards energy conservation can also reduce heating and cooling costs when rehabilitating older
homes. All these factors can help lower the cost of housing.
Due to the number of student households in the community, the City should explore ways to increase
affordability and housing choice for this demographic. Incentives for housing programs should remain
available for students from low income families and students who are financially independent.
Strategy 3: Continue investment in affordable housing
There is a growing gap in the number of affordable homes for those with lower incomes. C ontinuing
affordable housing activities is crucial to creating a variety of housing types and price points within the
community. This can include new construction, acquisition, and rehabi litation of rental and owner
properties. These provide a valuable opportunity to improve housing choice for members of the
protected classes who are often low- and moderate-income households. This also includes leveraging
City funds to obtain additional affordable housing investment in the community through LIHTC or other
programs that assist with the construction of affordable housing opportunities. Assisting renters’
transition to homeownership, in certain cases, may also help stabilize housing payments t hrough fixed
rate mortgages in a market experiencing increasing rental rates.
Strategy 4: Retrofit Housing for Equal Access
In some cases, appropriate units are not be available, especially for those with disabilities. In such
cases, it becomes important to allow owners and renters to make housing units accessible so that they
have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. Access may include physical access for
individuals with different types of disabilities. For example, installing ramps and other accessibility
features for individuals with mobility impairments, visual alarms and signals for individuals who are
deaf or hard of hearing, and audio signals, accessible signage, and other accessibility features for
individuals who are blind or have low vision. To facilitate this need, the City should adopt a
Reasonable Accommodation or Modification procedure to their zoning ordinances and other policies.
This would allow persons with disabilities to request a reasonable accommodation/modification to
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regulatory provisions, including land use and zoning requirements to facilitate the retrofitting of
existing housing.
In addition, because many low-income households are elderly and/or disabled, continuing to provide
assistance to allow those households to age in place is also important, as is continuing to invest in their
housing to ensure it remains safe, decent and affordable .
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2: Facilitating Access to Opportunity
Housing that affords access to opportunities, such as high-performing schools, public transportation,
employment centers, low poverty, and environmentally healthy neighborhoods may be cost prohibitive
or non-existent for persons in certain protected classes, especially for those with lower incomes. High
costs can have a greater effect on families with children who need multiple bedrooms and individuals
with disabilities who need accessible housing or housing located close to accessible transportation.
Currently, Iowa City appears to have some disparate access to opportunity, especially when it comes to
access to jobs and other quality of life factors such as affordable childcare.
The geographic relationship of employment centers, housing, and schools, and the transportation
linkages between them, are important components of fair housing choice. The quality of schools and
economic opportunities are often major factors in deciding where to live. Job and school quality are
also key components of economic mobility. Ensuring affordable units are available in a range of sizes,
locations, and types is essential to providing equal access to opportunities by meeting the needs of
individuals with protected characteristics. In Iowa City, ensuring the availability and accessibility of a
variety of jobs and training opportunities, is also vital. In addition, affordable childcare should be
available and close to a range of housing opportunities, and facilities should be fully accessible to
individuals with different types of disabilities to avoid further barriers.
As such, siting as it relates to the placement of new housing developments, especially those that are
affordable, becomes crucial. This includes new construction or acquisition with rehabilitation of
previously unsubsidized housing. Local policies and decisions significantly affect the location of new
housing. In addition, the availability, type, frequency, and reliability of public transportation including
buses and paratransit for persons with disabilities also affect which households are connected to
community assets and economic opportunities. As such, it is important to connect individuals to places
they need to go such as jobs, schools, retail establishments, and healthcare.
This study proposes a balanced approach to address disparities in access to provide for both strategic
investment in areas that lack key opportunity indicators, while opening housing opportunities in areas
with existing opportunity through effective mobility options and the preservation and development of a
variety of housing in high opportunity areas. Several strategies can assist in addressing this impediment
to fair housing choice:
Strategy 1: Emphasize Variety in Housing in Areas of Opportunity
Areas of opportunity are places where jobs are relatively plentiful and access to education, healthcare,
and other amenities is close at hand. Iowa City generally ranks highly when it comes to quality of life.
However, some areas of town have less access to opportunity as identified w ithin this Study, especially
as it relates to affordable childcare and job access. Analysis suggests there are some discrepancies in
services and access to opportunity by race, income, and area. To some extent, this is likely due to
clustering of racial and ethnic groups. All protected classes should have an equal opportunity to live
throughout Iowa City. Increasing housing variety for a range of household types and price points, in
areas with affordable childcare and near job centers is one way to achieve fair housing choice while
improving access to opportunities. This strategy complements those related to increasing the variety of
available types and prices of housing.
The placement of the City’s subsidized housing is governed by the Affordable Housing Lo cation Model
(AHLM). The model serves to not place additional subsidized housing in areas that already have a
concentration of City-assisted housing and lower incomes as determined by elementary school
catchment areas. The model does not apply to housing for persons with disabilities, seniors, the
rehabilitation of existing rental housing or for homeownership. The AHLM does not necessarily promote
greater variety of price points in areas of opportunity. As such, the City could explore ways to use the
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model or another policy to promote city-assisted housing in low poverty neighborhoods or
neighborhoods that provide good access to opportunity.
The goal of fair housing choice is to provide sufficient, comparable opportunities for housing for all
types of households in a variety of income ranges. Comparable units should have the same household
(elderly, disabled, family, large family) and tenure (owner/renter) type; have similar rents/prices;
serve the same income group; in the same housing market; and in standar d condition. The goal is not
to necessarily have an equal number of assisted units within each neighborhood, but rather that a
reasonable distribution of assisted units should be produced each year to approach an appropriate
balance of housing choices within and outside neighborhoods over several years. An appropriate
balance should be based on local conditions affecting the range of housing choices available for
different types of households as they relate to the mix of the City’s population.
Strategy 2: Community Investment
It is recommended that the City pursue additional investment in neighborhoods with higher
concentrations of low income families, especially those with concentrations of persons with protected
characteristics, to improve the quality of life for existing residents. This may include a range of
activities such as improving housing, attracting private investment, creating jobs, expanding
educational opportunities, and providing links to other community assets. The quality and maintenance
of housing is especially important to community investment as survey respondents rank it as one of the
factors that varies most widely between areas of the City.
As a result, the City should continue targeted investment in infrastructure, ameniti es, community
facilities, and public services serving lower income households and in low income areas. Amenities such
as recreational facilities, grocery stores, pharmacies, and banks are especially important in maintaining
a higher quality of life. Housing rehabilitation is also important in maintaining the housing stock and
appearance, while new construction in areas that have not received as much recent investment can
also be beneficial. Special attention should be given to investments that increase access to housing or
that lower housing costs generally, such as energy efficiency improvements. Economic development
support near low-income neighborhoods also can create jobs, increase wages, and increase access to
amenities. This strategy in conjunction with providing a diversity of housing types in all new
neighborhoods creates opportunities of access throughout the City.
Preserving the City’s existing affordable housing is also important as part of a balanced approach to
affirmatively further fair housing. This can include funding and indirect subsidies for rehabilitation to
maintain physical structures, refinancing, affordable use agreements, and incentives for owners to
maintain affordability. Similarly, efforts to repair and maintain the infrastructure of existing affordable
housing should be part of concerted housing preservation and community investment effort.
The City should continue encouraging private investment to advance fair housing from homeowners,
developers, and other nonprofit or business initiatives. Securing financial resources (public, for-profit,
and nonprofit) from sources inside and outside the City to fund housing improvements, community
facilities and services, and business opportunities in neighborhoods will help ensure access to
opportunities for all residents.
Strategy 3: Enhance Mobility Linkages Throughout the Community
Non-automotive transportation is an important part of ensuring equal access from housing to jobs and
other amenities in Iowa City. Transportation improvements could significantly improve access to
opportunity for employment and other services and amenities for those who rely on public or active
transportation. This complements policies to increase the range of housing opportunities near
opportunity and employment areas which can reduce spending on transportation-related expenses.
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Strategies to enhance both active and public transportation linkages may include improved
coordination with service providers, expansion of active and public transportation to provide ac cess to
jobs through improved infrastructure, providing late night/ weekend service, or ensuring adequate
coverage to assist with access to opportunities. Investment across the City can also include improved
transit facilities and equipment, including bus shelters, and expanded bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
Prioritizing ADA access is especially important to further fair housing purposes.
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3: Increasing Education and Outreach
Based on public input, many residents of Iowa City lack awareness about rights under fair housing and
civil rights laws, which can lead to under-reporting of discrimination, failure to take advantage of
remedies under the law, and the continuation of discriminatory practices. Even those who do know
their rights do not always act on them due to feeling it would not be productive or fear of reprisal. This
suggests a lack of knowledge and awareness regarding fair housing rights is a major barrier to fair
housing choice.
Ensuring access to information about housing programs and neighbo rhoods can also facilitate fair
housing goals. This is because individuals and families attempting to move to a neighborhood of their
choice, especially areas of opportunity, may not be aware of potential assistance or support. In those
cases, having quality information related to housing and affordability, available services, and
organizations that serve potential tenants, can help those moves be successful. Other relevant info
may include listings of affordable housing opportunities or local landlords; mobility counseling
programs; and community outreach to potential beneficiaries.
Several strategies can assist in addressing this impediment to fair housing choice.
Strategy 1: Improve Demand-Side Awareness
The demand-side of the housing market includes tenants, homeowners, borrowers, mobile home park
residents, and other who need and/or use housing. Generally, these groups do not have any formal
training or education regarding their fair housing rights, nor are they formally organized in most cases.
This makes it important to raise awareness through advocacy campaigns, education and outreach
activities geared toward the general public, and fair housing informational materials for both
homebuyers and tenants. Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) holders should especially be informed of their
rights, including the right to be free from discrimination based on source of income. In addition to fair
housing rights, this should include how to report violations of those rights.
It is recommended that the City explore the development of new outreach, education, or informational
programs and activities to promote housing opportunities for segments of the community such as
persons of color, those not as fluent in English, and for the elderly and persons with disabilities. This
should be done in cooperation with other organizations working on furthering fair housing. Ideally, this
will increase knowledge of the laws, reduce discriminatory behavior, achieve a better understanding,
and reduce negative attitudes concerning people who are racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse or
who are disabled. A comprehensive program would help ensure that there is broad knowledge of legal
protections for all residents.
Beyond fair housing information, providing more generalized information about housing can be
beneficial. For example, information for tenants about leasing can improve rental outcomes and
homebuyer education can help those less familiar with homeownership, such as long-term renters,
overcome challenges as first time homebuyer. Those new to the HCV program can also benefit from
additional information about facilities and services available in each neighborhood to assist them with
their housing search. This may encourage voucher holders to look for housing in neighborhoods with
more access to opportunity. This information can also assist residents moving from high -poverty to low-
poverty neighborhoods that have greater access to opportunity assets appropriate for their family.
It is important that information is comprehensive (e.g. that the information provided includes a variety
of neighborhoods, including those with access to opportunity indicators) and up -to-date (e.g. that the
information is actively being maintained, updated and improved). The information should also alleviate
fears of retaliation and should showcase the process and concrete outcomes to address those who
“didn’t know what good it would do” to report discrimination.
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Strategy 2: Increase Supply-Side Awareness
The supply-side of housing includes lenders, appraisers, mortgage insurers, realtors, landlords, and
management companies. Unlike the demand-side, these groups are often provided formal training
regarding fair housing rights through industry groups or employee training. As such, they require less
guidance than the demand-side of housing. However, it is still important that they understand fair
housing rights and responsibilities as well, especially small landlords or others who may be less formally
integrated within the industry. As such, technical training for housing industry representatives remains
an important component of the City’s efforts to affirmatively further fair housing in the communit y.
In addition to general fair housing rights, those on the supply -side of housing should also be made
aware of best practices and efforts to affirmatively further fair housing through equity, inclusion,
fairness, and justice. This could involve providing education regarding marketing in targeted
neighborhoods or for protected classes and encouraging advocacy groups to share opportunities for
their products and services. Similarly, additional technical training regarding civil rights may include
fair housing issues such as the appropriate application of arrest and criminal conviction records, credit
policies, prior evictions, leasing and lease termination decision making; and fair housing issues
affecting LGBTQ individuals. Pro-active outreach can widen the pool of participating rental housing
providers, including both owners of individual residences and larger rental management companies.
Meanwhile, the City should encourage these groups to regularly examine and update their policies,
procedures, and practices to avoid differential treatment of residents and applicants based on
protected characteristics. Similarly, supply-side providers should also be encouraged to examine their
clientele profiles to determine whether there are neighborhoods or groups that are underrepresented
or unrepresented. Doing so will help supply-side providers to go beyond just understanding fair housing
issues towards meaningfully furthering fair housing.
Strategy 3: Increase Regulator Awareness
The City must ensure those who make decisions regarding public policies and regulations, including
public officials, Commission and Board members, and staff, have adequate fair housing training. While
this will further fair housing, it may also help inspire confidence in the City’s processes. In addition to
general training, one potential method of educating decision -makers would be to train them as fair
housing ambassadors who can then help spread the word about fair housing to both demand - and
supply-side groups.
Strategy 4: Provide meaningful language access
Individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) includes anyone who does not speak English as their
primary language and who has a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English. Often, t his
is tied to foreign-born populations who may not understand English. Increasing meaningful language
access regarding fair housing information and housing programs would facilitate housing choice for LEP
individuals seeking housing. It is important that housing providers and policy makers ensure that all
individuals have access to information regarding fair and affordable housing, regardless of language. In
Iowa City, this is particularly salient due to the higher prevalence of foreign-born populations.
Relevant City departments maintain Limited English Proficiency (LEP) plans to ensure equal access to
knowledge of fair housing and housing assistance. However, the LEP plan likely needs to be updated,
especially as the number of foreign-born residents has rapidly grown in recent years. In addition, the
City should explore what housing documents are most important to translate to achieve a better
understanding of fair housing choice by LEP speakers and to improve communication through language
access.
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4: Operational Improvements
Several other barriers to fair housing choice in Iowa City included smaller operational and planning
changes that could help affirmatively further fair housing. These include impediments such as
administrative processes and regulations which can slow down and/or stop projects that would benefit
protected classes, a need for increased regional cooperation for issues that affect housing, a lack of
information that could help identify or address other barriers, and a need to improve the transparency
of fair housing enforcement. Most of these barriers can be addressed through operational
improvements at the City level, though accomplishing in cooperation with others may improve their
effectiveness.
Strategy 1: Improve Fair Housing Enforcement and Transparency
In addition to ensuring awareness of fair housing rights and process, the City needs to improve
enforcement and increase transparency in the process, so the public can be aware that complainants
obtain relief in a timely and effective manner. Doing so would fight feelings of helplessness and
provide certainty to complainants that filing a report helps combat fair housing violations. This may
include actively monitoring the outcomes of complaints, in addition to making fair housing complaint
information more easily visible to the public.
Fair housing testing may also assist with transparency and fair housing enforcement. Doing so allows
the City to identify whether landlords or realtors, and others involved in the housing market are
abiding by fair housing laws. In addition, these tests help the City to better identify and target fair
housing outreach.
Strategy 2: Review implementing procedures and regulations
The City has several new programs, administered by various staff and departments, with various rules
that can be confusing to understand, implement and enforce. This problem is exacerbated when the
program is combined with federal programs that have rigid, complex rules. This creates a challenging
regulatory environment, especially for affordable housing and public service programs. As such, t here
are opportunities to harmonize, coordinate, streamline, and define administration and planning.
Possibilities include centralizing processes for affordable housing and ensuring they are online;
reducing uncertainty for service providers in allocating funds; and harmonizing rules between
programs.
Similarly, the zoning ordinance has been updated in fragmented ways since its initial adoption. While it
generally accommodates the City’s fair housing goals, codes frequently updated can indicate a
need for a comprehensive reevaluation. This is a long -term effort. In the meantime, incremental
improvements can make the code easier to follow yet still comprehensive and flexible. One simple
change is to reclassify community service – long term shelter as a multi-family/mixed use, since it
is a long-term residence rather than a public service shelter use. Another similar chan ge is to
clarify the definition of nonfamily households; the current City definition is a holdover from before
the State modified law to prohibit regulating use based on familial characteristics .
In addition, administrative procedures may better promote fair housing choice as compared to some
decision-making processes. Updating administrative policies and practices may help support Council
objectives in ways that produce more impartial, predictable outcomes. The City should promote funds
to organizations committed to affordable housing and who have the capacity to administer long term
housing projects. Agencies receiving funds should have the capacity to administer the project for the
entire compliance period while enhancing fair housing. By doing so, the City increases the likelihood of
maintaining the units as affordable housing after City and federal restrictions are released.
181
181
Regardless, all changes to administrative, zoning, or other public policies and practices should be
preemptively evaluated through the lens of fair housing. This is also true as new policy continues to
develop, including potential changes to the housing and zoning following the State’s disallowing the
use of a rental permit cap.
Strategy 3: Improve regional cooperation
Regional cooperation includes networks or coalitions of organizations, people, and entities working
together to plan for regional development. Cooperation in regional planning can help coordinate
responses to identified fair housing issues that cross multiple sectors—including housing, education,
transportation, and commercial and economic development—and multiple political and geographic
boundaries. As such, encouraging regional cooperation can further fair housing not only for Iowa City,
but the entire region. This was also mentioned as a need in many stakeholder meetings.
While the City and surrounding jurisdictions cooperate through regional transportation planning and
through the Fringe Area Agreement, there are still additional opportunities to better coordinate
housing and fair housing planning on a regional level. Projecting development and demand for different
types of housing and price points is one way to approach the issue. Doing so can start a d iscussion
about how to facilitate housing choice in each of the communities. Communication between staff can
also facilitate coordination between jurisdictions.
Strategy 4: Improved Data Collection
Another impediment is the need for increased data, analysis and reporting. While improving data
collection and analysis does not directly overcome a barrier to fair housing choice, it will help identify
potential barriers in the future. All of these can also be paired with equity mapping to identify areas of
opportunity using factors relevant to fair housing choice.
Currently, many of the City’s local housing programs do not require the same level of tracking and
reporting regarding protected characteristics of beneficiaries as federal programs. As part of its annual
monitoring of these projects, the City should begin tracking and reporting the race, ethnicity, and
other protected characteristics of beneficiaries to allow finer levels of analysis and reporting regarding
fair housing choice. This will also allow better measurement regarding the extent to which policy and
practice changes are impacting outcomes and reducing disparities.
In addition, the City should regularly monitor HMDA reports of financial i nstitutions and obtain
information on the location of properties that are the subject of loan applications . HMDA data can be
used to develop policies to act upon this information such as incentivizing banks with good
performance records by only depositing public funds in banks that meet threshold scores. Similarly,
location information can help the City guide lender education activities to promote fair housing.
Finally, ICHA should regularly analyze its beneficiary and waitlist data to ensure its preferences do not
have a disparate impact on those in protected classes and that it is serving the people most in need as
determined by the City’s Consolidated Plan. As part of this, ICHA should periodically update an equity
analysis to identify if any disparate impacts are identified.
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 44
Appendix C:
2020 MPO Update to the Housing Market Analysis
Update to the 2015 Affordable
Housing Market Analysis for
the Iowa City Urbanized Area
February 2021
ii
Prepared by the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County (MPOJC) and the City
of Iowa City
Frank Waisath, Associate Transportation Planner
Greta Larget, Transportation Planning Intern
iii
Table of Contents
List of Figures and Tables iv
Introduction 1
Existing Conditions 2
Population and Demographic Data 2
Economic and Employment Data 7
Poverty 7
Free and Reduced Lunch Program 9
Employment 13
Distribution of Income 16
Median Household Income 17
Income by Age of Householder 18
Basic Housing Trends 21
Household Composition 21
Owner-Occupied versus Renter-Occupied 22
Housing Stock 23
Building Permits 24
Housing Vacancy 25
Housing Costs and Cost Burden 26
Renters 26
Homeowners 28
Income versus Housing Cost 30
Cost Burden Illustrated 31
Appendix A 33
Appendix B 34
iv
Figures
Figure 1 Population trends, 2010-2019 2
Figure 2 Project population growth 3
Figure 3 Population distribution by age group, 2019 4
Figure 4 Population distribution by race 5
Figure 5 Student population at the University of Iowa 6
Figure 6 Families in poverty – number and percentage 7
Figure 7 Poverty rate by race and ethnicity, 2019 8
Figure 8 Total enrollment and percent of free and reduced lunch students 9
Figure 9 ICCSD Elementary School Boundaries 2019-2020 11
Figure 10 ICCSD Secondary School Boundaries 2019-2020 12
Figure 11 Unemployment by race and ethnicity 14
Figure 12 Employment and mean salary by occupation 15
Figure 13 Household income distribution by jurisdiction 16
Figure 14 Median household income 17
Figure 15 County income distribution by age group 18
Figure 16 Owner-occupied and renter-occupied units 22
Figure 17 Building permits issued by community 2010-2019, single-family and multi-family 24
Figure 18 Vacancy rates 25
Figure 19 Proportion of cost-burdened renters by jurisdiction 26
Figure 20 Median housing value – owner-occupied 28
Figure 21 Proportion of cost-burdened owners by jurisdiction 29
Figure 22 Percent change in median housing value and median household income by
jurisdiction, 2014-2019 30
Figure 23 Median gross rent vs. 30% of monthly wages by selected industries 31
Figure 24 Percent of monthly wage needed to pay median rent (2019) for selected
Industries 32
v
Tables
Table 1 Historical population trends 2
Table 2 Population distribution by age group, 2019 3
Table 3 Poverty rates 7
Table 4 Poverty rates, 2016 8
Table 5 Free and reduced lunch program data by school and year, ICCSD and CCASD 10
Table 6 Unemployment rates in civilian labor force by jurisdiction, county, state, and
nation 13
Table 7 Median household income by jurisdiction 17
Table 8 Median household income by race of householder, 2019 17
Table 9 Household income distribution by age of householder by jurisdiction, 2019 19
Table 10 Family and non-family households 21
Table 11 Households with children 21
Table 12 Total Housing Units by Jurisdiction 23
Table 13 Building permits issued for single and multi-family homes, 2010-2019 24
Table 14 Cost-burdened renters by region, county, and state 26
Table 15 Severely cost-burdened renters by region, county, and state 27
Table 16 Rent burden by race, U.S. 27
Table 17 Cost-burdened homeowners by region, county, and state 29
Table 18 Severely cost-burdened homeowners by region, county, and state 29
Table 19 Change in median gross rental cost by jurisdiction (adjusted for inflation) 31
1
Introduction
This document provides an update to the Affordable Housing Market Analysis Update completed by the
Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County and the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County in
2015. This report is intended to compare the socio-economic conditions and housing needs between 2015
and 2019, and to discuss strategies to help meet identified goals for the urbanized area. The urbanized
area consists of Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty, Tiffin, and University Heights . This update to the 2015
document is intended to be a starting point for a newly formed staff steering committee that will examine
and address housing affordability in Iowa City.
Data presented in this document is largely derived from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community
Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates for 2010-2014 and 2015-2019. The consistent methodology, statistical rigor,
and scale of the ACS data allows for comparisons across time periods. Additionally, county, state, and
national data are used to provide broader context as appropriate.
At the time of preparation, Decennial Census data for the year 2020 was not yet available for analysis and
therefore the economic, financial, and housing impacts of the COVID -19 pandemic are not captured in this
document. Data from the 2020 Census should be monitored as it is released throughout 2021 in order to
account for effects of the pandemic. Disruptions to the collection schedule and standard operating
procedures for the 2020 Census may impact the reporting of these results.
2
Existing Conditions
Population and Demographic Data
Since the 2010 Census, the population of the urbanized area has grown from 103,141 to an estimated
121,607 in 2019, a 17.9% increase. Iowa City showed the largest percentage of growth in the County over
this period.
Figure 1:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates
Across Iowa, populations in rural counties generally decline, while metropolitan areas gain in population.
The population of Johnson County increased 8.6% percent between 2014 and 2019, compared to the
state’s 2.0% percent increase in population during the same period.
Table 1: Historical population trends
Year Coralville Iowa City North
Liberty Tiffin University
Heights
Urbanized
Area
Johnson
County Iowa
2019 22,259 74,942 19,227 4,139 1,040 121,607 150,685 3,155,070
2010 18,907 67,862 13,374 1,947 1,051 103,141 130,882 3,046,355
2000 15,123 62,220 5,367 975 987 84,672 111,006 2,926,324
1990 10,347 59,735 2,926 460 1,042 74,510 96,119 2,776,831
1980 7,687 50,508 2,046 413 1,069 61,723 81,717 2,913,808
1970 6,130 46,850 1,055 299 1,265 55,599 72,127 2,825,368
1960 2,357 33,443 334 311 841 37,286 53,663 2,757,537
1950 977 27,212 309 256 446 29,200 45,756 2,621,073
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Censuses and ACS 2015-2019 5-Year Estimate
18,907 67,862
13,374
1,947
1,051
103,141 130,882
3,352 7,080
5,853
2,192
-11
18,466 19,803
-5%
10%
25%
40%
55%
70%
85%
100%
Coralville Iowa City North Liberty Tiffin University
Heights
Urbanized Area Johnson County
Population Trends, 2010-2019
Population in 2010 Population growth, 2010-2019
3
Over the next 25 years, population is projected to grow in every jurisdiction except University Heights. While
North Liberty and Tiffin are both projected to grow significantly compared to their population today, t he
majority of the growth in Johnson County will be concentrated in Iowa City.
Figure 2:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
Due to the large student population at the University of Iowa, the urbanized area has proportionally more
residents between ages 20 and 24 than other urbanized areas in the state. However, each jurisdiction has
a slightly different age composition. In general, Iowa City is centralized around the 20 to 24-year-old age
bracket, indicating that the college student population is a significant contributor to the population makeup
of the region. The median age is skewed a bit to favor the mid-20s to mid-40s population in Tiffin and North
Liberty while Coralville lies just slightly higher than Iowa City. North Liberty has the highest proportion of
kids based on the size of the cities in the urbanized area. The general makeup of Johnson County has
stayed relatively constant between 2014 and 2019.
Table 2: Population distribution by age group, 2019
Age Coralville Iowa City North
Liberty Tiffin University
Heights
Urbanized
Area
Johnson
County
Less than 10 2,747 6,512 3,821 594 131 20,185 17,295
10 to 19 2,197 11,953 1,865 377 90 23,696 20,619
20 to 24 2,491 16,859 1,480 227 235 24,398 23,127
25 to 34 4,080 11,694 4,116 591 238 25,726 23,239
35 to 44 2,700 7,596 3,388 576 109 20,365 17,874
45 to 54 2,242 6,414 1,676 370 72 17,530 14,803
55 to 64 2,303 6,081 1,178 280 149 17,826 14,810
65 or more 2,343 7,841 1,305 336 135 20,951 16,810
TOTAL 21,103 74,950 18,829 3,351 1,159 170,677 148,577
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates
22,290
75,130
19,501
4,157 1,026
151,140
30,571
99,766
37,823
9,929 1,000
212,540
-
25,000
50,000
75,000
100,000
125,000
150,000
175,000
200,000
225,000
Coralville Iowa City North Liberty Tiffin University Heights Johnson County
Projected Population Growth
2019 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
4
Figure 3:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates
Figure 4 on the following page shows that m ost cities in the urbanized area have become more ethnically
diverse between 2014 and 2019. The previous update from 2015 noted a significant increase in the
Hispanic population, which has continued to increase between 2014 and 2019 (See Appendix A for detailed
figures and percentages).
The most notable increase of racial diversity within the urbanized area was in Coralville and University
Heights. However, the relatively small size and limited opportunity for expansion of University Heights is
likely allowing the proportions to show more variability. Although Johnson County is generally more racially
diverse than Iowa as a whole, it still has a large majority W hite population.
11.7%
11.9%
11.3%
17.7%
20.3%
8.7%
13.0%
13.8%
13.9%
7.7%
11.3%
9.9%
15.9%
10.4%
15.6%
14.3%
20.3%
6.8%
7.9%
22.5%
11.8%
15.6%
15.1%
20.5%
17.6%
21.9%
15.6%
19.3%
12.0%
11.9%
9.4%
17.2%
18.0%
10.1%
12.8%
10.0%
10.3%
6.2%
11.0%
8.9%
8.6%
10.6%
9.9%
10.5%
12.9%
8.3%
6.3%
8.1%
10.9%
11.3%
12.2%
11.6%
10.1%
6.9%
10.4%
11.1%
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Johnson County
Urbanized Area
University Heights
Tiffin
North Liberty
Iowa City
Coralville
Population Distribution by Age Group, 2019
Less than 10 10 to 19 20 to 24 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64 65 or more
5
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates Figure 4: Population Distribution by Race *For detailed percentages for all races, see Appendix A
6
Student enrollment numbers at the University of Iowa have stayed relatively constant over the time frame
being studied, with the COVID-19 pandemic potentially accounting for the slight decline in 2020 enrollment.
Overall, however, the student population has made a stable and significant contribution to the population
of the urbanized area.
Figure 5:
Source: University of Iowa Admissions
31,387 32,150 31,730
-
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
2014 2019 2020
Student Population at the University of Iowa
7
Economic and Employment Data
Poverty
The US Census Bureau collects data on individuals in poverty by comparing family incomes to thresholds
established by the federal government, which are adjusted annually for inflation. The 2014 poverty threshold
is defined as $11,670 for one person and $23,850 for a family of four. The 2019 poverty threshold is defined
as $12,490 for one person and $25,750 for a family of four.
Between 2014 and 2019, Coralville, North Liberty, and University Heights have all increased the proportion
of people in poverty while Iowa City and Tiffin have decreased their poverty rates. Johnson County has an
increasing proportion of people living in poverty while the overall poverty rate for Iowa is decreasing.
Figure 6:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
Table 3: Poverty rates
Year Coralville Iowa
City
North
Liberty Tiffin University
Heights
Urbanized
Area
Johnson
County Iowa
2014 6.0% 10.3% 4.0% 6.2% 8.0% 6.9% 6.6% 8.2%
2019 9.4% 9.3% 4.4% 1.4% 14.3% 7.8% 7.0% 7.2%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
265
1,327
135
29
21 1,938
1,965
439 1,245
206
12
36
1,777 2,268
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
Coralville Iowa City North Liberty Tiffin University
Heights
Urbanized
Area
Johnson
County
Families in Poverty -Number and Percentage
2014 2019
8
Acknowledging racial disparities in poverty and income can help in finding ways to provide equitable access
to affordable housing. As shown below, racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to be in poverty than
White individuals.
Figure 7:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates
College students are another population to consider for affordable housing policy. Beginning with the 2016
American Community Survey, their needs were calculated separately from the surrounding county and
jurisdiction as a whole. College students in Iowa City make up just over half of all people in poverty and just
under half of all people living in Johnson County. Because there is a large college student population in the
urbanized area, the poverty rate is expected to be higher as many students rely on temporary i ncome
sources such as loans and family support.
Table 4: Poverty rates, 2016
Place
Poverty rates
Total Poverty
Rate
Poverty rate excluding off-
campus college students
Iowa City 28.0% 13.1%
Johnson County 17.9% 9.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2012-2016 5-Year Estimates
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Coralville Iowa City North Liberty Tiffin University
Heights
Johnson County Iowa
Poverty Rate by Race and Ethnicity, 2019
White Black or African American
American Indian and Alaska Native Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Some other race
Two or more races Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race)
9
Free and Reduced Lunch Program
Schoolchildren whose families’ incomes fall below the poverty line (or meet other similar criteria) are eligible
to receive a free or reduced-price lunch. The total number of students in the Iowa City Community School
District (ICCSD) and Clear Creek Amana School District (CCASD) eligible to participate in this program has
increased by over 50% since 2010. While the school district boundaries do not align with the municipal
boundaries of the communities included in the urbanized area, free and reduced lunch data gives a general
sense of the magnitude and spatial distribution of poverty. Between 2014 and 201 9, the number of
households with children in Johnson County decreased by 2.3%, but the number of FRL participants
increased by about 5%.
Figure 8:
Source: Iowa City Community School District, Clear Creek Amana School District, and Iowa Dept. of Education
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19
Total Enrollment and Percent of Free and Reduced Lunch
Students
ICCSD CCASD ICCSD FRL CCASD FRL
10
Table 5: Free and reduced lunch program data by school and year, ICCSD and CCASD
School Year 2009-10 2014-15 2019-20
SCHOOL TOTAL
ENROLLED
TOTAL
FRL
FRL
RATE
TOTAL
ENROLLED
TOTAL
FRL
FRL
RATE
TOTAL
ENROLLED
TOTAL
FRL
FRL
RATE
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
ALEXANDER N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 320 225 70.3%
AMANA ELEM 129 30 23.3% 193 36 18.7% 117 40 34.2%
BORLAUG N/A N/A N/A 399 113 28.3% 454 189 41.6%
CC ELEM 335 65 19.4% 343 79 23.0% 276 72 26.1%
CVL CENTRAL 429 133 31.0% 397 153 38.5% 442 220 49.8%
GARNER N/A N/A N/A 575 107 18.6% 512 179 35.0%
GRANT N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 518 75 14.5%
HILLS 144 84 58.3% 111 70 63.1% 179 129 72.1%
HOOVER 360 92 25.6% 306 63 20.6% 415 205 49.4%
HORN 331 64 19.3% 487 183 37.6% 434 226 52.1%
KIRKWOOD 336 199 59.2% 360 262 72.8% 282 202 71.6%
LEMME 329 84 25.5% 400 105 26.3% 368 102 27.7%
LINCOLN 261 14 5.4% 234 17 7.3% 240 70 29.2%
LONGFELLOW 310 56 18.1% 322 65 20.2% 407 167 41.0%
LUCAS 415 166 40.0% 403 230 57.1% 329 160 48.6%
MANN 275 135 49.1% 221 110 49.8% 239 89 37.2%
NORTH BEND 273 67 24.5% 469 90 19.2% 334 63 18.9%
OAK HILL N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 271 77 28.4%
PENN 510 142 27.8% 521 100 19.2% 496 65 13.1%
ROOSEVELT 307 195 63.5% N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
SHIMEK 201 22 10.9% 208 30 14.4% 203 39 19.2%
TIFFIN ELEM N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 305 86 28.2%
TWAIN 244 188 77.0% 374 284 75.9% 205 115 56.1%
VAN ALLEN 683 151 22.1% 506 85 16.8% 480 116 24.2%
WEBER 540 80 14.8% 488 205 42.0% 570 249 43.7%
WICKHAM 485 15 3.1% 500 52 10.4% 413 44 10.7%
WOOD 507 333 65.7% 504 373 74.0% 324 227 70.1%
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
CCA MIDDLE 340 75 22.1% 437 83 19.0% 577 170 29.5%
NORTH CENTRAL 396 69 17.4% 471 93 19.8% 581 138 23.8%
NORTHWEST 615 200 32.5% 633 214 33.8% 765 312 40.8%
SOUTHEAST 688 263 38.2% 794 343 43.2% 817 359 43.9%
HIGH SCHOOLS
CITY HIGH 1,389 416 29.9% 1592 585 36.8% 1,566 598 38.2%
CCA HIGH 495 91 18.4% 589 110 18.7% 661 160 24.2%
LIBERTY HIGH N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1,096 307 28.0%
WEST HIGH 1,789 393 22.0% 1973 440 22.3% 1,460 495 33.9%
TATE HIGH 122 84 68.9% 151 77 51.0% 161 86 53.4%
Total - Both Districts
13,238 3,906 29.5% 14,961 4,757 31.8% 16,817 6,056 36.0%
Source: Iowa City Community School District, Clear Creek Amana School District, and Iowa Dept. of Education
11
Figure 9:
12
Figure 10:
13
Employment
The Iowa City urbanized area has had a relatively stable unemployment rate even as the national and state
rates fluctuated, potentially due to the stability of The University of Iowa attracting and employing people.
The smaller communities and unincorporated areas tend to have lower and decreasing unemployment
rates in comparison to Iowa City which is slightly higher. These rates are likely subject to change due to the
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and should be considered for future analysis.
Table 6: Unemployment rates in civilian labor force by jurisdiction, county, state, and nation
Year Coralville Iowa City North
Liberty Tiffin University
Heights
Johnson
County Iowa US
2014 3.5% 4.6% 0.7% 4.2% 2.7% 3.6% 5.4% 9.2%
2019 3.1% 4.7% 1.1% 2.0% 1.5% 3.5% 3.7% 4.5%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
Unemployment rates have generally decreased between 2014 and 2019, but they are still much higher for
racial and ethnic minorities, as shown in Figure 11. Some of the extreme changes in unemployment rates
by race can be accounted for by the raw number of people present. For example, in 2014, University Heights
did not have anyone who identified as “some other race alone,” and in 2019 they had a 100% unempl oyment
rate for people who identified as such, likely indicating that only one or a few people moved to University
Heights of that demographic that were unemployed. Only a few people moving would not affect other
jurisdictions so dramatically.
The chart on page 15, Figure 12, illustrates the percentage of workers by industry in relation to the mean
income for that industry in the urbanized area. From left to right, the graph shows the industries with the
greatest to least percentage of employed persons. This information is useful to determine how workers in
different sectors of employment are affected by the housing market in the community.
14
Figure 11:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Coralville Iowa City North Liberty Tiffin University
Heights
Johnson
County
Iowa US
Unemployment by Race and Ethnicity, 2014
White Black or African American
American Indian or Alaska Native Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Some other race
Two or more races Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race)
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Coralville Iowa City North Liberty Tiffin University
Heights
Johnson
County
Iowa US
Unemployment by Race and Ethnicity, 2019
White Black or African American
American Indian or Alaska Native Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Some other race
Two or more races Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race)
15
Figure 12: Employment and mean salary by occupation
Source: Iowa Wage Survey, 2020
16
Distribution of Income
Distribution of household income is a good indicator of how income varies with respect to location and may
help jurisdictions better understand their affordable housing needs. Figure 13 below illustrates household
income distribution by jurisdiction. Iowa City generally has more people in lower income brackets than the
smaller communities, county, and state, possibly due to the large student population. University Heights
has the highest number of people in both the highest and the lowest income brackets, indicating strong
income disparity among residents. This is also possibly due to University Heights’ proximity to both The
University of Iowa and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
Figure 13: Household income by jurisdiction
17
Median Household Income
The previous update in 2015 reported nearly a 7% decrease in median household income between 2000
and 2012. Figure 14 below shows an increase in median household income from 2014 to 2019 in every
community across the urbanized area.
Figure 14:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
Table 7: Median household income by jurisdiction
Year Coralville Iowa City North
Liberty Tiffin University
Heights
Johnson
County
2014 $59,822 $42,119 $72,470 $51,000 $52,500 $54,985
2019 $60,321 $49,075 $83,949 $78,713 $68,533 $62,542
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
The data in Table 8 shows that there is a significant discrepancy in Iowa for median household income
based on race. Most notably is the ~$30,000 difference in median household income for W hite and Black
households. Unfortunately this data is not available at the county or local level.
Table 8: Median household income by race of householder, 2019
State White
Black or
African
American
American
Indian and
Alaska Native
Asian
Native
Hawaiian and
Other Pacific
Islander
Some
Other
Race
Two or
More
Races
Iowa $62,097 $32,139 $36,794 $59,890 $48,173 $47,938 $44,727
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates $59,822 $42,119 $72,470 $51,000 $52,500 $54,985 $60,321 $49,075 $83,949 $78,713 $68,533 $62,542 $-
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
$70,000
$80,000
$90,000
Coralville Iowa City North Liberty Tiffin University Heights Johnson County
Median Household Income
2014 2019
18
Income by Age of Householder
Showing income distribution by age of householder can help identify which segments of the population may
be the most impacted by housing costs. Figure 15 below shows income distribution by age for 2014 and
2019. Of the people earning less than $10,000 per year, just over half of them are under age 25, rather
than the expected overwhelming majority, indicating that poverty is affecting more than just college students
in the area.
Figure 15:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
When income distribution by age is examined for each community, University Heights has the highest
proportion of households with income below $10,000 with Iowa City close behind. When householders
under age 25 are discounted, Iowa City has the highest number of households with income below $10,000.
In total, there are 2,131 urbanized area households with a householder over the age of 25 and income less
than $10,000, two thirds of which are in Iowa City. Iowa City is tied with Coralville for the highest proportion
(18%) of households with a householder over the age of 25 with income below $25,000 (characteris tics
which are more similar to low-income families than college students). The previous update in 2015
mentioned a significant difference between the low levels of income in Iowa City compared to the rest of
the urbanized area, a trend which is no longer as prevalent, as proportions of low-income households have
increased in surrounding communities.
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
10,000
2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019
Less than
$10,000
$10,000 to
$19,999
$20,000 to
$29,999
$30,000 to
$39,999
$40,000 to
$49,999
$50,000 to
$59,999
$60,000 to
$74,999
$75,000 to
$99,999
$100,000
to
$149,999
$150,000
or more
County Income Distribution by Age Group
Under 25 25 to 44 45 to 64 65 or moreNumber of Households
19
Table 9: Household income distribution by age of householder by jurisdiction, 2019
Income Coralville
Under 25 25-44 45-64 65+
Less than $10,000 247 326 124 55
$10,000 to $19,999 152 224 99 212
$20,000 to $29,999 146 336 109 209
$30,000 to $39,999 319 295 88 138
$40,000 to $49,999 48 277 73 77
$50,000 to $59,999 20 272 156 217
$60,000 to $74,999 58 343 230 131
$75,000 to $99,999 58 351 286 74
$100,000 to $149,999 49 518 490 208
$150,000 or more 17 416 747 262
Income
Iowa City Total households
below Iowa City’s
median income,
over age 25 Under 25 25-44 45-64 65+
Less than $10,000 2761 735 528 155 1,418
$10,000 to $19,999 1686 818 386 582 1,786
$20,000 to $29,999 947 895 569 566 2,030
$30,000 to $39,999 589 1034 494 488 2,016
$40,000 to $49,999 332 1135 524 328 1,987
$50,000 to $59,999 221 1019 481 373
$60,000 to $74,999 245 1196 704 498
$75,000 to $99,999 209 1292 1102 589
$100,000 to $149,999 79 1604 1320 784
$150,000 or more 19 935 1730 616
Income North Liberty
Under 25 25-44 45-64 65+
Less than $10,000 76 111 16 57
$10,000 to $19,999 0 0 36 94
$20,000 to $29,999 51 159 57 84
$30,000 to $39,999 71 218 189 81
$40,000 to $49,999 124 160 66 77
$50,000 to $59,999 22 292 152 82
$60,000 to $74,999 68 490 236 84
$75,000 to $99,999 156 806 227 173
$100,000 to $149,999 0 1210 363 45
$150,000 or more 0 561 440 54
20
Table 9 (Continued): Household income distribution by age of householder by jurisdiction, 2019
Income Tiffin
Under 25 25-44 45-64 65+
Less than $10,000 7 0 3 0
$10,000 to $19,999 6 0 17 30
$20,000 to $29,999 0 14 39 18
$30,000 to $39,999 56 21 11 16
$40,000 to $49,999 53 19 47 40
$50,000 to $59,999 5 41 32 18
$60,000 to $74,999 0 53 45 17
$75,000 to $99,999 0 154 76 26
$100,000 to $149,999 0 246 96 7
$150,000 or more 0 44 30 20
Income University Heights
Under 25 25-44 45-64 65+
Less than $10,000 56 21 0 0
$10,000 to $19,999 5 3 11 6
$20,000 to $29,999 31 8 2 0
$30,000 to $39,999 14 0 16 11
$40,000 to $49,999 4 10 4 0
$50,000 to $59,999 4 25 5 0
$60,000 to $74,999 0 27 34 0
$75,000 to $99,999 4 32 6 2
$100,000 to $149,999 0 23 24 25
$150,000 or more 0 47 34 37
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates
21
Basic Housing Trends
Household Composition
Non-family households are very common in the urbanized area, as many college students share housing
to reduce costs. Between 2014 and 2019, the proportion of non-family households slightly increased for
Coralville, Iowa City, and University Heights and significantly decreased for North Liberty and Tiffin. This is
the exact opposite of the trend described in the 2015 update, likely due to the smaller communities’ appeal
to newer families. However, there was little measurable change in the overall proportion of non-family
households in Johnson County as a whole.
Table 10: Family and non-family households
2014 Coralville Iowa City North
Liberty Tiffin University
Heights
Johnson
County Iowa
Total 7,710 28,843 5,942 832 534 54,850 1,232,228
Family 4,419 12,887 3,386 470 261 29,769 797,031
Non-Family 3,291 15,956 2,556 362 273 25,081 435,197
% Non-
Family 42.68% 55.32% 43.02% 43.51% 51.12% 45.73% 35.32%
2019 Coralville Iowa City North
Liberty Tiffin University
Heights
Johnson
County Iowa
Total 8,457 30,568 7,188 1,307 531 59,134 1,265,473
Family 4,672 13,385 4,682 880 252 32,395 802,826
Non-Family 3,785 17,183 2,506 427 279 26,739 462,647
% Non-
Family 44.76% 56.21% 34.86% 32.67% 52.54% 45.22% 36.56%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
Between 2014 and 2019, the number of households with children decreased in Coralville and Iowa City
while increasing in North Liberty, Tiffin, and University Heights. Households with children have different
housing needs based on their social and economic characteristics. Factors such as location, size of housing
unit, proximity to schools, and presence of other households with children may influence a family’s decision
to purchase or rent one home or another. The proportion of housing suitable for family occupancy should
correspond to the proportion of families with children. Furthermore, a variety of single and multi-family units
provides families with more options to make housing choices based on location.
Table 11: Households with children
Year Coralville Iowa City North
Liberty Tiffin University
Heights
Johnson
County Iowa
2014 2,521 6,240 2,099 269 94 15,070 374,781
2019 2,414 6,045 2,872 504 126 15,453 375,250
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
22
Owner-Occupied versus Renter-Occupied
Although a 3-to-1 ratio of owner-occupied to renter-occupied units is common in many communities, the
urbanized area has nearly a 1-to-1 ratio. The large population of college students is likely a major factor in
keeping the proportion of owners and renters more equal. Over the last five years, the proportion of renters
has increased in all communities in the urbanized area, except for North Liberty. Overall from 2014 to 2019,
the proportion of renter-occupied properties has increased slightly across Johnson County as a whole.
Figure 16:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
Overall, W hite individuals have a higher chance of owning their property than renting it. This trend continues
from 2014 to 2019. There are a few exceptions, particularly for Asian residents living in North Liberty and
University Heights in 2019, but overall, non-W hite populations have lower rates of homeownership. With
the large student population it’s possible that these individuals are choosing to rent, but when the trend is
this similar across the urbanized area, it’s likely pointing to a lack of opportunity for home ownership for
racial minorities. Appendix B gives more detail about the trends in renter/owner rates present in each
jurisdiction over time.
71.1%
71.8%
58.5%
59.6%
52.4%
59.6%
67.6%
72.5%
69.4%
68.4%
47.7%
48.1%
50.6%
56.5%
28.9%
28.2%
41.5%
40.4%
47.6%
40.4%
32.4%
27.5%
30.6%
31.6%
52.3%
51.9%
49.4%
43.5%
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
2019
2014
2019
2014
2019
2014
2019
2014
2019
2014
2019
2014
2019
2014
IowaJohnsonCountyUniversityHeightsTiffinNorthLibertyIowa CityCoralvilleOwner-Occupied and Rental-Occupied Units
Owner-occupied Renter-occupied
23
Housing Stock
Between 2014 and 2019, all jurisdictions added to their housing stock except University Heights. Tiffin is
still significantly increasing its housing stock, a trend that was noted in the previous 2015 update. North
Liberty has also continued its trend of increasing housing stock, although not as significantly prior to 2014.
Table 12: Total Housing Units by Jurisdiction
Coralville Iowa City North
Liberty Tiffin University
Heights
Johnson
County
2014 8,168 30,002 6,102 898 574 57,280
2019 9,194 33,254 7,548 1,473 542 63,623
Total Units
Added 1,026 3,252 1,446 575 -32 6,343
% Change 13% 11% 24% 64% -6% 11%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
24
Building Permits
Coralville and Iowa City have significantly increased their building permit approval for multi -family housing
units compared to the 2015 update. Iowa City and Coralville increased their multi-family building permits by
311.7% and 1202.5% respectively between 2014 and 2019. Continuing to ensure that an adequate amount
of land in the urbanized area is zoned for multi-family developments is necessary to meet this demand.
Figure 17:
Source: State of the Cities Building Permit Data System, HUD
Table 13: Building permits issued for single and multi-family homes, 2010-2019
Year CORALVILLE IOWA CITY NORTH
LIBERTY TIFFIN UNIVERSITY
HEIGHTS
JOHNSON
COUNTY
UNINCORP.
AREA
SF MF SF MF SF MF SF MF SF MF SF MF
2010 40 0 153 59 136 0 13 16 0 0 38 0
2011 71 122 126 99 157 20 23 54 0 0 39 0
2012 77 10 223 176 136 20 19 18 0 0 77 0
2013 66 0 219 479 71 47 34 0 0 0 59 0
2014 89 75 226 219 162 93 19 72 0 0 49 0
2015 29 109 151 537 126 0 35 148 0 0 74 0
2016 18 370 263 817 120 0 36 139 0 0 75 0
2017 19 334 213 305 178 0 120 26 0 0 33 0
2018 25 467 132 189 73 51 151 108 0 0 49 9
2019 17 99 98 471 72 21 134 77 0 0 51 2
Subtotal 451 1,586 1,804 3,351 1,231 252 584 658 0 0 544 11
Total 2,037 5,155 1,483 1,242 0* 555
*Data from HUD shows no permits from University Heights despite development of 1 University Place multi -family development.
Source: State of the Cities Building Permit Data System, HUD.
451
1586
1804
3351
1231
252
584 658
0 0
544
11
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000
3,500
4,000
SF MF SF MF SF MF SF MF SF MF SF MF
CORALVILLE IOWA CITY NORTH LIBERTY TIFFIN UNIVERSITY
HEIGHTS
JOHNSON COUNTY
UNINCORPORATED
AREA
Building Permits Issued by Community 2010 -2019
Single-family (SF) & Multi-family (MF)
25
Housing Vacancy
Housing vacancy rates are helpful indicators of occupancy turnover and housing mobility. While having
some vacancy is ideal to promote population growth, the ideal rate is fairly arbitrary. However, having a
rate that’s stable is important in regulating ho using costs and mitigating the cost burden. The average rental
vacancy rate in the United States was 8.9% between 2010 and 2014 and was 6.9% between 2015 and
2019.
From 2014 to 2019, homeowner vacancy rates decreased in every jurisdiction except for Iowa City while
renter vacancy rates increased in every jurisdiction except for University Heights (which remained at 0%).
Tiffin has a particularly high rate of rental vacancy that increased between 2014 and 2019.
Figure 18:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
0.0%
2.0%1.4%1.8%
0.7%0.0%
2.4%
1.5%
5.1%
0.0%
4.0%
7.7%
1.7%
4.1%
0.0%
6.6%
8.0%
17.7%
0.0%0.0%
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
20%
2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019
Coralville Iowa City North Liberty Tiffin University Heights
Vacancy Rates
Homeowner vacancy rate Rental vacancy rate
26
Housing Costs and Cost Burden
The Census collects data on housing costs as a proportion of household income. Housing is considered
“affordable” if occupants pay no more than 30 percent of their gross annual income on rent or owner housing
costs. Occupants paying more than 30 percent of their gross annual income towards housing are
considered “cost-burdened”, while those paying more than 50 percent are considered “severely cost-
burdened”. The US Census Bureau defines gross rent as the combined cost of rent and selected utilities,
while gross homeowner costs refer to mortgage and insurance payments, and selected utilities.
Renters
Rents increased 11.3% in Johnson County between 2014 and 2019 after being adjusted for inflation. The
proportion of renters in the urbanized area who were considered either cost -burdened or severely cost-
burdened was 55.3% in 2014 and 54.0% in 2019. Iowa City was the only jurisdiction to lower its percentage
of severely cost-burdened renters, although it still has the highest proportion overall. University Heights ha d
the most significant proportion of increase in cost-burdened residents without a similar increase in those
severely cost-burdened.
Figure 19:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
Table 14 and 15 indicate that the proportion of cost-burdened renters is similar to that of the state while the
proportion of severely cost-burdened renters is far higher in the urbanized area than the state as a whole.
Table 14: Cost-burdened renters by region, county, and state
Year Urbanized Area Johnson County Iowa
Total % Total % Total %
2014 4,125 20.0% 4,467 20.2% 70,024 20.2%
2019 4,322 18.8% 4,517 18.4% 72,234 19.7%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates 23.0%24.0%19.3%17.3%21.9%19.0%15.7%18.6%8.8%20.2%22.1%26.1%41.3%40.7%14.7%16.3%10.5%14.9%35.6%36.4%0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019
Coralville Iowa City North Liberty Tiffin University
Heights
Proportion of Cost-Burdened Renters by
Jurisdiction
Cost Burdened Severely Cost Burdened
27
Table 15: Severely cost-burdened renters by region, county, and state
Year Urbanized Area Johnson County Iowa
Total % Total % Total %
2014 7,295 35.3% 7,483 33.8% 73,433 21.1%
2019 8,116 35.2% 8,343 34.0% 72,505 19.8%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 ACS 5-Year Estimates
The American Community Survey last tracked data for gross rent as a percentage of household income by
race in the 2000 Census, which is no longer a relevant indicator of current racial disparities in affordable
housing. However, the United States Government Accountability Office has some information on
differences of rental affordability based on race between 2010 and 2017. Overall, W hite and Asian
individuals have the highest chance of being able to afford rental housing when compared to Black and
Hispanic individuals, as well as people of other races. Despite an overall general improvement of rental
affordability, there is still approximately a 10% difference between W hite and Black individuals who are not
cost burdened by rent.
Table 16: Rent burden by race, U.S.
Race Rent Burden 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
White
Not Rent Burdened 52% 52% 53% 54% 54% 55% 56% 56%
Moderately Rent
Burdened 24% 23% 23% 23% 23% 23% 23% 23%
Severely Rent
Burdened 24% 25% 24% 23% 23% 22% 22% 22%
Black
Not Rent Burdened 41% 40% 42% 42% 42% 43% 45% 45%
Moderately Rent
Burdened 26% 26% 25% 26% 26% 26% 26% 26%
Severely Rent
Burdened 33% 34% 33% 32% 32% 31% 29% 29%
Hispanic
Not Rent Burdened 43% 42% 43% 44% 44% 45% 46% 46%
Moderately Rent
Burdened 27% 28% 27% 28% 28% 28% 27% 27%
Severely Rent
Burdened 29% 30% 30% 29% 29% 28% 27% 27%
Asian
Not Rent Burdened 55% 55% 55% 56% 55% 56% 56% 56%
Moderately Rent
Burdened 21% 22% 21% 21% 21% 21% 21% 21%
Severely Rent
Burdened 24% 24% 24% 23% 24% 23% 23% 23%
Other
Not Rent Burdened 47% 46% 46% 48% 48% 50% 49% 50%
Moderately Rent
Burdened 24% 25% 24% 24% 24% 24% 24% 24%
Severely Rent
Burdened 29% 29% 29% 28% 28% 26% 26% 26%
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office
28
Homeowners
Figure 20 shows that the median housing value for owner-occupied units in the urbanized area increased
substantially between 2014 and 2019. The greatest increases in housing value are found in Tiffin at 30%
and North Liberty at 27%. The highest median home value was reported in University Heights at $295,700.
Figure 20:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
$189,300$185,500$173,500$179,000$252,900$126,300$227,700$215,100$220,800$233,000$295,700$147,800$
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
Coralville Iowa City North Liberty Tiffin University
Heights
Iowa
Median Housing Value -Owner Occupied
2014 2019
29
Overall, the urbanized area has been making strides in homeownership cost burden. Every jurisdiction
except for Coralville had a decrease in their proportion of severely cost-burdened homeowners between
2014 and 2019. Even though Coralville decreased their proportion of cost-burdened owners, the increase
of severely cost-burdened owners indicates that some homeowners are increasingly being unable to afford
their homes. Every jurisdiction except for Tiffin also had a decrease in their proportion of cost -burdened
owners, with North Liberty’s proportion of cost-burdened owners decreasing the by greatest percentage
(almost 50%).
Figure 21:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
Table 17: Cost-burdened homeowners by region, county, and state
Year Urbanized Area Johnson County Iowa
Total % Total % Total %
2014 3,172 13.7% 4,341 13.3% 105,093 11.9%
2019 2,742 11.0% 3,925 11.3% 92,922 10.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
Table 18: Severely cost-burdened homeowners by region, county, and state
Year Urbanized Area Johnson County Iowa
Total % Total % Total %
2014 1,323 5.7% 1,787 5.5% 54,583 6.2%
2019 1,252 5.0% 1,758 5.1% 51,819 5.8%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) had some information on rental affordability based on
race, but does not have any information on homeownership affordability based on race. Even the Census
has never recorded this specific data. With this data, a picture of the racial disparities present in housing
affordability could become clearer. 14.2%13.5%12.9%10.8%16.4%8.8%10.6%14.3%8.5%6.5%1.8%3.2%6.8%6.3%5.5%2.5%6.3%5.8%11.3%8.6%0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
14%
16%
18%
2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019 2014 2019
Coralville Iowa City North Liberty Tiffin University
Heights
Proportion of Cost-Burdened Owners by Jurisdiction
Cost Burdened Severely Cost Burdened
30
Income versus Housing Cost
Coralville, Iowa City, and North Liberty have all had slower growth in income than in housing value while
Tiffin and University Heights have had higher rates of income change than housing value.
Figure 23:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
-6.6%
7.9%7.3%
42.9%
20.9%20.3%
16.0%
27.3%
30.2%
16.9%
-10%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Coralville Iowa City North Liberty Tiffin University Heights
Percent Change in Median Housing Value and Median Household
Income by Jurisdiction, 2014-2019
Median Income Change Median Housing Value Change
31
Cost Burden Illustrated
The National Low Income Housing Coalition’s (NLIHC) annual publication Out of Reach provides data on
housing affordability for metropolitan areas, counties, and states. The hourly wage necess ary to afford a 2-
bedroom rental unit at Fair Market Rent (FMR) ($1,011) in Johnson County is $19.44, or an annual salary
of $40,440. According to data from the Iowa Wage Report, the average salary for eight of the 21
employment sectors in Johnson County are not high enough to afford the fair market rent on a two-bedroom
unit in Johnson County. These eight employment sectors account for over half of the employees in Johnson
County.
To illustrate the magnitude of cost burden in the urbanized area, Figure 23 compares the median gross rent
in each community for 2019 versus 30 percent of mean full-time wages for the two industries with the largest
workforces. Combined, the Office and Administrative Support and Food Preparation and Serving industries
employ more than one in five workers in the urbanized area. The food services industry had the lowest
mean salary of any sector - $24,928 in 2019. The office and administration industry employs the largest
proportion of workers in the urbanized area at 12%, with a mean salary of $40,137. Figure 23 also illustrates
that employees in each industry would have a difficult time finding affordable rental housing in the area.
Figure 23:
Source: Iowa Wage Survey, 2020 & U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates
Table 19: Change in median gross rental cost by jurisdiction (adjusted for inflation)
Median Gross Rent Coralville Iowa City North Liberty Tiffin University
Heights
2014 $797 $874 $1,019 $934 $1,300
2019 $896 $967 $1,110 $994 $1,500
Change (%) 12.4% 10.6% 9.0% 6.4% 15.4%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 & 2010-2014 5-Year Estimates
$896 $967
$1,110
$994
$1,500
$623
$1,003
$-
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
Coralville Iowa City North Liberty Tiffin University
Heights
Median Gross Rent vs.
30% of Monthly Wages by Selected Industries
2019 Median Gross Rent
30% of full time monthly wages, Food Preparation and Serving Related
30% of full time monthly wages, Office and Administrative Support
32
To cover median Iowa City rental costs in 2019, a single-income, full-time employee in food services making
the average salary for that industry would expect to allocate almost half of their earnings towards rent. An
office worker with an average salary would expect to spend just under 30% of their income, falling just
below the cost-burden threshold. These proportions are relatively similar for all metro communities with the
exception of University Heights, which has a markedly higher median rent. Renters in University Heights
earning the average salary in office and administrative support positions and food preparation/serving would
be cost burdened and severely cost burdened respectively.
Figure 24:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates
Barriers to Homeownership
Homeownership would also likely be unaffordable for many workers in these sectors, especially when
considering the added costs of property taxes, utilities, and homeowners’ insurance. A single-income office
worker can afford to spend no more than $1,002 monthly (30% of average monthly wages) on
homeownership. Estimates from the American Housing Survey (2019) show that in urbanized areas across
the country the average monthly cost for insurance is: $91, utilities: $227, property tax: $349, which totals
to $667, leaving only $335 for a potential mortgage payment. With over half of the local workforce in
occupations that pay less than the local ‘housing wage’ for an average salary the opportunity for renters to
save enough money for a down payment and move towards homeownership seems out of reach for many
workers.
27%
29%
33%
30%
45%
43%
47%
53%
48%
72%
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%
Coralville
Iowa City
North Liberty
Tiffin
University Heights
Percent of Monthly Wage Needed to Pay Median Rent (2019)
for Selected Industries
Office and Administrative Support Food Prep. and Serving
33
Appendix A
Figure A-1 below illustrates the complete distribution of population by race for all communities in the urbanized area, with county and state comparisons. PercentTotalPercentTotalPercentTotalPercentTotalPercentTotalPercentTotalPercentTotalPercentTotalWhite79.6%15,67181.0%57,17890.0%13,05388.1%1,69396.6%1,17386.3%136,94784.8%116,05991.4%2,813,097Black or African American9.5%1,8625.8%4,0925.3%7731.1%210.7%84.5%7,2065.1%7,0213.1%95,716American Indian and Alaska Native0.2%460.3%2220.0%00.0%00.0%00.2%3230.2%3160.3%9,688Asian7.7%1,5128.0%5,6182.7%3890.8%161.2%145.0%7,9545.7%7,8551.9%59,726Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander0.0%00.3%2240.0%00.0%00.0%00.1%2350.2%2240.1%1,715Some other race1.6%3122.0%1,4050.2%315.7%1090.0%01.7%2,7611.7%2,3711.3%39,953Two or more races1.4%2742.6%1,8581.8%2574.3%821.6%192.1%3,2822.2%2,9561.9%58,221Hispanic or Latino (of any race)5.6%1,1045.2%3,6856.2%89512.9%2482.2%275.2%8,2235.2%7,0465.3%163,110PercentTotalPercentTotalPercentTotalPercentTotalPercentTotalPercentTotalPercentTotalPercentTotalWhite71.4%15,05778.5%58,85087.5%16,46989.8%3,00983.7%97083.5%142,45181.7%121,40890.0%2,826,070Black or African American13.4%2,8228.3%6,2035.7%1,0671.9%649.0%1046.4%10,9877.3%10,8153.7%116,359American Indian and Alaska Native0.1%290.2%1840.0%00.9%310.7%80.2%3460.2%2880.4%11,976Asian11.1%2,3327.3%5,5013.8%7232.6%863.7%435.5%9,4036.2%9,2712.4%75,741Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander0.0%60.1%830.1%130.0%00.0%00.1%1060.1%1020.1%3,729Some other race2.4%5162.8%2,0720.9%1741.2%410.2%22.1%3,6312.2%3,2391.2%39,048Two or more races1.6%3412.7%2,0572.0%3833.6%1202.8%322.2%3,7532.3%3,4542.1%66,585Hispanic or Latino (of any race)6.9%1,4495.8%4,3564.4%8318.3%2795.2%605.7%9,7085.6%8,3456.0%188,311Johnson CountyIowaUrbanized AreaJohnson CountyIowa2019CoralvilleIowa CityNorth LibertyTiffinU HeightsUrbanized Area2014CoralvilleIowa CityNorth LibertyTiffinU Heights
34
Appendix B
This appendix provides information about the renter and owner rates by race for 2014 and 2019. All data
for the following charts was gathered from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2010 -
2014 and 2015-2019 5-Year Estimates.
Figure B-1 illustrates the rates of owning versus renting by race and by jurisdiction, county, and state in
2014.
Figure B-1
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
White
Black or African American
American Indian and Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
Two or more races
Coralville Owner vs. Renter by Race, 2014
Renter-occupied housing units Owner-occupied housing units
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
White
Black or African American
American Indian and Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
Two or more races
Iowa City Owner vs. Renter by Race, 2014
Renter-occupied housing units Owner-occupied housing units
35
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
White
Black or African American
American Indian and Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
Two or more races
North Liberty Owner vs. Renter by Race, 2014
Renter-occupied housing units Owner-occupied housing units
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
White
Black or African American
American Indian and Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
Two or more races
Tiffin Owner vs. Renter by Race, 2014
Renter-occupied housing units Owner-occupied housing units
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
White
Black or African American
American Indian and Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
Two or more races
University Heights Owner vs. Renter by Race, 2014
Renter-occupied housing units Owner-occupied housing units
36
Figure B-2 illustrates the rates of owning versus renting by race and by jurisdiction, county, and state in
2019.
Figure B-2
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
White
Black or African American
American Indian and Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
Two or more races
Johnson County Owner vs. Renter by Race, 2014
Renter-occupied housing units Owner-occupied housing units
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
White
Black or African American
American Indian and Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
Two or more races
Iowa Owner vs. Renter by Race, 2014
Renter-occupied housing units Owner-occupied housing units
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
White
Black or African American
American Indian and Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
Two or more races
Coralville Owner vs. Renter by Race, 2019
Percent Renter-Occupied Percent Owner-occupied
37
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
White
Black or African American
American Indian and Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
Two or more races
Iowa City Owner vs. Renter by Race, 2019
Percent Renter-Occupied Percent Owner-occupied
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
White
Black or African American
American Indian and Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
Two or more races
North Liberty Owner vs. Renter by Race, 2019
Percent Renter-Occupied Percent Owner-occupied
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
White
Black or African American
American Indian and Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
Two or more races
Tiffin Owner vs. Renter by Race, 2019
Percent Renter-Occupied Percent Owner-occupied
38
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
White
Black or African American
American Indian and Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
Two or more races
University Heights Owner vs. Renter by Race, 2019
Percent Renter-Occupied Percent Owner-occupied
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
White
Black or African American
American Indian and Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
Two or more races
Johnson County Owner vs. Renter by Race, 2019
Percent Renter-Occupied Percent Owner-occupied
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
White
Black or African American
American Indian and Alaska Native
Asian
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
Some other race
Two or more races
Iowa Owner vs. Renter by Race, 2019
Iowa Percent Renter-Occupied Iowa Percent Owner-occupied
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 45
Appendix D:
FY20 Year End Affordable Housing Report
Date: September 8, 2020
To: Geoff Fruin, City Manager
From: Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood and Development Services Director
Re: FY20 Affordable Housing Year-End Report (Revised 9/14/2020)
The purpose of this report is to provide the City Council and public a report on the City’s affordable
housing efforts over the last fiscal year. The City’s Consolidated Plan for Housing, Jobs and Services for
Low-Moderate Income Residents (a.k.a. CITY STEPS) outlines how the City will spend its federal dollars
for affordable housing over a five-year period. FY20 represents the last year of the 2016-2020 CITY
STEPS plan. In addition to the federal dollars received, the City annually allocates general fund dollars to
support our Affordable Housing Action Plan through the Affordable Housing Fund and separate
allocations. The City Council reviewed and approved the distribution of these funds in June of 2016 and
then revised in July of 2019, after a review of the City’s housing programs and initiatives.
The City aims to meet the following overlying goals through actions identified in the City’s Consolidated
Plan and Affordable Housing Action Plan:
1) Invest City and federal CDBG/HOME funds to create and/or preserve affordable homes, both
rental and owner-occupied housing;
2) Support our most vulnerable residents, especially those experiencing homelessness or at risk of
homelessness, maintain safe, affordable housing;
3) Ensure equitable growth for all Iowa City residents and minimize displacement; and
4) Support innovation in housing and streamline processes.
The City of Iowa City, with its funding partners, made over $12.4 million available for affordable housing
in FY20. Of this figure, over $12 million was spent to create and/or assist 1,780 households/units of
affordable housing. To avoid duplication of units, beneficiary data for assisted units are typically
reported in the year they are completed as often housing projects can take multiple years to complete.
The HOME program allows housing projects to take up to five years to complete.
FY20 Affordable Housing Highlights:
• Completed two Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects with a total of 61 affordable
units for those under 60% median income. Eight of the units are affordable to those at 30%
median income and 16 are affordable to those at 40% median income. Total projects costs were
estimated at over $14.2 million.
• Established a security deposit program with CommUnity Crisis Services to assist those under
50% of median income secure permanent housing. 31 households served since February 2020.
• Established eviction/foreclosure prevention programs to assist residents under 80% of area
median income financially impacted by COVID-19 maintain their existing housing.
• First vacant lot purchased with Opportunity Funds (former land banking funds) in the Lindemann
Subdivision, Part 8. The lot is designed for six townhouse units. The land will be held by the City
for a future affordable housing project.
• Completed the first two homes of the South District program and sold to neighborhood
residents under 50% of median income. Both buyers were able to acquire the homes with
September 14, 2020
Page 2
estimated monthly housing costs (mortgage, insurance and taxes) of approximately $510. The
Fair Market Rent in Iowa City for a two-bedroom unit is $1,011.
• Initiated a partnership with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity to market, leverage rehabilitation
funds and work with interested households in the South District to qualify for 30-year mortgages
under the South District Program.
• The City’s owner-occupied CDBG/HOME and GRIP programs rehabilitated 30 homes with an
investment of over $509,000 to preserve our affordable housing stock.
• Nine HOME projects were completed that assisted 28 units and 29 households.
• 78 new mainstream vouchers issued from HUD to the Iowa City Housing Authority for those
experiencing chronic homelessness with a disabling condition. Leasing started in March 2020.
• The Riverfront Crossings Affordable Housing Requirement and Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
residential projects have produced 66 affordable units under at least a 10-year compliance
period. TIF requires 20 years.
• Completed the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice. The study identified the
impediments to fair housing choice in our community and outlined recommendations to address
each barrier. (www.icgov.org/actionplan).
The Affordable Housing Fund
At the end of FY20, unspent funds that are not allocated to certain projects are carried over to the
subsequent year. Prior to July 2019, the City allocated 25% of the Affordable Housing Fund to land
banking activities. In FY20 the City spent $204,000 to purchase Lot 10 in the Lindemann Subdivision,
Part 8, for the future construction of six townhomes. It is hoped the City can work with a developer to
combine this lot with additional vacant lots for a future scattered site Low Income Housing Tax Credit
Project (LIHTC) for families.
After July 2019, the Council combined this fund with the Opportunity Fund and the amount allocated to
various programs and purposes was changed. At the end of FY20, there is $595,000 available in this
fund for land acquisition or various housing opportunities. The City is actively working with property
owners to acquire additional land.
The City allocates 50% of the Affordable Housing Fund to the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County
(HTFJC) for affordable housing activities. In FY20 they received $500,000. $182,046 was spent. The
remainder was allocated to the Nex Senior LIHTC project. As the project was not able to secure Low
Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funds from the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), HTFJC recently
repurposed the balance of FY20 funds ($317,954) to the Shelter House Cross Park Place 2.0
project. Shelter House successfully applied for and received another $2.7 million award from IFA in
August 2020 to develop a second “Housing First” 36-unit project providing permanent supportive
housing for homeless individuals/households with a disabling condition.
The estimated total project cost is $6.3 million. The funds will be used for project construction which is
anticipated to start in spring 2021. Much like Cross Park Place, the newly approved project will be able
to receive project-based vouchers due to the set-aside the City Council established in 2018 for
permanent supportive housing projects for persons who are chronically homeless with a disabling
condition.
Project based vouchers are important to these types of developments as they provide a reliable source
of ongoing rental revenue to the owner. The household pays an established amount to the owner
(typically approximately 30% of their monthly income) and the Housing Authority pays the balance of
rent due to the owner. Cash flow for this specific property will also be improved through the use of
September 14, 2020
Page 3
project-based vouchers as Shelter House will be able to charge 100% of the Fair Market Rent for one-
bedroom units as opposed to someone who has a tenant-based voucher limited by the rents established
by the National Housing Trust Fund. Those rents are approximately 45% less than our Fair Market Rent.
$200,000 was allocated to HTFJC for LIHTC projects. No projects in Iowa City were awarded funds in
FY20. Administrative funds, up to 5%, are paid to conduct the application process and the monitoring of
previously awarded projects. $190,000 is carried forward to the FY21 LIHTC funding round.
Applications are typically due to IFA in the fall each year. The City anticipates another Iowa City based
application to apply for these funds in the next funding round.
The Healthy Homes and Landlord Risk Mitigation initiatives did not spend City funds in FY20. The City
received a grant for the Healthy Homes program through the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County that
expires in October 2020. The City utilized these funds for the eight applications received for assistance.
The City is working with the Johnson County Local Homeless Coordinating Board (LHCB) to establish a
landlord risk mitigation program. No funds were spent in FY20 and this has been delayed due to COVID
relief efforts. The City will continue to work with the LHCB to establish a fund in FY21. The FY20
unspent funds from these two initiatives are placed in the Opportunity Fund at the end of the fiscal
year. These funds will be applied to future land acquisitions or other affordable housing efforts as
designated by City Council.
Housing Rehabilitation Programs
In FY20 the City completed 30 owner-occupied housing rehabilitation projects through the CDBG, HOME
and GRIP programs. Seven of those projects were housing rehabilitation grants for mobile home owners.
Housing rehabilitation staff has focused on incorporating sustainable building features into projects and
partners with Green Iowa AmeriCorps to complete free home energy audits prior to determining the
scope of the rehabilitation project. The HOME program recently expanded to include single-family and
duplex rental properties, but no applications have been received to-date.
The first South District Program homes were renovated and sold in FY20 at 1232-1234 Sandusky. Staff
incorporated several sustainable improvements into the project such as solar panels, spray foam
insulation, landscaping and trees, long life-cycle flooring, new windows and doors, and Energy Star rated
appliances. The homebuyers were current residents of the South District neighborhood who had rented
in the neighborhood for a combined total of 21 years.
The UniverCity program continued this year with additional rehabilitation of a duplex property at 520 N.
Dodge Street. The property is now available for sale. There is a one-bedroom unit on the first level and
an efficiency unit on the second level. A buyer would have the opportunity to live in one unit and rent
out the other, or because the home is in a neighborhood commercial zone, the owner could have a
neighborhood business on the first floor. 322 Douglass Court was also purchased for the UniverCity
program in FY20 and is currently under renovation. A total of 68 homes, with an investment of over $3
million in rehabilitation, have been renovated and sold through the program since 2011.
CDBG and HOME Housing Projects
FY20 marked the completion of a HOME Tenant-Based Rent Assistance (TBRA) program administered by
the Iowa City Housing Authority, which provided rent assistance over a period of four years to a total of
29 households. HOME rental rehabilitation projects were completed by Successful Living and the Housing
Fellowship serving five persons with disabilities and four other households under 60% AMI. Three
affordable properties were acquired with HOME assistance by Mayor’s Youth Empowerment Program
September 14, 2020
Page 4
(MYEP) and Successful Living which provide housing for 11 persons with disabilities. Shelter House used
HOME funding for the acquisition of permanent supportive housing that serves five individuals. Habitat
for Humanity acquired, constructed and sold three homes.
In FY20 the City was also able to secure a waiver from HUD to increase the Community Housing
Development Organization (CHDO) operating funds for the Housing Fellowship from $22,000 to $48,000
to maintain staffing levels during the pandemic as they experienced a substantial drop in rental income.
This increase in operational funds will continue for FY21.
Riverfront Crossings Affordable Housing Requirement & Tax Increment Financing
In June 2016 the City adopted an affordable housing requirement in the Riverfront Crossings District
where new developments zoned Riverfront Crossings with more than 10 units must provide affordable
housing equivalent to 10% of the total units in the development. At the end of FY20, this requirement
had created 42 affordable rental units to those at or under 60% of median income.
Developers may also pay a fee-in-lieu per unit if they don’t provide on-site units. To date the City has
received $756,244 in fee-in-lieu payments for five units, plus repayment for a non-compliance issue.
These funds are available for affordable housing opportunities within the Riverfront Crossings District.
Tax increment financing supported the creation of 24 additional affordable rental units that are within
their compliance period during FY20. The Rise also committed to 33 units of affordable housing in
perpetuity due to a local requirement to purchase the property in the Riverfront Crossing District.
Summary of Balances Carried Over to FY21 Available for Allocation:
Fund/Source Amount
Carried over
to FY21
Note:
Opportunity Fund (Former Land
Banking Fund)
$595,000
Low Income Housing Tax Credits $190,000 Administered through the Housing Trust
Fund. $380,000 available for the FY21 LIHTC
funding round.
Riverfront Crossings Fee in Lieu
Payments
$756,244 May only be used in the Riverfront Crossings
District.
ICHA Affordable Housing Fund $420,000 Reserved for the development/acquisition
of low-income replacement housing units.
Total: $1,961,244
For reference the following pie charts demonstrate the percentage of FY20 funds spent by funding
category:
September 14, 2020
Page 5
The City will continue our affordable housing efforts in FY21. The focus in FY21 will be to support our
COVID19 response to enable low income residents (under 80% AMI) to maintain their existing housing
and create and implement those regulatory changes that provide a diversity of housing in all the City’s
neighborhoods. The City hopes to approve and implement the South District Form Based Code in the
fall of 2020, amend the Riverfront Crossing Form Based Code and initiate a Comprehensive Plan
75%
12%
6%
5%
2%
FY20 -Funds Spent, All Sources
Rent Subsidies
Rental New Construction
Rental Acq./Rehab.
Owner Occupied - Acquisiton,
Rehab. & Downpayment
Other
2%
51%
17%
23%
7%
FY20 -Funds Spent, Excluding the ICHA
Rent Subsidies
Rental New Construction
Rental Acq./Rehab.
Owner Occupied - Acquisiton,
Rehab. & Downpayment
Other
September 14, 2020
Page 6
amendment that will encourage more density and a diversity of housing in low density single family
residential zones.
The City will continue to support our COVID housing relief efforts with contracts entered or initiated at
the end of FY20 and start of FY21 with CommUnity Crisis Services, Shelter House and the Center for
Worker Justice. The City Council recently gave the City Manager authority to increase funding to these
programs administratively, up to 1.5 times the original allocation, when needed.
The attached spreadsheet outlines the programs, projects and initiatives created or supported in FY20
under their most relevant goal. Many of the projects serve more than one goal but are only reported in
one location.
City staff will be present at your September 15 work session to review the City’s affordable housing
efforts and to answer questions.
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 46
Appendix E:
FY21-25 City Steps Housing Priorities
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Table 44 –Priority Needs SummaryPriority Need
Name EXPANSION OF AFFORDABLE RENTAL AND OWNER HOUSING OPTIONS
Priority Level High
Population Extremely Low Income;Low Income;Moderate Income;Large Families;Families with
Children;Elderly Families;Public Housing Residents;Elderly;Frail Elderly;Persons with
Mental Disabilities;Persons with Physical Disabilities;Persons with Developmental
Disabilities;Persons with Alcohol or Other Addictions;Persons with HIV/AIDS and their
Families; and Victims of Domestic Violence
Geographic
Areas Affected AHLM Eligible Areas
Citywide
Associated Goals 1.Increase the number of affordable rental housing units including through new
construction and acquisition
2.Provide Tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA)
3.Support homebuyer activities such as down payment and/or closing cost
assistance
Description The City has a strong need to support the development of additional safe, decent, and
affordable, units for renters as well as support homebuying activities such as down
payment and closing cost assistance for owners.In addition, the City may assist local
nonprofits acquire housing units to be rented as affordable housing.Increasing the
availability of affordable housing through efforts such as TBRA or rental deposit assistance
is another effective way to expand affordable housing options .
Basis for Relative
Priority
High housing costs reduce economic opportunities and access to prosperity. Data analysis
and stakeholder input strongly points to high housing costs as a major issue in Iowa City.
Stakeholders consistently reiterated the need for affordable housing.
141 |P a g e
Priority Need
Name PRESERVATION OF EXISTING AFFORDABLE RENTAL AND OWNER HOUSING
Priority Level High
Population Extremely Low Income;Low Income;Moderate Income;Large Families;Families with
Children;Elderly Families;Public Housing Residents;Elderly;Frail Elderly;Persons with
Mental Disabilities;Persons with Physical Disabilities;Persons with Developmental
Disabilities;Persons with Alcohol or Other Addictions;Persons with HIV/AIDS and their
Families; and Victims of Domestic Violence
Geographic
Areas Affected
AHLM Eligible Areas
Citywide
Housing Rehab Targeted Areas
Associated Goals 1.Rehabilitate and improve owner-occupied housing units
2.Rehabilitate and improve renter-occupied housing units
Description The preservation of affordable housing options is important and includes activities such as
rehabilitation and/or acquisition of affordable units within both the owner and renter
markets as well as making accessibility modifications to existing units to allow persons with
disabilities to live in their homes more easily or for elderly persons to age in pl ace.
Manufactured housing communities are an important component of affordable housing
in Iowa City and the City is committed to supporting the continuance of these as a relatively
low cost housing type in Iowa City. They are thus included in this goal. Weatherization and
energy efficiency upgrades are also supported among other activities that would preserve
the number and quality of affordable units and improve the sustainability and reduce long-
term utility costs.
Basis for Relative
Priority
Stakeholders reported the need for housing rehabilitation and for access ibility
modifications. Rehabilitation or modifications to existing structures is frequently more cost
effective than new construction. Additionally, Iowa City generally has high quality housing
stock, therefore,rehabilitation is often a more efficient use of funds.Stakeholders also
noted that utility costs can be high, which indicates a need for improving weatherization
and other possible sustainable improvements that would lower utility costs.
142 |P a g e
Priority Need
Name HOUSING AND SERVICES TO THE HOMELESS AND THOSE AT-RISK OF HOMELESSNESS
Priority Level High
Population Chronic Homeless;Individuals;Families with Children;Persons with Mental Illness;
Veterans;Persons with HIV/AIDS;Victims of Domestic Violence;Unaccompanied Youth;
Extremely Low Income;Low Income;Moderate Income;Large Families;Families with
Children;Elderly Families;Public Housing Residents;Elderly;Frail Elderly;Persons with
Mental Disabilities;Persons with Physical Disabilities;Persons with Developmental
Disabilities; and Persons with Alcohol or Other Addictions
Geographic
Areas Affected
AHLM Eligible Areas
Citywide
Associated Goals 1.Serve those experiencing homelessness and reduce homelessness
Description Providing a range of supportive services and housing assistance to individuals and families
experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness and seeking to move
persons to or retaining individuals in stable housing is integral.This includes transitional
and permanent supportive housing; shelter operating expenses; health, mental health and
other supportive services; homelessness prevention activities including utility assi stance,
food pantries and other services that can provide stability and allow individuals and families
to stay housed or become housed after experiencing homelessness.
Basis for Relative
Priority
Stakeholders reported the significant need for additional services for those experiencing
homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Service providers stated that the complexity of
cases has increased over recent years and additional care is needed despite a lack of
increased funding to adequately meet the demand. Stakeholders reported an increased
need for utility assistance and that this can be an effective means of keeping a household
stably housed in the event of financial hardship.
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 47
Appendix F:
Update on the 2016 Affordable Housing Action Plan
Date: December 30, 2021
To: Affordable Housing Steering Committee
From: Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood and Development Services Director
Re: Update on the 2016 Affordable Housing Action Plan
Affordable Housing Action Plan Update:
The Affordable Housing Action Plan, approved on June 21, 2016, identified 15 action steps to
encourage and develop additional affordable housing opportunities. To date, the City has
completed 14 of the 15 steps with the final action currently in progress. In the spring and summer
of 2019, the City comprehensively reviewed the Affordable Housing Action Plan, modified the
Affordable Housing Fund’s distribution formula and made additional changes as outlined at the
end of this memo. The following table summarizes the steps and their current status.
Strategy Status
☒ 1. Continue to fund existing local owner-
occupied housing programs including
GRIP, South District & UniverCity
programs.
FY22 budget includes $200,000 for GRIP &
$60,000 for the UniverCity and $70,000 for the
South District programs.
UniverCity Program completed 70 homes with an
investment of over $3.5 million in university
impacted neighborhoods since 2011.
South District – purchased 11 duplexes (22
units), rehabilitated and sold 3 homes, one
available for sale and two under renovation.
☒ 2. Adopt an Affordable Housing
Requirement for the Riverfront Crossings
District. (10% of total units for 10 years or
fee in lieu)
Completed June 2016.
To date, entered agreements for 57 affordable
housing units (48 on-site & 9 fee in lieu of units
totaling $756,244)
☒ 3. Adopt code amendments that enable
the FUSE Housing First (Cross Park
Place) use in the community. 24
1-bedroom apartments for persons who
are chronically homeless and habitually
cycle through mental health services,
corrections systems, shelter and support
services.
Completed June 2016.
☒ 4. Budget Process: Provide a line item
for affordable housing (goal of $500,000
based on budget conditions annually).
FY22 budgeted $1,000,000 for affordable
housing.
April 21, 2022
Page 2
☒ 5. Distribution of Affordable Housing
dollars (modified in July of 2019):
• 70% to the Housing Trust Fund of
Johnson County (HTF), at least 20%
designated for LIHTC projects.
• 7.5% Opportunity Fund
• 7.5% Healthy Homes Program
• 10% Programs that assist low-income
households secure housing.
• 5% reserved for emergent situations (if
unused, reserved for Opportunity Fund)
The FY22 breakdown of funds:
• $700,000 to the HTF, of which $200,000
reserved for LIHTC projects.
• $75,000 Opportunity Fund.
Unspent accumulated land banking funds from
prior years are combined with the Opportunity
Fund. There is currently $ available/
• $75,000 Healthy Homes
• $100,000 Secure Housing Programs ($70,000
dedicated to a Security Deposit program
administered by a local non-profit and $30,000
dedicated to a landlord risk mitigation fund to
be established.)
• $50,000 reserved for emergent situations.
☒ 6. Hold the $1,500,000* million in
Housing Authority funds for an opportunity
to leverage significant private investment
and/or to develop/acquire low income
replacement housing.
*$2.5 million was available, $1.0 million
committed to the Chauncey units, for a
balance of $1.5 million)
City Council approved an agreement for Augusta
Place on 5/2/2017. The City purchased six units
for permanent affordable rental housing for
$1,080,000 in FY21. The developer is also
providing 12 affordable off-site units, affordable to
those at 40% median income for a period of 20
years.
City Council approved a developer’s agreement
for the Chauncey building on 6/18/2015. The City
acquired five units in FY21 at $1,000,000. These
units were added to the City’s public housing
program.
There is approximately $420,000 remaining to
develop/acquire low income replacement
housing.
☒ 7. Consider an annexation policy that
provides for affordable housing
contributions.
Completed 7/17/2018.
10% of total units affordable for preferably 20
years or more.
One annexation since policy adoption for 17
onsite affordable – Community View Subdivision.
Started construction in FY21.
☒ 8. Consider use of TIF on a case by case
basis to support residential development
and/or annexation through the provision of
public infrastructure and capture the
required LMI set-aside for use throughout
the community (Ex: McCollister and Foster
Road).
Development agreement for Foster Road
approved 7/17/18. Anticipated to generate $1-2
million for affordable housing over 10 years.
Collections to start in FY22 – Estimated to receive
$123,210 for affordable housing.
TIF Agreement for Tailwinds project – generated
$1,805,648 for affordable housing, Feb. 2021.
Paid $1,520,000 for 8 duplexes for the South
District program, July 2021.
April 21, 2022
Page 3
☐ 9. Consider regulatory changes to City
Code:
• Waive parking requirements for
affordable housing units.
• Review possible changes to the multi-
family design standards for all units in
an effort to reduce cost and expedite
approvals.
• Eliminate minimum size requirements
for PUDs.
• Increase allowable bedrooms from 3 to
4 outside the University Impact Area
• Permit more building types by right as
opposed to requiring a PUD process
(density, multiplex units, cottage
clusters, etc.).
• Parking waived in Riverfront Crossings for
affordable housing, June 2016.
• Staff initiated a review by soliciting input from
the Home Builders Association and the
Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition.
Input has been received and staff will work on
implementation as time allows.
• Opticos provided recommendations on the
allowance of missing middle housing in the
City’s existing zoning code through a missing
middle pilot project on a lot owned by the City
on Ronalds Street in the Northside
Neighborhood. Due to the number of
conflicting codes, this has been deferred until
staff can resolve and implement all necessary
changes.
☒ 10. Pursue a form-based code for the
Alexander Elementary neighborhood and
the Northside.
Form based code developed by consultant for the
South District (Alexander Elementary
neighborhood). Code adopted in November
2021.
☒ 11. Strategically seek LIHTC projects
through an RFP process overseen by the
HCDC (in conjunction with #5).
RFP scheduled annually. Applications submitted
to the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County.
☒ 12. Create a committee of staff,
developers and other interested
stakeholders to determine the viability and
potential parameters of a tax abatement
program that would support affordable
housing.
Council adopted a tax exemption policy on
10/1/2019 to incent the construction of affordable
multi-family housing. A 40% tax exemption, for
10 years, on all units in a residential development
of over six units based on the following:
• At least 15%, but not more than 20%, of the
total units are leased to households under 40%
median income.
• The rent is limited to what a household at 40%
of median income can afford minus the
estimated utility allowance for tenant paid
utilities.
No applications received to date.
April 21, 2022
Page 4
☒ 13. Exempt the Riverfront Crossings from
the Affordable Housing Location Model
(AHLM) and consider modifications to
reduce size of restricted areas and/or
account for neighborhood densities
(consider University Impacted and
Downtown neighborhoods for exclusion as
well).
Completed April 2017
☒ 14. Tenant Displacement
• Council approval of major site plans
when 12 or more households will be
displaced and there is no
accompanying rezoning.
• Such applications would require a
transition plan to better inform
residents and the public (requires a
comprehensive plan and a site plan
ordinance amendment).
Completed October 2017
☒ 15. Rent abatement for emergency orders
when vacation of property is not necessary
• Increase education about housing
code violations and how to report.
Completed October 2017
To date, we have issued three (electrical or no
rental permit issued)
Additional actions since the plan was approved in 2016:
• The Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC) altered the preference
criteria for CDBG/HOME housing projects to encourage applications serving lower income
households.
• Reduced the equity requirements for CDBG emergency rehabilitation projects, such as a
broken furnace in the winter or a non-functioning water heater, to enable those that may
not be able to proceed to be eligible for the program.
• Due to the high cost of acquisition and new construction, HCDC altered the
preference/evaluation criteria to support those CDBG/HOME rental applications that
leverage significant dollars from non-City sources, such as Low-Income Housing Tax
Credit projects. The acquisition or construction of SRO or group housing would remain
supported due to the lower average public investment per assisted unit and to increase
the supply of accessible homes in our community.
• Removed the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County (HTF) from the competitive Aid to
Agency process and moved it to a contractual relationship where the HTF uses 8% of the
funds allocated to them through the Affordable Housing Fund for administrative expenses.
They will remain as a “Legacy Agency” in City Steps 2025 in case they do not get funded
or funded at levels lower than their past funding awards in subsequent years through the
Affordable Housing Fund.
• Incorporated energy efficiency and health/safety measures into our housing programs,
including the following:
All housing rehabilitation projects must complete a free home energy audit by
Green Iowa AmeriCorps staff prior to funding approval. The audit measures the
level of air coming into the home and provides basic weatherization, if necessary,
to reduce air leaks. During the audit, participants receive LED light bulbs, low flow
aerators in kitchen and bathrooms, pipe insulation for the water heater, taping of
April 21, 2022
Page 5
ducts in basement, and extra weatherization based on the results of the blower
door test.
Expanded housing rehabilitation activities to include landscaping (tree planting)
and grading for stormwater management, as needed, as part of a rehabilitation
project.
The HOME owner-occupied housing rehabilitation program, with up to $90,000
available annually, is now eligible to landlords of rental housing leasing to tenants
with incomes at or below 60% of median income. Landlords are eligible for grants
for radon testing and mitigation, if necessary, as part of their rehabilitation project.
The Neighborhood Improvements set-aside in the CDBG program was converted
to a Neighborhood-Based Climate Action set-aside to encourage sustainable,
energy efficiency initiatives in our neighborhoods with a higher number of lower
income households.
Adopted our first radon ordinance, effective July 1, 2021, that requires radon
testing, and mitigation, if necessary, to obtain or maintain a rental permit for single
family detached or duplex homes.
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 48
Appendix G:
Affordable Housing Location Model
(November 2020)
PRAIRIEDUCHIENRDSUNSET STCORALRIDGE AVEMORMONTREKBLVDSWLOOP
NERAMPCURV
N DODGE STHAW
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NSDRDODGESTOAKCRESTHI
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US6 S SCOTT BLVD2ND ST
IOWA 1W BEN TON STDUBUQUEST
OAK CRESTHILL RD NEE B UR L I N G TO N S TELLIOT DR420TH ST
E BENTON ST22ND AVESAND RDSWRAMPCURVE MARKET STROCKYSHORE DRR O C H E S T E R
A V E1ST AVEJONES BLVDSLINNSTNWRAM P
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BO WE RY ST
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HIGHL AND AVES GRAND AVE10THAVEPRO P MCCOLLISTER BLVDKEOKUK STCHURCH ST
S7THAVES CAPITOL STE C O U R T ST
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0 21MilesNeighborhood Services DivisionRevised: November 2020
Affordable Housing Location Model Data Source(s): Iowa City Community School DistrictJohnson CountyCity of Iowa City
Riverfront Crossings District
Funding available for all types of affordable housing
Funding available for rehab, homebuyer, and senior/disabled
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 49
Appendix H:
Annexation Policy
0
Prepared by: Bob Miklo, Senior Planner, 410 E. Washington St, Iowa City, IA; 319-356-5240 (CPA18-00001)
Resolution No. 18-211
A resolution amending the Comprehensive plan, Annexation Policy, to
add a section pertaining to affordable housing.
Whereas, the Comprehensive Plan contains policies regarding annexation of land into the
city; and
Whereas, the Comprehensive Plan contains a goal of providing a mix of housing types
within each neighborhood, to provide options for households of all types (singles, families,
retirees, etc.) and people of all incomes, and
Whereas, the Affordable Housing Action Plan includes a recommendation that
consideration be given to an annexation policy that provides for affordable housingcontributions, and
Whereas, the Planning and Zoning Commission has reviewed an amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan pertaining to affordable housing and has recommended approval.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, that:
IC2030: Comprehensive Plan Update, Annexation Policy, is hereby amended to include the
following:
If the annexation is for residential development that will result in the creation of
ten (10) or more new housing units, the development will support the City's goal
of creating and maintaining the supply of affordable housing. Such support shall
be based on providing affordable units equal to 10% of the total units in the
annexed area with an assurance of long term affordability, preferably for a term
of not less than 20 years. Income targets shall be consistent with the City's
existing program requirements. How the development provides such support will
vary depending on the particular circumstances of the annexation, and may
include, but is not limited to, transfer of lots/units to the City or an affordable
housing provider; fee -in -lieu paid to the City's affordable housing fund; and/or
participation in a state or federal housing program. In determining the most
desirable option, preference shall be weighted toward options that help achieve
better socia -economic balance among Iowa City neighborhoods and among
schools in the Iowa City Community School District. An agreement committing
the Owner/Developer to the affordable housing obligation, shall be required prior
to annexation, and shall be further memorialized, if necessary, in a conditional
zoning agreement.
Passed and approved this 17th day of July , 20 18
4: 4 .
M or: if
Approved by:
Resolution No. 18-211
Page 2
v
Attest: Csr s 51,
Julie Toparil, Deputy City Clerk
r
City Attorney's ffice
S:\PCD\Staff Reports\2018\CPA18-00001 Annex.Affordable Housing\Comp plan amendment RESOLUTION-07.19.2018.doc
Resolution No. 18-211
Page 3
It was moved by Botchway and seconded by Mims
Resolution be adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS:
x
x
x
x
x
x
ABSENT:
K4
Botchway
Cole
Mims
Salih
Taylor
Thomas
Throgmorton
n;m
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 50
Appendix I:
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
9-2-21 Council Update
Date: September 2, 2021
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Rachel Kilburg, Assistant City Manager
Re: American Rescue Plan Act State & Local Fiscal Relief Funds: First Tranche Update
Background
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) established the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal
Recovery Fund (SLFRF), which provides significant resources to state and local governments to
respond to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible uses of funds fall within four broad
categories: responding to negative public health and economic impacts, premium pay for
essential workers, replacing lost government revenue, and necessary water, sewer, and
broadband infrastructure improvements.
In addition to significant funds provided to the State of Iowa, Johnson County and other local
municipalities, the U.S. Treasury has allocated $18.3 million to the City of Iowa City. The City
received approximately half of these funds in May 2021 and anticipates receiving the remaining
balance in May 2022. All funds must be obligated by the end of December 2024 and spent by
December 2026.
At the May 18, 2021 work session, City Council adopted guiding principles to inform the process
of prioritizing ideas for use of funds which are outlined below:
Leverage partnerships and outside funding; avoid duplication with other relief programs
Restore financial stability to support future governmental operations
Retain flexibility to address evolving emergent community needs
Seek opportunities to make lasting change in physical and social infrastructure
Ensure funding decisions help mitigate racial inequities
Pursue actions that contribute toward the City’s climate action
Limit operational investments without identified sustainable funding sources
Demonstrate compliance and transparency through regular public reporting
Public Input Summary
Since the City’s ARPA funds are delivered in two tranches, the City anticipates a multi-phased
public input process and recently conducted an initial phase of public input this summer.
City staff presented a plan for this first phase of public input at the June 15, 2021 City Council
work session. Following this work session and through the end of August, staff employed the
following strategies to collect public input:
Online survey (available in English, Spanish, French, and Arabic) was open from mid-
July through the end of August.
E-mails (residents encouraged to submit messages in their preferred language)
Listening Session, Mercer Park – August 11, 2021
Diversity Market, South District – July 10, 2021
Farmer’s Market, Chauncey Swan – July 24, 2021
City Boards, Commissions, and Committees invited to share ideas
Neighborhood Associations invited to share ideas
Translated informational flyer and survey links were shared with the non-profit and social
service agencies e-mail list, for dissemination to those they serve
September 7, 2021
Page 2
The City initiated meetings with the following targeted stakeholders:
o Catholic Worker House/Excluded Worker’s Coalition
o Agency Impact Coalition (coalition of Iowa City based social service agencies)
o Open Heartland, members of the Latino population
o Community and economic development organizations (Iowa City Area
Development Group, Think Iowa City, Iowa City Downtown District, and the Iowa
City Area Business Partnership)
o Iowa Flood Center
Public input collaboration and data-sharing with Johnson County, including the non-profit
roundtable and urban communities’ session
Various informal meetings/conversations with individuals and non-profit organizations
Opportunities to provide input were promoted through official City channels, including news
releases, social media platforms, and Cable TV programs. An informational flyer available in
multiple languages was also disseminated through various methods to further spread
awareness.
In total, the City received 1,892 responses to the online survey through August 15 (including
682 open-ended comments), over 20 e-mails, and countless ideas and stories shared through
meetings and listening sessions. A list is attached to this memo, summarizing the ideas
collected through the survey, meetings, e-mails, and other conversations. The raw survey
results are also attached. Other documentation such as emails and input forms or notes from
events is not attached but are available upon request and reflected in the summarized idea list.
While we are pleased with the amount of input received, we also recognize that many voices
were likely not heard and that we must continue to seek to understand the needs of residents
and make expenditure decisions that will create opportunities to meet the most acute needs in
our community.
Based on the results of the online survey, respondents ranked addressing public health and
economic harms as the top preference for spending the City’s ARPA funds. Considering these
categories address a broad range of possibilities, this is also reflective of what staff heard
through meetings, conversations, and listening sessions:
September 7, 2021
Page 3
The most common suggestions staff heard throughout the survey, listening sessions, and
meetings include:
Direct financial assistance to those in need who did not receive direct federal stimulus
checks and unemployment benefits
Premium pay for frontline, essential workers
Improved access and affordability of high-speed internet
Investments in long-term affordable housing solutions
Expand and strengthen mental health and behavioral health services
Infrastructure investments, including water and sewer
Assistance to help businesses re-hire and increase minimum wage to $15/hour
Invest further in climate actions and community resiliency
Financial support for small businesses, non-profits, arts-based organizations,
entrepreneurs, entertainment venues, and other organizations impacted by COVID-19
Rent, eviction, and foreclosure assistance
Comprehensive non-profit needs assessment and capital planning/funding
Enhanced public transit
Common concerns staff heard throughout the survey, listening sessions, and meetings include:
Ensure aid/assistance is delivered to those most in need
Prioritize low-barrier access for programs serving households, with eligibility guidelines
and applications that ensure residents lacking documentation can participate and are not
overly burdened by accessing the program
Recognize there are urgent, stabilization needs for households, businesses, and
organizations
Local COVID-19 Relief Programs
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City has dedicated both local and federal relief
funds towards expanding or developing financial assistance and relief programs. These
allocations were largely intended to provide stability for households, non-profits, and businesses
facing emergent financial pressures:
City of Iowa City Past/Existing COVID-19 Relief Programs
Program Allocation Status Assisted*
Emergency Housing Assistance (administered
by CommUnity/Shelter House)
616,000 Ongoing 153
Non-profit grants for expanded social services
addressing COVID-19 impacts
17 non-profit recipients; delivering food
assistance, childcare assistance, homeless
services, mental health services, and legal aid)
536,532 Ongoing 8,659
Business Grants
Small Business Retention Grants, Project Better
Together BIPOC Business Grants)
448,678 Ongoing 48
Security Deposit Assistance Grants
administered by CommUnity)
175,000 Ongoing 66
Shelter Diversion Grant
emergency hotels to reduce crowding at onset of
COVID)
10,800 Completed 10
Local Eviction Prevention Program
additional funds for existing program
administered through Shelter House)
125,000 Ongoing n/a
September 7, 2021
Page 4
Emergency Essential Needs Assistance
administered by Center for Worker Justice)
62,500 Completed 157
Courthouse Eviction Prevention Program
administered by Shelter House/Iowa Legal Aid)
41,000 Ongoing n/a
Beneficiaries reported when project completed
In total, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City has allocated over $1.9 million in
new local relief programs, including $1 million for housing assistance, $536,532 for expanded
social services, and $448,678 for small business support. Thus far, these programs have served
376 households, 8,659 individuals, and 48 total businesses (additional household/individual
beneficiaries will be added as funding is depleted/program closes). This relief does not capture
other relief funding sources that were administered directly by the State or received directly by
local non-profit organizations.
In addition to City programs, Johnson County has recently made changes to their General
Assistance Program to improve benefits and expand eligibility. Additionally, the County
dedicated up to $2 million in federal relief funding toward the program. General Assistance
payments are made by the County on behalf of the recipient for needs limited to rent, utilities,
provisions, prescription medications, medical supplies, transportation, pet supplies, and funeral
expenses.
Revisions to Johnson County General Assistance Program (Approved 7/29/21)
Guideline Previous Policy New Policy
Program type “Short Term” and “One-Time”
Assistance Programs
Combined into one program
Duration of assistance
within 12 mo. period)
3 months for 0-50% FPG^ (“Short
Term”) or 1 month for 50-130%
FPG (“One-Time”)
3 months for all eligible households
0-200% FPG)
Income eligibility 130% FPG for one-time assistance
50% FPG for short-term assistance
Up to 200% FPG
25.7K for a one-person household
or $53K for a four-person household)
Supplemental
emergency assistance
Not available May be granted per Director’s
discretion
Eligible expenses Rent, utilities, provisions, some
medical, transportation, and funeral
expenses.
Maintained existing eligible
expenses. Added gas vouchers and
pet food as eligible assistance.
Expanded expenses eligible for
certain health and medical care
supplies.
Applicant
Documentation
Application requested immigration
status
Application no longer requests
immigration status; eligibility
extended to any County resident who
meets program guidelines.
FPG = Federal Poverty Guidelines
Other notable eligibility changes include eliminating the rent cap and expanding eligibility to
include those receiving federal/state benefits (such as FIP, SSI, unemployment, etc.). In
addition to the General Assistance Program, Johnson County offers an Interim Assistance
Reimbursement Program, which provides ongoing assistance for those who have applied for
September 7, 2021
Page 5
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits, until they are approved. Eligibility for this
program was also expanded -- from 50% to 100% FPG.
Households, non-profits, and businesses may have also benefitted directly from various state or
federal pandemic relief programs, but the City has no way of quantifying or identifying those
recipients. Anecdotally, staff understand local programs have been more accessible particularly
among immigrant and refugee populations than state and federal programs.
Finally, Iowa City is fortunate to have a strong network of social service agencies, who have
continued to serve clients throughout the pandemic, especially as need and demand increased.
The impact of these agencies is expansive and invaluable.
Partnerships
City staff believe two key partnerships will play an integral role in efficient and effective spending
of ARPA funds:
Johnson County: City and County staff have been in regular communication and
collaboration to share and streamline public input and identify potential areas of
overlapping interest. The County has signaled interest in continuing to collaborate as
spending decisions are developed. Careful coordination with the County is needed to
ensure relief dollars are stretched as far as possible and have the greatest impact on
residents.
Social Service Agencies: The City has had considerable success partnering with local
agencies to administer assistance programs both prior to and throughout the pandemic.
Multiple agencies have again expressed interest in partnerships to roll out ARPA funds.
City staff capacity is unlikely able to support the administration and compliance and reporting
management of multiple new programs. For any new programs that the City administers, it
should be expected that additional staff will be required for such effort. A 5% administrative set-
aside is standard for large federal grants with robust compliance and reporting guidelines.
Next Steps
Staff is developing recommended priority projects based on an assessment of the public input
collected, the U.S. Treasury guidance, and project/program’s relationship to the guiding
principles set forth by City Council for the use of these funds. Those recommendations will be
presented at your September 7th work session.
The recommendations will identify top priorities based in two general areas
1) Emergent community need projects
2) Strategic investment projects
The recommendations will include initial estimates for potential funding levels that exceed the
City’s $18.3 million allocation. This acknowledges that there will likely by some overlap in
City/County priorities and that continued close collaboration will be needed to identify areas
where City funding is most needed. Similarly, it acknowledges that the future decisions by the
State of Iowa with regards to their $1.2 billion may impact funding needs at a local level.
Staff will be seeking guidance from the City Council at the work session. Specifically, whether
Council is comfortable with the recommended priority projects and staff beginning to work on
execution details for emergent needs, while initiating planning for the strategic investment
projects.
Attachments
Summarized list of ideas obtained through public input
Copy of the survey
Raw survey results
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 51
Appendix J:
Home Builders Association
12-10-21 Letter
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 52
Appendix K:
Iowa City Area Association of Realtors
12-10-21 Letter
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 53
Appendix L:
University of Iowa Student Government
9-23-21 Meeting Minutes
University of Iowa Student Government – 9/23/2021
In attendance: Anna VanHuekelom, UISG City Liaison, Ellie Miglin, UISG Deputy City Liaison, Von Stange,
UI Assistant V.P. for Student Life & Senior Director, University Housing & Dining, and Tracy Hightshoe,
NDS Director
Minutes:
Reviewed when students are eligible for City assisted/required affordable housing units. In Riverfront
Crossings, full time students under the age of 24 are eligible if they are married, have a dependent child,
military, disabled, their family (including parents) are income eligible or if they are independent of their
parents (not claimed as a dependent) and show sufficient income to rent the unit.
UISG representatives requested a way for students to know what units might be affordable, the rent
charged and student eligibility requirements. For someone looking for reasonable rent in the
downtown market, they expect to pay $400-500 for rent. This is typically a shared house with multiple
roommates, each get their own bedroom. For a one bedroom unit, you would have to pay more.
Students can pay anywhere from $400-$1,200 for a unit. For them, the cost of dorms are typically more
expensive as you must buy a food plan. For many the dorm contract is only for nine months.
Students requested that the University look at campus apartments near the University for junior and
senior students. Possible locations included Mayflower, former Bank Field or Parklawn apartments.
Strange commented that the University will probably not be looking at additional housing in the
immediate or near term due to debt from most recent dorm construction projects and due to the
financial loss from refunding and releasing students from their dorm contracts during COVID. They
currently have dorm capacity for additional students. Parklawn will be part of the new development as
the former units were not ADA compliant and the old Band Field is under planning. The university was
looking at a live-in student housing requirement for freshman and sophomores, but would need 2,000-
3,000 more units. Due to concerns about what that would do the housing market and costs, they did
not proceed.
Strange commented if a student is in need for financial assistance, it runs through their financial aid
office. Housing costs would be considered, on or off campus. UISG requested an advisory service for off
campus housing. Discuss housing options, costs, location, etc.
Hightshoe mentioned a model in other college communities where an agency matches college students
with an owner (senior or empty nester) with more house than they need that can provide a room for
reduced rent in exchange for lawn maintenance, snow removal, etc. UISG representatives felt that
some students would be interested if cheaper rent. They would sacrifice distance to the campus for
affordable living/less student debt.
More education for students about off campus housing and how to avoid problems. Many students are
leasing in private market for first time and need guidance. City developed a Tips for First Time Renters
flyer and weblink last year. Emailed to UISG representatives and Stange for distribution. Students
stated there is a lack of support for off campus housing.
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 54
Appendix M:
University of Iowa Student Government
11-6-21 Meeting Minutes
From: Van Heukelom, Anna W <anna-vanheukelom@uiowa.edu>
Sent: Saturday, November 6, 2021 11:12:28 AM
To: Sara Barron <sara@jcaffordablehousing.org>
Cc: Miglin, Elizabeth M <elizabeth-miglin@uiowa.edu>; Barkosky, Vera L C <vera-barkosky@uiowa.edu>
Subject: Recommendations for Students and Affordable Housing
Here are our final recommendations for affordable housing for students that we will advocate
to Council:
1. Spreading out annual inspections of houses to allow adequate time for complaints,
updating the safety codes to encourage bi-annual auditing. Educating renters, especially
students, where to report safety concerns and concerns with landlord accountability.
Similarly, make sure the audit includes checking for recycling and updated recycling
signage. Make renters aware of who is in charge of landlord accountability and where
to go. (create a city magnet that goes on fridges with this information) Landlords can
possibly lose permits if fail to meet safety accountability and sustainability standards.
2. Creating a community solar farm where the renters that opt in to participate pay a tax
but receive benefits with sustainable energy as well as reduced utility costs in
consequence.
3. Make sure students are able to qualify in affordable housing efforts downtown through
city channels including opportunities for rent abatement and subsidies especially to low-
income students and less traditional students (undocumented students as well).
Increase threshold to 20% of housing is "affordable" for students and community
members.
4. Create a rent abatement program during "homeless week" that has opportunities for
students to stay in city housing if they have nowhere else to go.
Let us know if you have any questions or want clarification!
Thank you,
Anna
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 55
Appendix N:
Disability Services Coordinating Committee
9-21-21 Meeting Minutes
Disability Services Coordinating Committee – 9/24/2021
In Attendance: Alissa Voss, Dave Leshtz, Megz Stroback, Mary Vasey, Brad Neumann, Keisha Fields, Sara
Barron, Rachel Kilburg, and Tracy Hightshoe
Identified the following needs for those 55+ and those with disabilities in the Iowa City community:
• Lack of affordable, accessible options throughout the City. Need this type of housing in more
than just a few neighborhoods.
• Need additional LIHTC – Senior properties that are affordable.
• Improvements needed to existing rental properties to address accessibility. First floor (entry
level) laundry facilities if not in unit, accessible exterior door handles, no step entries, grab bars,
wider entries, etc.
• Better snow maintenance on site/better property management
• Few seniors or those with disabilities aware of City rehab programs or how to file a
complaint/address a concern about a reasonable accommodation for a disability. Many do not
know how to advocate for themselves.
• SSI and Social Security Disability pay about $700 to $1,100 per month. Need rent of
approximately $300 to be considered affordable.
• Many find more affordable, accessible units outside of Iowa City.
Emailed comment from member not able to attend: If I were to share any thought it would be to
explore the notion of requiring all spec developed properties to have X percentage of units that contain
some of the fundamentals of accessibility. For instance, no step doorways to the outside, wide interior
doors that are framed in and trimmed out, extra framing in the bathroom for handrails and no step
showers. It would also help a great deal to have bathrooms with 5 ft free circle of space. These are
fundamental elements that are difficult to change after the fact. Not only do they meet the needs of
those with various disabilities they also meet the needs of those advancing in frailty as they age.
As follow-up, emailed CMO for distribution to committee members the City’s housing rehabilitation and
Human Rights complaint info. flyers to distribute to committee members.
2022 Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan
CITY OF IOWA CITY 56
Appendix O:
Neighborhood Outreach Summary Results
August-September 2021
Wetherby National Night Out 8-3-21Fairmeadows Party in the Park 8-19-21CommUnity - Food Bank 8-31-21IC Compassion - Food Bank 9-23 & 9-29TotalAffordable housing for low-moderate income households
(owner-occupied or rental) 18 8 24 27 77
Affordable housing for seniors or those with disabilities 10 10 14 18 52
Downpayment assistance to purchase a home 16 9 9 11 45
Financial counseling to improve credit to buy or rent a home 22 7 2 12 43
Utility (gas, electric, and/or water) assistance 12 6 9 12 39
Housing discrimination prevention (based on race, voucher status,
disability, have children, etc.)13 1 4 3 21
Affordable student housing 1 2 8 9 20
Security deposit assistance 5 3 5 2 15
Ongoing rent assistance (similar to Section 8/Housing Vouchers)1 2 4 8 15
Mobile home park cooperative 7 3 3 1 14
Housing rehabilitation, including accessibility improvements, for
homeowners 2 4 1 2 9
Eviction prevention/legal services 1 1 2 5 9
Increased supportive services such as housing placement and counseling 3 0 2 2 7
Housing rehabilitation, including accessibility improvements, for rental
housing 1 1 3 1 6
Other: Please identify in a separate post it note1
4 0 0 0 4
Total Votes 116 57 90 113 376
Estimated Participants 39 19 30 38 125
1Other responses included (one vote each):
Homeownership program for undocumented immigrants
Affordable medical insurance program for undocumented immigrants (partnership with local hospitals and clinics)
Responsible housing - green homes and specs, solar panel support
Recycling options
Survey translated into English, Spanish, Arabic and French for food bank/pantry sites. Spanish translator present for Wetherby & Fairmeadows events.
If the City were to invest additional funds for housing, what would
help your household’s situation best? (Select up to 3)
Item Number: 6.
April 28, 2022
Press Rel ease: Johnson Cou n ty Direct Assistan ce Prog ram application
p rocess op en throu g h May 23, 2022
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Press Release: J ohnson County Direct Assistance P rogram application process open through
May 23, 2022
Item Number: 7.
April 28, 2022
Joint En tities Meetin g : April 18
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
J oint Entities Meeting: A pril 18
Item Number: 8.
April 28, 2022
Civil Service Examin ation : Right of Way Tech n ician - Pu b l ic Works
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Civil S ervice E xamination: Right of Way Technician - P ublic Works
Item Number: 9.
April 28, 2022
Ad Hoc Truth & Recon ciliation Commission: Ap ril 7
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Ad Hoc Truth & Reconciliation Commission: April 7
Item Number: 10.
April 28, 2022
Community Pol ice Review Board : April 12
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Community P olice Review Board: A pril 12
Item Number: 11.
April 28, 2022
Community Pol ice Review Board : April 20
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Community P olice Review Board: A pril 20
Item Number: 12.
April 28, 2022
Hu man Rights Commission: Ap ril 26
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Human Rights Commission: A pril 26
Draft Minutes
Human Rights Commission
April 26, 2022
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Commissioners present: Mark Pries, Jason Glass, Roger Lusala, Ashley Lindley, Bijou Maliabo, Sylvia
Jons, Siri Bruhn.
Commissioners not present: Tony Sivanthaphanith, Ali Ahmed.
Staff present: Stefanie Bowers, Daisy Torres.
Others present who spoke: Joshua Dabusu.
Recommendation to City Council: No.
Meeting called to order: 5:33 PM.
Native American Land Acknowledgement: Pries read the Land Acknowledgement.
Approval of the minutes from March 29, 2022, meeting: moved by Pries, the motion was seconded
by Lindley. Motion passed 5-0. (Bruhn, Maliabo not present for vote).
Public comment of items not on the agenda: None.
Update on Race-Based Calls Campaign: Glass provided that the script has been completed and that a PSA
would be completed in May featuring himself, the Police Chief, and the Mayor.
Introduction of Joshua Dabusu, Community Outreach Assistant Iowa City Police Department: The
Department recently hired Dabusu to do community outreach to refugee and immigrant populations. The
purpose of creating this position is two-fold, 1) assist persons new to this country to better understand
the role of a Police Officer and 2) to assist the Police Department with learning more about different
cultures to build relationships.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Lindley will accept the proclamation at the May 3
City Council meeting on behalf of the Commission.
Jewish American Heritage Month: Pries will accept the proclamation at the May 3 City Council meeting
on behalf of the Commission.
South District Neighborhood Association Funding Request: Pries moved that $250 be allocated to
reimburse for the costs of the Diversity Markets, the motion was seconded by Bruhn. Motion passed 7-0.
Center for Family Services Global Network Funding Request: Bruhn suggested inviting the Director to a
future meeting so that the Commission can discuss how they can work together to promote cultural
diversity.
Strategic Planning Sessions: The Commission will meet on May 12 and May 17 to work on their strategic
plan. The sessions are expected to last about three hours. A survey has been sent out to community
representatives and organizations to get feedback on the commission currently and where it should focus
in the future.
Youth Awards: The Youth Awards Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 11, at the Hilton Garden
Inn. Mayor Teague will provide remarks at the event. The event will include a dinner, award presentation,
and group picture.
Public Works Open House: Commissioners (Glass, Lindley, Maliabo, Bruhn, Jons, and Pries) will staff this
event from 8 am – 2 pm. Staff will drop off the items the day before the event.
Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant Reports for FY21 and Updates for FY22: Quarterly reports for all
organizations from FY21 have been received except the Sankofa Outreach Connection report. Staff has
sent two emails as a reminder to them. The FY22 grant allocations have been approved by the City
Council and staff is working with grantees on getting the agreements signed so that funding can be sent
out by June 1.
Correspondence:
Johnson County United Nations Chapter: a report was sent to the Commission on the success of The
Night of 1000 Dinners program. The virtual event was a community celebration for International
Women’s Day.
United Action for Youth: a report was sent to the Commission highlighting the youth (13) who attended
and the speakers for the day—Terrance Murphy of Journey Above Poverty, Monique Cottman
represented the Iowa City Community School District, and Tony Branch with United Action for Youth.
Staff Announcements: Torres plans to introduce the five new officer hires to the Commission at the May
meeting date.
Commission Announcements: Glass gave an update on upcoming programs of the Iowa Department of
Human Rights. Lindley spoke on Take Back the Night. Pries participated in a webinar on Race and Femicide.
Adjourned: 7:00 PM.
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2022
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
1/25 2/22 3/29 4/26 5/24 6/28 7/26 8/23 9/27 10/25 11/22 12/27
Jason Glass 2022 P P P P
Ashley Lindley 2022 P P P P
Mark Pries 2022 P P P P
Roger Lusala 2023 P P P P
Bijou Maliabo 2023 P P P P
Tony Sivanthaphanith 2023 A P P A
Siri Bruhn 2024 P A P P
Sylvia Jons 2024 P A P P
Ali Ahmed 2024 P P P A
KEY: P = Present
A = Absent