HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-18 Info Packet
Ci ty Council I nformati on P acket
February 18, 2021
IP1.Council Tentative Meeting S chedule
Miscellaneous
IP2.A f f ordable Housing Market A nalysis: F ebruary 2021 Update
IP3.S ocial J ustice & Racial E quity: 4th Quarter Update, October - D ecember 2020
IP4.Civil Service Examination: Maintenance Operator - Water
Draft Minutes
IP5.A d Hoc Truth & Reconciliation C ommission: February 4
IP6.L ibrary Board of Trustees: J anuary 28
IP7.P ark & Recreation Commission: F ebruary 10
IP8.Human R ights C ommission: J anuary 26
February 18, 2021 City of Iowa City Page 1
Item Number: 1.
F ebruary 18, 2021
Council Ten tative Meetin g S ch ed u l e
AT TAC HM E NT S:
D escription
C ouncil Tentative Meeting Schedule
City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
Subject to change
February 18, 2021
Date Time Meeting Location
Tuesday, March 2, 2021 5:00 PM Iowa City Conference Board Mtg Zoom Meeting Platform
Work Session
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Tuesday, March 16, 2021 5:00 PM Work Session Zoom Meeting Platform
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Tuesday, April 6, 2021 4:00 PM Work Session Zoom Meeting Platform
6:00 PM Formal Meeting
Tuesday, April 20, 2021 4:00 PM Work Session Zoom Meeting Platform
6:00 PM Formal Meeting
Item Number: 2.
F ebruary 18, 2021
Affordab l e Hou sing Market Anal ysis: F ebruary 2021 Up d ate
AT TAC HM E NT S:
D escription
Affordable Housing Market Analysis: F ebruary 2021 Update
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
Item Number: 3.
F ebruary 18, 2021
Social J u stice & Racial Equity: 4th Q uarter Update, O ctob er - Decemb er
2020
AT TAC HM E NT S:
D escription
Social J ustice & Racial E quity: 4th Quarter Update, October - December 2020
Accountability
1
Human Rights staff attended “How Redlining Has
Created the Racial Wealth Divide in Iowa,” a we-
binar examining how the racial makeup of Iowa
neighborhoods and communities have been
influenced by federal housing policy and whether
judicial remedies exist to redress the resulting hous-
ing wealth gap between white and Black households.
Human Rights staff renewed membership in the
National Community Reinvestment Coalition.
The Iowa City Police Department (ICPD) was
assessed by the Commission on Accreditation for
Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accredita-
tion. CALEA’s primary purpose is to improve law
enforcement service by creating a national body of
standards developed by law enforcement profession-
als. CALEA recognizes professional achievements
by administering an accreditation process through
which a law enforcement agency can demonstrate
that it meets those standards. CALEA examined
aspects of the Iowa City Police Department's policy
and procedures, management, operations, and ser-
vices and determined ICPD did meet its standards.
The City has entered into an agreement with the
Iowa Economic Development Authority for
additional Community Development Block Grant-
CV funds for emergency housing and utility assis-
tance for low-moderate income households who
have been financially impacted by COVID.
The City took applications for funding for nonprofit
organizations providing assistance with homeless
services, mental health services, child care services
or food distribution.
The City offered grants of up to $15,000 to assist
with operational costs for small businesses with no
more than 25 employees and less than $1,000,000
in gross revenues. Businesses affected by COVID
were given priority, with consideration given to the
extent of assistance received from other sources and
whether the business is owned and managed by a
person of color or a woman.
The City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Staff
Group met in October, November, and December.
Staff from a variety of departments attended.
Human Rights staff attended the Race in the Heart-
land Conference. This virtual forum considered four
subjects: Education, Housing, Criminal Justice, and
the Workplace.
1 2
City staff from a variety of departments including
Communications, the City Clerk’s Office, ICPD,
Human Rights, Public Works, the City Attorney’s
Office, Parks & Recreation, Transportation, and
others participated in the 21-Day Equity Challenge
sponsored by United Way of Central Iowa. This
challenge involved engaging with a variety of re-
sources—books, podcasts, videos, webinars, Ted
talks, etc, to expand staff knowledge related to a
broad range equity and inclusion topics.
Staff of Parks & Recreation viewed webinars for
‘Uncovering Bias in the Interview Process,’ ‘Skills for
Having Courageous Conversations about Racism in
the Workplace,’ and ‘Understanding Systemic
Racism.’
The Resource Management Division is beginning to
transition some curbside outreach to visual graphics
in place of or in addition to English words. This will
help customers who do not read English understand
our programs better.
Ellsworth Carman, Library Director, presented
“(Trans)gender-Affirming Library Practices: From
Patron Records to Restrooms, and Beyond” at the
Iowa Library Association’s Virtual Conference.
ICPD staff attended the virtual “Inclusion Summit:
Rising to the Equity Challenge” and “Access to Jus-
tice: Racial & Ethnic Disparities.”
Local leaders, along with representatives from the
City Manager’s Office and Iowa City Police Depart-
ment, attended the 8th Annual Iowa Summit on
Justice and Disparities. The conference addressed
minority disproportionality in the criminal justice
system. The City of Iowa City and Iowa City Police
Department were sponsors.
Human Rights staff attended “7 Things to Consider
when Engaging Hard to Reach Populations on Race,
Equity, and Inclusion.” presented by ELGL.org.
Human Rights staff participated in the Inclusive
ICR-Quarterly 2020 Coalition Meeting.
For the seventh
consecutive year, the
City earned a score
of 100 or more on the
annual Municipal
Equality Index (MEI),
the only nationwide
rating system of
LGBTQ inclusion in
municipal law, policy
and services. This year’s score is 112 (scores above
100 are possible due to bonus points). The MEI is
administered by the Human Rights Campaign, the
educational arm of the nation’s largest LGBTQ civil
rights organization.
Human Rights staff participated in The League of
Human Rights Agencies Annual Meeting.
Human Rights, City Clerk’s Office, and Commu-
nications staff attended “Building Diversity and
Inclusion Initiatives with Intention,” presented by
OneIowa.
The Public Works
Department created a
Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion Committee
“door” featuring the
Committee’s Mission
Statement, an Inter-
faith calendar, meeting
minutes, information
and upcoming events
as a way to keep others
informed about the
Committee’s work.
Transportation completed a preliminary ADA
assessment and field review for all transit stops. The
information gathered will assist in developing a plan
to improve accessibility for all users, especially those
with limited mobility.
3
Communications staff attended “Engaging through
an Anti-Racist Lens: a Discussion With Sophie Mc-
Ginley.” This webinar focused on anti-racist public
engagement.
Mayor Bruce Teague, together with Human Rights
staff and the Iowa City Police Department, partici-
pated in a conversation with LGBTQ-rights leaders
from Ukraine, in a program called "Advocacy for
the LGBTI Community," hosted by the Council for
International Visitors to Iowa City.
The City Bookclub discussed
the book Know My Name:
a Memoir, by Chanel Miller.
The book outlines failures in
the justice system for sexual
assault survivors, examined by
author Miller, whose attacker
received a criminally short
sentence.
Climate Action and Outreach is updating the con-
tact names and information for Community Based
Organizations (CBOs), identifying the level of
susceptibility to climate change impacts for stake-
holders, and identifying the level of connectedness
with City resources and decision-making process-
es for the stakeholders. The Division will use this
information to develop an outreach plan. A group
of City staff is also building a layered Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) mapping tool to be used
in planning and evaluating new climate initiatives,
further integrating equity analysis into each climate
action.
Public Works partnered with Communications to
translate the document used when carding a proper-
ty into multiple languages.
Parks & Recreation staff attended the “Access to
Justice 2020 and Beyond Conference,” hosted by
Mediation Services of Eastern Iowa.
The Johnson County Auditor’s Office provided tips
for voting safely in Johnson County for the Senior
Center.
The Senior Center participated in the Voter Virtual
Education Event through AARP Iowa with support
from TRAIL of Johnson County. TRAIL of Johnson
County also co-presented The Electoral College and
Other Issues Related to Informed Voting.
The Senior Center participated in the program:
When Iowans Voted No: The 1916 Referendum on
Women's Suffrage, offered by Anna Tunnicliff of the
Iowa Women's Archives.
Conversations
10 members of the ICPD participated in 16 com-
munity presentations, including the following
topics: De-escalation & Crisis Intervention, Personal
Safety and Crime Prevention, Neighborhood Crime
Reports, Alcohol Safety, and Family Violence and
Child Abuse.
ICPD staff met virtually with the following commu-
nity partners: NAACP, FBI, US Attorney’s Office,
Johnson County Attorney’s Office, Johnson County
Disproportionate Minority Contact Committee,
NAMI, Johnson County Elder Abuse Team, Johnson
County Drug Task Force, CommUnity, Foundation
2, Shelter House, and Prevent Child Abuse-Johnson
County.
The Senior Center participated in
a National Coming Out Day Film
Discussion: A Secret Love.
The Senior Center participated in
a Book Discussion: An African
American & Latinx History of the
United States.
Accountability
3
Justice
4
Iowa City Transit offered free rides on Election Day
with the goal of removing transportation as a barrier
and helping people get to the polls and exercise their
right to vote. Rides were free to everyone all day,
with no proof of voter registration or destination
required.
The City Council voted unanimously in favor of a
new city ordinance that explicitly prohibits the Iowa
City Police Department from engaging in biased
policing and racial profiling.
The Fire Department created and implemented a
“Bias-free Delivery of Services” policy.
Finance eliminated the utility billing carding fee.
This fee was formerly added when customers’ water
was shut off, increasing the financial hardship of a
shut-off and leading to a domino effect.
The City issued a preliminary plan to accelerate
community policing, focusing on the manner in
which crisis calls will be handled, a commitment to
unbiased policing, and an effort to use innovative
solutions for common problems.
Parks and Recreation staff launched a pilot program
entitled ‘Root for Trees’ that strives to grow and
expand the tree canopy coverage and tree diversity
throughout the Iowa City community. City funding
for this project subsidizes the cost of trees for Iowa
City residents by 50% and includes an option for a
90% cost reduction for those that are income eligi-
ble. This program runs October 15, 2020 through
May 15, 2021 while supplies last and is in partner-
ship with Iowa City Landscaping and Garden Center
as well as the Earl May Garden Center. Residents
can find out more about the program and apply for
a voucher at icgov.org/root4trees. This program is
especially needed due to losses from the derecho.
Parks & Recreation partnered with United Action
for Youth to host Neighborhood NESTS (Nurturing
Every Student Together Safely) at the Mercer Park
Aquatic Center three afternoons each week while
school was in session. Neighborhood NESTS serve
as a safe space with trusted adults, where children
and young adults can gather for academic success
and emotional wellbeing during this school year.
The City joined several local government amicus
briefs in lawsuits challenging the Health and Hu-
man Services Rule that removes the Affordable Care
Act’s Section 1557 anti-discrimination protections
based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and
sex stereotyping. The Rule not only rolls back these
discrimination prohibitions, but also allows for
for Beginners with Tony Sanchez, and Use it, don't
lose it! Spanish Conversation with Jessica Ortiz.
The Senior Center took part in Transgender Aware-
ness Week: Readings & Discussion.
The Senior Center took part in the Native American
Heritage program series.
The Senior Center conducts several ongoing virtual
Spanish language-learning and conversation oppor-
tunities including Beginning Spanish Mini-Inten-
sive, Spanish Conversation Practice Group, Spanish
Conversations
5
Outreach
Human Rights placed an ad in the GO Guide for the
month of October, November, and December.
Human Rights placed ads in the online student
newspapers of West High, “West Side Story,” and
City High, “The Little Hawk,” for the months of No-
vember and December.
The City Manager’s Office sponsored the BIPOC
Strategic Doing workshops.
The City sponsored
the virtual event,
“The Johnson County
Americans with Dis-
abilities Act (ADA)
Celebration.”
Iowa City Public Library Board Member Hanna
Schultz presented “Fostering Public Health-Public
Library Collaborations” at the Iowa Library Asso-
ciation Conference. The presentation focused on
building partnerships between libraries and public
health organizations.
City staff from various Departments attended the
South District Neighborhood Mural Ribbon Cutting
Event. The mural is located at the entrance of Faith
Academy, 1030 Cross Park Avenue.
Human Rights hosted a
virtual program presented
by the African American
Museum of Iowa celebrat-
ing the Tuskegee Airmen,
Black heroes of the sky
during World War II who
included some of the
most decorated fliers of
the war and 13 Iowans. These brave soldiers fought
for freedom abroad and equality at home.
Human Rights hosted two virtual sessions on how
to apply for the Social Justice & Racial Equity Grant.
Justice
discrimination against women based on their preg-
nancy status or pregnancy history, weakens access to
translation/interpretation services for patients with
limited English proficiency, and limits the scope of
the rule so that health insurers could no longer be
covered at all by Section 1557.
The City joined an amicus brief drafted by the Pub-
lic Rights Project and the City of Seattle to support
the lawsuit challenging President Trump’s executive
order (EO) "Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping,"
which strips federal contractors of federal fund-
ing if the contractor holds diversity trainings that
mention "divisive concepts," including unconscious
bias, white privilege, etc. The vagueness of the EO
also raises concerns as to whether federal funding
to local governments that use such trainings may be
threatened.
The City joined an amicus brief of 54 local gov-
ernments and local government advocacy groups,
including the US Conference of Mayors, National
League of Cities, International City/County Man-
agement Association, and the International Munici-
pal Lawyers Association opposing a direct challenge
to DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
by the State of Texas.
5 6
Outreach
Grant funds are awarded to organizations pursuing
projects intended to have lasting social justice and
racial equity impact in the local area.
Human Rights staff and the City Manager's Office
attended the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council’s
program, “The Truth About the South African Truth
& Reconciliation Commission," presented by Mark
Kende, Director of the Drake University Constitu-
tional Law Center.
The City celebrated Transgen-
der Awareness Week with a
proclamation read by Mayor
Teague and by flying the trans-
gender flag at City Hall.
Transportation staff are de-
veloping an outreach plan to
educate the public on recommended route, transit
stop, and service changes in early 2021. The plan will
reach out to underserved populations and 1-page
flyers translated into multiple languages will high-
light transit system changes by route.
17 members of the ICPD
attended 17 events in the
fourth quarter of 2020.
Events included commu-
nity listening posts, Trunk
or Treats, assembling
STEM Kits, curbside car-
oling, the South District
ribbon cutting for their
neighborhood mural, and delivering holiday gifts to
families in lieu of the annual Holiday with Heroes
shopping event that was cancelled due to the pan-
demic.
Kate Connell, Aquatics Program Supervisor, pre-
sented “Equitable Aquatics: The 3 P’s on Inclusive
Aquatics – Personnel, Programming and Policies”
at the National Parks & Recreation Association’s fall
virtual conference.
Staff of Parks & Recreation participated in commit-
tee meetings for Johnson County Community Part-
nership for Protecting Children, Johnson County
Disproportionate Minority Contact.
Green Iowa AmeriCorps in the Iowa City Public
Library held a book discussion: Braiding Sweetgrass:
Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the
Teachings of Plants.
Ongoing series of weekly articles written by Ju-
lie Sands, a UI Master of Social Work practicum
student working with The Center during the 2020
academic year, presented various topics to increase
competency within various cultures, including in-
vestigating the structural effects of the White-Amer-
ican culture.
Transportation began developing a 2021 Diversity,
Equity, and inclusion quarterly training schedule for
Transportation Services staff.
Communications staff attended “A 2020 Vision - It's
Time to SEE Us” and “COVID-19 Best Practices: A
Panel Discussion,” both hosted by OneIowa.
Police Department and Communications staff at-
tended “Me Too” training.
Communications staff attended
Neogov Diversity and Cultural
Competency training, as well as a
podcast on the Black Lives Matter
movement, a podcast on Climate,
and "13th", a documentary on mass
incarceration.
ICPD staff received on-line training on Diverse
Communities/Bias Prevention, De-Escalation,
Implicit Bias, Procedural Justice, and Preventing
Harassment and Discrimination.
Two ICPD officers completed training to become
Fair and Impartial Policing instructors.
ICPD staff attended virtual training, “Disability Lan-
guage and Etiquette.”
Parks & Recreation staff viewed a “Social Justice,
Anti-Bias, Inequity and Diversity” webinar that
included a discussion of what these terms mean in
Early Childhood Education and how they can and
should have a place in the classroom.
Training
Human Rights staff hosted Implicit Bias training for
City Board and Commission members. Communi-
cations staff attended.
Human Rights staff attended “Inclusive Resources
for LGBTQ Older Iowans,” presented by OneIowa.
Human Rights cre-
ated and posted a
Fair Housing train-
ing video accessible
on YouTube at any
time. The training
includes a quiz for those who wish to obtain a
certificate.
Human Rights present-
ed “Implicit Bias 201”
training for area orga-
nizations and business-
es. Communications
and Public Works staff
attended.
Human Rights and Communications staff attended
“LGBTQ 101 and Workplace Best Practices,”
presented by One Iowa.
City Clerk’s Office and Parks & Recreation staff
viewed the “White Privilege 101: Getting In On the
Conversation” webinar.
7
Item Number: 4.
F ebruary 18, 2021
Civil Service E xamination: Main ten an ce O perator - Water
AT TAC HM E NT S:
D escription
C ivil S ervice E xamination: Maintenance Operator - Water
Item Number: 5.
F ebruary 18, 2021
Ad Hoc Tru th & Reconcil iation Commission: F eb ru ary 4
AT TAC HM E NT S:
D escription
Ad Hoc Truth & Reconciliation Commission: F ebruary 4
Item Number: 6.
F ebruary 18, 2021
Library Board of Trustees: Jan u ary 28
AT TAC HM E NT S:
D escription
L ibrary B oard of Trustees: J anuary 28
1
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes of the Electronic Regular Meeting
January 28, 2021 DRAFT
Electronic Meeting
(Pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.8)
An electronic meeting was held because a meeting in person was impossible or impractical due
to concerns for the health and safety of board members, staff, and the public presented by
COVID-19.
Members Present: Wesley Beary, John Beasley, Kellee Forkenbrock (in at 5:07 p.m.), Derek Johnk, Carol
Kirsch, Robin Paetzold, Tom Rocklin, Hannah Shultz, Monique Washington (in at 5:04 p.m.).
Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Elsworth Carman, Melody Dworak, Alyssa Hanson, Sam Helmick, Anne Mangano, Patty
McCarthy, Jason Paulios, Angie Pilkington, Amanda Ray.
Call Meeting to Order. President Beary called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. A quorum was
present.
Public Discussion. None.
Items for Discussion/Action.
6-month Strategic Planning Update: Carman is pleased by the amount of work done toward the new
goals of the Strategic Plan. Rocklin asked about the process that led to development of tactics; Carman
said tactics have been part of the plan since its beginning in order to determine what the work will
look like. Ideas and steps emerged at Department and other staff meetings. (Washington entered the
meeting.) Rocklin asked about progress toward the goal to allocate resources to programming,
outreach and collections to services for and with the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)
community; Carman said all expect and look forward to being able to engage community members in
meaningful ways to progress with this as the building reopening plan is enacted. Conversations with
Manny Galvez, the new PR Specialist are helpful on how to engage different communities as advisors.
Virtual Meeting Room memo: As requested at the last meeting, Carman consulted with Eric Goers in
the City Attorney’s office. Goers expressed limited concerns about the proposal. Staff consulted other
libraries and learned that those offering this service are having less use than expected. Based on this
information, staff do not plan to pursue this option. Trustees concurred. Paetzold asked whether a vote
was needed on Policy 806: Meeting Room and Lobby Use; Mangano said Yes. Kirsch asked whether
2
806.9 language should be in 806.10; Helmick said Yes. Shultz made a motion to approve Policy 806
pending moving the text in 806.9 to 806.10. Kirsch seconded. Motion passed 9/0.
Review 2nd Quarter Goals/Statistics and Financials: Carman stated there were no red flags in the reports
during these non-traditional times. He anticipates the next quarter’s reports, especially financials, will
show the impact of offering services in new ways while the building has been closed for a year. Shultz
asked how ICPL compares to other libraries; Carman said he communicates often with IUPLA (Iowa
Urban Public Libraries) Directors. Our experiences are largely mirrored at other libraries. Kirsch asked
about library materials expenditures at half the budgeted amount; Mangano stated the City report
doesn’t categorize the expenditures, that division among departments is handled internally and not all
departments have spent half the allocations. Paetzold asked about resumption of bus pass distribution;
Carman stated they became available again as part of the phased reopening and are given out at the
desk. People can get two per week. Paetzold asked if receipt of a pass is linked to picking up reserved
items. Carman stated it may be but that information is not specifically tracked. Paetzold asked about
the 13-percent decrease in website use and 18-percent fewer site page views. Carman responded that
he is optimistic that users are now navigating directly to pages they seek. Mangano stated page view
use has been impacted by fewer events on the calendar. Use of the catalog increased 10-percent and
Overdrive use is up 35%. Paetzold asked about use of the new Creativebug craft learning site and
access to The Washington Post. Rocklin and Kirsch stated use will likely increase when the building
reopens. Paetzold asked about macro reading trends speculating that more people home during the
pandemic could translate to more reading, and if ICPL is not experiencing that, questioned whether the
right services are being offered. Carman stated access to the materials has changed with readership of
eBooks skyrocketing. While reading as a social pastime may be generally increasing, it is hard to say
whether that is the case for ICPL users. Rocklin stated he has read headlines that book sales are
increasing. Washington stated she encounters people waiting in distanced lines at and outside of ICPL
to pick up materials when she visits to pick up.
Staff Reports.
Director’s Report. Carman stated the policy review calendar will be amended to review Policy 809:
Library Use later in the year in order to be able to consider input from staff Inservice Day on
alternatives to calling the police for behavior issues as outlined in the Strategic Plan. Carman stated the
Cedar Rapids Public Library Director, Dara Schmidt, is drafting a letter to the Iowa Infectious Disease
Advisory Council requesting library staff in the state remain at level 1C for covid-19 vaccinations.
Carman will join Directors from the largest libraries statewide and the State Librarian in signing the
letter if the Trustees concur. All agreed with the plan. Carman stated Manny Galvez, new PR Specialist,
is making progress daily. Rocklin asked whether there were changes in the Administrative Coordinator
job description before the vacancy posting. Carman said there were no major updates. Small changes
in responsibilities include adding some responsibilities such as volunteer program oversight. Kirsch
asked what qualifications are sought. Carman replied it is a complex position which requires deep
attention to detail as well as ability to envision the ‘big picture,’ and be able to evaluate processes, and
manage projects. Experience in Human Resources, Business, or Libraries on several levels will be
helpful. He feels good that interviews will begin soon from among a very diverse pool of applicants.
Kirsch asked about the hiring timeline. Carman stated he is not anticipating an unusually long wait
depending on the new person’s needs.
Shultz advised the Iowa Infectious Disease Advisory Council has no additional meetings scheduled so
the vaccination letter could instead be sent to the state Director of Public Health and the Governor.
3
Departmental Reports.
Adult Services. Paulios stated news of the new access to The Washington Post is live today on the home
page and will be announced in a blog post. A user can subscribe through their library card with an
email address and will get 7-day access compared to 3-day access for The New York Times (NYT).
Kirsch asked why this service is being added when it seems NYT use is down. Paulios replied it is cost
effective for the library and other libraries are offering it. Kirsch congratulated Paulios on appointment
to a State Library task force.
Community & Access Services. Helmick expressed appreciation of the creativity and work of her team.
Kirsch asked for information about the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement. Helmick
stated it will be helpful to learn about new approaches to volunteer programs post pandemic. Rocklin
asked about outreach to retirement communities. Helmick said contacts with partners will help with
decisions related to how to offer service post pandemic.
Development Office Report. McCarthy encouraged everyone to participate in the new collaborative
program with other libraries featuring writer Mira Jacob on February 11.
Miscellaneous. Paetzold asked about adding evening hours. Carman stated could be considered as
planning is underway to move completely to the next phase soon. Paetzold asked about consideration
of browsing by appointment similar to other libraries. Carman responded that has been and will again
be discussed. ICPL challenges are a much larger building which means more cleaning, and
identifying staff work stations which are distanced. More staff would be needed on-site to offer
additional hours and services, and staff areas were not designed to accommodate distancing. As a
result, some staff are working in public areas now. Staff is figuring out how to move them safely back
to staff areas. Staff planning is prioritizing no appointments because of the frequency that users
missed their curbside appointments and the challenges of finding their held items when they arrived
unscheduled at other times to get them. Returning fully to the next phase opens the lobby more,
provides computer, restroom, DOT kiosk access, and reactivates the bookmobile. Feedback from
directors with other similar sized Iowa libraries which have reopened to limited browsing indicates
heavy use of the DOT kiosk, and printing, which ICPL has been offering. Paetzold encouraged review of
cleaning source guidance which may have been updated as well as revisiting appointments as well as a
summary of reopening by local and peer libraries. Kirsch and Forkenbrock encouraged exploration of a
limited number of users as is coming to other local libraries. Beasley expressed concern about safety
until more people receive vaccinations and encouraged patience. Johnk requested input from the city
Attorney’s office about vaccination passports and impact of including them in access requirements.
Carman expressed gratitude for the input and conversation. Staff will continue discussion and present
the phased reopening plan again at the February meeting as well as cleaning policy information, a
summary of other libraries’ reopening plans, and advice from City Legal. Kirsch requested the current
plan be emailed to her again. Johnk requested review of options to speak to next phases confidently.
President’s Report. Beary requested volunteers to serve on the Nominating Committee to determine
candidates as officers (President, Vice President, and Secretary) for FY2022. It will be helpful to
include a committee member who has served on the team in the past. Contact him to volunteer. If
there are none, he will draw names.
Announcements from Members. Paetzold requested information about the timeline for applications
4
from potential new Trustees. Carman will follow-up with the City Clerk.
Committee Reports.
Foundation Members. Next meeting is on February 18. Paetzold asked whether there are upcoming Eat
Out to Read events scheduled and expressed concern about the short notice for Monday’s event.
McCarthy stated none are confirmed yet and arrangements came together quickly for 1/25. She will
work to provide more timely information as events are scheduled.
Director’s Evaluation Committee. Rocklin said most data has been received and will be summarized
pending receipt of responses from four Trustees. He contacted Eric Goers at the City Attorney Office
about the paperwork and sharing it onscreen due to online meetings. That is allowed. Rocklin will
provide Beary with language to go into closed session if requested by Carman. Rocklin contacted City
Human Resources for information about salary step increases. Recording equipment will be provided
for Beary to operate during the closed session. Beary will need to be Zoom host and co-host to bring
back meeting participants after closed session.
Communications. None.
Consent Agenda. Johnk made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Washington seconded. There
was no discussion. The motion carried 9/0.
Set Agenda Order for February Meeting.
Director evaluation
3 Policy reviews for discussion and votes
Calendar FY2022
Nominating Committee appointment
Phased reopening plan discussion
Adjournment. Beary closed the meeting at 6:13 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patty McCarthy and Amanda Ray
Board or Commission: ICPL Board of Trustees
ATTENDANCE RECORD
12 Month
Name
Term
Expiration 7/09/20 7/23/20 8/27/20 8/27/20 9/10/20 9/24/20 10/08/20 10/22/20 11/5/20 11/19/20
12/17/20
1/28/21
Wesley Beary 6/30/21 X X X X X X X X X X X X
John Beasley 6/30/21 X X X X X X X O O X X X
Kellee
Forkenbrock 6/30/23 O/E X X X X X O X X X X X
Derek Johnk 6/30/25 O/E X O/E O/E X X X X O/E X X X
Carol Kirsch 6/30/23 X X X X X O/E X X X X X X
Robin Paetzold 6/30/23 X X X X X X X X X X X X
Tom Rocklin 6/30/25 X X X X X X X X X X X X
Hannah Shultz 6/30/25 X X X X X X X X X X X X
Monique
Washington 6/30/21 O/E X X X O/E X O X O X X X
KEY:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
Item Number: 7.
F ebruary 18, 2021
Park & Recreation Commission : F eb ruary 10
AT TAC HM E NT S:
D escription
Park & Recreation Commission: F ebruary 10
IOWA CITY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION DRAFT
MINUTES FEBRUARY 10, 2021
ZOOM PLATFORM
Members Present: Stephen Bird, Alex Hachtman, Chris Odinet, Ben Russell, Melissa Serenda, Angie
Smith, Brianna Wills
Members Absent: Boniface Penandjo Lemoupa
Staff Present: Tyler Baird, Brad Barker
Others Present: None
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Bird called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council action):
None
OTHER FORMAL ACTION:
Moved by Hachtman, seconded by Odinet to approve the January 13, 2021 minutes as written.
Motion passed 7-0 (Penandjo Lemoupa absent).
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None
INTRODUCTION OF COMPREHENSIVE RECREATION MASTER PLAN – BRAD BARKER
Barker announced that the Parks and Recreation Department issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for
professional consulting services to aide in developing a Comprehensive Recreation Master Plan. This
document will serve as a ten-year plan for recreation facilities, amenities and programming for the Iowa
City Parks and Recreation Department. He noted that this document will serve as a companion to the 2016
master plan and will build on the vision that was established focusing on the recreation side. This master
plan will not include facilities such as playgrounds, trails, splash pads, shelters, restrooms or natural areas.
Those facilities were addressed in the 2016 master plan. He expressed the importance of public feedback
in the process of creating this plan. He said that a recreation needs assessment will be available to the public
to assist in determining what the community would like to see for the future of recreation in this community.
Staff will select a consultant that can connect with participants who are currently participating in programs
and using Iowa City recreation facilities, and, perhaps more importantly, connect with those in the
community who are not.
Barker summarized the four topics that the master plan will specifically address in Phase 1.
Electronic Meeting (Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting was held because a meeting in person was impossible or impractical due to
concerns for the health and safety of council members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 10, 2021
Page 2 of 7
• Aquatic Facilities:
o Analyze the community demand for aquatics and find out if the three aquatic facilities are
meeting the needs of the community.
o Assess the lifecycle and efficiency of current pool operations, including the pool shell and
mechanical systems.
o Determine community preferences for the future of City Park Pool.
o Review opportunities for carbon emission reductions.
o Review and update the ADA transition plan.
• Recreation Centers:
o Analyze the programs and services the community would like prioritized within these
facilities.
o Evaluate whether the operation hours of facilities are meeting demand.
o Measure the demand for a new recreation center and where the preferred location would
be and the impacts this change would have on the use of current facilities.
o Review opportunities for carbon emission reductions.
o Review and update the ADA transition plan.
• Athletic Fields
o Inventory the type and size of current fields/courts available to the community.
o Assess if the current inventory aligns with the future needs of each sport.
o Use guidance from current CIP plans to prioritize improvements to meet community needs.
• Recreation Programs:
o Assess community support for current recreation goals derived from the 2016 Park Master
Plan:
▪ Every child learns to swim
▪ Every child learns basic outdoor skills
▪ Programs and services integrate STEAM concepts into play
o Determine the type of programs the public would like prioritized and the preferred method
of delivery (length, format, cost, etc.)
o Evaluate preferences for the type of events the public would like to see within the
community.
o Determine if there are other recreation opportunities that should be offered that do not
already have a presence within the community.
o Measure how the public currently receives information versus how they’d prefer to receive
information on programs, events and facilities/amenities.
Barker noted that the RFP allows for the proposal of additional contracting services should the community
show a high demand for an additional recreation center or a new pool, for example. The contractor will
need to show the ability to offer design development, produce construction documents and participate in
the bidding and negotiation process and offer construction administration.
Barker shared that the budget for this master planning process is $90,000-$130,000. The deadline for
response is March 19. Staff will then move forward with interviews of contractors.
Barker also noted that staff will ask two Parks & Recreation Commission members to serve on the steering
committee.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 10, 2021
Page 3 of 7
Wills shared that when a person finds out that she is on the Commission, the first question they ask is when
City Park Pool will be updated with amenities such as slides etc. She said that some thought that when the
pool was closed for the pandemic that it was not going to reopen. She asked at what point is it determined
that it is no longer feasible to spend money on the existing pool. Barker responded that there has not been
a lot of money spent on City Park Pool and that is functions very well. He said that there are no issues with
cracks in the foundation or leaks like you would find with many pools of this age. He noted that staff
receives comments as well from those that don’t want any amenities added to City Park Pool.
Bird noted his concern that when looking at a ten-year-plan, the funding may be hard to come by, like that
of the new City Park playground having to be scaled down due to budget limits. He expressed that
partnerships for funding may be another avenue that needs to be pursued and hopes the consultant chosen
will have expertise in pursuing different avenues for funding.
Serenda asked if there were any concerns about the timing of soliciting information from the public
considering the pandemic and how it will influence their recreation needs, whether it be in a good way or a
bad way. Barker agreed that this is a concern of staff as well and is interested in how a consulting firm is
going to address this when collecting information. He also agrees that people will have a new way of
looking at recreation further stating that the effects of the pandemic are going to be felt for years to come.
Bird added that soliciting public opinion will be challenging and there will be a need for creative ideas to
reach all residents including the underserved population. Wills asked if staff have considered reaching out
through the school districts Peachjar, an electronic communication system. Barker replied that staff will be
reaching out to the school district and that the department has used Peachjar on a regular basis for
communicating with students and their families.
UPDATE ON DEPARTMENT AFFLIATE GROUPS AND PARTNERSHIPS – BRAD BARKER
Barker provided a brief update on the various groups that the department works with and defined what the
department considers an affiliate and what is considered a partnership. In short, he explained that an
affiliate is a group that provides a service that has mission and goals that align with the department. Affiliate
group relationships allow the department to branch out and expand on programs while lending their
expertise that department staff cannot offer at the same level. Barker went on to share information on the
various affiliate groups that the department works with as well as the numbers they serve. Those are as
follows:
Iowa City Girls Softball (ICGS): ICGS serve approximately 250-300 girls per season between the ages
of kindergarten through 12th grade. Parks and Recreation provide use of the ball diamonds as well as
prepping and maintaining facilities at Napoleon Park. Staff also assists the club in scheduling practices,
games, and tournaments. The City also provides them with storage and concession space. While the club is
not charged for their use of Napoleon facilities, they do collect registration fees and may provide periodic
donations to the City for facility improvements.
Iowa City Boys Baseball (ICBB): ICBB serves approximately 400-500 youth between 5 and 14 years old.
This is a very similar relationship to that with ICGS. ICBB uses fields at City Park. Staff prepares and
maintains those fields and the facility spaces that include storage and concessions. They also assist with
facility improvements through periodic donations.
Iowa City Eels: Iowa City Eels is a swim club that uses Mercer Park Aquatic Center for practices and swim
meets. During a regular year they have about 50 youth participants. They also serve 10-12 master
swimmers (adult swimmers) that participate in their club. The department provides the swimming pool,
cohosts swim meets and has a joint purchase of equipment agreement with the Eels. Iowa City Eels pay a
relatively small monthly fee to the department to assist with staff costs as the department provides
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 10, 2021
Page 4 of 7
lifeguarding for them. Iowa City Eels also provide cost benefits for shared use items such as lane lines,
clocks, and other facility improvements.
Iowa City Kickers Soccer Club: Kickers serve approximately 1500 youth during their spring season and
about 1300 during their fall season. The Kickers club regularly serve kids from kindergarten to high school
age as well as preschool age and adult soccer leagues. The department again provides the fields, field prep
and maintenance, storage and concessions space. Kickers, in turn, assist with the cost of complex
improvements through donations.
Iowa City Bruisers: The Bruisers are a roller derby group that use the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center
gymnasium. The Bruisers serve approximately 40 kids ages 5 to 14 years. The department provides facility
space at no charge and they in turn assist with park cleanup through volunteer projects. They also help in
maintaining the department roller skates as Recreation offers a free roller skating program every weekend.
When the department hosts an outdoor skating event, the Bruisers assist in changing wheels on the skates
for outside skating and back again to wheels meant for indoor use.
Backyard Abundance: This group assists in maintaining the departments edible garden spaces within the
parks as well as those located outside of the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. Backyard Abundance staff
offer classes to the community about design management and the establishment of landscapes. The
department provides a bit of financial assistance annually so that Backyard Abundance can co-host events
and offer classes in cooperation with the Recreation Department.
Take a Kid Outdoors (TAKO): TAKO provides outdoor experiences for children and families and the
Recreation Department provides some financial assistance to help with an outdoor program each year.
City High: The department has a joint agreement (otherwise known as a 28E agreement) with City High
School. While this consisted of prepping and maintaining ball fields by Parks and Recreation staff, the
school athletic department has recently assumed that responsibility and has exclusive use of that field. City
High also uses Mercer Pool for swim practices and meets and Kickers Soccer Complex for cross country
meets.
Iowa Sports Foundation/Corporate Games: This program was started in Des Moines and recently added
the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City metro areas as well. This program offers employees of local businesses the
opportunity to participate in Olympic-style athletics. Last year there 31 teams participated from Cedar
Rapids and Iowa City. The Parks and Recreation Department provides a full-time staff member (Jeff Sears,
Adult Sports Program Supervisor) who serves as liaison between the Iowa Sports Foundation and the City
of Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. The department receives $10,000 annually to cover staff cost.
Other department affiliate groups include The Camera Club, Old Capitol Chorus, Iowa City Community
Theatre, Iowa City Pickleball League and the Got Strength Olympic Weightlifting Club. These groups
provide some financial support to the department in exchange for free facility use.
The department also partners with approximately 20-25 other organizations that are not considered
affiliates. These are groups that we assist in reserving space as well as provide space prep and maintenance
throughout the year. Staff member, Jeff Sears assists with most of those rentals.
REPORTS ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF:
Recreation Division Superintendent – Brad Barker:
• Gymnasium Use at Mercer/Scanlon: Barker reminded commission members that at the January
meeting the department had just started the process of opening Scanlon Gym for basketball,
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 10, 2021
Page 5 of 7
pickleball, Tot-Time and as a place for walking on a reservation basis only. Opening the gym has
been well received with Tot-Time being the most popular. The department initially offered the
space twice a week for Tot-Time and has since expanded that to five days a week. Tot Time is a
drop-in program for children 1-6 years old. The department provides mats, riding toys, slides and
other activities for the kids, with all items being sanitized between each reservation.
• Open Swim Opportunities: Barker announced the department begin planning to offer open swim
times at Mercer and in so doing will expand the pool hours. This will begin in mid-March and will
be on a reservation basis only. A cap of approximately 25 people in the pool at one time will be set
to assure plenty of space for social distancing.
• Spring & Summer Program Planning: Barker and programming staff are currently making plans
for spring. Programs offered will, for the most part, include outdoor activities and will cap at 10 or
less participants. Barker will have more information on these programs for the Commission at their
March meeting. He hopes to have details about summer programming at that time as well. Staff is
working towards opening City Park Pool this summer as well as planning a modified version of the
summer camp program.
• Party in the Park & Pop-up Park Events: Staff plans to continue the Party in the Park program. In
addition, staff will offer a new series that will include pop-up park events. The department has a
mobile event trailer where equipment can be stored and easily moved from place to place. These
programs will be offered in parks that are not scheduled to host Party in the Park. The pop-up
programs will be less structured and will include games and other pop-up activities. There will not
be music at the pop-up events, however, music will continue to be a part of the Party in the Park
events.
• Winter Programming: Barker and other department staff hosted a sledding party at Happy Hollow
Park recently with approximately 40-50 kids and adults participating. Other activities, in addition
to sledding, included snow shoeing, strider bikes on skis, a winter craft activity and hot chocolate
was served. Staff had planned a dog sweater party to be held at Thornberry Dog Park this Saturday,
February 13, however, due to the extremely cold temperatures forecasted, this event has been
rescheduled for March 6.
• Program Safety: Barker reminded staff to include safety precautions, (sanitation and social
distancing procedures) in their program planning to assure that all who attend feel safe in
participating. Bird announced that he was recently informed that the University of Iowa is
cancelling all youth programs for the summer of 2021. He added that he is in support of Iowa City
Recreation offering programs while including safety precautions with the hope of returning to
normal.
Parks Division Superintendent – Tyler Baird:
• Snow Removal: Baird pointed out that since the last commission meeting there has been a lot of
snowfall and specifically that there has been snow every Saturday since that meeting. He
commended staff who have stepped up to come in on the weekends to clean snow. He noted that
there is scheduled staff working on weekends, but with the amount of snow fall it has been
necessary to supplement with additional staff. This staff is paid overtime for those additional hours
worked. The department has received many positive comments from the public. Baird noted that
staff have cleaned an additional 7.5 miles of trails this year, or approximately ½ mile extra per each
staff member.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 10, 2021
Page 6 of 7
• Tree Projects: Tree removal is complete in the Normandy drive area where staff removed dead and
dying trees. Staff will return to replant trees when possible. Baird also reported that many ash trees
have been removed at Court Hill. When looking from overhead, it is obvious that many the trees
were dying from the top. Staff is working with several rotary clubs in the area to plan a tree
replanting project which will allow for approximately 50 plus trees planted daily. There are benches
planned for Court Hill park as well. Staff is working to keep the education factor going out to
various areas in the community prior to trees being removed.
• Athletic Facilities: Staff is working to spruce up the restrooms at ball field locations, although the
current temperatures have proven to be a challenge when attempting to heat them up enough to
continue the work. Painting and other updates will continue once the weather allows.
• Administration: Staff is beginning the seasonal hiring process. Josh Worrell, Assistant Parks
Superintendent, is currently scheduling interviews. Staff is pleased with the number of applications
received and with the number of those applicants having worked for Parks in past seasons.
Odinet asked if the recommendation to rename Creekside Park in honor of James Allen McPherson
was passed by Council. Tammy Neumann explained that the January minutes needed to be approved
prior to it being presented to Council. With the minutes having been approved this evening, th e item
will go to the Clerk’s office to add to an upcoming agenda.
Hachtman asked where snow is hauled to once it is removed from an area. Baird explained that the
Streets Department does most of the hauling of snow from the downtown area and that it is hauled to
an area near the City transportation and equipment buildings. Due to the large amount of snow this
year, some has also been hauled to an area near Scott Park on the east side of Iowa City. Within the
parks, snow is pushed as far as it can be in an attempt to get it out of the way.
CHAIRS REPORT – STEVE BIRD:
Bird noted that last month there were a couple of comments about how nice it is to have those extra 7.5
miles of trails plowed. Keeping that in mind, he encouraged staff to budget the extra funds to keep this
process going. He shared that he lives near City Park and he sees people using the trails at all hours of the
day, even after dark. He noted that the City Park trail ties in well with the University’s system. Bird would
like to see this practice continue as there has been a lot of positive feedback. Other commissioners agreed.
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Hachtman said he would second what Bird said about the additional trails being cleaned of snow. He lives
near Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and he too sees many people using those trails at all hours of the
day.
Bird reiterated his appreciation to the Parks team. Baird will share these comments of appreciation with
Parks staff.
Serenda also expressed her appreciation of snow removal on the Sycamore Greenway Trail.
ADJOURNMENT:
Moved by Hachtman, seconded by Serenda, to adjourn the meeting at 5:57 p.m. Motion passed 7-0
(Penandjo Lemoupa absent).
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
February 10, 2021
Page 7 of 7
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum
* = Not a member now
NAME
TERM
EXPIRES 3/11/20 4/8/20 5/13/20 6/17/20 7/8/20 8/12/20 9/9/20 10/14/20 11/18/20 12/09/20 1/13/21 2/10/21 Steve Bird 12/31/21 X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X NM X X
Alex
Hachtman
12/31/20 X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X NM X X
Christopher
Odinet
12/31/24 * * * * * * * * * * X X
Boniface
Penandjo
Lemoupa
12/31/23 O NM NM O NM NM O LQ X NM X O
Ben Russell 12/31/21 X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X NM X X
Melissa
Serenda
12/31/23 X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X NM X X
Angie Smith 12/31/21 X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X NM X X
Jamie
Venzon
12/31/20 X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X NM * *
Brianna
Wills
12/31/22 X NM NM X NM NM X LQ X NM X *
Blake Winter 12/31/22 X NM NM O/E NM NM O/E LQ * * * *
Item Number: 8.
F ebruary 18, 2021
Hu man Rig h ts Commission : Jan u ary 26
AT TAC HM E NT S:
D escription
Human Rights C ommission: J anuary 26
1
Preliminary Minutes
Human Rights Commission
January 26, 2021
Electronic Formal Regular Meeting Zoom Meeting Platform
Members Present: Ashley Lindley, Roger Lusala, Jessica Andino, Mark Pries, Jason Glass, Bijou
Maliabo, Adil Adams.
Members Not Present: Noemi Ford, Maria Bruno.
Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers.
Others Present: Sara Barron.
(Electronic Meeting Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting was held because a meeting in person was impossible or impractical due to
concerns for the health and safety of commission members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19.
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:34 PM.
Approval of the November 24, 2020 meeting minutes: Motion by Lusala with minor edits, seconded by
Pries. Motion passed 7-0.
2021 Election of Officers: Lindley moved, and Lusala seconded to elect Andino Chair of the Commission
for 2021. Motion passed 7-0. Pries moved, and Lusala seconded to elect Glass as Vice Chair of the
Commission. Motion passed 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: Sara Barron reminded Commissioners of the
opportunity to discuss housing programs and funding opportunities in the area with the Johnson
County Affordable Housing Coalition with two programs they are sponsoring.
FUNDING REQUEST: CENTER FOR FAMILIES SERVICES GLOBAL NETWORK: Because the requested amount
exceeds the budget amount allocated for this fund, staff will reach out to the organization and ask
them to resubmit for the meeting date of February 23, 2021. The request was for Zoom
programs and events to educate the public on racial equity and injustice.
FUNDING REQUEST: JOHNSON COUNTY UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION: This was a request for $500.00 to offset
the cost of Night of 1000 Dinners in celebration of International Women’s Day. The event will be held on
Wednesday, March 10, 2021. Motion by Pries, seconded by Lusala. Motion passed 7-0.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROCLAMATION: Lusala will accept the proclamation at the City Council February 2,
2021 meeting date.
COMMISSION STATEMENT ON BLACK LIVES MATTER: Staff will plan on including the statement in
the February 23, 2021 for Commissioners to further discuss implementation.
2
UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION RIGHTS OF THE CHILD: Staff will reach out to the Johnson County United
Nations Association to see if there is a possibility to collaborate on an upcoming program or event on this
topic.
SOCIAL JUSTICE & RACIAL EQUITY GRANT UPDATES FY2021: There were 29 submissions. The Commission
decided to review submissions for the FY21 SJRE grants at their February meeting date. Staff will deliver the
grants and rubrics to Commissioners and alert organizations that the review of submissions will occur on the
February 23, 2021 date. Commissioners will send their completed rankings to staff by Tuesday, February 16.
HOUSING SUBCOMMITTEE: No update but members will plan to listen to the Johnson County Affordable
Housing Coalition program on housing in this area.
ANTI-RACISM SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE: No update but will meet to discuss Black History Month programs.
They also noted the success of their White Privilege film screening held in December.
HEALTH EQUITY SUBCOMMITTEE: Maliabo joined this subcommittee. This subcommittee plans on working to
increase educational efforts on the COVID -19 vaccine. Basically, advocating for getting vaccinated.
REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS: Lindley spoke on her participation in the Humanize My Hoodie Alley event
and possibly holding an event on their work for Commissioners or for the public. She also did an interview
with KCRG on the Social Justice and Racial Equity grants for FY21, she plans to be active in the MLK Day
Celebrations for 2021.
Pries participated in the MLK car parade. He is also involved with the Iowa Interfaith Coalition Racism Task
Force based out of Des Moines and the Southeastern Senate where they talk and discuss the Lutheran
response to the death of George Floyd. He is also participating with the Good Lutheran Church of Texas and
they are studying a book on “Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation” by Latasha
Morrison. He also encouraged other Commissioners to take the Harvard Implicit Bias test.
Glass was invited to attend the Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation meeting of February 4 and encourages other
Commissioners to join as well.
Andino mentioned a working group she is a part of that wrote a letter to the Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation
Commission to assist in any way possible in helping them fulfill their goals. She was also recently appointed by
City Manager Geoff Fruin to serve on the Iowa City Affordable Housing Steering Committee.
Lusala was part of a COVID-19 study. He recently found out he received the placebo but was given his first
vaccine shot last Tuesday.
Adam was able to participate in the Sudanese Community Center Annual Meeting.
Maliabo is currently taking a course on 10 Skills to Agile Leadership.
STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS: Staff mentioned two upcoming trainings with Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. Staff also went
over the schedule for Black History Month for City programs and events.
MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 6:31 PM.
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2021
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
1/26 2/23 3/23 4/27 5/25 6/22 6/27 8/24 9/28 10/26 11/23 12/28
Adil Adams 2021 X
Jessica Andino 2021 X
Noemi Ford 2021 E
Jason Glass 2022 X
Ashley Lindley 2021 X
Roger Lusala 2023 X
Bijou Maliabo 2023 X
Mark Pries 2022 X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member