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CITY OF IOWA CITY
UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
1. Call to Order
AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020
4:00 PM
EMMA HARVAT HALL
CITY HALL
2. Organization of Committee
3. Consider approval of minutes from the October M, 1019 Economic Development
Committee meeting
4. Consider affirmation of FY21 budgeted amount and intent to budget FY22 and
FY2J financial assistance for Riverside Theatre
5. Staff report
6. Committee time
7. Other business
S. Adjournment
If you need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this program/event please contact Wendy
Ford, Economic Development Coordinator at319-356-5248orwendy-ford@iowa-city.org. We ask that contact us
early to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
EDC 1.27.2020 packet
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EDC October 28, 2019 1
PRFLIMINARY
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 28, 2019
EMMA HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL, 4:00 P.M.
Members Present: Rockne Cale, Susan Mims, Jim Throgmorlon
Staff Present: Wendy Ford, Simon Andrew, Ashley Monroe, Eleanor Dilkes
Others Present: Curt Nelson (EDC Inc.); Andrew Sherburne (Film Scene)
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
Cole moved to recommend funding for FY21 for $25,000 in assistance for Entrepreneurial
Development Center, Inc. in Cedar Rapids. Throgmorton seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
Cole moved to recommend funding for FY21 financial assistance for Film Scene and the
new Refocus Film Festival. Throgmorton seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 4:01 P.M. Chairperson Mims then asked those present to
introduce themselves.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE AUGUST 28, 2019 ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING:
Throgmorton moved to approve the minutes from the August 28, 2019 meeting as
presented. Cole seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
Update and consider request for funding for FY21 for $25,000 in assistance for
Entrepreneurial Development Center, Inc. in Cedar Rapids:
Ford introduced Curt Nelson, President and CEO of the EDC, Inc. in Cedar Rapids. She noted
that for the past six years he has been coming to the City with a request for assistance. Ford
explained EDC, Inc. helps businesses in various stages, from start-up to established reach the
next level in their businesses. Ford noted that Iowa City supports the entrepreneurial community
in several ways — assisting the Iowa City Area Development Group with the Co -Lab initially and
continuing with MERGE. She added that in working with EDC Inc., they can help to build those
much -needed connections to resources for success.
Curt Nelson provided some history of EDC Inc., noting that they just completed their 16th year of
service. He stated that they work across the state with businesses, but that their focus is on the
'creative corridor.' Continuing, Nelson described EDC's reach and the number of businesses for
whom they have been able to provide support over the past 16 years. EDC Inc.'s primary focus,
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EDC October 28, 2019 2
PRFLIMINARY
is on interstate commerce and high impact scalable businesses. He shared with Members
stories of some of the businesses that they have been able to provide support to over the years.
Mims then spoke to Nelson regarding EDC Inc.'s expertise and how they have been able to help
businesses achieve success. She stated that she believes this to be a good investment for the
City. Throgmorton spoke to the City's recently passed climate crisis resolution and how there is a
need for entrepreneurs to create ways to reduce carbon emissions. He stated that his appeal to
EDC Inc. would be to help entrepreneurs accomplish this, which in turn would help cities reduce
overall carbon emissions. Cole spoke to the many entrepreneurs in Iowa City within the
Sudanese community. He asked how people can connect with and find out about EDC Inc.'s
services, noting that under -served populations should be a target. Throgmorton added that the
Congolese population may also benefit from EDC's services. Nelson responded, stating that
they no longer spend money on outreach because they remain at capacity by referrals. He
stated that entrepreneurs come to them through many channels, adding that they would be glad
to come to any planned meetings with these communities, to talk about their services.
Cole moved to recommend funding for FY21 for $25,000 in assistance for Entrepreneurial
Development Center, Inc. in Cedar Rapids. Throgmorton seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
Annual report and consider request for FY21 financial assistance for Film Scene and new
Refocus Film Festival:
Ford gave some background information to Members, noting that Film Scene has just expanded
operations with the opening of their new location in the Chauncey. They have doubled the
number of employees with the addition of staff for the new location at The Chauncey. Their
request for $25,000 is the same as last year and includes a request to increase the amount over
the coming two fiscal years.
A second part of the request includes $7,000 for a new film festival called the Refocus Film
Festival. The inaugural year would be next September, with a planned $80,000 budget. The
$7,000 request also comes with a request for an increase in the coming two fiscal years.
Ford noted that staff is recommending the requested amounts of $25,000 and $7,000, however,
cannot recommend including the intent to budget increases over the coming two fiscal years, due
to nature of everything being so new. Rather, staff recommends revisiting the request for an
increase in funding next year with more financial information on the first year of operations at the
Chauncey and after the inaugural year of the Refocus Film Festival.
Ford then introduced Andrew Sherburne of Film Scene. He addressed Members, stating that it
has been a busy year for them. Looking back over the past five years, he noted a steady growth
of the organization, in terms of both size of their operation and their economic impact. They
currently have four screens between two locations, with a fifth screen opening soon. Sherburne
then spoke to their financial status over those five years, noting that last year they were able to
start an operating reserve. He stated that their current operating budget is around $900,000.
This will almost double next year with the Chauncey location opening. He added that Film Scene
EDC 1.27.2020 packet
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EDC October 28, 2019 3
PRFLIMINARY
has about a $1.3 million impact on the local economy, beyond Film Scene itself. This impact is
also expected to grow substantially, with expectations coming in around $2.3 million. Continuing,
Sherburne spoke to some of the partnerships they hope to gain this coming year as they expand
their programming. One would be with the Summer of the Arts, in their movie series at the
Chauncey Swan Park. He gave several other examples of outreach that Film Scene does within
the community.
Sherburne then talked about the new Refocus Film Festival, noting that this is something they
have been discussing for a number of years. He stated that they want to capitalize on what they
believe Iowa City is best known for — Literature and looking at how the written word translates to
the big screen. This festival is planned for September of next year, with a budget expected
around $80,000 for the first year. They hope to grow this fairly quickly over the ensuing years.
Mims stated that she thinks Film Scene's growth is phenomenal for such a short period of time.
She added that this is a testament to the leadership of the organization and the people who work
at Film Scene. She stated that she is more than pleased to continue the support for Film Scene.
Cale spoke to whether there has been a multiplier analysis done in terms of every public dollar
that goes in, what type of return is there. He also asked about goals in terms of outreach to
certain areas of the community that may have problems getting downtown. Sherburne stated
that they do plan to expand their outreach in the next year, but added that their new location
does sit on a bus line, making accessibility much easier. He also spoke to some of the
organizations they have reached out to, such as the Center for Worker Justice, the United Action
for Youth, the Dream Center, and many other organizations within the community. Cole stated
that he is also supportive of the request.
Throgmorton agreed with Cole's comments, adding that to the extent they can, he does not want
to see Film Scene get the reputation of being an 'elite institution,' to which people from various
under -served communities don't feel welcome or can't figure out how to access Film Scene's
programming. He said he feels the Greatest Small City for the Arts campaign is more a
campaign for the Englert and Film Scene than a campaign for all of the arts in the community.
He believes they need to provide equivalent assistance for the diverse arts -related organization
in Iowa City, so that all arts can thrive. Sherburne spoke to Throgmorton's concerns, noting that
this has been going for about three years now, being about six months into the 'public phase.'
He stated that a goal for the campaign is for it to be aspirational, leading to increased
collaboration and cooperation among the arts organizations. Members continued to discuss the
importance of arts in Iowa City.
Cole moved to recommend funding for FY21 financial assistance for Film Scene and the
new Refocus Film Festival. Throgmorton seconded the motion.
The motion carried 3-0.
STAFF REPORT:
Ford stated that she had hoped to have the financials for the Tail Winds project, but they are still
waiting.
EDC 1.27.2020 packet
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EDC October 28, 2019 4
PRFLIMINARY
COMMITTEE TIME:
None.
OTHER BUSINESS:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Cole moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:58 P.M. Throgmorton seconded the motion.
Motion carried 3-0.
EDC 1.27.2020 packet
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Enc October 28, 2019 5
PRELIMINARY
Council Economic Development Committee
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2017 - 2019
TERM
NAME
EXR
N
N
N
N
O
w
N
N
J
J
J
J
D]
fD
t0
fD
t0
Rockne Cole
01/02/20
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Susan Mims
01/02/20
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Jim Throgmorton
01/02/20
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
EDC 1.27.2020 packet
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
CITY OF I O WA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 17, 2020
To: Economic Development Committee
From: Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator
Re: Riverside Theater, Annual report and request for continued funding
Introduction
Riverside Theatre (RT) has been a cultural staple of the Northside Marketplace and Neighborhood
for almost 40 years — and of the Festival Stage in Lower City Park since 2000. Last year, the EDC
recommended continued funding of $20,000 for FY20 with an intent to fund the same amount in
FY 21 and 22.
This year staff is recommending affirming the funding amount for FY21 with an intent to budget
the same in FY22 and 23. While the intent to fund for future years is not binding, memorializing
the intent has been helpful for the organization and for staff in budget preparation.
History/Background
For almost 40 years, RT has offered year-round programming at its Gilbert Street location and a
run of Shakespeare in the Park on the Festival Stage in Lower City Park since 2000. For the last
three years, Riverside has made the outdoor Shakespeare in the Park available for free to the
entire community to draw new and larger audiences to the theater.
The City has an established history of helping ensure this cultural asset remains strong. One of
the many public benefits of RT is that it will continue to offer Free Shakespeare at the Riverside
Festival Stage in City Park. This festive outdoor event helps build theater audiences and
awareness of the theater's now full year of indoor productions. The public benefit of offering free
theater on a public stage in lower City Park is substantial and doubles as a strategy to benefit
RT's financial stability by exposing more people to the theater.
The theater employs more than 100 mostly local artists and maintains a focus on gender parity
and racial equity in its casts. They are good Northside Neighbors, having enhanced their building
fagade this year with a new mural and having taken part in the ICDD Co -Sign program to
commission a new vertical sign for the entrance.
History of City funding for Riverside Theatre:
Fiscal
Year
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
$30,000
$25,000
$20,000
$0
$16,500
1 $15,000
$20,000
$20,000
EDC 1.27.2020 packet
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January 21, 2020
Page 2
Recommendation
The Comprehensive Plan cites Riverside Theatre as an asset to the vitality of the city and states
that support for the arts and culture of the community enhances our position in the region. It adds
to the quality of life of the community and should be continued and institutionalized as an
economic development and community betterment tool for the city.
Ensuring that Riverside Theatre continue as a viable arts business in Iowa City is also consistent
with the Central District Plan (updated in 2008), which calls for preserving and promoting the
unique aspects of and supporting the economic vitality of the Northside Marketplace. In keeping
with the Strategic Plan Priorities, funding RT's request is aligned with advancing social justice and
racial equality, enhancing community engagement and promoting a strong and resilient local
economy.
Staff recommends continuing the funding amount for FY21 with an intent to budget the same in
FY22 and 23.
EDC 1.27.2020 packet
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K I 11FMIDE
213 North Gilbert St.
Iowa City, IA 52245
Box Office: (319) 338-7672
Admin Office: (319) 887-1360
Fax: (319) 887-1362
adam@riversidetheatre.org
www.riversidetheatre.org
November 26, 2019
Wendy Ford
Economic Development Coordinator
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Wendy,
Thanks so much for taking the time to meet with our Development
Director Kate Markham and me earlier this month to discuss Riverside
Theatre's operations and needs in the coming season.
We would like to request that the City consider $20,000 in funding for
Riverside Theatre for its FY 2021 budget.
This support will help Riverside continue to provide the Iowa City
community with a full year of programming at our Northside location, in
addition to Free Shakespeare at the Riverside Festival Stage in Lower
City Park in June. We plan on extending our Free Shakespeare
programming by one week in order to achieve greater accessibility and
attendance in the coming year, while continuing the strides made at
Gilbert Street in increasing diversity, gender parity, and visiting writers.
In short, we wish to maintain a broad range of voices and stories on our
stage while reaching a greater number of Iowa City residents — all while
building towards Riverside's 4Oth Anniversary.
The attached pages briefly describe our current and upcoming plans.
Thank you for facilitating this request. We're grateful for the City's
longtime partnership with Riverside Theatre.
If you have any questions or would like to meet again to review
specifics, please don't hesitate to let us know.
Sincerel
Adam Knight
Producing Artistic Director
EDC 1.27.2020 packet
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RIVEIRSIDE
TF -SAT
Funding Request
November 2019
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Riverside Theatre is requesting renewed support from the City of Iowa City in the amount of
$20,000 for the City's upcoming FY2021. This amount matches the amounts requested and granted
for the last two fiscal years, which we hope the City will continue to find appropriate.
City funding will help sustain Riverside Theatre through its full -year season at Gilbert Street, in
addition to providing a financial cornerstone for Free Shakespeare in Lower City Park. Last
summer's production of "Henry IV, Part 1" had attendance of approximately 1,550 audience
members, many of whom came with their families to the park early for games, concessions, and
the all -ages "Green Show". Providing professional productions of Shakespeare free for all is a
notable example of what makes Iowa City such a vibrant and accessible community.
Riverside is building towards its 40th Anniversary Season in 2020/21. Upcoming programming
will bridge 40 years of history at Riverside Theatre, honoring the past and looking towards the
future, while continuing strides made in increasing representation onstage and expanding the types
of stories that we tell.
2018-19 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Attendance Summary
• Seven full productions at Gilbert Street Theatre, serving 5,785 patrons (including 425
students) over 92 performances
• Two weeks of Free Shakespeare in Lower City Park, serving approximately 1,550
audience members
1
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Increased EWIPMgnt Diversity and Gender Parity on our stages
• 103 artists employed (97 local)
■ 50150 gender parity in casts (up from 60/40 in 2017-18)
• 3 out of 7 Gilbert Street plays written by women
• First gender non -binary actor on our Gilbert Street stage
• 23% non -white actors on our stages (up from 6% in 2017-18), which better reflects the
diversity of Johnson County
Increased Press Coverage
• Front page coverage in the Iowa City Press -Citizen
• Cover stories in "Go Iowa City" (Press Citizen), "Hoopa" (The Gazette), the Daily
Iowan, and Iowa Source
• Winner: 2018 and 2019 Best Theatre Company (Little Village Best of the CRANDIC)
• Winner: 2019 Best Theatrical Production: "Men on Boats" (Little Village Best of the
CRANDIC)
Unique, Quality Programming
• Regional premieres of "The Cake" by Bekah Brunstetter, "Discord" by Scott Carter, and
"Men On Boats" by Jaclyn Backhaus
• World Premiere of "Apple Season" by E.M. Lewis (National New Play Network rolling
world premiere, in association with New Jersey Repertory Theatre and Moving Arts in
Los Angeles)
• Two playwrights in attendance: E.M. Lewis and Scott Carter (Executive Producer of
"Real Time with Bill Maher" on HBO)
• First Riverside production of celebrated playwright August Wilson
Education
• Will Power educational tour brought Shakespeare workshops to 8 area middle schools
Free Shakespeare
• "Henry IV, Part 1" was the 2nd Year of Riverside's Free Shakespeare initiative
• Served approximately 1,550 attendees, including 300 school -age children
• Partnered with local businesses and individuals to underwrite free attendance
Facade Improvements
• New mural on our Gilbert Street facade (Downtown District's Mural Program)
• New projecting sign (Co -Sign Project grant)
is Activating our front window and entrances in order to increase visibility as a cultural hub
of the Northside
EDC 1.27.2020 packet
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CURRENT 2019-20 SEASON GOALS AND HIGHLIGHTS
Goals
• Maintaining or expanding gender parity and diversity in all roles and positions
• Three playwrights in attendance (Megan Gogerty, Mat Smart, David Lee Nelson)
• 25% overall increase in attendance at Gilbert Street (6,550) and in the Park (2,500)
Partnerships
r Iowa City Book Festival ("Uncle Vanya")
■ Witching Hour Festival ("Feast.")
• Iowa Writers' House ("Stages")
• Mission Creek Festival (Lit crawl reading on our stage)
• International Writers Program (panel discussion on our stage)
• Uofl Center For Advancement - Senior College (spring class taught by Miriam Gilbert on
"A Doll's House" and "The Winter's Tale" to coincide with Riverside programming)
Increased Student Attendance
• Offering $10 student tickets (non -subsidized) for students of all ages
• Goal of 10% overall student attendance (up from 7% in 2018-19). We are currently at
11 % attendance through the first two productions.
"The Agitators"
In January/February, Riverside will present the Iowa premiere of "The Agitators" by Mat
Smart, a new play about the friendship and rivalry between Frederick Douglass and
Susan B. Anthony.
This play is presented in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Women's Suffrage and
in honor of Black History Month — and in the midst of the Iowa Caucuses.
We are partnering with the League of Women Voters Johnson County on a panel
discussion and outreach, and will hold three student matinees for area high schools. The
playwright will also be in attendance and will participate in a post -show discussion.
"Stages"
• In February/March, Riverside will present the Iowa premiere of "Stages", written and
performed by David Lee Nelson. The play chronicles Nelson's diagnosis at age 39 with
Stage Four colon cancer, and his subsequent treatment. It is a story not only for those
whose lives have been affected by the disease, but also for health care professionals
This play is presented in March as part of Colon Cancer Awareness month
EDC 1.27.2020 packet
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• Riverside is seeking partnerships with the medical community in Iowa City, particularly
the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, to engage with doctors and health care
professionals and encourage attendance
• The play, co -created with Producing Artistic Director Adam Knight, also reflects
Riverside's support of the artistic process. This will be the first fully -realized production
of this new play.
• The playwright will in residence at Iowa Writers' House for the duration of the run
Free Shakespeare in Lower City Park: "The Winter's Tale
• This summer we will present "The Winter's Tale" - a late "romance" play, providing a
fantastical mix of comedy, tragedy, and political intrigue. The tale of a ruler whose
jealousy causes him to become a tyrant, with fatal consequences. Only through time, and
a renewed friendship with a foreign kingdom, is redemption found, along with the
promise of a new generation.
• We believe that great theatre needs to be accessible. There are over 31,000 families in
Johnson County and almost 24% have annual household incomes of less than $50,000
(ACS 2017). Free Shakespeare provides an opportunity for these families to experience
professional theatre without worrying about the cost of a ticket or hiring a sitter.
• Riverside will add a third week of performances (4 additional shows), which we
anticipate will add 900 attendees. Along with this expansion, we will increase advertising
and outreach to schools, rec centers, retirement communities, and churches to reach more
facets of the community who might not regularly attend the theatre. Adding an additional
week will also mitigate the risk of losing an entire weekend of performances in the case
of inclement weather.
2020-21 SEASON PLANS I40TH ANNIVERSARY)
We are in the planning stages for our 40th Anniversary Season. Current plans include:
• An American Premiere of a foreign -language play in October
• A partnership with Iowa City Book Festival and Music IC
• Productions involving past leaders and key artists throughout Riverside's history
• A workshop of a new play by Scott Carter (writer of "Discord")
• The return of our "Walking the Wire" series highlighting local writer/performers
• Celebrated plays by Henrik Ibsen and Edward Albee, along with a world premiere and
two regional premieres
4
EDC 1.27.2020 packet
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BUDGET SUMMARY
We are projecting a slight surplus in FY20, which will go towards offsetting losses and long-
term debts accrued over the previous three Fiscal Years.
FY20 BUDGET
(September 1, 2019 - August 31, 2020)
INCOME S
Earned Income 188,601
Contributed Income 267,775
TOTAL INCOME 456,376
EXPENSES
$
Artistic
149,991
Production
56,104
Education
3,157
Marketing
19,678
Patron Services
38,594
Administration
58,429
Development
48,695
Facilities
71,460
TOTAL EXPENSES
446,108
NET INCOME 10,268
For the last two seasons, Riverside has been increasing partnerships with other arts and civic
organizations in order to bring high -quality theatre to more patrons and constituencies, and to be
a more positive force in the Iowa City cultural landscape. After two seasons of Free Shakespeare
in Lower City Park, we are ready to expand our production calendar in order to make this event
more accessible to more residents. Riverside Theatre will continue its strides in increasing
representation on its stages, while connecting audience members to nationally recognized writers
and the best in local talent. Riverside Theatre is incredibly grateful for the City's continued
partnership and willingness to consider funding to support these efforts.
5
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