HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-10 Info Packet
City Council I nformation Packet
J une 10, 2021
IP1.Council Tentative Meeting S chedule
June 15 Work Session
IP2.Work Session Agenda
IP3.Memo from Assistant City Manager: American Rescue Plan A ct Outreach &
Engagement
IP4.Pending City Council Work S ession Topics
Miscellaneous
IP5.Memo from Assistant City Manager: 2021 State L egislative Session Recap
IP6.Memo from City Clerk: Transition to in-person meetings
IP7.Memo from Neighborhood & Development Services Director: Update on City
Assisted C O V I D-19 Housing P rograms
IP8.Memo from Neighborhood & Development Services Director: Neighborhood &
Development S ervices Annual Report
Draft Minutes
IP9.Ad Hoc Truth & Reconciliation Commission: May 27
IP10.Historic P reservation Commission: May 13
June 10, 2021 City of Iowa City Page 1
Late Handouts Distributed
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City. Iowa 52240-1826
(3 19) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www_icgov.org
City Council Agenda — June 15, 2021 — Regular Formal Meeting
Information submitted between distribution of packet on Thursday and close of business on Monday.
Late Addition(s):
Item 14. Announcement of Vacancies - New
Historic Preservation Commission (Jefferson St.) - One vacancy
to fill an unexpired term. Upon appointment June 30, 2022. (Lyndi
Kiple resigned) Correspondence included in Council packet.
Applications must be received by 5:00 P.M., Tuesday, July 43 20, 2021.
Historic Preservation Commission (At -Large) - One vacancy to fill an
unexpired term ending June 30, 2023. (Austin Wu resigned)
Correspondence included in 6/14 late handouts.
Applications must be received by 5:00 P.M., Tuesday, July 20, 2021.
Late Handouts(s):
Planning & Zoning Matters
10.a. Rezoning Hickory Trail Estates (See correspondence from Marth Norbeck)
6/10 Information Packet
IP7. Memo from Neighborhood & Development Services Director: Update on
City Assisted COVID-19 Housing Programs (See correspondence from
Crissy Canganelli, Executive Director Shelter House)
Item Number: 1.
J une 10, 2021
Council Ten tative Meeting Sched u l e
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Council Tentative Meeting S chedule
Item Number: 2.
J une 10, 2021
Work Session Agen d a
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Work Session Agenda
Electronic
City Council Work Session Agenda
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Zoom Meeting Platform
4:00 PM
Electronic Meeting
(Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting is being held because a meeting in person is
impossible or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of Council
members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19.
You can watch the meeting on cable channel 4 (118.2 QAM) in Iowa City,
University Heights and Coralville, or you can watch it online at an y of the
following websites:
• https://citychannel4.com/live
• https://www.youtube.com/user/citychannel4/live
• https://facebook.com/CityofIowaCity
If you have no computer or smartphone, or a computer without a microphone,
you can call in by phone by dialing (312) 626-6799 and entering the meeting ID
964-0822-4186 when prompted. Attending in person is not an option.
• American Rescue Plan Act Outreach & Engagement [IP3]
• 5:00 PM - Joint meeting with Planning & Zoning Commission
[Rezoning – Hickory Trail Estates]
• Clarification of Agenda Items
• Information Packet Discussion [June 3, June 10]
Council direction needed on the following items:
1. (6/10) IP1 Memo from City Clerk: Summer Meeting Schedule /
Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
2. (6/10) IP6 Memo from City Clerk: Transition to in-person meetings
• Council updates on assigned boards, commissions, and committees
Item Number: 3.
J une 10, 2021
Memo from Assistan t City Man ager: American Rescu e Plan Act O utreach &
Engag emen t
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Memo from Assistant City Manager: American Rescue Plan A ct Outreach & Engagement
Date: June 10, 2021
To: City Council
From : Rachel Kilburg, Assistant to the City Manager
Re: American Rescue Plan Act Outreach & Engagement
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law in March 2021 and established
the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, which provides significant resources
to state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to respond to the COVID-19 public health
emergency.
The U.S. Treasury has allocated $18.3 million to the City of Iowa City. The City expects to
receive up to 50% of this allocation in the coming months and the remaining balance
approximately 12 months later. At the May 18, 2021 W ork Session, City Council authorized
staff to develop a public outreach and engagement plan in order to collect community
feedback on how to spend the ARPA funds.
Community Education
The American Rescue Plan Act is supplemented by lengthy and comprehensive guidance
from the U.S. Treasury on use of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery funds.
Although states and localities are granted broad flexibility for deploying these funds, the
guidance outlines important considerations for funding decisions and clarifies ineligible uses.
To ensure community input and submitted ideas are in line with allowable uses under the
Treasury guidelines and adhere to the intent of the American Rescue Plan Act, City staff will
take steps to provide educational information:
Website The City has launched an ARPA webpage at icgov.org/ARPA.
This webpage will be updated periodically with information,
resources, and public input opportunities as they are developed.
Videos/City Channel 4 The Communications Division has created two short videos
providing an overview of the ARPA and an introduction on eligible
uses. Additional videos and a Community Connection on the
ARPA will be created as needed in coming weeks.
June 9, 2021
Page 2
News Releases On June 3, 2021, the City issued a news release about the City’s
ARPA funds and a survey opportunity. Additional news releases
will be released as input opportunities are developed.
Social Media The Communications Division has developed a weekly social
media posting schedule for ARPA information, including
translated versions (Mandarin, Spanish, French, Arabic).
Flyer (Translated) An overview and eligible uses flyer is under development and will
be translated into Mandarin, Spanish, French, and Arabic. These
materials are anticipated to be ready by July 1, 2021.
Community Input
City staff have identified the following strategies to launch a public input process on use of
ARPA funds:
Survey A simple survey for residents to suggest ideas and rank priorities
is available online at icgov.org/ARPA. This survey was shared
via news release on June 3, 2021, in the City’s Video Update on
June 7, 2021, and will be promoted weekly on all of the City’s
social media platforms.
E-mail As an alternative to the survey, residents can also submit ideas
by e-mailing publicinput@iowa-city.org. The translated flyers will
include the e-mail address and individuals are welcome to send
ideas written in their preferred language.
Public Input
Sessions
The City will host two listening sessions to provide a brief
overview on the ARPA, eligible uses of funds, and the City
Council’s guiding principles before allowing attendees the
opportunity to vote on priorities and submit ideas.
• Listening Session #1, at a public park (details TBD)
• Listening Session #2, via Zoom (details TBD)
• Table at Farmer’s Market on a TBD Saturday in July
The City will extend an offer for Johnson County to participate in
all public input opportunities and/or to share responses.
Targeted Stakeholder
Meetings
The City will hold small meetings and focus groups with
individuals from the following targeted stakeholder groups:
• Excluded Workers Fund organizers
• Agency Impact Coalition
• Small business support groups
June 9, 2021
Page 3
City Boards &
Commissions
A letter inviting input on use of ARPA funds will be placed in the
June or July agenda packet for each Board & Commission.
Neighborhood
Associations
A letter inviting input on use of ARPA funds will be sent to each
Neighborhood Association.
Non-Profits + Social
Service Agencies
The informational flyer (including translated versions) will be sent
to the City’s contacts at local non-profits and social service
agencies to encourage those they serve to submit ideas via the
online survey or by e-mail in their preferred language.
Next Steps
The City has expressed interest in collaborating with Johnson County in the collection of
public input and remains interested in that prospect and ready to partner. City staff intend to
invite County participation in planned public input events, seek opportunities to share survey
data, and explore ways the City can participate and/or learn from input Iowa City residents
provide to the County.
City staff respectfully requests City Council’s review of this plan f or community outreach and
engagement. The community input phase for the first tranche of ARPA funds is estimated to
extend until August 15, 2021. City staff will compile all input and ideas for presentation to City
Council at the first regular formal City Council meeting in September.
Item Number: 4.
J une 10, 2021
Pen d ing City Cou n cil Work Session Topics
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Pending City Council Work S ession Topics
PENDING CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION TOPICS
June 8, 2021
July 6, 2021
1. Presentation by Project Better Together officials regarding an inclusive regional visioning process
Other Topics:
1. Consider a plan for rubberized surfacing at park playgrounds and develop strategies to address equity gaps
noted in the Parks Master Plan and plan for the equitable distribution of destination parks within an easy and
safe distance of all residents.
2. Discuss possible changes to residential zoning classifications to allow and/or require a greater diversity of
housing types (i.e. missing middle)
3. Consider establishing a cost of development framework that can help guide decisions on how best to
accommodate future growth
4. Discuss development of a new comprehensive plan to promote housing affordability throughout the City
5. Discuss snow removal policies regarding curb ramps
6. Review low-income fare free transit options
Item Number: 5.
J une 10, 2021
Memo from Assistan t City Man ager: 2021 State Leg islative Session Recap
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Memo from Assistant City Manager: 2021 State L egislative Session Recap
Date: June 8, 2021
To: City Council
From : Rachel Kilburg, Assistant City Manager
Re: 2021 State Legislative Session Recap
The 2021 State of Iowa legislative session adjourned on May 20, 2021. Prior to the start of
the session, the City Council adopted state legislative priorities to guide staff’s work with our
elected delegation and lobbyists throughout the year.
Please note that the Iowa Legislatures operates on a two-year timetable and the 2021
session marked the start of a new biennium, meaning any bills that were introduced and not
withdrawn during the 2021 session but failed to move forward will be considered “alive” at
the start of the 2022 session.
Due to delayed U.S. Census results caused by the pandemic, the State Legislature is
planning to reconvene for a special session to conduct redistricting later this year
(anticipated August 2021). Although additional legislative activity is unlikely, City staff will
continue to work with our lobbyists and elected delegation to monitor any other activity that
may be considered.
The following summary highlights City Council’s previously adopted legislative priorities
alongside notable legislation that passed, failed, or was considered during the 2021
session. City Council may contact the City Manager’s Office if additional details are desired
for any legislation.
Strategic plan objective: Demonstrate leadership in climate action. Support for Climate Action Initiatives
• SF 216, a bill to adopt to the most recent edition of the International Energy
Conservation Code was introduced but did not clear the first funnel deadline.
• HF 555, a bill that created a broad preemption that prevents cities from taking any
action that be considered to ‘restrict, impede, regulate, or prohibit’ the provision of
natural gas or propane was passed and signed by the Governor.
Both of these bills run counter to the City’s Climate Action Plan and are concerning considering local efforts to move towards cleaner technologies, reduced emission, and increased energy efficiency.
June 9, 2021
Page 2
Strategic plan objective: Advance social justice, racial equity, and human rights. Support reform measures to reduce racial disparity in the criminal justice system and address systemic racism
• The Public Safety Omnibus bill (SF 342), commonly referred to as the “Back the
Blue bill” included several positions, notably:
o Established an interim committee to explore implementing a statewide system
for a Brady Giglio list
o Included a provision that prohibits a local entity or an employee of such from
discriminating based on race, skin color, language, or national origin in the
enforcement of laws.
o Included qualified immunity protections and several provisions which
strengthen protections for officers involved in investigations or legal
proceedings related to misconduct.
o Included a provision which would prohibit the City from adopting or enforcing
any policy or practice that could be considered to prohibit or discourage the
enforcement of any state or local laws, at the risk of being denied state
funding. This provision prohibits the City from continuing our recently adopted
Secondary Traffic Stops policy and will require further review of other policies
that may prioritize enforcement practices.
• Several bills addressing the recommendations of the Governor’s FOCUS Committee
on Criminal Justice Reform, including standardized data collection for traffic stops
and a ban on racial profiling in law enforcement, were introduced but did not
advance.
• Several bills addressing decriminalization and/or reduced penalties for small
amounts of marijuana were introduced, but ultimately did not move forward.
• A bill to enhance penalties for hate crimes was introduced but did not advance.
Support crisis intervention efforts and adequate funding for localities to implement a mental health care continuum of services responsive to local need
• Funding to establish specialty courts was not passed this session, though a path
forward may be achieved by the Iowa Judiciary outside of the legislative process.
• Iowa City worked with state legislators to introduce language that would ensure
confidentiality protections for reports by law enforcement regarding contact with a
person experiencing a crisis that contain personally-identifiable information. This
legislation, intended to strengthen referral efforts with social services, did not move
forward in 2021 and will remain a priority in 2022.
Strategic plan objective: invest in public infrastructure, facilities, and fiscal reserves Ensure the continued funding of commercial & industrial property tax replacement payments (“backfill”)
• In the final days of the session, House and Senate Republicans struck a deal on the Tax
Omnibus bill (SF 619) which had the Governor’s support and included a phase out of
June 9, 2021
Page 3
backfill payments over four or seven years, depending on the local rate of taxable
growth. Iowa City’s estimated 2021 backfill payment is $1.6 million, which is
approximately the amount it costs to staff a fire station for a year. It is anticipated that
Iowa City’s backfill will be phased out over four years.
Continue Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) funding
• The State maintained the annual appropriation for the REAP grant program at $12
million. Although this program has been historically appropriated less than the
authorized amount ($20 million), the funds have been critical for improvements and
protection of Iowa City’s natural resources, park areas, and open spaces.
Strategic plan objective: Foster health neighborhoods and affordable housing throughout the city.
Protect Home Rule authority for local governments
• The 2021 legislative session saw several bills clear the finish line that rolled back
local control and flexibility authorities, including:
o HF 555, a bill that preempts cities’ regulation of natural gas/propane.
o SF 252, banning cities from enacting an ordinance that prohibits landlords
from discriminating based on a prospective tenant’s use of a rental voucher.
o Provisions in the Public Safety Omnibus bill that withhold state funds based
on certain local policies or practices.
o HF 802, a bill prohibiting cities from providing mandatory trainings on certain
diversity and inclusion topics.
o HF 847, which included a provision prohibiting cities from mandating masks in
private businesses.
• Additionally, there were a number of bills targeting local control that were ultimately
defeated, including:
o SSB 1176, banning the use of cameras for automated traffic enforcement.
o HSB 268, requiring additional benefits be paid to 411 beneficiaries without
increasing contributions from the state or employee.
o HSB 194, winding down perpetual TIF districts and capping new TIF districts
at 20 years.
Fair housing, climate action, and unbiased policing are all top priorities in Iowa City and
require a fair, flexible level of local control to achieve the right solutions for our local
needs. These bills represent a significant setback for local control and a concerning
trend of State preemption.
Support University of Iowa Student Government (USG) proposal regarding rental property move-in checklists
• The City worked with the USG during the session to register in support of a bill establishing a process for rental checklists, but the bill did not move forward.
June 9, 2021
Page 4
Support legislation protecting the rights of manufactured housing residents • Iowa City continued to support legislation that would strengthen the rights of manufactured housing residents, but ultimately no bill moved forward in 2021.
Promote equitable access and affordability of high-speed, broadband internet,
including sustainable investment in cities’ critical technological infrastructure
• The Governor signed HF 848, which is largely focused on quality broadband
expansion particularly to rural areas. However, the bill includes several policy
changes that lay the groundwork for continued broadband speed and affordability
improvements for underserved populations.
Strategic plan objective: Promote an inclusive & resilient economy throughout the city.
Support the continued excellence of the State’s primary, secondary, and higher education institutions and advocate for additional education funding
• A number of bills related to child care moved throughout the session. The Tax
Omnibus bill (SF 619) included a provision expanding eligibility for the Early
Childhood Development (ECD) and Child and Dependent Care (CDC) tax credits.
HF 302 address the child care cliff effect by establishing a graduated eligibility
phaseout for childcare assistance and language changes in SF 615 will enable the
state child care reimbursement rate to be increased biennially.
• HF 871 provided for increased funding to community colleges such as Kirkwood
Community College for skilled job training and workforce development.
Continue use of federal funding to support residents and businesses in recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic • The State of Iowa has contributed considerable amounts of discretionary federal COVID-19 relief funds to programs that service Iowa households, workers, and small businesses. The City will continue to seek opportunities for coordination or collaboration where possible in deploying American Rescue Plan Act funding. Strategic plan objective: Strengthen community engagement and intergovernmental relations. Support the legislative efforts of the Iowa League of Cities and the Metro Coalition
• The City Manager’s Office met bi-weekly with Metro Coalition members and
participated in a weekly conference call with the Iowa League of Cities’ legislative
and policy committee to support and coordinate legislative advocacy and awareness
efforts shared by Iowa City and other cities in Iowa.
Item Number: 6.
J une 10, 2021
Memo from City Clerk: Transition to in -p erson meetings
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Memo from City Clerk: Transition to in-person meetings
Item Number: 7.
J une 10, 2021
Memo from Neig h b orhood & Devel opmen t Services Director: Update on City
Assisted C O VID-19 Housin g Programs
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Memo from Neighborhood & Development Services Director: Update on City Assisted C O V I D-
19 Housing Programs
Late Handouts Distributed
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--ums.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City. Iowa 52240-1826
(3 19) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www_icgov.org
City Council Agenda — June 15, 2021 — Regular Formal Meeting
Information submitted between distribution of packet on Thursday and close of business on Monday.
Late Addition(s):
Item 14. Announcement of Vacancies - New
Historic Preservation Commission (Jefferson St.) - One vacancy
to fill an unexpired term. Upon appointment June 30, 2022. (Lyndi
Kiple resigned) Correspondence included in Council packet.
Applications must be received by 5:00 P.M., Tuesday, July 43 20, 2021.
Historic Preservation Commission (At -Large) - One vacancy to fill an
unexpired term ending June 30, 2023. (Austin Wu resigned)
Correspondence included in 6/14 late handouts.
Applications must be received by 5:00 P.M., Tuesday, July 20, 2021.
Late Handouts(s):
Planning & Zoning Matters
10.a. Rezoning Hickory Trail Estates (See correspondence from Marth Norbeck)
6/10 Information Packet
IP7. Memo from Neighborhood & Development Services Director: Update on
City Assisted COVID-19 Housing Programs (See correspondence from
Crissy Canganelli, Executive Director Shelter House)
*-rP-7df
Kellie Fruehling (Q�Iot2-1 =P
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Kellie —
Geoff Fruin
Friday, June 11, 2021 11:52 AM
Kellie Fruehling
Eric Goers; Tracy Hightshoe
Late Handouts Distributed
(,/1 /21
FW: Request for consideration of Rule Change to City funded Evietio_ .,__ __ __
Foreclosure Prevention Program (Date)
Can you please place this in the late handouts as an addition to Tracy's IP memo on the status of our various relief
funds?
Geoff
From: Crissy Canganelli [mailto:crissy@shelterhouseiowa.org]
Sent: Friday, June 11, 20219:07 AM
To: *City Council <-43dfb@iowa-city.org>
Subject: Request for consideration of Rule Change to City funded Eviction Prevention and Foreclosure Prevention
Program
RISK
Dear City Council:
On May 21, Shelter House's Crissy Canganelli and Mark Sertterh met with representatives from the Center for Worker
Justice, Open Heartland, the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition, and the City of Iowa City to discuss and
better understand concerns and barriers facing households with undocumented citizenship status in accessing State of
Iowa funds for Eviction Prevention. Staff from CWJ, Open Heartland, and JCAHC reported that, while these households
do qualify for the state funded program, many are fearful to apply. While Tracy Hightshoe's June 9 memo indicated we
have been able to administerjust over $350,000 and serve more than 250 families with the current rules, all parties
agreed that it would be appropriate for Shelter House and the City to use local funds to address these particular Eviction
Prevention needs directly, rather than continuing the City's requirement that households first apply to the state
program.
Shelter House writes today to request the following rule change in support of members of our community without
documented citizenship status:
While eligible for state and federally funded programs, there remain households in our community with undocumented
citizenship status that do not feel safe applying for these funds. In such instances, Shelter House shall have the authority
to use City of Iowa City funds for Eviction Prevention and Foreclosure Prevention as the first response for these
households. The intention is to retain other contract requirements as written.
Respectfully,
Crissy Canganelli
Executive Director I Shelter House
Shelter
ouse
Address 429 Southgate Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone (319) 338-5416 ext. 200 1 Mobile (319) 530-8706
Email crissy@shelterhouseiowa.ore
Website www.shelterhouseiowa.orR
F1
More than a roof and a bed; our mission is to provide safe shelter and help people improve the quality of their lives as
they move beyond homelessness.
Item Number: 8.
J une 10, 2021
Memo from Neig h b orhood & Devel opmen t Services Director: Neighborh ood
& Devel opmen t Services Annual Rep ort
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Memo from Neighborhood & Development Services Director: Neighborhood & Development
Services A nnual Report
City of Iowa City, IA
Neighborhood and
Development Services
2020 Annual Report
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street,
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Neighborhood and Development Services (NDS)
works to create community and find solutions
that promote healthy neighborhoods and a
vibrant business community.
Mission
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 3
Contents
4 About Iowa City, Iowa
Community Profile 4
8 NDS Overview
NDS Management Team 8
9 Development Services
Urban Planning 9
Building Inspection 12
Highlights 18
20 Neighborhood Services
Housing Inspection Services 20
Housing Authority 24
Community Development 27
Housing Rehabilitation 30
Neighborhood Outreach 33
35 Metropolitan Planning Organization
of Johnson County (MPOJC)
Major Projects 36
Grant Awards Received for Iowa City 37
Objectives & Performance Measures 38
Cover photo courtesty of Alex Michl/OPN Architects
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 522404
About Iowa City, Iowa
both staff and the general public in researching information. Taxi company licenses and driver authorization, dancing permits, outdoor service areas, cigarette licenses, beer/liquor licenses, and cemetery deeds are issued from the Clerk's office. City subdivision files, project files, the Domestic Partnership Registry, and an index of Council proceedings are also maintained in the office. The Clerk's office also provides staff and support for the Community Police Review Board.Community ProfileLocation & Transportation:The City serves as the County seat for Johnson County. The City lies at the intersection of Highways 80 and 380. The City is approximately 115 miles east of the City of Des Moines, 20 miles south of the City of Cedar Rapids and 55 miles west of the City of Davenport. The Iowa City Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport on the south side of the City. The Cedar Rapids Airport, located 20 miles from downtown Iowa City is served by a number of national and regional air carriers. Rail service is provided by the mainline of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad.The
Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, and the University of Iowa’s Cambus system
provides public transportation to the metropolitan area.
35
Iowa City is a dynamic and growing community with quality med-
ical care facilities, superior educational opportunities and stellar
recreational and cultural amenities.
Community Profile
Location and Demographics
Iowa City serves as the County seat for Johnson County, and lies at the inter-
section of Highways 80 and 380 — approximately 115 miles east of Des Moines,
20 miles south of Cedar Rapids and 55 miles west of Davenport (Quad Cities).
With a population of 67,862, the city is positioned at the southern end of the
Iowa City-Cedar Rapids region, which has a combined population of over 450,000.
Since 2010, Iowa City experienced a 10.4% increase in population and currently
anticipates a projected growth to 99,766 over the next 25 years (an increase of
over 24,800 residents).
Sources: US Census 2000, 2010, ACS 2019
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 5
Due to the large student population at the University of Iowa, the urbanized area
has proportionally more residents between 20 and 24 than other urbanized areas
in the state. Cities in the urbanized area have become more racially and ethni-
cally diverse in recent years. Iowa City and Johnson County are generally more
racially diverse than Iowa as a whole, but still have a majority White population.
Post Secondary Education, Fall 2020 # of Students
University of Iowa (a Big 10 University)31,730
Kirkwood Community College - Iowa City Campus 822*
*Kirkwood’s Iowa City campus had an enrollment of 2,189 in Fall 2019. Online classes
due to COVID impacted student numbers (Source: Dean’s Office, Iowa City Campus).
Language use in Iowa City % of Population
Speak Language other than English 16.30%
Speak English less than “very well” 5.20%
Common languages the City provides translations for: Spanish, French,
Mandarin, Arabic
About Iowa City, Iowa
Sources: US Census 2000, 2010, ACS 2019
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 522406
Employment
Iowa City’s major employers are a mix of corporate head-
quarters, health care and education, with the city’s top
employer being the University of Iowa. Iowa City is home
to national and international Fortune 500 companies,
small, family owned businesses and emerging and ad-
vancing entrepreneurs representing multiple industries.
About Iowa City, Iowa
Principal Employers - 2020 # of Employees
University of Iowa & University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics 29,860
Iowa City Community School District 2,289
Veterans Administration Medical Center 2,119
Hy Vee Inc.1,348
Mercy Hospital 1,048
Proctor and Gamble 976
ACT Inc. 885
City of Iowa City 731
NCS Pearson 719
Johnson County 612
Johnson County Mean Annual Wage and Percent of Total Employment:
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 7
Iowa City Area 2020 Recognition and Accolades
+Ranked #1 for Best College Town in America (Reviews.org)
+Named One of the Best Cities for Creatives (Thrillist.org)
+Ranked #4 Best Place to Live in America (Liveability.com, 2019)
+Iowa City earned the top score for municipal support of LGBTQ
rights (Human Rights Campaign’s 2018 Municipality Equality Index)
Fast Facts
+Total Area: 25.1 square miles
+Median Household Income: $49,075
+Persons Living in Poverty: 9.3%
+Number of Households: 30,568
+Number of Housing Units: 33,254
+Owner-Occupied Units: 52.3%
+Rental-Occupied Units: 47.7%
+Median Value of Owner-Occupied Housing Units: $215,100
+Homeowner Vacancy Rate: 1.8%
+Rental Vacancy Rate: 4.1%
+Median Gross Rent: $967
Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 2015-2019 5-year estimates
About Iowa City, Iowa
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 522408
NDS Overview
Neighborhood and Development Services (NDS) Administration
is responsible for oversight and support of the department’s
four operating divisions, Administration, Development Services,
Neighborhood Services (including the Housing Authority), and the
Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County (MPOJC).
At Glance
FY20 Budget
Employees
$19,058,153
44.55 FTE
NDS Management Team (Total 44.55 FTE, Includes 1.30 FTE Administration)
Tracy Hightshoe
Director Yvette Dolezal
Development Services Assistant
Development Services (13.30 FTE)Neighborhood Services (24.75 FTE)Metropolitan Planning Organization
of Johnson County (5.20 FTE)
Danielle Sitzman
Development Services Coordinator
Erika Kubly
Neighborhood Services Coordinator
Kent Ralston
Executive Director and IC
Transportation Planner
Building
Inspection Tim Hennes
Senior Building Inspector
Housing
Inspection Stan Laverman
Senior Housing Inspector
Emily Bothell
Senior Transportation
Engineering Planner
Urban
Planning Anne Russett
Senior Planner
Iowa City
Housing
Authority
Steven Rackis
Housing Administrator
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 9
Staffs the following
boards/commissions:
+Planning and Zoning
Commission
+Historic Preservation
Commission
+Board of Adjustment
+Board of Appeals
The Development Services Division is respon-
sible for facilitating the development process
from Comprehensive Planning to Annexation,
Zoning and Subdivision, Site Plan, Building Per-
mit, Building Inspections, and Final Certificate
of Occupancy. The Division is also responsi-
ble for zoning code related inspections and
enforcement; local administration of state and
federal regulations such as floodplain man-
agement regulations; historic preservation
programs, administration of the Sign Code,
minor modification applications, temporary
use permits, and other local permits; research,
recommendations, and developing code
amendments to address City Council and/or
City Manager’s Office directives such as the
Affordable Housing Action Plan, the Climate
Action Plan, and the Equity Toolkit. The Divi-
sion also interacts regularly with other local
organizations such as the Iowa City Down-
town District, the Iowa City Homebuilders
Association, the Iowa City Area Association of
Realtors, and Friends of Historic Preservation.
Urban Planning
The Urban Planning staff promotes sustainable growth
and development within the city by applying the vision,
goals, and strategies of the Comprehensive Plan (includ-
ing district plans and master plans for specific sections
Development Services
of the community) and administers zoning, subdivision
and historic preservation regulations. The guiding prin-
ciple of these regulations and policies are to preserve
and enhance the best qualities of the city’s existing
residential, commercial, and employment areas while
promoting new development opportunities that create
long-term value for the community. The Division fulfills
state statutory requirements pertaining to zoning, devel-
opment, and historic preservation
The Division provides staffing for the following boards
and commissions, which are associated with develop-
mental regulations and zoning. Staffing includes prepa-
ration of agendas and information packets, notification
letters, minutes, and preparation of ordinances, reso-
lutions and historic preservation certificates related to
proposed construction, and attendance at all meetings.
+The Planning and Zoning Commission is
charged with holding public discussions
and providing recommendations to City
Council on development-related applications
including Comprehensive Plan updates,
annexations and requests for rezonings,
subdivisions and code amendments.
+The Board of Adjustment reviews requests
for special exceptions, variances and other
appeals pertaining to the zoning code.
+The Historic Preservation Commission
conducts studies and implements regulations
designed to promote the preservation of
historic landmarks and districts. The primary
duty of the Historic Preservation Commission
is to review proposed building projects
in historic and conservation districts.“August 18, 2020 - New downtown Target
store” by Alan Light (licensed under CC BY 2.0)
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224010
Urban Planning staff work with prospective applicants to
review requirements for new development and construc-
tion and to create solutions for properties that confront
obstacles to development, renovation, or reuse. Once
an application is filed, staff reviews the proposal, coor-
dinates feedback from various departments, and writes
reports, including recommendations to boards and com-
missions. Urban Planning staff also participates in de-
sign review applications for areas such as the Riverfront
Crossings District.
2020 Urban Planning Activity
Overall the current planning case load activity in 2020
for Urban Planning work, such as annexations, rezoning,
and platting, was slightly lower than average. However,
several in-frequent and multi-year long-range planning
projects were also begun. These included the South
District Form Based Code development and Southwest
District Plan Update. Both processes require significant
engagement with the community, data analysis, and
drafting of multiple plan documents. In addition, staff
also continued to make progress on an updated version
of the Fringe Area Agreement with Johnson County.
Urban Planning activity is tracked and reported on a fis-
cal year (July-June) basis.
Annexation, the process by which land is added to the
City, occurs infrequently. Over the past 10 years the av-
erage is one event adding between 10-20 acres of land.
In 2020, a larger annexation occurred of 35 acres on the
east central side of the city. This was for the eventual sub-
division and development of Community View, a residen-
tial subdivision. It was the first annexation to occur since
the City’s adoption of an affordable housing policy in
2018. The policy requires an affordable housing agree-
Development Services Urban Planning Activities
Planning & Zoning Commission FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 Average
Annexations 3 0 1 3 2 1 0 1 0 1 1
Rezonings 15 13 29 19 29 14 20 26 16 6 19
Preliminary Plats 6 5 7 11 9 6 6 11 4 6 7
Final Plats 4 0 0 0 14 18 2 0 6 5 5
Code Amendments 5 13 11 11 3 4 9 5 3 6 7
Comprehensive Plan Amendments 2 0 6 2 2 4 3 3 2 0 2
County Zoning Items 2 1 2 3 2 4 6 0 5 8 3
Board of Adjustment FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 Average
Special Exceptions 11 15 13 11 16 10 8 7 6 13 11
Appeals 1 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
Variances 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Development Activity Metrics FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 Average
Acres Annexed 19.8 18.6 0.0 7.9 0.0 35.29 14
Acres Zoned Residential 125.5 119 13.7 171.0 80.0 72.1 97
Acres Zoned Commercial 85.9 7.98 1.00 0.70 26.90 0 20
Acres Zoned Mixed-Use / RF Crossings 35.1 2.48 25.21 5.08 5.30 2.75 13
Acres Zoned Commercial / Office 85.9 0.98 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 14
Residential Lots Final Platted / Created 150 335 23 67 32 83 115
Commercial Lots Final Platted / Created 19 12 0 1 3 0 6
Historic Preservation Commission FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 Average
Project Reviews 71 80 93 108 83 86 90 102 100 96 91
Additional Landmarks 0 2 1 2 1 1 1 6 5 2 2
Additional properties in
historic/conservation districts 0 0 39 265 0 0 0 0 0 0 30
Properties rehabed, restored, or
converted through adaptive reuse 24 25 30 22 24 25
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 11
ment be made for any annexation that will result in
the creation of ten (10) or more new housing units
to ensure that 10% of the total units in the annexed
area provide not less than 20 years of affordability
including but not limited to transfer of lots/unit to
the City or an affordable housing provider; fee-in-
lieu; and/or participation in a State or Federal hous-
ing program. The Community View subdivision is
anticipated to provide approximately 171 total new
housing units, 17 of which are affordable once built.
The largest decrease in current planning case type
was for the changing of allowed uses of a property
through the rezoning of land. Only six (6) rezonings
were completed in 2020 compared to the 10-year
average of 19. This may be the effect of several pre-
vious years of abnormally heavy rezoning activity
occurring in 2013-2018 during which the City itself
initiated several rezonings to implement a master
plan for the Riverfront Crossings area and the adop-
tion of the Riverfront Crossing Form Based Code.
The decline over time of land area rezoned to a
commercial or office districts and the increase in
land rezoned to mixed use zoning also reflects the
Form Based Code adoption.
Individual lots are created via the subdivision plat-
ting process. New first-time development of vacant
land usually requires land to be platted to create
lots while re-development often occurs on already
created lots. Platting activity in 2020 was normal,
but well below 2015-16 levels, except for a signifi-
cant increase in subdivisions occurring outside of
the City in unincorporated Johnson County. Such
activity is regulated through a shared agreement
with the County called the Fringe Area Agreement
Development Services
(FAA). However, due to recent changes in the Coun-
ty’s Comprehensive Planning and Future Land Use
Map that increased areas for residential and com-
mercial development in the County near the City,
many of the applications in 2020 were out of com-
pliance with the existing agreement. In 2020, Staff
began the process to update the FAA. This included
analysis of past land use patterns and projection of
future growth patterns. Historically, most undevel-
oped land is not annexed into the City by its owner
until just prior to its development. Property tax rates
are usually lower in the unincorporated County and
land is often used for agricultural purposes up until
the time that is sold for development. Additionally,
unlike other cities, the 2008 recession did not result
in a large inventory of improved but not developed
lots in Iowa City.
Iowa City has thirteen (13) Historic Preservation
or Conservation Districts which were established
beginning in the mid 1980’s. Districts range in size
from one to more than twenty (20) blocks in size.
The last District was established in 2014 as the
Goosetown/Horace Mann Conservation District.
Throughout these years and since 2014 historic
preservation activity has continued in the form of
historic landmark designation individual properties.
Several landmarking applications were started in
2020 including properties on North Clinton Street
and E. College Street. Once designated, exterior
changes to properties located within a District or
landmarked are reviewed by the Historic Preserva-
tion Commission. To support properties designat-
ed as historic the City provides grants and loans
of up to $5,000 per property per project for quali-
fied exterior rehabilitation or preservation projects
under the Historic Preservation Fund Program.
The Program is funded with $40,000 from the
General Fund annually and fully utilized each year.
In 2020 the Downtown Historic Survey project
continued. The survey provides valuable infor-
mation on the historical and physical character
of the area and includes an inventory of proper-
ties, identifies their historic significance, outlines
recommendations on historic district boundaries,
and explains incentives available to property own-
ers of historic structures. After the completion of
the downtown historic survey, the City moved for-
ward with a nomination to the National Register
of Historic Places. Listing in the National Register
of Historic Places is an honorific designation with
economic benefits, such as tax credits. Designa-
tion does not protect properties, nor does it regu-
late changes made to a building.
In 2020 several changes to the City’s Zoning laws
were also adopted. These included an expansion
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224012
of the boundary of the West Riverfront Form Based Code
Sub-District, two code changes to add additional flexi-
bility for historic properties reuse and preservation, and
reduction in the required amount of parking for some
small-scale commercial areas near developed residential
neighborhoods.
Building Inspection
The Building Inspections Services staff is responsible
for facilitating the Site Plan review process, Building Per-
mit review, Building Inspections and Final Certificates of
Occupancy. Building Inspection Services is also respon-
sible for enforcement of codes and ordinances regulat-
ing the protection of the public health, safety and general
welfare as it relates to the built environment and main-
tenance of existing structures. Review and issuance of
all permits for new construction, additions, alterations,
repairs and signs is a key function. Building Inspections
Services enforces the following construction codes:
+2018 International Building / Residential
Code (adopted with local amendments)
+2018 International Mechanical Code
(current state adopted code)
+2018 Uniform Plumbing Code
(current state adopted code)
+2018 International Fire Code (adopted
with local amendments)
+2017 National Electrical Code
(current state adopted code)
Development Services
+2012 International Energy Conservation
Code (current state adopted code)
+Accessibility Code (current federal and
state adopted code; local amendments
for visitability/adaptability)
10 Year
Average CY2003 CY2004 CY2005 CY2006 CY2007 CY2008 CY2009 CY 2010 CY 2011 CY 2012 CY 2013 CY 2014 CY 2015 CY 2016 CY 2017 CY 2018 CY2019 CY2020
$184.4 $169.8 $119.3 $112.2 $115.2 $188.8 $145.3 $75.1 $96.0 $81.7 $169.2 $184.9 $152.6 $138.3 $388.4 $216.8 $192.8 $231.5 $87.3
-29.7%-6.0%2.7%63.9%-23.0%-48.3%27.8%-14.9%107.1%9.3%-17.5%-9.4%180.8%-44.2%-11.1%20.1%-62.3%
Total Value of Construction (in millions)
10 Year
Average CY2003 CY2004 CY2005 CY2006 CY2007 CY2008 CY2009 CY 2010 CY 2011 CY 2012 CY 2013 CY 2014 CY 2015 CY 2016 CY 2017 CY 2018 CY2019 CY2020
$184.4 $169.8 $119.3 $112.2 $115.2 $188.8 $145.3 $75.1 $96.0 $81.7 $169.2 $184.9 $152.6 $138.3 $388.4 $216.8 $192.8 $231.5 $87.3
-29.7%-6.0%2.7%63.9%-23.0%-48.3%27.8%-14.9%107.1%9.3%-17.5%-9.4%180.8%-44.2%-11.1%20.1%-62.3%
Total Value of Construction (in millions)Total Value of Construction (in millions)
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 13
In addition to the above codes, the Building Inspection
Services Office enforces the Zoning, Sign, Nuisance,
Noise, Site Plan design regulations, Floodplain Manage-
ment and Construction Site Runoff Ordinances, and pro-
vides key staff support for the Design Review Committee.
Building Inspections Services provides staffing for the
Board of Appeals. The Board of Appeals hears and de-
cides appeals of orders, decisions or determinations
made by City staff relative to the application and inter-
pretation of the Iowa City Building, Electrical, Mechani-
cal, Plumbing, Fire and Housing Codes.
2020 Permit Activity
Iowa City requires building permits for new building con-
struction and most existing building repairs and remodel
projects. Data regarding the type of project and its valu-
ation is collected at that time. Valuation is not building
permit fee revenue or market value, but the estimated
average construction cost of a project based on a stan-
dardized per square foot estimate using typical con-
struction practices. Building permit activity is tracked
and reported on a calendar year basis.
The 2020 construction year was significantly disrupted
by the COVID19 pandemic which affected labor and man-
ufacturing, disrupted supply chains, raised construction
material costs, and created economic uncertainty for
builders and buyers. In addition, a regional severe wind
storm event during mid-August also put additional pres-
sure on building material supplies.
1,845 total permits were applied for in calendar year
2020. This included construction related permits as well
as site plan, sign, liquor, and temporary use permits. This is
Development Services
a decrease from the 2,212 permits applied for in 2019 and
below the 10-year average of 2,371 applications. $87.3
million total value was reported for all permits in calendar
year 2020. Overall, 2020 was the worst year in project val-
uation reported since the three years immediately follow-
ing the Subprime Mortgage Crisis and Great Recession of
2008. There was a 62% decline in project values undertak-
en in 2020 from the previous year, and $97 million dollars
less than the 10-year average valuation.
While permit activity in 2020 shows a noticeable decline,
there was an equally unusual increase in the previous
years 2016-2018. During that timeframe construction
activity jumped to more than $388 million, more than
double the previous 10-year average at the time of $135
million. These swings in activity largely reflect develop-
ment interest in the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings
area. In 2020, these areas remained active with three
projects in various stages of the planning process (Cap-
stone on East Prentiss Street, Gilbane on South Dubuque
Street, and the West Riverfront on Myrtle Avenue). In ad-
dition, the construction phase on large projects often
also spans several calendar years. The current 10-year
average valuation is $184 million.
Historically, Iowa City building permit activity is dominat-
ed by construction of three main categories:
1. Single-family Detached and Attached (Duplex)
Home Building: 97 new single-family detached
dwellings were applied for in calendar year 2020.
This is up from the 80 units applied for in 2019 but is
down from the 132 units which is the 10-year average.
For nearly the past 20 years, new single-family de-
tached home construction has proceeded at about
1,845
Total permits applied for in 2020
A decrease from 2,212 in 2019,
below 10-year average of 2,371
Total 2020 permit value $87.3 million
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224014
Development Services
the same pace, averaging 136 new units per year (minimum of 80 units in
2011, maximum of 193 units in 2003) and total project value of $32 million.
2020 activity was generally consistent with this pattern, producing 97 units
valued at $31 million. Unit production has been slowly declining every year
since 2016.
New duplex construction is a small portion of the new single-family housing
total. Only four (4) permits for duplex construction were applied for in 2020
for a total of 8 dwelling units. The average number of duplex
permits per year from 2009-2020 is five (5). The highest year
of duplex permit activity was 2011-2012 with nine (9) and
eight (8) permits per year respectively.
Similarly, construction activity on existing residential build-
ings is a small percentage of the overall residential project
valuation per year. Typical valuation of reinvestment ranges
from $5 million-$9 million annually. That’s approximately
10-25% of the total amount of residential valuation annually.
2020 saw a dip in this with only $4 million reported. That
follows a remarkably high year in 2019 of $13 million or 31%
of the total valuation.
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 15
2. New Multi-family Dwelling Construction: Housing that contains more than
two dwellings in one structure is considered multi-family construction.
These dwellings may be owned or rented such as townhomes, apartments,
or condominiums.
As mentioned in the Urban Planning summary, in 2013-2014 the City ini-
tiated several rezonings to implement a master plan for the Riverfront
Crossings area and the adoption of the Riverfront Crossing Form Based
Code. This is reflected in the uptick in new multi-family construction per-
mits and valuation in 2013-2017 for projects using the new zoning avail-
able to them to build new large buildings near downtown. The Riverfront
Crossings Form Based Code also continued to encourage the trend for
multi-family housing be combined in multi-story buildings with other uses
such as retail, office, or hotel and categorized as “mixed-use” structures.
Development Services
“The Rise at Riverfront Crossings” by Alan Light (licensed under CC BY 2.0)
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224016
Development Services
The valuation of multi-family or mixed-use projects is more dependent on the
scale or location of a development project than the overall number of per-
mits issued. Therefore, the trend line fluctuates more with number of dwell-
ing units than with permit numbers. Such projects often take more than one
construction season or permit year to complete with developers finishing one
before beginning another resulting in a lumpiness or rise and fall of valuation
from one year to the next.
All dwelling types combined:
154 total new dwelling units
(one- and two- family dwellings and multifamily dwellings) were applied
for in calendar year 2020. This is well down from the 564 new units in
2019 and the 336 units which is the 10-year average indicating more than
the typical lumpiness of project investment.
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 17
Development Services
Completed Address Permit Issued
The Rise (CA Ventures)435 S. Linn Street 2015
319 Madison (Graves)316 Madison Street 2015
Riverside West (Hannick)629 Riverside Drive 2015
Tate Arms (Clark)912 S. Dubuque Street 2015
Phase 1 (Hodge)602 S. Dubuque Street 2016
Sabin Townhomes 175 E. Harrison Street 2016
Orchard Court Lofts (Wade)627 Orchard Court 2017
Phase 2 (Hodge)620 S. Dubuque Street 2017
The Crossings (Miller)1301 S. Gilbert Street 2017
Hieronymus Square/The Edge 314 S. Clinton Street 2018
The Crossings (Miller)1141 S. Gilbert Street 2018
The Crossings (Miller)1201 S. Gilbert Street 2018
Breckenridge 707 S. Dubuque Street 2018
Del Ray Ridge (THF)628 S. Dubuque Street 2019
Phase 4 (Hodge)225 Prentiss Street 2019
The Crossings (Miller)1121 S. Gilbert Street 2019
Approved-Not Started
Orchard Court-Part II (Wade)Benton St/Orchard Ct 2019
Pentacrest Garden Apartments (Clark)12 E. Court Street 2019
Capstone Collegiate Communtites 315 E. Prentiss Street 2020
West Riverfront (K&F)Riverside Dr/Myrtle Ave 2020
Pending - Zoning/Design Review
Gilbane Development 700 S. Dubuque Street 2021
3. All Other New Commercial Buildings: All other non-residential con-
struction is considered as the final category of permit activity. This
may include retail and services buildings, industrial and manufacturing,
healthcare, office, and schools. Like multi-family construction, these
projects tend to also be large in scale and value and occur infrequently.
The exception recently has been the Iowa City School District’s imple-
mentation of their 10-year Facilities Master Plan beginning in 2015 to
complete construction projects ranging from new school construction
to renovation and expansion projects in all 27 schools in the District. In
late 2017 voters approved an estimated $192 million bond package to
fund the second half of the approved 10-year Facilities Master Plan with
planned completion by 2023.
$0
$20,000,000
$40,000,000
$60,000,000
$80,000,000
$100,000,000
$120,000,000
$140,000,000
$160,000,000
$180,000,000
$200,000,000
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
New Commericial Building Permits Issued by Year
(Excluding Multi-Family Dwellings)
Total Number of Permits EXC MF Total Project Value Exc MF
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224018
Highlights
Recent Accomplishments
Our work in planning, zoning, site, design review, and building
code and inspection services supported continued develop-
ment interest in the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings for
several projects:
+12 E. Court Street – rezoning to Riverfront
Crossings with dedication of Capital Street
+The Edge – hotel, residential and commercial
new construction at the corner of Clinton
Street and Burlington Street
+Augusta Place – completion of a residential
development at 20 S. Gilbert Street
+The Crossings – Phase 4 on S. Gilbert Street
+Capstone – rezoning and design review at
Prentiss Street and S. Gilbert Street
+Tailwinds – Historic Preservation and
Redevelopment 100 block of College Street
+Tenant finish Downtown Target Store
+Englert Theatre renovation
+National Historic District nomination of the downtown
Development Services
“SE corner of Clinton and Burlington” by
Alan Light (licensed under CC BY 2.0)
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 19
Development Services
Other accomplishments include:
+Iowa City School District Facilities Master
Plan projects – Southeast Junior High, Shimek
Elementary, City High, West High, Lemme Elementary,
Tate Elementary, and Weber Elementary
+Brewery tenant finish – Heinz Road
+Amazon distribution center renovation
+Configuration and implementation of a new land
use and building permit software platform
+Voluntary Historic Landmark
designation of four properties
+Providing staff lead for the adoption of a
South District Form Based Code
+Performing an analysis of the City’s growth
potential to inform an update of the City-
County Fringe Area agreement
+Drafting code changes to the Riverfront Crossing
District for affordable housing requirements
Englert Theater will
be receiving over
$500,000 in State
historic preserva-
tion tax credits.
The recently com-
pleted marquee
restoration is
part of the over-
all renovation.
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224020
Staffs the following
boards/commissions:
+Housing and Community
Development Commission
+Public Art Advisory
Committee
The Neighborhood Services Division is respon-
sible for the administration of various housing
services, housing programs and revitaliza-
tion efforts that focus on sustaining healthy
neighborhoods. The Division provides hous-
ing inspection services, facilitates communi-
cation and outreach services to neighborhood
associations and coordinates Iowa City’s pub-
lic art and PIN Grant programs. The City’s fed-
eral Community Block Grant (CDBG), HOME,
Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing
programs are also administered through the
Neighborhood Services Division.
Housing Inspection Services
Housing Inspection Services (HIS) works with prop-
erty owners, managers, and tenants to ensure rental
units are in conformance with the Iowa City Housing
Code. There are close to 20,000 rental units in Iowa
City that get inspected annually or over a two-year pe-
riod. Housing Code language establishes minimum
health and safety standards necessary to promote the
welfare of tenants and the general public. HIS also en-
forces certain zoning ordinances and responds to com-
plaints of nuisance-related ordinance violations such
as tall grass and weeds, snow, or inoperable vehicles.
Housing Code Changes – Radon
In January 2020, the City of Iowa City announced a new
policy requiring all single family detached and duplex
rental properties to be tested for hazardous radon lev-
Neighborhood Services
els as a step towards improved public health. The ordi-
nance, set to go into effect on July 1, 2020, has been
delayed due to COVID-19 and will begin July 1, 2021.
The City remains committed
to radon testing and mitigation
as important health measures.
The Iowa Department of Public
Health identifies radon as the No.
1 cause of lung cancer among
non-smokers. Iowa’s indoor ra-
don average of 8 pCi/L (pico-
curies per liter) is more than six
times the national average. The
EPA recommends that all Iowa
homes be tested for radon and homes with indoor levels
of radon over 4 pCi/L be mitigated.
Due to the pandemic the City has delayed the new radon
requirements to reduce contact between staff and pub-
lic to help limit exposure and the spread of COVID-19.
Property owners are encouraged to use this extension
to schedule radon inspections and take the steps need-
ed for mitigation while units may be vacant. Radon test-
ing completed throughout this year will be accepted to
document compliance with the new radon requirements
that will go into effect on July 1, 2021.
Systematic Housing Inspections
during COVID-19
Initially during COVID19 all systematic housing inspec-
tions were postponed. When inspections were restarting
property managers and tenants were allowed to conduct
interior inspections using an online self-certification
form if they were not comfortable with City Inspectors Top and bottom: The Housing Fellowship single
family home rentals
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 21
entering individual units. Currently most inspections are
taking place using COVID-19 protocols which include
social distancing of six feet and all parties, if present,
wearing a mask.
Neighborhood Stabilization Efforts in
University Impacted Neighborhoods
The State Legislature prohibited cities from adopting or
enforcing any regulation or restriction related to occu-
pancy of residential rental property that is based upon
the existence of familial or nonfamilial relationships
between the occupants of such rental property, effec-
tive January 1, 2018. This was the principle tool on how
many cities, including Iowa City, addressed occupancy
of rental properties, especially in neighborhoods sur-
rounding the university.
In response to this change, the City implemented various
measures to 1) ensure single family detached structures
and duplexes provide healthy and safe living environ-
ments for all occupants; 2) maintain neighborhood char-
acteristics and housing options suitable for attracting
a diverse demographic in our older single-family neigh-
borhoods; and 3) prevent the overburdening of city infra-
structure and operational resources.
Key Dates
12/19/2017
In addition to several zoning and housing codes chang-
es, the City adopted a Rental Permit Cap, Ordinance
#17-4734, to prohibit additional rental permits issued
for single family or duplex dwellings in neighbor-
hoods that exceeded more than the 30% threshold.
1/1/2018
Effective date of State prohibition on any reg-
ulation or restriction related to occupancy of
residential property by familial status.
4/23/2019
State prohibits municipalities from adopt-
ing or enforcing rental permit caps.
4/29/2019
City adopts rental permit moratorium for the follow-
ing neighborhoods: Northside, College Green, Bowery,
Longfellow, Mark Twain, RFC East, RFC West, Miller/
Orchard and Brookland/Roosevelt, Ordinance #19-4793.
1/21/2020
City repeals rental permit moratori-
um, Ordinance #20-4819.
The City started tracking the number of rental permits for
single family and duplex dwellings in University impacted
neighborhoods in November of 2017. As of June 2020,
there has been a total addition of 79 rental permits in the
University Impact Area, representing a 3.4% increase, an
average increase per neighborhood of 0.6%. The following
map and spreadsheet highlight the percentage of single
family and duplex rental permits in each neighborhood as
of June 30, 2020 as well as the from the date we started
tracking this information - November 2017.
CY2020 HIS Stats
1,887
neighborhood complaints
84% resolved in 14 days
19,927
rental permits
Neighborhood Services
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224022
Neighborhood Services
Melrose /
Emerald
WIllow Creek
Miller /
Orchard
Brookland /
Roosevelt
City Park
Riverfront
Crossings
East
Northside/Goosetown
College
Green
Mark Twain
Longfellow
City High
Riverfront
Crossings
West
Bowery
18%
16%
22%
18%
26%
28%
54%
54%
22%
22%
67%
65%
53%
54%
59%
54%
29%
28%
28%
28%
15%
13%
63%
68%
76%
76%
1
1
1
1
1
31
1
2 1
1
3
1
1
1
6
1
¯
0 0.45 0.9 1.35 1.80.225 Miles
Percent of Single-Family & Duplex Units with a Rental Permit
Iowa City Rental Impact Area - Updated as of June 30, 2020 Created by: Joshua Engelbrecht
Rental Study Area
Rental Districts
University Impact Area
Bedrooms added in UIA since April 1, 2017
Current % (June 30, 2020)
Baseline % (November 2017)
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 23
Neighborhood Services
Historical Data for University Impacted Neighborhoods
% of Single Family & Duplex Units with a Rental Permit
November 2017 - Baseline March 2018 July 2018 January 2019 July 2020
Neighborhood
SF/
Duplex
Units
Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
%
Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
SF/
Duplex
Units
Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
%
Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
SF/
Duplex
Units
Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
%
Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
SF/
Duplex
Units
Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
%
Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
SF/
Duplex
Units
Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
% Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
Diff from
Nov. 2017
(# rental and
% rental)
Bowery 238 181 76.1% 238 181 76.1% 238 181 76.1% 237 180 75.9% 241 184 76.3% 3 0.3%
Brookland/Roosevelt 297 161 54.2% 297 161 54.2% 297 161 54.2% 392 161 41.1% 325 175 53.8% 14 -0.4%
City High 1143 153 13.4% 1143 154 13.5% 1143 159 13.9% 1133 156 13.8% 1136 165 14.5% 12 1.1%
City Park 544 117 21.5% 544 119 21.9% 544 123 22.6% 537 115 21.4% 544 117 21.5% 0 0.0%
College Green 365 197 54.0% 365 197 54.0% 365 197 54.0% 361 201 55.7% 370 217 58.6% 20 4.7%
Longfellow 909 258 28.4% 909 267 29.4% 909 272 29.9% 879 259 29.5% 891 253 28.4% -5 0.0%
Mark Twain 1138 318 27.9% 1138 331 29.1% 1138 341 30.0% 1137 331 29.1% 1133 330 29.1% 12 1.2%
Melrose/Emerald 226 36 15.9% 226 37 16.4% 226 37 16.4% 226 38 16.8% 227 41 18.1% 5 2.1%
Miller/Orchard 310 88 28.4% 310 93 30.0% 310 95 30.6% 302 86 28.5% 327 86 26.3% -2 -2.1%
Northside Goosetown 1200 646 53.8% 1200 646 53.8% 1200 646 53.8% 1180 622 52.7% 1190 636 53.4% -10 -0.4%
Riverfront Crossings
East 43 28 65.1% 43 28 65.1% 43 28 65.1% 40 27 67.5% 43 29 67.4% 1 2.3%
Riverfront Crossings
West 25 17 68.0% 25 17 68.0% 25 17 68.0% 120 16 13.3% 19 12 63.2% -5 -4.8%
Willow Creek 765 135 17.6% 765 142 18.6% 765 148 19.3% 684 109 15.9% 785 169 21.5% 34 3.9%
79 0.6%
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224024
Neighborhood Services
Housing Authority
The Iowa City Housing Authority (ICHA) acts as a com-
munity leader for affordable housing, family self-suffi-
ciency, and homeownership opportunities. We provide
information and education, housing assistance, and
public and private partnership opportunities.
Housing Choice Voucher Program
ICHA administers a total of 1,388 vouchers consisting
of 1,191 through the Housing Choice Voucher Program
(HCVP), 95 Veterans’ Supportive Housing (VASH), 78
Mainstream Vouchers, and 24 Project-Based Vouchers
for Cross Park Place. These vouchers serve households
not only in the City of Iowa City, but also throughout
Johnson County, Iowa County, and Washington County
North of Highway 92.
• ICHA’s voucher utilization rate was 98% in 2020
for HCVP, VASH, and Cross Park Place. This in-
dicates that ICHA is maximizing Iowa City’s
allocation of vouchers which has achieved
us “High Performance” status. In compari-
son, statewide average utilization rate was
87% (Center for Budget and Policy Priorities
-09/1/2019-12/31/2020).
• In 2019, ICHA continued its partnership with
Shelter House with the addition of 60 Main-
stream Vouchers which serve persons experi-
encing homelessness with a disabling condition.
In 2020, 18 additional Mainstream Vouchers were
received.
• ICHA paid out $8,060,550 in Housing Assistance
Payments during 2020. This primarily consists of
payments to local landlords who rent to voucher
holders, but also includes escrow savings deposits
for Family Self-Sufficiency participants.
Voucher Assistance # of Vouchers
Housing Choice Vouchers 1,191
Veterans Supportive Housing (VASH)95
Mainstream 78
Cross Park Place Project
Based Vouchers
24
Total 1,388
98%
ICHA voucher
utilization rate
(87% statewide
average)
During 2020:
$8,060,550
ICHA Housing
Assistance Payments
$
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 25
Neighborhood Services
Voucher Distribution Throughout Jurisdiction:
Of the total active vouchers, 868 are utilized in Iowa City (69%), 193 are
utilized in Coralville (15%), and 109 are utilized in North Liberty (9%).
The data is based on a point-in-time count as of February 18, 2021.
January 14, 2021 Point-in-Time Count:
Only six (6) of the total 1,298 assisted households are reporting
Family Investment Program (FIP) as the sole source of household
income. FIP provides temporary financial and other assistance to
low income families with children while they move toward self-suf-
ficiency. This amounts to <1% of all currently assisted households.
Public Housing and City-Owned
Affordable Housing
Public housing provides decent and safe rental housing for low-in-
come families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Iowa City
currently owns 86 public housing units throughout the City that are
managed by ICHA staff. Units are located at scattered sites and con-
structed to conform and blend into existing neighborhoods. Five of
those units, located at The Chauncey in downtown Iowa City, were
added to the City’s affordable housing portfolio in 2020. ICHA also
manages 10 units of city-owned affordable housing at Peninsula
Apartments and recently acquired six units at Augusta Place.
Household Characteristics
Total Families as reported to HUD: September 1, 2019 — December 31, 2020.
Source: HUD’s Resident Characteristics Report (RCR)
Count % of Total
Family Type by Head-of-Household (HOH)
Disabled and/or Elderly HOH 577 57%
Non-Elderly/Non-Disabled HOH 559 43%
Total 1,298 100%
Family Composition by Household
Households without children 709 55%
Households with Children 589 45%
Total 1,298 100%
Race by HOH
White HOH 636 49%
Black/African American HOH 623 48%
All Other Races HOH 39 3%
Total 1,298 100%
Ethnicity by HOH
Non-Hispanic HOH 1233 95%
Hispanic HOH 65 5%
Total 1,298 100%
January 14, 2021 point-in-time count: Only six (6) of the total 1,298 assisted households are reporting Family Investment Program (FIP) as the sole source of household income.
FIP provides temporary financial and other assistance to low income families with children while they move toward self-sufficiency. This amounts to <1% of all currently assisted
households.
1 3 1 0 F O S T E R R D .
I O W A C I T Y , I O W A
Fully accessible
Elevator
Covered off-street parking available
Washer & dryer in unit
Central air
Intercom system for restricted entry to
building
Tenant pays all utilities
Peninsula
Neighborhood
No smoking in building, including
common areas and apartment
For more information, contact Patricia MacKay
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA | 319-887-6069
1, 2, & 3 bedroom accessible apartments
Household income restricted to those under
60% median income by household size:
Household Size
1
2
3
4
60% Median income
$40,200
$45,960
$51,720
$57,420
INCOME LIMITS Effective 6/28/2019
F O R R E N TAFFORDABLE HOMES
FEATURES
Affordable units in the Peninsula
neighborhood, 1310 Foster Rd, Iowa City
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224026
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program
Total participants = 214 Count % of Total
Participants with escrow savings account 194 91%
Participants with increased income 111 52%
FSS Graduates in Calendar Year 2020 21
Neighborhood Services
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program promotes
self-sufficiency and asset development by providing
supportive services to participants to increase their em-
ployability, to increase the number of employed partici-
pants, and to encourage increased savings through an
escrow savings program. There are currently 214 FSS
participants, 91% of which have an escrow savings ac-
count and 52% of which have increased income. The av-
erage escrow savings balance is over $6,000. In 2020
the program saw 21 FSS graduates who accomplished
their program goals and received full access to funds in
their escrow savings account.
City-Owned Affordable Housing # of Units
Public Housing 86
Peninsula Apartments 10
Augusta Place 6
Total 102
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 27
Neighborhood Services
Community Development
Community Development is committed to providing low-to-moderate income
Iowa City residents with access to safe and affordable housing, jobs and ser-
vices to promote the general economic prosperity and welfare of Iowa City. This is
accomplished by coordinating efforts with local agencies, businesses, nonprofit
organizations and other community partners, and by administering and coordi-
nating activities relating to city, state and federal housing and community and
economic development programs.
CDBG/HOME
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides federal funds
for a variety of community and economic development activities. Staff makes
assessments of community employment opportunities, housing, and services
for low- and moderate-income residents, and uses CDBG funds to fulfill identified
needs. CDBG projects completed in FY20 include:
+4Cs Childcare – Technical assistance to 24 low-
income child care providers to register their operations
and help improve economic security ($25,000)
+Little Creations Academy – Facility renovations at a child care
which serves low- to moderate-income families ($108,876)
+Highland Park and Villa Park Improvements – Trail
and accessibility improvements at parks serving
low- to moderate-income residents ($76,286)
+DVIP Shelter Repair – Improvements to the shelter property
serving victims of domestic violence ($113,895)
Top and bottom:
Villa Park, 424 MacBride Rd, Iowa City
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224028
Fair Housing Choice on August 20, 2019. The study is
an assessment of Iowa City’s laws, ordinances, statutes
and administrative policies as well as local conditions
that affect the location, availability and accessibility of
housing. The development of the study is part of the
consolidated planning process required by all entitle-
ment communities, such as Iowa City, that receive annu-
al housing and community development funds from the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The study includes an analysis of barriers and imped-
iments to fair housing choice. The study can be found
online at www.icgov.org/actionplan.
Aid to Agencies
Community Development staff coordinate with the Unit-
ed Way of Johnson and Washington Counties as well as
the Housing and Community Development Commission
to provide funds for human service agencies.
+In FY20, $595,500 was allocated to
18 agencies which served more than
44,406 Iowa City residents.
COVID-19 Response and
Funding Activities
In fiscal year 2020, Neighborhood Services began re-
ceiving CDBG-CV funding to prevent, prepare for, and
respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds are being
used for public service and economic development ac-
tivities as part of a community response to the pandem-
ic including emergency housing assistance, operational
funding for local nonprofits, and small business assis-
tance. The City is working with community partners to
get needed funds to our residents and businesses most
Neighborhood Services
The HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) program is
another federally funded program through the US De-
partment of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The program provides safe, decent, affordable housing.
HOME Projects completed in FY20 include:
+Iowa City Housing Authority Tenant
Based Rent Assistance (TBRA) – Rental
subsidies for 29 low-income households
+Successful Living Housing Rehab –
Rehabilitation of a single-family home with five
bedrooms rented to persons with disabilities
+Habitat for Humanity Acquisition/
Homeownership Assistance – Creation of
affordable homeownership opportunities
for three low-income households
+MYEP Rental Acquisition – Purchase of a
single-family home with three bedrooms rented
to persons with disabilities (1507 Spruce)
+Successful Living Acquisition – Purchase of
two single-family homes with a total of eight
bedrooms rented to persons with disabilities
+South District Partnership – Down payment
assistance for affordable homeownership
opportunities in the South District Neighborhood
+Shelter House Acquisition – Acquisition of
a single-family home to provide permanent
supportive rental housing for five individuals
NDS staff working in conjunction with the City’s Office
of Equity and Human Rights completed the City’s Fair
Housing Choice Study, an Analysis of Impediments to
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 29
Neighborhood Services
Financial Assistance
for Small Businesses in Iowa City
Iowa City
COVID-19
Small Business
Assistance
Program
The City is here to help you through the challenges created by
this health crisis. We are offering grants up to $15,000 ($10,000
maximum for businesses without employees) to qualifying small
businesses to support ongoing operational needs.
Eligible businesses must meet a Low-Moderate Income (LMI)
national objective to receive funds by qualifying as a microenter-
prise or through the hiring or retention of primarily
low-moderate income employees.
Household
Size
Income Limit for Low-Moderate Income
Eligibility (80% Median Income)
1 $54,950
2 $62,800
3 $70,650
4 $78,500
5 $84,800
6 $91,100
Effective 7/1/2020
For more information, the
Applicant Guide, and to apply
to the program, visit
icgov.org/financialassistance
Application deadline
January 4, 2021 by 5 PM
The City of Iowa City has contracted with East Central Iowa Council of
Governments to administer this program. Call them with questions at
319-289-0075 or email harrison.freund@ecicog.org.
impacted by the pandemic. The City
has partnered with several organi-
zations including Shelter House,
CommUnity Crisis Services and
Food Bank, Center for Work-
er Justice, East Central Iowa
Council of Governments, Iowa
City Area Business Partnership
and Community CPA.
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224030
Neighborhood Services
Housing Rehabilitation
The Housing Rehabilitation program works to help res-
idents maintain and update their homes by providing
financial assistance to income-eligible homeowners.
The availability of affordable, low or no-interest loans
provides lower income homeowners the opportunity
to make repairs and improve energy efficiency at their
homes which ultimately maintains Iowa City’s housing
stock. Funding is available through the federally fund-
ed CDBG and HOME programs, as well as locally fund-
ed General Rehabilitation and Improvement Program
(GRIP) and Healthy Homes Program.
+22 homes completed through the CDBG/
HOME owner-occupied rehab program
and South District Program in FY20
+10 GRIP projects completed in FY20
+6 rehabs completed through the
Healthy Homes program to-date
UniverCity and South District Programs
A total of 68 UniverCity homes have been purchased,
renovated and sold as owner-occupied homes through
the program to date. Approximately $50,000 in rehabili-
tation was spent for each home. This represents a total
investment of over $3.4 million in University impacted
neighborhoods since 2011. The program currently has
one property available for sale and one under renovation,
anticipated to be available for sale this spring.
In FY20, Neighborhood Services expanded the UniverCity
Program into the South District Neighborhood with the
purchase of a duplex at 1232/1234 Sandusky Drive.
The property was purchased, rehabbed, converted to
a two-unit condominium, and sold as affordable own-
er-occupied housing. Combined, the first two buyers
had rented in the neighborhood for over 21 years. Two
additional units at 2129/2131 Taylor Drive have also
been purchased and renovated as part of the South
District Program. Staff is working with interested ap-
plicants to secure financing to acquire the homes.
Testimonial from the South District First buyer in the program
“My mother and I both have small, fixed incomes and had a very high rent burden,
while neither of us had access to any form of rent assistance. We looked at the
information about the program online and I decided to apply immediately!
I’ve been worried for over a decade about my mother’s vulnerability to becoming
homeless, physically struggling to maintain full time work to pay rent at age 79 and
my inability to do anything to help her! I also feared being in the same situation myself
as rent continues to increase faster than my SSDI income. I had no expectation of
being able to purchase a home with an income of just $23,000 per year. My new
housing cost has been reduced from $675 per month in rent to just $400 for the new
mortgage and property tax. In addition, my mom now shares the home with me and
doesn’t have to worry about any mortgage or rent, saving her $700 per month! This
program has lifted that huge burden of work and worry from both of us!”
The South District Program was
the recent recipient of the 2020
Housing Innovation Award from
the Iowa Finance Authority! Updated kitchen in South
District home on Taylor Drive
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 31
Neighborhood Services
Affordable Housing Projects
The City invested $12,006,773 in affordable housing in FY20 using federal, state
and/or local funds. The FY20 Year End Housing Report can be found in the Ap-
pendix that identifies all housing activities completed or initiated in FY20. 1,745
affordable rental units/households and 35 owner-occupied homes were created
or assisted. All activities completed met one or more the following housing goals:
1. To invest City and federal CDBG/HOME funds to create and/or preserve
affordable homes, both rental and owner‐occupied housing;
2. To support our most vulnerable residents, especially those experiencing
homelessness or at risk of homelessness, maintain safe, affordable housing;
3. To ensure equitable growth for all Iowa City residents and minimize dis-
placement; and
4. To support innovation in housing and streamline processes
1232/1234 Sandusky Drive
The City invested $35,000 in each unit. Rehabilitation
included new siding, garage doors, a new fence,
updated electrical and a complete renovation of the
interior. The City also incorporated several energy
efficiency improvements including the installation
of solar panels, added insulation, Energy Star rated
appliances, new windows and doors, long life-cycle
flooring, and additional landscaping and tree planting.
Energy efficient New interior $35K invested per unit
Over $12m
invested in FY20
+ 1745 Rentals+ 35 Owner-occupied units
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224032
In FY2016, the City created an Affordable Housing Fund
which contributes towards the development of afford-
able housing throughout the City. The City allocated
$1,000,000 to the fund in both FY20 and FY21. The funds
are allocated based on a distribution formula approved
by Council in 2019.
1. 70% to the Housing Trust Fund, which includes the
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) set-aside
2. 7.5% to an Opportunity Fund (former Land Bank-
ing Fund)
3. 7.5% to the Healthy Homes program
4. 10% to programs to help tenants secure housing.
70% is dedicated to a security deposit program
and 30% to a landlord risk mitigation fund (to be
created). If a balance at end of year, the balance
converts to the Opportunity Fund.
5. 5% will be reserved for emergent situations. If a
balance at end of year, the balance converts to the
Opportunity Fund.
The City purchased its first vacant lot with Opportunity
Funds in the Lindemann Subdivision, Part 8. The lot is
designed for six townhouse units. The land will be held
by the City for a future affordable housing project.
Recently, two Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
projects were completed with City financial support. The
projects created a total of 61 affordable units for those
under 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Eight of the
units are affordable to those at 30% AMI and 16 units are
affordable to those at 40% AMI. Total project costs were
estimated at over $14.2 million.
Neighborhood Services
NEX Apartments – 671 Nex Avenue
+Low-Income Housing Tax Credit project
+$1,045,000 funded through the
Housing Trust Fund of Johnson
County (FY19 & FY20)
+Developed by Sand Corporation
+Total development costs
estimated to be $8,437,281
+32 affordable units; 4 market rate units
Del Ray Ridge – 628 S.
Dubuque Street
+Low-Income Housing
Tax Credit project
+$800,000 funded through
the Housing Trust Fund of
Johnson County (FY19)
+Developed by the Housing Fellowship
and Hodge Construction
+Total development costs
estimated to be $5,813,496
+29 affordable units; 4
market rate units
NEX apartment unit
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 33
Neighborhood Services
Neighborhood Outreach
Neighborhood Outreach provides a conduit between all City Depart-
ments and the network of neighborhood associations within Iowa City,
and supports and encourages citizens to help shape the future of their neigh-
borhood. By assisting in the establishment of neighborhood associations, and
coordinating with 16 active neighborhood associations, this activity seeks to
encourage action by providing ideas and resources that help associations
address their needs and interests within the goals of the larger community.
PIN Grants
Neighborhood Outreach administers the Program for Improving Neighbor-
hoods (PIN) grant program, which provides $20,000 annually for neighbor-
hood projects. There were 14 PIN grants awarded in FY20, including the
following projects:
+South District Mural Dedication Ceremony: PIN grants
funded T-shirts for all volunteers who assisted in creating the
mural and miscellaneous expenses related to the event.
+Eulenspiegel Puppets Drive-In Performances at the Iowa
City Airport: Due to COVID gathering restrictions, the puppet
performances usually hosted in neighborhood parks, were
reformatted as drive-in performances. Four shows were performed
in September 2020 enabling 80+ families to enjoy the show.
+Lucas Farms Historic Signage: In addition to 28 signs that were
installed in FY19, an additional 50 were purchased and installed
through the neighborhood to highlight the historic nature of the area.
24
Iowa City
Neighborhood
Associations
Bluffwood
College Green
Country Club Estates
Creekside
Eastside
Galway Hills
Goosetown
Longfellow
Lucas Farms
Manville Heights
Melrose Ave
Miller Orchard
Morningside/Glendale
Parkview Terrace/Normandy
Northside
Oak Grove
Peninsula Area
Penny Bryn
South District
Ty’n Cae
Walnut Ridge
Waterfront
Washington Hills
Windsor Ridge
Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre Co.South District mural in progress
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224034
Neighborhood Services
Public Art
Neighborhood Outreach currently works with
Economic Development staff and the Public Art
Advisory Committee to administer the Public Art
Program. The Committee determines the place-
ment of public art, the type of art to be used in a
specific project, and the artists to be engaged in
accordance with the Public Art Strategic Plan.
They also administer public art matching grants
and oversee the maintenance and disposition of
public art.
In FY20 the Public Art Advisory Committee and city
staff completed the Public Art Management Plan.
The Plan provides guidelines and policies for the
funding, acquisition, placement, and maintenance
of public art within the City as well as administra-
tive procedures involving allocation of funds, strat-
egies to engage the public and others in the arts
community and methods to effectively work to-
wards the goals as outlined in the Iowa City Public
Art Strategic Plan 2020-2025.
Also in FY20, the Public Art Matching Fund Pro-
gram funded over $16,000 in matching funds to
seven projects hosted by local artists in Iowa City
including:
+Creekside Park Community Garden
Art Project “Emergence”: Created
by Cara Briggs Farmer of Synergy
Metalworks to compliment the
Community Orchard planted as part of
the Creekside Park improvement project
+HACAP Childcare Facility at 318 E.
Bloomington St: Designed by the children
of the daycare with implementation by
Sayuri Sasaki Haman and Thomas Agran
+Dance Iowa Drive-In Dance
Performance at Iowa City Airport:
Due to COVID gathering restrictions,
the Dance Iowa team hosted a
drive-in performance providing the
opportunity for the passengers of 40
cars to enjoy the performances.
HACAP Childcare Facility Video still, Iowa Dance Festival 2020“Emergence” by Cara Briggs Farmer
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 35
Neighborhood Services
5.0 METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION OF JOHNSON COUNTY (MPOJC)
The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) of Johnson County is responsible for fulfilling state and federal requirements necessary to receive transportation capital
and operating funds; conducting transportation and traffic studies related to public and private development projects; providing traffic data collection and analysis
services, preparing and administering transportation-related grants; and serving as a body for regional policy and project-related discussions.
Staffs the following boards/commissions:
• Urbanized Policy Board
• Rural Policy Board
MPOJC’s goal is to ensure the strategic use of public investments and policies for the creation of a safe, efficient, and equitable transportation network that enhances
economic opportunity and growth while preserving the environment and residents’ quality of life.
The following formal documents are required to be completed and approved by the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration and/or Iowa
Department of Transportation. MPO staff provide planning, programming, and administrative efforts to complete these documents to ensure that Iowa City remains
eligible to receive federal transportation funding, including transit capital and operation funds, streets and trails infrastructure funds, and discretionary grant funds.
FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021
Projected
FY 2022
Estimate
Long Range Transportation Plan (required every 5 yrs.)
Transportation Planning Work Program
Passenger Transportation Plan
Transportation Improvement Program
4.1 MAJOR PROJECTS
Completion of several major on-street bike facilities as directed by the adopted Iowa City Bike Master Plan:
Metropolitan Planning
Organization of Johnson
County (MPOJC)
The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) of Johnson County is responsible for fulfilling
state and federal requirements necessary to receive transportation capital and operating funds;
conducting transportation and traffic studies related to public and private development projects;
providing traffic data collection and analysis services, preparing and administering transporta-
tion-related grants; and serving as a body for regional policy and project-related discussions.
MPOJC’s goal is to ensure the strategic use of public investments
and policies for the creation of a safe, efficient, and equitable trans-
portation network that enhances economic opportunity and growth
while preserving the environment and residents’ quality of life.
The following formal documents are required to be completed and approved by the
Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration and/or Iowa Depart-
ment of Transportation. MPO staff provide planning, programming, and administra-
tive efforts to complete these documents to ensure that Iowa City remains eligible to
receive federal transportation funding, including transit capital and operation funds,
streets and trails infrastructure funds,
and discretionary grant funds.
Staffs the following
boards/commissions:
+Urbanized Policy Board
+Rural Policy Board
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224036
MPOJC
Major Projects
Several major on-street bike facilities were completed
as directed by the adopted Iowa City Bike Master Plan.
These include:
+Installation of dedicated bike lanes on
Burlington Street (between Madison
Street and Riverside Drive)
+Installation of dedicated bike lanes on
Dodge Street (between Kirkwood Avenue
and Governor Street) and on Governor Street
(between Burlington Street and Dodge Street)
Governor Street bike boxes
Burlington Street bike lanes Burlington Street bike lanes
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 37
+
MPOJC
Grant Awards Received for Iowa City
Grant awards are pursued to help fund and achieve Iowa City’s Capital Improvements Program and Transit Operating Assistance.4.2 GRANT AWARDS RECEIVED FOR IOWA CITY
Grant awards are pursued to help fund and achieve Iowa City’s Capital Improvements Program and Transit Operating Assistance.
*Includes all planning & legal documents, grant preparation & administration, & IDOT/FTA reporting
**Estimated
4.3 OBJECTIVES & PERFORMANCE MEASURES
4.3.1 Transportation Safety
Iowa City’s transportation network is designed and maintained to enhance the safety and security of all users.
All reported collisions dating back to CY 2017 are in the following charts. Vehicle collisions include those where property damage exceeded $1,000 or where an injury
occurred. CY21 estimates for both charts are an average of years 16-19 because CY20 crashes are not normal with changes in traffic patterns due to COVID-19.
Objective: Zero fatalities resulting from vehicle collisions, or collisions involving bicycles or pedestrians.
Transportation Safety
(Vehicle Collisions)
CY 2017 CY 2018 CY 2019 CY 2020
Projected*
CY 2021
Estimate**
Property Damage Only 1,095 1,073 1,065 1,069 1,069
Possible/Unknown Injury 244 218 195 222 222
FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 Projected FY 2022 Estimate
$1,487,897 Federal Transit
Grant*
$1,582,896 Federal Transit
Grant*
$1,752,119 Federal Transit
Grant*
$1,822,204 Federal Transit
Grant*
$1,822,204 Federal Transit
Grant*
$3,750,000 STBG funds for
Dodge Street
Reconstruction
$1,011,360 STBG funds for
Burlington St Pavement
Rehab/Widen
$1,315,860 STBG funds for
Benton Street
Rehabilitation
$2,400,000 STBG funds for
Taft Avenue Reconstruction
$438,000 TAP funds for
HWY 6 Trail Construction $939,866 Federal CRRSAA
Transit Grant*
$500,000 TAP funds for HWY
6 Trail Construction
$1,000,000 STBG-HBP
funds for Gilbert St Bridge
Replacement
$5,109,870 Federal
CARES Act Transit Grant*
$444,000 STBG-HBP funds
for 2nd Ave Bridge
Replacement
Approximate MPO funding allocated in
FY20 for Iowa City Transit operations:
$1.8m
Operating funds
$5.1m
Emergency
COVID-19 relief
$$
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224038
MPOJC
Objectives and Performance Measures
Transportation Safety
Iowa City’s transportation network is designed
and maintained to enhance the safety and se-
curity of all users.
All reported collisions dating back to CY 2017 are
in the following charts. Vehicle collisions include those where
property damage exceeded $1,000 or where an injury occurred.
CY21 estimates for both charts are an average of years 16-19
because CY20 crashes are not normal with changes in traffic
patterns due to COVID-19.
Objective: Zero fatalities resulting from vehicle collisions,
or collisions involving bicycles or pedestrians.
Transportation Safety
(Vehicle Collisions)
CY 2017 CY 2018 CY 2019 CY 2020
Projected*
CY 2021
Estimate**
Property Damage Only 1,095 1,073 1,065 1,069 1,069
Possible/Unknown Injury 244 218 195 222 222
Minor Injury 102 116 92 107 107
Major Injury 17 17 9 14 14
Fatal 3 0 2 2 2
Totals 1,461 1,424 1,363 1,414 1,414
*Average of CY 2016-2019
**Reflects CY 2020 data because of change in traffic volumes due to COVID-19
Transportation Safety (Bicycle & Pedestrian
Collisions)
CY 2017 CY 2018 CY 2019 CY 2020
Projected
CY 2021
Estimate
Property Damage Only 1 0 0 1 1
Possible/Unknown Injury 23 25 12 17 17
Minor Injury 24 28 28 25 25
Major Injury 4 5 3 4 4
Fatal 1 0 0 0 0
Totals 53 58 43 47 47
*Average of CY 2016-2019
Mode Split - Commuting to Work: Includes all workers 16 years or older by primary means of travel to work. Department objective is to increase the mode split for walking, biking, or use of
public transit.
*Average of CY 2016-2019
**Reflects CY 2020 data because of change in traffic volumes due to COVID-19
Transportation Safety
(Vehicle Collisions)
CY 2017 CY 2018 CY 2019 CY 2020
Projected*
CY 2021
Estimate**
Property Damage Only 1,095 1,073 1,065 1,069 1,069
Possible/Unknown Injury 244 218 195 222 222
Minor Injury 102 116 92 107 107
Major Injury 17 17 9 14 14
Fatal 3 0 2 2 2
Totals 1,461 1,424 1,363 1,414 1,414
*Average of CY 2016-2019
**Reflects CY 2020 data because of change in traffic volumes due to COVID-19
Transportation Safety (Bicycle & Pedestrian
Collisions)
CY 2017 CY 2018 CY 2019 CY 2020
Projected
CY 2021
Estimate
Property Damage Only 1 0 0 1 1
Possible/Unknown Injury 23 25 12 17 17
Minor Injury 24 28 28 25 25
Major Injury 4 5 3 4 4
Fatal 1 0 0 0 0
Totals 53 58 43 47 47
*Average of CY 2016-2019
Mode Split - Commuting to Work: Includes all workers 16 years or older by primary means of travel to work. Department objective is to increase the mode split for walking, biking, or use of
public transit.
*Average of CY 2016-2019
**Reflects CY 2020 data because of change in traffic volumes due to COVID-19
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 39
MPOJC
Vehicle Miles and Emissions
Iowa City strives to build a well-connected
transportation network with coordinated land
use patterns to reduce travel demand, miles
traveled, and energy consumption.
Objective: Reduce vehicle miles traveled and subsequent
greenhouse gas emissions
Travel to Work
Iowa City’s transportation network offers
multi-modal options that are affordable and
accessible.
Objective: Increase the mode split for those who com-
mute to work by walking, biking, or using public transit.
4.3.2 Vehicle Miles & Emissions
Iowa City strives to build a well-connected transportation network with coordinated land-use patterns to reduce travel demand, miles traveled, and energy consumption.
Objective: Reduce vehicle miles traveled and subsequent greenhouse gas emissions
Vehicle Miles Traveled & CO2
Emissions Per Capita
CY 2017 CY 2018 CY 2019 CY 2020
Projected*
CY 2021
Estimate*
Total Vehicle Miles Traveled
Per Capita
4,760 4,728 4,803 4,671 4,671
Metric tonnes of Vehicle CO2e
Per Capita
2.09 2.08 2.10 2.04 2.04
*Average of CY 2016-2019
4.3.3 Travel to Work
Iowa City’s transportation network offers multi-modal options that are affordable and accessible.
Objective: Increase the mode split for those who commute to work by walking, biking, or using public transit
Travel to Work (%)
(Primary means of travel by all
workers 16 years or older)
CY
2000*
CY
2009**
CY
2012**
CY
2015**
CY
2018**
Drove alone 65.3 63.1 63.6 57.0 58.0
2 or more person carpool 13.7 14.3 12.6 8.9 8.4
Transit 6.0 6.9 7.3 9.9 8.6
Bike 1.7 2.2 2.6 3.7 3.5
Walked 11.1 10.7 10.4 16.0 15.7
Taxi, Motorcycle and other
means
0.4 0.8 1.5 1.2 1.6
Worked at Home 1.7 2.0 2.1 3.5 4.2
*Includes CTPP data from 2000
** Includes 3-year American Community Survey data
4.3.2 Vehicle Miles & Emissions
Iowa City strives to build a well-connected transportation network with coordinated land-use patterns to reduce travel demand, miles traveled, and energy consumption.
Objective: Reduce vehicle miles traveled and subsequent greenhouse gas emissions
Vehicle Miles Traveled & CO2
Emissions Per Capita
CY 2017 CY 2018 CY 2019 CY 2020
Projected*
CY 2021
Estimate*
Total Vehicle Miles Traveled
Per Capita
4,760 4,728 4,803 4,671 4,671
Metric tonnes of Vehicle CO2e
Per Capita
2.09 2.08 2.10 2.04 2.04
*Average of CY 2016-2019
4.3.3 Travel to Work
Iowa City’s transportation network offers multi-modal options that are affordable and accessible.
Objective: Increase the mode split for those who commute to work by walking, biking, or using public transit
Travel to Work (%)
(Primary means of travel by all
workers 16 years or older)
CY
2000*
CY
2009**
CY
2012**
CY
2015**
CY
2018**
Drove alone 65.3 63.1 63.6 57.0 58.0
2 or more person carpool 13.7 14.3 12.6 8.9 8.4
Transit 6.0 6.9 7.3 9.9 8.6
Bike 1.7 2.2 2.6 3.7 3.5
Walked 11.1 10.7 10.4 16.0 15.7
Taxi, Motorcycle and other
means
0.4 0.8 1.5 1.2 1.6
Worked at Home 1.7 2.0 2.1 3.5 4.2
*Includes CTPP data from 2000
** Includes 3-year American Community Survey data
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224040
Total Funds Available for Affordable
Housing in FY20: $12,460,316
Total Funds Spent in FY20: $12,006,773 1) Invest City and federal CDBG/HOME funds to create and/or preserve affordable homes, both rental and owner‐occupied housing;
Number of Affordable Rental
Units/Households Created or Assisted*:1,745
Number of Owner‐Occupied Units Created
or Assisted*: 35 3) Ensure equitable growth for all Iowa City residents and minimize displacement; and
*Reports units completed in FY20 with FY20 or prior year funds
1) Invest City and federal CDBG/HOME funds to create and/or preserve affordable homes, both rental and owner‐occupied housing.
FY20 City of Iowa City Affordable Housing Fund ($1,000,000). $650,000 ‐ $1,000,000 allocated annually Action Plan #5. City Council approved annual distribution formula, revised July 2019:
Project Name
City General Funds, Distribution
Formula:Project Type Funds Allocated Project Status Funds Leveraged
Households/
Units Assisted
Income Level
Assisted FY20 Funds Spent Notes/Status
Housing Trust Fund Annual Contribution Affordable Housing Fund (50%) Various $500,000 Multiple $12,675,777 61
Less than 60%
AMI $500,000
Staff reports completed projects in FY20 that utilized FY20 or prior year
funding. Del Ray and Nex Apartments, LIHTC projects (new
construction)were completed in FY20. HTFJC allocated a total of $1,575,000
to these two projects. Received FY17‐20 General allocation & LIHTC set‐aside
funds. In FY20, the HTFJC spent $182,046 in funds. Due to the inability of Nex
Senior to proceed, the remaining FY20 funds are reallocated to the Shelter
House CPP 2.0 project.
LIHTC Annual Allocation Affordable Housing Fund (20%) Affordable Rental $200,000 Deferred $0 0 NA $10,000
Nex Senior, LIHTC application, not funded by the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA)
as of 8/2020. Funds carried over to next IFA funding round. HTFJC authorized
5% for administrative fees. HTFJC receives remaining funds when eligible
project proceeds.
Opportunity Fund Affordable Housing Fund (7.5%) Various $75,000 Multiple NA 72
Less than 80%
AMI $41,500
Houses into Homes: $15,000, Signed agreement 1/29/2020
Center for Worker Justice ‐ COVID Relief. $25,000, Signed agreement
7/28/2020. Beneficiaries to be reported in FY21.
Shelter House Eviction Prevention $50,000 (FY20 ‐ $35,000, FY21 ‐ $15,000)
Signed agreement 6/8/2020. Beneficiaries to be reported in FY21.
August 2020, approved a $5,000 grant for Forest View to weatherize mobile
homes for the winter.
Healthy Homes Affordable Housing Fund (7.5%) Housing Rehab $75,000
Obtained HTFJC
Grant $0 0
Less than 80%
AMI $0
To date, assisted 6 homes under the grant with HTFJC. HTFJC grant expires
10‐2020. Two remaining homes to be completed with HTFJC funds before
expiration date. Assessments were on hold due to COVID, resuming
inspections/assessments. Beneficiaries to be reported in FY21.
Security Deposit Assistance Affordable Housing Fund (7%) Rental Assistance $70,000 Ongoing NA 31 Under 50% AMI $27,855
Contract with CommUnity signed 2/2020. CommUnity estimates spending all
FY20 funds by 12/20. Will then enter FY21 contract.
Landlord Risk Mitigation Affordable Housing Fund (3%) Rental Assistance $30,000 Ongoing NA NA NA $0
Unspent funds not committed at the end of the fiscal year go into the
Opportunity Fund. Staff continuing to work with Johnson County Local
Homeless Coordinating Board in FY21 to establish.
Emergent Situations Affordable Housing Fund (5%) Various $50,000 Completed NA 8 NA $2,135
Funds utilized for remaining Hawkeye Trailer Park relocation expenses. Total
of $17,557 spent in FY19/20. Balance goes into Opportunity Fund/Prior Land
Banking Fund.
$1,000,000 $12,675,777 172 $581,490
Affordable Housing Goals:
City of Iowa City Affordable Housing ‐ FY20 Year End Report (Revised 9/14/2020)
2) Support our most vulnerable residents, especially those experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, maintain safe, affordable housing;
4) Support innovation in housing and streamline processes
Appendix
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 41
Project Name Funding Source Project Type Funds Allocated Project Status
Households/
Units Assisted
Income Level
Assisted
Eviction/Foreclosure Prevention Program ‐ City CARES Act Funding (COVID) Emergency Housing Payments $246,000 Starts FY21 0 Under 80% MI
Eviction/Foreclosure Prevention Program ‐ IEDA CARES Act Funding (COVID) Emergency Housing Payments $370,000 Starts FY21 0 Under 80% MI
FY20 Housing Rehabilitation Projects Completed Action Plan #1. Continue to fund existing housing programs.
Project Name Funding Source Project Type Funds Allocated FY20 Funds Spent
# Units
Rehabilitated
GRIP Local Funds Owner‐occupied Rehab $200,000 $158,447 10
South District Local Funds/HOME Homeownership $140,000 $120,000 2
UniverCity Local Funds Homeownership $60,000 $60,357 ‐
HOME Owner‐occupied Rehab & Rental Rehab. HOME Owner‐occupied/Rental Rehab $90,000 $107,716 4
CDBG Owner‐occupied Rehab CDBG Owner‐occupied Rehab $235,000 $243,447 16
$725,000 $689,967 32
FY20 CDBG/HOME Housing Projects (Beneficiaries and funds leveraged reported when project is completed & closed in HUD's reporting system)
Project Name Funding Source Project Type FY20 Funds Spent Funds Leveraged
Households/
Units Assisted
MYEP Acquisition ‐ 1507 Spruce HOME Affordable Rental $0 $140,605 3
Successful Living Acquisition ‐ 500 2nd Ave.HOME Affordable Rental $0 $126,330 5
Successful Living Acq. ‐ 3234 Friendship HOME Affordable Rental $0 $146,176 3
FY18 Housing Fellowship Rental Rehab HOME Affordable Rental $25,254 $29,343 4
FY18 Successful Living Rehab HOME Affordable Rental $5,799 $21,120 5
FY20 Shelter House Acquisition 15 Wakefield HOME Affordable Rental $94,000 $163,884 5
FY17 ICHA TBRA HOME Rental Subsidies $63,563 $109,509 29
FY20 The Housing Fellowship HOME CHDO Operating $48,000 NA NA
FY18 Habitat Acquisition ‐2629 Blazing Star HOME Homeownership $5,000 $193,000 1
FY19 Habitat ‐ 2764/2774 Blazing Star HOME Homeownership $20,000 $374,297 2
Projects Underway ‐ Not completed HOME Affordable Rental $383,731 NA NA
HOME Administration HOME Administration $86,610 NA NA
$731,957 $1,304,264 57
2) Support our most vulnerable residents, especially those experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, maintain safe, affordable housing
ICHA Programs, Calendar Year 2019 The jurisdiction of the ICHA includes the following Counties: Johnson, Iowa and Washington (north of Hwy 92, but not within Washington City limits), unless noted.
Project/Program Name Project Type Vouchers Authorized
ICHA Owned &
Managed Units
Households
Assisted CY19 Funds Spent Income Limits
Housing Choice Vouchers Affordable Rental 1,215 NA 1,253 $9,023,593 Under 50% AMI
VASH Vouchers (reserved for veterans)Affordable Rental 83 NA 82 $330,016 Under 50% AMI
HUD Mainstream Vouchers (chronically homeless with
a disabling condition)Affordable Rental 0 NA 0 $0 Under 50% AMI
Notes
57% of all assisted households were elderly and/or disabled. 49% were working families. Less than 1% of assisted
households report Family Investment Program (FIP) as their sole source of income. Note: head of household can earn
income and have a disabled spouse ‐ the household would be counted both as a working household & a disabled
household. Totals include Cross Park Place Project Based Vouchers (PBV).
ICHA reports on a calendar year. 78 new vouchers authorized in CY20. Leasing started in March 2020. Beneficiaries &
funds reported in CY20.
Notes/Status
Project closed in FY20.
Project closed in FY20.
Project closed in FY20.
Notes/Status
Must be under 110% AMI. Assessments stopped temporarily in FY20 due to COVID.
FY20 CDBG‐CV Funds ‐ One time allocation through the CARES Act for COVID relief
Notes/Status
CommUnity Crisis Services awarded contract on 7/14/2020
Allocated funds through State ‐ $686,610 60% allocated to eviction/foreclosure prevention. Program to start in FY21.
First two program homeowners were under 50% AMI. ($70,000 Rehab ‐ General Fund, $50,000 Downpayment ‐HOME). Two homes
currently under renovations ‐ to be reported when sold. (No FY20 HOME funds budgeted. $94,000 in FY21 HOME funds for
downpayment assistance to assist 4 households budgeted.)
Projects underway for the following: Successful Living and Mayor's Youth Empowerment Program
520 N. Dodge available for sale, 322 Douglas Court currently under renovations. Beneficiaries reported when homes are sold. Funds
spent include prior year funds allocated for 520 N. Dodge.
Rental rehab. of single family/duplex properties in targeted neighborhoods eligible; no applications received.
4 completed projects, 3 underway. Includes prior year funds for completed/ongoing projects spent in FY20.
Administratively approved ‐ includes unspent funds from FY19. 16 homes completed in FY20.
Appendix
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224042
Public Housing Affordable Rental NA 81 75 $649,750 Under 80% AMI
Other ‐ Affordable Housing Under ICHA Management Affordable Rental NA 10 10 N/A Under 80% AMI
1,298 91 1,420 $10,003,359
3) Ensure equitable growth for all Iowa City residents and minimize displacement
FY20 TIF & RFC Affordable Housing Requirements under Compliance Period
Project Name Policy Project Type Units Underway
Units under
Compliance Fee‐in‐Lieu Paid AMI Rent Limit Compliance Period Notes/Status
The Rise ‐ 435 S. Linn Local requirement Affordable Rental ‐33 ‐80% HOME FMR In perpetuity
Orchard Court Lofts ‐ 627 Orchard Ct RFC ‐ Zoning requirement Affordable Rental ‐5 ‐60%HOME FMR 10 years
Dubuque St Apartments ‐ 620 S. Dubuque RFC ‐ Zoning requirement Affordable Rental ‐5 $28,396 60%HOME FMR 10 years Fee for 4 units out of compliance for one year.
1301 Gilbert Street RFC ‐ Zoning requirement Affordable Rental ‐5 ‐60%HOME FMR 10 years
The Edge ‐ 314 S. Clinton St TIF & RFC Zoning requirement Affordable Rental 1 1 $323,488 60% HOME FMR 20 years FIL for 4 units
Breckenridge ‐ 707 S. Dubuque St RFC ‐ Zoning requirement NA ‐‐$404,360 ‐‐ ‐FIL for 5 units
Del Ray Ridge ‐ 628 S. Dubuque St RFC ‐ Zoning requirement Affordable Rental ‐3 60% HOME FMR 10 years
1131 S. Gilbert RFC ‐ Zoning requirement Affordable Rental ‐6 60% HOME FMR 10 years
1121 S. Gilbert RFC ‐ Zoning requirement Affordable Rental ‐5 60% HOME FMR 10 years
1141 S. Gilbert RFC ‐ Zoning requirement Affordable Rental ‐6 60% HOME FMR 10 years
1201 S. Gilbert RFC ‐ Zoning requirement Affordable Rental ‐6 60% HOME FMR 10 years
225 E. Prentiss RFC ‐ Zoning requirement Affordable Rental 5 ‐60% HOME FMR 10 years
Riverview West ‐ 629 S. Riverside Dr TIF Affordable Rental ‐12 ‐120% 120% HOME FMR 10 years
Augusta Place ‐ 20 S. Gilbert TIF Affordable Rental ‐‐NA 80% HOME FMR In perpetuity 6 Units purchased in July 2020, ICHA will operate as affordable housing.
Augusta Place ‐ 104 Westside Dr (offsite units) TIF Affordable Rental ‐12 NA 60%
Based on 40%
AMI, Developer
pays utilities 20 years Compliance started 8/1/2019.
The Chauncey TIF Affordable Rental ‐‐NA 80% 30% of Income In perpetuity 5 Units purchased 8/2020, will be added to Public Housing Program
99 $756,244
FY20 Misc. Action Plan Initiatives
Project/Program Name Council Approved:Project Type Units Created Fee‐in‐Lieu Paid AMI Rent Limits
Action Plan #7. Annexation Policy ‐ 10% of units in
residential developments affordable 7/17/2018 TBD 0 $0 TBD TBD
Action Plan #8. Consider TIF to support residential
development. First agreement: Foster Road TIF
Residential Development Agreement 7/17/2018 TBD ‐‐‐‐
Action Plan #12. Create tax exemption/abetment
policy to support affordable rental housing 10/1/2019
Affordable Rental ‐ New
Construction 0 $0
Less than 40%
AMI
AMI, minus
tenant paid
utilities
Action Plan #14. Minimize tenant displacement 10/3/2017 Major Site Plans NA NA NA NA
0
All units in Iowa City. Funds spent includes HUD rent subsidies and maintenance/repair of units. HUD counts Units
Months Available (UMA), so due to turnover and/or standard repairs, this value is 75 units under lease per month over
CY19. 3 units were offline for major repairs. Includes $303,689 spent for maintenance, repair and rehab.
All units in Iowa City.
Community View annexed off American Legion Road in FY20. CZA signed. Affordable housing agreement not required
until building permit issuance.
Notes:
Estimated to generate over $2‐3 million for affordable housing over 10 years.
Requires Council approval when 12 or more households will be displaced and no rezoning needed. Requires a transition
plan to better inform tenants and the public. Policy not triggered in FY20.
No applications received to date. Requires at least 15% of total units leased to eligible tenants to receive a 40% tax
exemption on all units in a new residential development with 6 or more units for 10 years.
Appendix
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 43
4) Support innovation in housing and streamline processes
Action Step: Program Estimated TimeLine
Action Plan #9. Consider regulatory changes. Review
processes/fees, etc. to support affordable housing.
Policy Review (NDS, Public Works,
Parks & Rec, Legal)Fall 2020
Action Plan #9. Consider regulatory changes. Review
zoning code to increase density/diversity in all single
family/low density residential zones (support missing
middle housing)South District Form Based Code Implement Fall 2020
Action Plan #9. Consider regulatory changes.
Review zoning code to increase density/diversity in all
single family/low density residential zones (support Comprehensive Plan Amendment 8‐10 month process
Action Plan #15. Rent abatement for emergency orders
when vacation is not necessary.Rental permit units Completed 10/3/2017
Acquire land for future affordable housing
opportunities (Opportunity Fund ‐ former Land Banking
Fund)
Land Banking (now Opportunity
Fund)Ongoing
Incorporate Sustainability/Climate Action in our
rehabilitation programs
All City housing rehabilitation
programs Completed, July 2019
Support unique housing solutions for special
populations through zoning and/or financial support. FUSE Housing First Program
7/5/2016 Approved Long Term
Housing Use Zoning,
Approved voucher set‐aside for
FUSE 10/2/2018
Changes approved after City Council review in July 2019:
Incorporated the following energy efficiency and health/safety measures into our housing programs:
5) Adopted our first radon ordinance, effective July 1, 2021, that requires radon testing, and mitigation, if necessary, to obtain or maintain a rental permit for single family detached or duplex homes.
Received HBA and JC Affordable Homes Coalition input. Reviewing changes. (Remaining task out of the original 15 Affordable Housing Action Goals)
Will pursue FBC in all outlying greenfield developments.
Enable more dense and/or more diverse housing in all residential zones (particularly low density residential zones outside of historic districts)
See below for measures incorporated.
ICHA allows up to 5% of ICHA vouchers to be used for permanent supportive housing for persons who are chronically homeless with a disabling condition. Project based vouchers issued to Cross
Park Place. 8/2020 Shelter House awarded $2.7 million from IFA for another FUSE Housing First property (similar to Cross Park Place). Project eligible for this voucher set‐aside.
No emergency orders issued in FY20.
5) Removed the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County (HTF) from the competitive Aid to Agency process and moved it to a contractual relationship where the HTF uses 5% of the funds allocated to them through the Affordable Housing Fund for administrative expenses. They will remain as a “Legacy Agency” in City Steps
2025 in case they do not get funded or funded at levels lower than their past funding awards in subsequent years through the Affordable Housing Fund.
1) All housing rehabilitation projects must complete a free home energy audit by Green Iowa AmeriCorps staff prior to funding approval. The audit measures the level of air coming into the home and provides basic weatherization, if necessary, to reduce air leaks. During the audit, participants receive LED light bulbs, low
flow aerators in kitchen and bathrooms, pipe insulation for the water heater, taping of ducts in basement, and extra weatherization based on the results of the blower door test.
2) Expanded housing rehabilitation activities to include landscaping (tree planting) and grading for stormwater management, as needed, as part of a rehabilitation project.
3) The HOME owner‐occupied housing rehabilitation program, with up to $90,000 available annually, is now eligible to landlords of rental housing leasing to tenants with incomes at or below 60% of median income. Landlords are eligible for grants for radon testing and mitigation, if necessary, as part of their rehabilitation
project.
4) The Neighborhood Improvements set‐aside in the CDBG program was converted to a Neighborhood‐Based Climate Action set‐aside to encourage sustainable, energy efficiency initiatives in our neighborhoods with a higher number of lower income households.
1) Revised the Distribution Formula for City funds.
2) The Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC) altered the preference criteria for CDBG/HOME housing projects to encourage applications serving lower income households.
3) Reduced the equity requirements for CDBG emergency rehabilitation projects, such as a broken furnace in the winter or a non‐functioning water heater, to enable those that may not be able to proceed to be eligible for the program.
4) Due to the high cost of acquisition and new construction, HCDC altered the preference/evaluation criteria to support those CDBG/HOME rental applications that leverage significant dollars from non‐City sources, such as Low‐Income Housing Tax Credit projects. The acquisition or construction of SRO or group housing
would remain supported due to the lower average public investment per assisted unit and to increase the supply of accessible homes in our community.
Purchased first property in FY20. Lot 10, Lindemann Subdivision, Part 8 for the future construction of 6 townhomes.
Notes:
Appendix
Neighborhood and Development Services
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street,
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319)356-5230
Follow us on social @CityofIowaCity
Subscribe for email updates at www.icgov.org/Subscribe
Item Number: 9.
J une 10, 2021
Ad Hoc Truth & Recon ciliation Commission: May 27
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Ad Hoc Truth & Reconciliation Commission: May 27
May 27, 2021
Draft Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission Minutes
(Electronic) Zoom Platform
Regular Meeting
Commissioners present: Amel Ali, Daphney Daniel, Chastity Dillard, Wangui Gathua, Eric Harris, Clifton
Johnson, Kevin Rivera, Sikowiss, Mohamed Traore.
Staff present: Stefanie Bowers.
(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.
Meeting called to order: 7:06
Approval of the May 13, 2021 Meeting Minutes: Motion by Ali, seconded by Gathua. Approved 9-0.
Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda : None.
Update on Land & Labor Acknowledgement: Sikowiss is working with others on finalizing an
acknowledgement that can be used by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). More details will
be provided at a future meeting.
Iowa Catholic Worker House Presentation: Kathy Lee-Son presented a PowerPoint (can be located in
agenda packet—late handouts) that highlights the need for the American Rescue Plan Act funding to be
used to help excluded workers. Iowa City will be awarded $18.3 million. Rosa Brito Pastor spoke on losing
her kitchen job at a local Mexican restaurant due to the Covid pandemic and her lack of financial support
during that time and currently.
Cindy Zapata also was let go due to the pandemic and has fallen behind on being able to pay her
household bills. Mutwakil Musa who currently works at the UHIC spoke on his family (wife and children)
not being able to pay their rent and utility bills due to the effects of the pandemic.
Philinese Martin spoke on the need for the local funds received as a part of the Care Act to assist families
who have lost jobs during this pandemic and have not been able to financially recover. Maria Carlos has
not only been sick with COVID-19 but also has side effects from being infected with the virus that still
prevent her from working to this day. Pat Bowen supports providing financial assistance to those who have
suffered the most during this pandemic and that is why she supports the excluded worker fund.
Commissioner Rivera drafted a letter to be sent to other municipalities in Johnson County, including the
County. Motion Rivera, seconded by Harris. Motion passed 9-0.
African Coalition Presentation: Commissioner Gathua presented on outreach she has conducted in terms
of the mission of the TRC and reaching out to get voices from the African immigrant and refugee
community. Gathua intends on holding circles and other outreach with community members from these
communities with the end goal being to collect stories and experiences and sending a summary to the
entire TRC as part of the truth seeking and reconciliation.
Update/Discussion on RFP for Facilitator: Commissioner Ali presented a draft on the RFP for soliciting a
facilitator. Staff will take Ali’s draft of the RFP and format it into the actual document that will be used. A
final draft of the RFP will be presented to the TRC at its meeting of June 10 for review.
Discussion on Future Agenda Item: Community Topics the TRC wishes to Discuss : This new agenda item,
suggested by Commissioner Ali, will allow TRC members to notify staff, the vice chair, and chair on
community topics they wish to discuss at each meeting. TRC members will send any topics they wish to
discuss no later than noon on the Monday proceeding a TRC meeting. Harris would like to discuss
crime/safety in light of the Iowa City’s Police Department use of a MRAP to execute a search warrant.
Discussion on Whether to hold a Special Meeting to Chat with Ron Wakabayashi : Ron Wakabayashi
parents were survivors of internment camps created by the United States Government to imprison
Japanese Americans during WW2. He is a former Los Angeles County official and former volunteer for Asia
Pacific Advisory Council. Commissioner Ali will work to schedule a meeting with Ron and the TRC in the
near future.
Announcements of Commissioners: Dillard spoke on a collaboration with the South District for National
Night Out and suggested the TRC may want to partner to be a part of this event as well. Ali mentioned the
American Cancer Society lowering of the age to get screened for colon cancer to 45. Harris let everyone
know about upcoming Diversity Markets being held at the Kingdom Center on June 12, 19, 26 and July 7,
10. Rivera mentioned that the Shelter House is looking for volunteers aged 16-23 years of age to build on
June 6, 10, 24, and June 27. Gathua mentioned that Kirkwood Community College is currently hiring for
English as a Second Language teachers. They are seeking to fill 16 positions.
Announcements of Staff: Staff mentioned upcoming Juneteenth events.
Adjourn: 9:26 PM
AD HOC TRUTH & RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2021
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
4/15 4/29 5/13 5/27 6/10 6/24 7/8 7/22 8/5 8/19 9/2 9/16 9/30 10/7
Ali 6/22 X X X X
Daniel 6/22 X X X X
Dillard 6/22 X X X X
Gathua 6/22 X X X X
Johnson 6/22 X X X X
Harris 6/22 O X X X
Nobiss 6/22 X O X X
Rivera 6/22 X X X X
Traore 6/22 X X X X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
Item Number: 10.
J une 10, 2021
Historic Preservation Commission : May 13
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description
Historic P reservation Commission: May 13