HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-27-2021 Council Economic Development CommitteeI r
CITY OF IOWA CITY
UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021
4:00 PM
EMMA HARVAT HALL
CITY HALL
Call to Order
2. Consider approval of minutes from the December 9, 2020 Economic Development
Committee meeting
3. Consider FY23 budget recommendation to full City Council Commumity
Development Assistance for Entrefest
4. Consider FY23 budget recommendation to full City Council Community
Development Assistance for the Entrepreneurial Development Center
5. Consider FY23 budget recommendation to full City Council for Community
Development Assistance funding for arts organizations: Englert Theater and
Mission Creek, Film Scene, City of Literature, Riverside Theatre
6. Staff report
7. Committee time
8. Other business
9. Adjournment
If you need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this program/event, please contact Wendy
Ford, Economic Development Coordinator at 319-356-5248 or wendy-ford@iowo-city.org. We ask that contact us
early to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 1
EDC minutes December 9, 2020 - U. I
PRELIMINARY
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
DECEMBER 9, 2020
VIA ZOOM PLATFORM, 3:30 P.M.
Members Present: Susan Mims, John Thomas
Members Absent: Mazahir Salih
Staff Present: Wendy Ford, Geoff Fruin, Eleanor Dilkes, Sara Hektoen, Tracy Hightshoe, Erika
Kubly, Rachel Kilburg
Others Present: Brandon Smith, Michael Sather (Tailwinds Group); Kevin Monson, Nathan Griffin
(Neumann Monson Architects); Andre Perry (Englert); Andrew Sherburne
(FilmScene); Adam Knight and Kate Markham (Riverside Theatre); Curt Nelson
(Entrepreneurial Development Center); Isaac Hamlet, Zachary Smith (Press
Citizen); Lee Hermiston (Gazette); Nancy Bird (ICDD); Paul Brennan, Brad
Oglesby
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
Thomas moved to recommend the Tailwinds Group project to the full City Council.
Mims seconded the motion.
Motion carried 2-0, Salih absent.
Thomas moved to recommend support to the full City Council for the funding as presented to
the above four organizations.
Mims seconded the motion.
Motion carried 2-0, Salih absent.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order at 3:32 P.M. Chairperson Mims welcomed everyone and asked that
those present on the call introduce themselves as they present.
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE JULY 13, 2020, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE MEETING:
Minutes from the July meeting were reviewed.
Thomas moved to approve the minutes from the January 27, 2020, meeting as presented.
Mims seconded the motion.
The motion carried 2-0, Salih absent.
DISCUSS TAILWINDS PROPOSAL FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND REDEVELOPMENT
PROJECT ON SOUTH SIDE OF 100 BLOCK OF EAST COLLEGE STREET:
Ford began the discussion by giving a brief history of the Tailwinds proposal. She noted that since the
last meeting, the developer has refined the numbers, a financial analysis has been completed, and the
developers are requesting TIF financing for their project. The proposal is for a $54 million project, for
which the developers are seeking $12.25 million in TIF rebates. Ford noted five distinct public benefits
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 2
EDC minutes December 9, 2020 - U.2
PRELIMINARY
of the proposed project. Starting with historic preservation, the project would also help in activating
long -vacant storefronts, provide a new home for Riverside Theatre, build a LEED-Gold certified
apartment building, and contribute more than $1.8 million to the City's affordable housing fund. The
developer also proposes designating the Dooley and Crescent blocks as local historic landmarks and
making renovations and repairs to existing buildings. Ford noted that with the historic landmark
designations in place, those buildings cannot be demolished in the future. Regarding the former
Union Bar space, Ford noted that this commercial space would be reduced by more than 50% with the
elimination of the rear half of the building and would then be divided into smaller commercial spaces.
The former Fieldhouse Bar would also have about 50% of its rear commercial area eliminated. A
restaurant and a brewery are two businesses showing interest in the renovated spaces. A new home
for Riverside Theatre is being planned for the third and part of the second floor of the former Union
Bar space. Another key component to this project would be a 102-unit apartment building behind the
existing buildings, along the alley. This would be a LEED-Gold certified building, with nine floors of
apartments, over two floors of parking. Ford noted the building height would match that of the
Graduate Hotel to the east. Regarding the affordable housing component of the project, Ford stated
that Tailwind is seeks to pay the fee -in -lieu, which would amount to $1.8 million.
Ford reminded Members of the initial proposal presented in August 2019. Subsequently, in July 2020,
an updated version of the project was presenting prompting new questions by Members. Since that
time, staff has worked with the developers to address these questions while the National Development
Council, NDC, has conducted a financial gap analysis of the project. Following the gap analysis, Staff
negotiated with the developers for a maximum of $12.25 million in TIF rebates over 15 years, which
would service a $9 million financial gap loan developers would need to get the project built. Brandon
Smith with the Tailwinds Group then addressed Members. He spoke to some of the questions raised
at previous meetings, starting with the question of LEED certification and what level should be
achieved. Members had asked about cost between the levels of LEED and whether cost savings
could be found here. Initially, Tailwind proposed LEED Silver for the new building, then LEED
Platinum in July. While LEED Platinum is highly desirable, the cost savings by going with LEED Gold
were substantial.
Staff fielded questions from Members regarding how the TI F rebates would be handled, and also what
the reasonable rate of return would be. Fruin noted that the negotiated IRR, an indicator of return on
investment, would be 6.09%. Mims then spoke to her support of the project, noting that the benefits of
this project are quite numerous, with protection of the historic buildings being among them. She also
noted her excitement that Riverside Theatre will be an integral part of this project. Thomas agreed
that he too would be supporting this project. He noted the complexities involved in making a project of
this size and scope work.
Thomas moved to recommend the Tailwinds Group project to the full City Council.
Mims seconded the motion.
Motion carried 2-0, Salih absent.
ANNUAL SUPPORT FOR ARTS ORGANIZATIONS:
Ford noted that representatives from three non-profit arts organizations and an entrepreneurial
development organization would be speaking today. Ford stated that these organizations' funding
requests are staying the same, with Englert Theater at $50,000 for operations, and $20,000 for
Mission Creek and other festivals. Film Scene is requesting $25,000, along with $7,000 for a new film
festival this coming year. Riverside Theater's request is again $20,000. The Entrepreneurial
Development Center, or EDC, is requesting $25,000.
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 3
EDC minutes December 9, 2020 - U3
PRELIMINARY
Andre Perry with the Englert Theater was the first to speak. He noted the impact that COVID-19 has
had on their operations, essentially cutting their budget in half from $1.8 million to about $900,000.
Cuts have been made to staffing, as operations have shrunk during the pandemic. However, with
wide support, they have been able to stay afloat. Looking at the goals of the Englert, Perry noted that
preserving the Englert itself remains top on the list, along with serving the community, especially
during tough times such as these. With live performances canceled during the pandemic, the Englert
will continue to offer digital programming in the coming year.
Andrew Sherburne, with FilmScene spoke next. He said they had been so excited to have opened the
second location of FilmScene open last year, growing attendance from 3,700 per month to nearly
7,000 — almost doubling in the first six months. Sherburne then noted many of the programming
efforts that FilmScene has been able to undertake in the past year. FilmScene is planning to extend
their virtual offerings, like the Englert has.
Adam Knight with Riverside Theatre spoke next. He noted the expected increase in stability of
Riverside as they plan for their new home on the ped mall. He expressed what they hope to
accomplish with this project, noting that with the pandemic they have had to scrutinize their
operations. The popular free Shakespeare program is expected to be a six -week project in the
summer of 2021, versus two -weeks in length in 2018. Kate Markham with Riverside added that they
are working very hard at expanding their outreach efforts and community partnerships.
Lastly, Curt Nelson with the Entrepreneurial Development Center spoke to Members. He spoke to the
history of the EDC and the various businesses they have been able to help over the years. To date,
they have worked with approximately 111 businesses in Iowa City alone. He gave Members several
examples of businesses that the EDC has worked with locally. He also spoke to the pandemic and its
impacts to businesses throughout the area.
Thomas moved to recommend support to the full City Council for the funding as presented to
the above four organizations.
Mims seconded the motion.
Motion carried 2-0, Salih absent.
UPDATE ON SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE PROGRAM:
Kubly spoke to Members regarding the City's CDBG economic development funds. She stated that
after having difficulty getting qualified applicants, some revisions were made to the program. So far
nine applications have been received for this revised funding program, according to Kubly. She gave
a brief review of the status of those applicants.
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Hightshoe addressed Members on the building change program. She gave them a brief history of its
accomplishments, noting that they are currently at the end of this program, with no new funds
expected.
STAFF REPORT:
Hightshoe spoke briefly to the COVID assistance program staff recently launched. This program will
provide up to $15,000 in grants for businesses impacted by COVID-19. Ford then spoke to the
outreach that has started in the three urban renewal areas offering TIF funded energy efficiency
grants.
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 4
COMMITTEE TIME:
None.
OTHER BUSINESS:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Thomas moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:57 P.M.
Mims seconded the motion.
Motion carried 2-0, Salih absent.
EDC minutes December 9, 2020 - U.4
PRELIMINARY
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 5
EDC minutes December 9, 2020 - p.5
PRELIMINARY
Council Economic Development Committee
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2020
TERM
01/27/20
07/13/20
12/09120
Xz
NAME
EXR
Susan
01/02/22
X
X
X
Mims
Mazahir
01/02/22
X
X
O/E
Sal i h
John
01/02/22
X
X
X
Thomas
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 6
i r
CITY OF IOWA CITY
UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
CITY OF 1 O WA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: October 2 2021
To: Economic Development Committee
From: Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator
Re: Agenda item #3 — Consider budget recommendation for sponsorship of Entrefest
Introduction
Organizers of Entrefest, Iowa's business and innovation conference, have requested the City
support the next conference scheduled for downtown Iowa City in June 2022 with a $10,000
sponsorship. This sponsorship is intended to be one of many conference sponsorships in a mix
that include levels starting at $2,500 going up to $20,000. Jill Wilkins, COO of NewBoCo, has
noted that last year's conference in Cedar Rapids had six $10,000 sponsors, one at $7,500 and
five at $5,000.
History
Entrefest was started in 2008 by a coalition of individuals and organizations including the
University of Northern Iowa. It is designed to offer entrepreneurs, innovators and businesses
new ideas, new contacts and the energy that comes from gathering with like-minded individuals
and organizations.
Entrefest has been hosted in Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, where in 2014 and
2015, attendance grew to nearly 1,000. With the leadership for Entrefest now coming from
NewBoCo, in Cedar Rapids, there is renewed desire to move the conference around again. The
conference scheduled for June 2022 in Iowa City will be among the largest conferences for
entrepreneurs in Iowa and will also draw interest from neighboring states.
A sponsorship at the $10,000 level would afford the City several tangible benefits, such as a
prominent presence in conference materials, signage, and exhibit booth display areas at
conference general sessions. Additionally, the sponsorship would include 10 complementary
passes to conference activities, which we would use to make connections between the
entrepreneurial community and City government.
Support of this event is aligned with the City Council's Strategic Planning priority to promote a
strong and resilient local economy via strategies that include building stronger relations with
business owners throughout the community and developing programs aimed to enhance small
business development and retention.
Recommendation
Staff recommends approving the request for budgeting a $10,000 sponsorship of the June 2022
Entrefest conference in downtown Iowa City from the Community Development Assistance line.
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 7
TEST
City Council Economic Development Committee
Iowa City, Iowa
Oct 13, 2021
Dear Members of the EDC,
I am writing today to ask for the City of Iowa City's support for EntreFEST scheduled for June 9-10,
2022 in Iowa City. EntreFEST is one of the Midwest's leading entrepreneurship conferences and is
the largest gathering of Iowa's entrepreneurial community. It brings together corporate innovators,
high growth startup founders, innovative business leaders, software developers and ecosystem
builders for two days of high quality content and connections. After a hiatus, we are excited to bring
the event back to downtown Iowa City and the pedestrian mall. To ensure its success, we are looking
to the corridor community, municipalities and business leaders to help us make this a successful and
sustainable undertaking.
This event is a great opportunity to showcase Iowa City and the unique downtown offerings to the
roughly 500 attendees who come from across the state and region to attend EntreFEST. In addition,
it is an opportunity to support the many local businesses, provide additional educational
opportunities to area students and community members and provide a festive community event. As
part of the unique experience of EntreFEST and to encourage attendees to patronize local
businesses, the staff will be working with the Iowa City Downtown District staff to utilize local
businesses for all food, beverage and entertainment needs. In addition, ICAD, Iowa City Area
Business Partnership, Iowa City Downtown District, Englert Theater, Think IA City, University of Iowa
JPEC and Public Space One have all agreed to partner on the event with many members of their
staff serving on our planning team. It is important to the EntreFEST staff that those who attend the
event also experience the city and that we do this in partnership with and support from community
organizations and companies.
EntreFEST provides great value to our local and regional entrepreneurs and businesses by providing
a world -class experience for all involved. The staff looks forward to working with city staff and local
business and community members to make this event an impactful event for both attendees, the
Iowa City community and state as a whole.
We ask the City of Iowa City to support EntreFEST 2022 by considering a sponsorship at the $10,000
level. This level of support is consistent with the support given from other community municipalities
and is the same level asked of the City and granted in 2017. This support is essential in allowing us
to bring the event to the community and allows us to directly spend dollars in the city, support local
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 8
venues and businesses and not only leave a positive vibe and experience but positive economic
impact.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jill Wilkins
Chief Operating Officer
NewBoCo
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 9
�FEST
2022 SPONSORSHIP LEVELS + PERKS
EntreFEST is a two-day conference, celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation where
professionals at every level and from every background can come together, share ideas, and own their
success. Whether you're looking for brand placement, audience engagement or product integration, our
sponsorship packages offer a bit of something for everyone. However, becoming a sponsor of EntreFEST is
more than a marketing opportunity, it's about being a part of the community and an experience that will
resonate with you for long after the event. We invite you to join us as a sponsor to ignite your brand, engage
your mind, and power the future of entrepreneurship and innovation in Iowa and the Midwest.
TARGET AUDIENCE
• Small business owners
• High -growth startup founders and their teams
• Executives and employees leading innovation inside existing organizations
• Economic and community development professionals and grassroots startup community organizers
focused on building a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem in their area
• First-time entrepreneurs and people looking to start a business
• Side Hustlers
• Freelance entrepreneurs
• Investors
• Software developers, designers and IT professionals
• Students
EVENT STRUCTURE
• Conference + Celebration
• 50+ speakers, workshops, networking and important ecosystem meetings
Event Scholarships
In the fall of 2019, our staff created the EntreFEST Diversity & Inclusion Team to focus on increasing the
accessibility of our event and the diversity of speakers and attendees involved. We are proud of this
group's work and they have returned to continue moving our efforts forward for our 2022 event. Now, each
EntreFEST sponsor has the opportunity to offer scholarships in their company name to attendees who
might not otherwise be able to attend the event. Add on $1,000 to your event sponsorship and 8
scholarships will be provided in your company name. Sponsors may add on additional scholarships in
increments of $1,000.
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 10
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS + PERKS
ALL SPONSORSHIPS INCLUDE:
• Logo on EntreFEST.Com
• Listing in printed materials
• Listing on EntreFEST mobile app and web event platform
• Social media acknowledgement on Twitter & Facebook (in relation to your sponsorship)
• Marketing collateral included in the EntreKlT welcome packet
• Your brand is front and center for hundreds of EntreFEST influencers to promote on a national scale
• Complimentary tickets to the event (number based on sponsorship level)
HEADQUARTERS SPONSOR
$20,000
As our headquarters' sponsor, you will receive the highest visibility possible. You will be the first group of
people our in -person attendees interact with. With a speaking opportunity (and video promotion) at a
headlining event and seamless advertising exposure for your brand, you will be marketed at every turn as our
top promotional partner. Whether you're interested in a more traditional sponsorship package or a
customized plan to fit your brand and reach your target audience, the EntreFEST team is committed to
delivering a top-notch experience for you and your team. We look forward to brainstorming additional
sponsor activation opportunities with your team in addition to the benefits listed below.
• Speaking opportunity at one of our keynote sessions
• Opportunity to show company promotional video
• Branding in both our in -person and virtual headquarters
• Virtual Booth Space
• Highlighted logo placement in virtual event platform and app
• Branding on opening and closing keynote session screens
• Opportunity to create an interactive game for participants to play online or to be included in the
EntreKlT mailed to our virtual ticket holders
• Opportunity to include note or light -weight item in the EntreKlT to be sent to all virtual ticket holders
and given to in -person attendees
• Opportunity to offer ticket scholarships (see above)
• Includes (15) complimentary conference passes (valued at up to $5,250)
• 25% discount on all additional passes
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 11
CELEBRATION SPONSOR
$10, 000
As a Celebration Sponsor, you will be associated with the parties and fun elements of the event, and all
EntreFEST attendees are invited! You'll have the opportunity to create a branded experience and come
together with attendees for an unforgettable evening. Our past sponsors have done things like virtual reality
demos, photo booths, art in the alleyway, chair massages and ice cream/beer floats. No other event offers the
intimate exposure you'll get at EntreFEST—access to both the next generation, senior executives and leaders
throughout the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Get excited to connect with captivated EntreFEST attendees with
this custom celebration sponsorship. We look forward to brainstorming additional sponsor activation
opportunities with your team in addition to the benefits listed below. Cheers!
• Highlighted logo placement in virtual event platform and app
• Opportunity to host both an in -person and virtual party (happy hour, themed meetup, dance parry,
etc)
• Branding on opening and closing screens associated with your sponsor activation moments and in
venue
• Opportunity to include note or light -weight item in the EntreKlT to be sent to all virtual ticket holders
and given to in -person attendees
• Opportunity to offer ticket scholarships (see above)
• Includes (10) complimentary conference passes (valued at up to $3,500)
• 25% discount on all additional passes
• We will cover up to $500 CAD towards your engagement idea
TRACK SPONSOR
$7,500 (entrepreneurship & software development tracks still available)
Put your brand at the forefront of a specific selection of the EntreFEST audience with our Track Sponsorship.
Choose between our Entrepreneur, Innovator and Developer tracks and we'll focus your sponsor activation
around those content areas and audiences. We look forward to brainstorming additional sponsor activation
opportunities with your team in addition to the benefits listed below.
• Opportunity to showcase company material (i.e. video or other collateral) to share at the start of
track specific sessions
• Company logo on screen at the beginning and conclusion of each track specific session
• Mention by room host at the beginning of each track specific session
• Opportunity to include note or light -weight item in the EntreKlT to be sent to all virtual ticket holders
and given to in -person attendees
• Opportunity to offer ticket scholarships (see above)
• Includes (5) complimentary conference passes (valued at up to $1,750)
• 25% discount on all additional passes
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 12
VENUE SPONSOR
$5000
A venue sponsor allows you the perfect opportunity to showcase new products and services, generate leads
and expand brand awareness. With a purposefully low attendee -to -speaker ratio it will be easy to pick the
brain of attendees, speakers and make one-on-one connections in your selected event space (first come, first
served). Your brand will be the center of attention within your designated venue (includes verbal recognition
before each session and an opportunity to address the audience and promote your brand). Don't miss out on
the chance to serve as the exclusive sponsor of one of our in -person venues in addition to a virtual room.
• Opportunity to showcase company material in your venue and virtual room.
• Company logo on screen at the beginning and conclusion of each session in your venue and virtual
room
• Opportunity to have staff representatives serve as the room host for your venue or company
mentioned by event staff at the beginning of each track specific session
• Opportunity to welcome participants at sessions corresponding to the selected venue
• Opportunity to had out collateral or an item in your venue or include virtual coupon to room
attendees
• Opportunity to offer ticket scholarships (see above)
• Includes (3) complimentary conference passes (valued at up to $1125)
• 25% discount on all additional passes
WAYFINDING SPONSOR
$2500
Our wayfinding sponsorship allows you the perfect opportunity to showcase your brand throughout the
general EntreFEST venue. As attendees walk from venue to venue and throughout the neighborhood, your
brand will be the center of attention and help our attendees find their way. Don't miss out on the chance to
be one of the exclusive sponsors of one of Cedar Rapids' premier events.
• Branding on all EntreFEST in -person and virtual wayfinding
• Opportunity to offer ticket scholarships (see above)
• Includes (2) complimentary conference passes (valued at up to $750)
• 25% discount on all additional passes
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 13
SURPRISE SPONSOR
$2500
EntreFEST attendees will come alive when the surprises start to arrive. No boring networking events here!
Becoming a Surprise Sponsor is the sure way to make face-to-face contact with EntreFEST attendees.
Whether you're interested in sponsoring an afternoon snack, a DJ or band or a local comedy act, this
sponsorship level is designed to surprise and delight. During the surprise of your choice (first come, first
served), your brand will be front and center. It should come as no surprise that you'll be amid all the action.
This means more awareness, more dialogue and more fun! We look forward to brainstorming additional
sponsor activation opportunities with your team in addition to the benefits listed below.
• Special sponsor activation moment for all attendees to enjoy
• Branding at and during surprise and delight moment
• Opportunity to offer ticket scholarships (see above)
• Includes (2) complimentary conference passes (valued at up to $750)
• 25% discount on all additional passes
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 14
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: October 21, 2021
To: Economic Development Committee
From: Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator
Re: Agenda item #4
Introduction
The Entrepreneurial Development Center, Inc. more familiarly known as EDC, Inc. was
incorporated in 2003 with a mission to improve the economic vitality of the region through the
creation and growth of high -impact, scalable entrepreneurial businesses. While based in Cedar
Rapids, they serve businesses on both ends of the 1-380 corridor and have success stories to tell
of Iowa City businesses they have helped. The EDC is requesting continued funding in the amount
of $25,000 for FY22.
History of City funding
Fiscal Year
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Entrepreneurial
Development Mr.
6,250
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
EDC, Inc.'s work focuses on enabling high potential businesses to grow and thrive. Curt Nelson,
President and CEO, has developed a "recipe for business success" which EDC uses in guiding
business growth. The recipe calls for six ingredients including marketing, development, sales,
operations, information technology and finance. EDC's approach is to ensure that clients have
the right amount of each. They gain an understanding of the client's needs and provide expertise
by building strategic networks for their clients. They are also well connected to financial resources
for their clients.
Iowa City has spent the last several years building a community that fosters entrepreneurs. We
assisted in getting the CoLab started and have followed that with strong support of MERGE.
Now we are working with another group to provide incubation services to BIPOC-owned
businesses. These operations have proven critical to early stage support to some very
successful, highly scalable companies. Fostering a culture of entrepreneurship takes a lot of
effort from a lot of organizations -- ICAD, the UI Small Business Development Center, the City,
the Business Partnership, regional collaborations and organizations such as EDC, Inc. to
provide the support necessary to a healthy and growing entrepreneurial community.
Recommendation
Staff recommends budgeting the requested amount for FY23 from the Community Development
Assistance line.
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 15
ra edc
Accelt;........j Iowa Business
October 27. 2021
City Council Economic Development Committee c/o Wendy Ford
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Wendy & Committee,
For the past 18 years, EDC has been actively engaged in the creation and growth of high -impact
businesses in the Iowa City — Cedar Rapids Corridor. Over this time the 1,200+ businesses supported
by EDC have created over $3.8 billion in economic development impact. In the past year, EDC
invested time directly in Iowa City working with the companies listed below. Exciting for Iowa City in
the past year was the expansion of Viewpoint Molecular Targeting office space on Mormon Trek Blvd.
And, the acquisition of Pear Deck created a significant amount of local investor and founder wealth. I
will speak to both of these when I am with you on October 271h.
Company Raised Capital Created Jobs in 2021
Pear De No--= Yes (20+)
Oasis (Hummus) No No (pandemic related)
TLA MD No 11111L_ No (p�elated)
Graze Analytics No No
EDC's engagement in Iowa City and the related area has been significant and consistent year after
year. EDC is an active partner of the University of Iowa, working on the commercialization of
University technology development. EDC also works with JPEC and the Venture School toward this
same goal. EDC is an active partner of ICAD, helping with ED recruitment activities when applicable.
During the pandemic, EDC engaged with ICAD to help specific businesses most impacted.
The funds needed to support EDC operations come from over 120 public and private supporters. Our
largest public supporters include the City of Cedar Rapids ($75,000 / year) and the State of Iowa
($100,000 / year). The Cities of Coralville ($20,000), Hiawatha ($12,000), and North Liberty ($10,000)
also provide annual support. A majority of EDC's funding comes from supporters outside of Johnson
County so it is very important to the growing number of entrepreneurs in Iowa City / Johnson County
that EDC maintain / grow the amount of support provided. To that end, EDC is requesting continued
support from the City of Iowa City in the same amount ($25,000) for fiscal year 2023.
Thank you very much for your continued support.
sin c I
fAdV
Cu Nelrt n
EDC Inc. - 230 2"a Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 - www.edeine.org - 319-369-4955
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 16
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: October 20, 2021
To: Economic Development Committee
From: Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator
Re: Agenda item #5
Annual updates and request for continued funding from Englert Theater, Film Scene,
and Riverside Theatre and the UNESCO City of Literature
Introduction
The City has provided financial support for several organizations over the years that align with
stated Strategic Planning Priorities. Each year, they seek your recommendation to City Council
to be included in the upcoming (FY23) budget under the Community Development Assistance
line.
Our arts community has played a major role in advancing social justice, racial equity, and human
rights with events programming throughout the year. We regularly invite the leadership of these
organizations to provide an update on their operations and offer information supporting a request
for continued financing. Following this memo in your packet, you will find letters of request and
additional information from each of the organizations, who request the same amount of funding
as approved last year:
• Englert operations $50,000; signature festivals (Mission Creek) $20,000
• Film Scene $25,000 and $7,000 for the new Refocus Film festival if it can be held
• Riverside Theatre $20,000 and
• UNESCO City of Literature $60,000
10 years of funding history
Fiscal Year
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Englert Theater&
Signature festivals
50,000
9,000
50,000
9,000
50,000
12,500
70,000
12,500
70,000
20,000
50,000
20,000
50,000
20,000
50,000
20,000
50,000
20,000
50,000
20,000
Film Scene &
ReFocus Film Festival
35,000
25,000
15,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
7,000
25,000
7,000
Riverside Theatre
30,000
25,000
20,000
$0
16,500
15,000
20,000
20,000
20,000
20,000
UNESCO City of
Literature
50,000
10,000
60,000
60,000
60,000
60,000
60,000
60,000
60,000
60,000
60,000
Englert Theater is requesting $50,000 for the operation of the theater and $20,000 for its
signature festivals including Mission Creek Festival and Witching Hour for FY23. The City has
supported the theater since it was purchased and renovated in 2004, saving Iowa City's last
historic theater. In 2009, the City began providing annual financial assistance in the amount of
$50,000. For two years, the City provided an additional $20,000 in matching grants for capital
improvements.
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 17
October 20, 2021
Page 2
This past year, the timing of the pandemic and closing of the theater was such that long -planned
historic renovations were able to be completed without interruption of programming. Construction
and rehab included roof repair, interior brick work, fagade and window preservation, second floor
renovations and the full restoration of the iconic Englert marquee. The City's commitment to the
capital campaign for this project was $1 million and features the restoration of the marquee,
completed in December 2020.
Festivals operated by the Englert have gained national attention, enhancing Iowa City's position
as a well-known creative hub of music, literary, and culinary arts. Both Mission Creek Festival and
the Witching Hour have hosted thousands of people in multiple locations in and around downtown,
featuring hundreds of performers, many of whom were Iowa -based. Mission Creek provides a
venue for Iowa artists to be exposed to national attention and for nationally recognized artists to
gain an Iowa audience while the Witching Hour, a newer festival, is dedicated to the creative
process, exploration of the unknown and the presentation of new creative works. Between the
two, the resulting coverage increases Iowa's presence in the national scene and Iowa City as the
cultural center of the upper Midwest. For the festivals, the Englert is requesting the same amount,
$20,000, as recent years.
Film Scene, Iowa City's independent downtown movie theater is requesting $25,000 in funding
for FY23. Film Scene has become a mainstay in the arts and culture scene in Iowa City. When
corporate theaters closed years ago, an entertainment void remained at a time when alcohol
consumption downtown had become problematic. Film Scene opened in a historic building that
previously been home to one of Iowa City's largest college bars.
Film Scene is planning to emerge from the pandemic with a new film festival, ReFocus, when it
is safe to hold film festivals in person. Film Scene requests that the $7,000 approved in the last
two years (but has not been spent yet due to covid) be budgeted for FY23 in the event the festival
can be held in person in 2023.
Riverside Theatre (RT) is also requesting a continuation of last year's funding amount of
$20,000. The theater has been a staple of the cultural scene in Iowa City for more than 30 years.
At virtually the same time a lease renewal was ruled out at the Gilbert St. location, the Tailwind
Group presented an opportunity to become an anchor in a historic preservation/redevelopment
project on College Street and plans began to take shape for a new home. A brand-new RT is
under construction today.
For decades, the theater has offered year-round programming and a run of Shakespeare in the
Park on the Festival Stage in Lower City Park since 2000. For several years now, Shakespeare
in the Park has been presented to the community at no charge. The City has a long history of
helping to ensure this cultural asset remains strong. RT will continue to offer Shakespeare
outdoors on the Festival Stage for free. The free outdoor event helps to build the theater audience
and awareness of the theatre's now full year of indoor productions. The public benefit of offering
free theater on a public stage in lower City Park benefits parts of the community where theater is
in accessible while doubling as a strategy to benefit RT's financial stability.
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 18
October 20, 2021
Page 3
UNESCO City of Literature the organization whose mission it is to celebrate and support
literature on a local, regional, national and international level, connecting readers and writers
through the power of story since 2008 is requesting $60,000. The funding provides $50,000 for
City of Literature operations and $10,000 for the Iowa City Book Festival.
The City of Literature presents The Iowa City Book Festival in October and the One Book Two
Book Children's Literature Festival in February, and several other significant programs every year.
These two main festivals moved online during the pandemic, while MusicIC, and it's focus on the
intersection between music and literature, was abbreviated from larger concert performances to
solos and accompaniments for story time.
The attached report highlights the activities of the City of Literature's past year with insight into
how the pandemic changed the way the operation served the community.
Recommendation
Staff recommends budgeting the requested amounts for FY23 from the Community Development
Assistance line.
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 19
October 27, 2021
Economic Development Committee:
Thank you for your ongoing support of The Englert Theatre. The impact of the funding can be felt in the cultural
experiences we produce, the work we're doing to support the local arts economy, and our commitment to positive
community growth through the arts.
Consistent with historical support, we request funding in the amount of $70,000 (consisting of $50,000 general
operational support and $20,000 festival support) for consideration in City of Iowa City budget for fiscal year 2023.
Having the financial and philosophical support of the City will be crucial to our continued success as we reopen our
doors and bring the community back downtown to celebrate arts and culture.
Although we continue to navigate the financial and cultural effects of the ongoing pandemic, we're excited to welcome
the public back into our historic space. It goes without saying that the last two years have been difficult financially.
However, we utilized the time that we were closed to ensure that our organization was prepared for the next stage of
innovation, operational soundness, and growth. With the City's partnership, we're confident that the future of The
Englert and the Iowa City Arts is bright.
Enclosed, you'll find an our newly revised operational tenets, impact report, and our financial update. We appreciate
your consideration of our funding request.
With gratitude,
John Schickedanz
Executive Director
ENGLERT.ORG 1 221 E. WASHINGTON ST. 1 319.688.2653
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 20
OPERATIONAL TENETS
(Revised 2021)
A. Mission
To inspire and activate positive community growth through the arts
B. Vision
A world that values the arts as essential to life, community, and culture
C. Values
Preservation: Preserving Iowa City s last historic theater, The Englert Theatre, and the history of the building and the
land on which it stands.
Innovation: Developing programs and policies that create meaningful experiences for artists, the community, and
staff.
Evolution: Examining our actions, principles, and place in the community on an ongoing basis.
D. Programmatic Mission
Englert programming embraces the familiar and seeks out the unknown — valuing artistry that is traditional, avant-
garde, popular, underground, emerging, established, local, and far-reaching.
Driven by our core values, we facilitate cultural expression from a range of identities and are dedicated to improving
access to the arts.
We play an active role in producing, presenting, and promoting the arts in our community.
Our core competencies lie in music, literature, and multi -disciplinary performing arts programs.
While much of our work occurs in our historic theater, we prioritize finding the right space for every program and
develop meaningful partnerships with other organizations, communities, and venues in our surrounding area.
Our everyday programming --shows, rentals, partnerships --serves as a platform for national touring arts and culture
groups as well as local and statewide artists.
Our fully-curated programs — Mission Creek Festival, Witching Hour, and Wavelength — are free from the ebbs and
flows of touring calendars and most closely embody our core values. These events represent a financial investment in
our mission directly sustained by the board of directors through an allocation of funds in our annual budget.
Mission Creek Festival: (to produce) a nationally -recognized, locally -adored festival that celebrates independent
expression in music and literature in an intimate, communal setting
Wavelength encourages deeper learning through the arts for all ages via arts education workshops and
conversations with critical and cultural thinkers.
Witching Hour, a festival -style project of Wavelength, is a platform for artists, arts workers, and curious minds
to unravel the subtext of who we are (our culture) and an opportunity to design who we might become.
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 21
IMPACT REPORT
The last two calendar years represent an anomaly in our ability to connect with the community as a result of the
pandemic. As a result, the figures below represent our impact in 2019. In a typical year, our combined programming
serves over 99,000 patrons with a combined economic impact of $4,836,014.
Our annual programs include:
50+ Englert-presented events at our historic theater
50+ Rentals and collaborations with area partners
• 60+ Englert-presented events at other venues in Iowa City
Plus these special events:
Mission Creek Festival: Music & Literature
• Witching Hour: multidisciplinary festival
• Acting Out!: Youth theater arts education
• Iowa City Downtown Block Parry (mainstage booking)
• North Liberty Blues & BBQ (mainstage booking)
During the pandemic, we continued to deliver on our mission with these programs:
32 fully -produced performances delivered virtually
• 1 monthly virtual talk show exploring arts and arts education
• 60 episodes of Best Show Ever, our weekly podcast
• 20 episodes of the Writers of Color Reading Series podcast
• 4 installments of Mission Creek Summer Sessions, outdoor performances
• Mission Creek Duos, a full virtual festival celebrating music and literature
• Witching Hour Festival
• Ghost Creek, our first feature film
• Iowa City Downtown Block Party (mainstage booking)
• North Liberty Blues & BBQ (booking and streaming)
• Acting Out! Youth Acting Camp
Through these programs, we were able to support over 200 local artists to ensure that the arts culture in Iowa City
survived the pandemic.
Through student pricing, virtual programming, and off site programming we were able to continue our efforts to
increase access to the arts within the community.
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 22
FINANCIAL UPDATE
While we attempted to maintain staffing for as long as possible through the pandemic, we were ultimately forced to
make the difficult decision to lay off the majority of our 60 person staff. Since then, federal and local funding has
become available that has sustained our organization while we were without earned revenue. As funding sources have
opened up, we've begun the re -hiring process and are currently operating at nearly pre -pandemic levels of staffing.
We anticipate ongoing volatility in the performing arts industry over the neat 18 months and will set aside a portion
of the funds we've received to mitigate future risk associated with the effects of the pandemic.
To date: we've received the following funding opportunities representing $1,614,550 in total funding:
• Paycheck Protection Plan 1(PPP): $134,500
• Paycheck Protection Plan 2 (PPP): $134,500
• Shuttered Venues Operators Grant 1 (SVOG): $550,867
• Shuttered Venues Operators Grant 2 (SVOG): $342,683
• Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)*: $150,000
• National Endowment for the Arts Grant 1(NEA): $ 50,000
• National Endowment for the Arts Grant 2 (NEA): $150,000
• Cultural Leadership Partner Grant (CLP): $20,000
• Iowa Arts Council Grant 1(IAC): $62,000
• Iowa Arts Council Grant 2 (IAC): $20,000
*requires repayment
I've included the following reports to further clarify our current financial position:
Historical Financial Performance (2011 - 2020 Income Statement)
• 2021 Budget Review
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 23
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Income
Contributed
PPP
of Iowa
Events
Income
Total Income
Events - Mill
Events - Off site
Festivals
Rental Events
Non -Operating (Interest)
Total Expenses
Profit/(Loss)
Events Margin
Events % Margin
Englert Civic Theatre, Inc.
2021 Budget Review
2019 Actual
2020 Actual
2021 Budget
192,717
273,214
207,104
122,742
92,537
100,157
26,000
230,000
25,000
269,000
70,000
70,000
70,000
892,336
226,332
19,930
17,379
3,236
-
137,703
2,763
-
130,584
3,820
16,345
103,157
15,830
1 13,137
119,135
20,251
41,070
74,961
74,961
-
1,886,714
992,944
761,743
59,146
52,220
61,501
68,713
42,250
20,070
75,522
66,679
64,220
35,083
22,696
21,194
609,258
507,691
470,916
711,698
139,935
25,404
13,153
2,834
-
75,362
-
-
250,077
60,547
50,100
3,988
163
-
19,177
16,845
14,467
1,921,177
931,860
727,872
(34,463)1
81,084
33,871
247,204
89,562
(5,474)
24%
1 39%
-27%
2021 Sep YTD
Actual 1)
2021 Sep YTD
Budget 2)
1) -2) Variance
210,449
113,028
97,421
86,786
94,398
(7,612)
20,000
25,000
(5,000)
269,000
134,500
134,500
550,868
-
550,868
70,000
70,000
-
43,882
15,430
28,452
1,535
-
1,535
23,792
-
23,792
27,609
11,345
16,264
27,572
9,537
18,035
30,816
9,570
21,246
1,362,309
482,808
879,501
54,961
46,675
8,286
20,921
15,462
5,459
47,699
46,991
708
34,014
11,469
22,545
374,463
346,491
27,972
62,166
19,104
43,062
3,502
-
3,502
75,407
37,600
37,807
1,609
-
1,609
10,997
10,867
130
685,739
534,659
151,080
676,570
(51,851)
72SAU
3,541
(3,674)
7,215
5%
-24%
13%
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 25
REFOCUS
FILM FESTIVAL
FilmScene
CITY FUNDING REQUEST
October 27, 2021
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 26
FILM
SCENE
October 27, 2021
City of Iowa City Economic Development Committee,
Thank you for your consistent annual support of FilmScene and our mission to build community and enrich the
cultural vitality of the Iowa City area through film that challenges, inspires, educates and entertains.
The last 18 months have been an incredible challenge for everyone, including the arts sector. Thankfully, the
support of Iowa Citians, and local, state and federal government have kept us strong. We still see a bright future.
As we work towards that future, your support will help sustain us. We have rehired and trained a staff of 26 and
we are proudly operating 365-days-a-year, again. This nightly vibrancy is unique in our downtown and essential to
mending the communal arts fabric that is integral to our city's health and prosperity.
Still, financial challenges abound. As mentioned, our staff and facility expenses are on par with pre -pandemic
norms, but revenue is not. Attendance is building back up, but remains at only 50% of 2019 numbers on a
per -screen basis. New federal grant programs are not anticipated. Again, your support is crucial to filling the aap.
Anticipating a return to robust attendance in the year ahead, we calculate, using data from Americans for the Arts
and the Art House Convergence, that our 72,000 estimated moviegoers will have an $2.2 Million economic impact
on our local economy in the next fiscal year. The arts are crucial to our economy.
Beyond providing jobs in the arts and creating a nightly impact on our downtown, FilmScene has recently:
• Renovated our original Ped Mall location to ensure its vibrancy for years to come;
• Partnered with Iowa City Parks & Recreation to launch FilmScene in the Park, a free -to -the -public outdoor
cinema series that served more than 3500 community members in 2021;
Embarked on a new strategic planning initiative and arts access survey to ensure we serve all populations
in our growing and diversifying community, expanding on important existing initiatives like:
o Reel Representation, spotlighting underrepresented perspectives of female and non -binary artists;
o Our African Diaspora committee, which works to support films from the African, African American
and Black filmmaking diaspora;
o Weekly Open Caption screenings to serve the deaf and hard of hearing community;
o A new community partnership program to deepen impactful collaborations with other nonprofits and
community groups.
Consistent with the City of Iowa City's past stated support, and in recognition of our future impact despite the
challenges of the moment, FilmScene is requesting approval of a $25,000 annual contribution for operational
support in 2022, and a $7,500 commitment to the launch of our proposed, but delayed, film festival.
The City of Iowa City's financial and advisory support has been critical to our sustained growth and we are deeply
appreciative of your continued advice, support and encouragement for FilmScene and the arts in Iowa City. We
are deeply grateful for this remarkable community we call home.
With gratitude,
Andrew Sherburne,
FilmScene Cofounder and Executive Director
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 27
Contents
Financial and Growth Review — FilmScene
1. 2018-2020 Multi -Year Financial History
2. 2021 Year -to -Date
3. 2022 Forecast
4. Attendance and Membership Figures
ReFocus Festival Regod
1. Festival Intent
2. 2020 Inaugural Budget
FILM
SCENE
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 28
PROFIT/LOSS STATEMENT
INCOME
Contributed Income
Membership
Individual Giving
Sponsorship & Special Events
Grants
City of Iowa City
Contributed Income
Pandemic Relief Income
COVID-19 Relief Funds
Operational Income
Programming
Concessions
Festival
Other
Sales Tax
Operational Income
Total Income
Expense
Facilities
Staffing
Programming
Operations
Festival
Education
Other
Total Expense
Operating Profit/(Loss)
FILMSCENE
2018 2019 2020
$155,985
$220,749
$112,320
47,074
32,843
97,738
69,597
62,116
37,486
22,500
24,763
22,184
25,000
25,000
25,000
$320,156
$365,471
$294,728
$-
$-
$164,900
377,339
409,393
128,545
187,762
200,108
103,026
64,950
78,285
65,297
-37,390
-39,732
-19,126
$592,661
$648,054
$277,742
$912,817
$1,013,524
$737,370
$92,042
$128,627
$213,324
344,824
459,100
387,286
224,129
261,858
105,787
125,167
153,559
120,154
23,660
39,945
17,152
9,101
9,642
2,761
$818,923
$1,052,730
$846,463
$93,894
-$39,206
-$109,094
2021 2022
Sep YTD Sep YTD
Budget Actual Budget Forecast
$190,422 $129,030 $106,584 $253,861
43,077 24,401 23,851 I I 43,044
46,000 26,100 36,750 I I 63,500
28,000 23,000 23,000 I I 21,000
25,000 25,000 25,000 I I 30,000
$332,498 $227,531 $215,185 I I $411,405
II
$- $447,572 $- $-
II
II
392,511 112,867 203,932 662,192
196,811 75,506 97,890 I I 351,851
90,000
119,798 54,808 87,348 I I 108,089
-36,413-13,277-17,828 I I-67,066
$672,706 $229,904 $371,342 I I$1,145,066I
$1,005,204 $905,007 $586,527 $1,556,471
II
$245,296 $180,635 $178,087 $331,204
532,964 326,442 373,094 I I 651,786
240,634 74,674 123,942 I I 370,094
177,098 91,497 109,665 I I 240,244
90,000
26,148 25,142 24,903 I I 28,450
12,506 2,238 8,085 I I 10,000
I$1,234,646 $700,628 $817,776 I I$1,721,777I
-$229,442 $204,379-$231,249-$165,306
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 29
F'LM�SCENE
Attendance and Membership Growth
Attendance — Membership
60,000
40,000
20,000
A
2000
1500
[DON
500
0
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020* 2021* 2022**
Economic Impact
$2,500,000.00
$2,000,000.00
a $1,500,000.00
E
U
E
°co $1,000,000.00
U
W
$500,000.00
$0.00
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020* 2021* 2022**
Pandemic impacted year
Projected data
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 30
FILM
SCENE
REFOCUS
FILM FESTIVAL
YEAR ONE
Anticipated dates: Fall 2022 or 2023 depending on Public Health situation
Anticipated attendance: 1,000 unique attendees / 2,000+ admissions
Pandemic Impact: FilmScene announced the introduction of the Refocus Film Festival in spring of 2020, but due
to pandemic setbacks, the launch of the festival has been indefinitely delayed. Our intention is to launch the
program when the public health situation provides enough certainty that we can confidently bring people together,
in person, to experience a shared celebration of cinema. We will make a decision about the possibility of
launching in 2022 in the spring of 2022.
Description: The Refocus Film Festival is a two-day festival that celebrates the art of adaptation. Through
thoughtfully curated short and feature film programming, multidisciplinary performances by local artists, and
opportunities to make personal and professional connections, Refocus brings to Iowa City a vibrant, wholly unique
annual festival that spotlights source material —literature, journalism, photography, stage production, music,
comedy, podcasts and more —and presents its evolution of voice, perspective and medium. At Refocus, lenses
shift and stories are retold.
Mission: As an annual festival, Refocus exists to celebrate the art of adaptation, and explores the relationships
between art forms, evolution to the big screen, and the conversations that creates between artistic voices.
Refocus is a home for storytellers of all kinds, an immersive experience for visiting filmmakers and local artists
alike to leave their mark on the audience in new ways.
Vision: Refocus strives to be a unique festival in the national landscape, dedicated to the art of adaptation, and
one that is authentically Iowa City. By embracing our rich literary and artistic communities and our ever-growing
cinematic scene, Refocus balances its programming by spotlighting local artists alongside visitors to our town, a
city of literature aspiring to be the greatest small city for the arts.
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 31
FILMSCENE
REFOCUS
FILM FESTIVAL
This budget is in addition to FilmScene's regular operations
Refocus Draft Budget
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Revenue
Ticket sales
$11,358
$12,494
$20,444
Pass sales
$7,500
$11,250
$16,500
Concessions
$8,000
$12,000
$16,000
Other revenue
$1,000
$2,000
$5,000
Sponsorship
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
Additional grant funding
$5,000
$7,500
$10,000
City of Iowa City request
$7,500
$10,000
$12,000
Film entries
$0
$6,000
$8,000
TOTAL REVENUE
$49,858
$75,244
$107,944
Expenses
Programming & engagement
$12,000
$15,000
$20,000
Festival staff
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
Marketing & outreach
$5,000
$7,500
$10,000
Infrastructure (signage, tech)
$8,000
$4,000
$2,000
Administrative staff
$20,000
$20,000
$25,000
Artist travel & hospitality
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
Other expenses (merch, printing)
$5,000
$7,000
$9,000
Documentation & photography
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
TOTAL EXPENSES
$70,500
$90,500
$118,500
NET I (LOSS)
($20,642)
($15,256)
($10,556)
In -kind asks
$20,000
$20,000
$20,000
NET I (LOSS) after in -kind
($642)
$4,744
$9,444
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 32
308 E Burlington St. #304
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 887-1360
info@riversidetheatre.org
www.riversidetheatre.org
October 19, 2021
Wendy Ford
Economic Development Coordinator
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Wendy,
Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with our Producing
Artistic Director, Adam Knight and I last week to discuss Riverside
Theatre's operation and needs in the upcoming season.
We would like to request that the City consider $20,000 in funding
for Riverside Theatre for its FY 2023 budget.
This support will help sustain Riverside Theatre through its full -year
season in our new home in the heart of downtown, in addition to
providing a financial foundation for Free Shakespeare in Lower City
Park. It continues to be our fervent belief that accessible, inclusive
theatre is a keystone component to a thriving artistic community, and
an essential part of what makes Iowa City such a vibrant and
enriching place to live.
The attached pages briefly describe our current and upcoming plans,
including our increased programming, new state-of-the-art facility,
and continued dedication to increasing representation onstage.
Thank you for considering this request. We're grateful for the City's
longtime support of Riverside Theatre.
If you have any questions or would like to meet again to review
specifics, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Aaron Stonerook
Development Director
Riverside Theatre
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 33
RIVERSIDE THEATRE
FUNDING REQUEST
October 2021
Executive Summary
Riverside Theatre is requesting renewed support from the City of Iowa City in the amount of $20,000 for
the City's upcoming FY2023. This amount matches the amount requested and granted in each of the last
four fiscal years. Continued funding would provide much -needed mission support in a moment of great
transition and growth within our organization.
Riverside responded to the challenges of the pandemic with an ambitious slate of virtual productions over
the 2020/21 season, along with two full Shakespeare productions in Lower City Park in summer 2021.
The Winter's Tale and The Comedy of Errors saw record attendance, with 4,389 attendees across all
demographics, nearly 50% of whom had never before attended a Free Shakespeare production.
Riverside's professional classical productions, free from financial barriers to entry, are a cornerstone of
the vibrant cultural scene that makes Iowa City stand out as a regional leader in the arts. City funding
continues to be essential in narrowing the gap between rising expenses for these productions and the
concessions and donations revenue received in the Park.
Other highlights from the 2020/21 "pandemic season" included a multilingual and multi -faceted Sonnet
Project, 23 filmed original monologues, and a virtual Shakespeare -centered educational web series.
2020/21 Season Hiahliahts
Attendance Summary
- Seven fully -produced virtual productions streamed by 8,734 patrons.
- Two Free Shakespeare productions in Lower City Park, serving 4,389 attendees with no financial
barrier to entry
Increased Employment, Diversity, and Gender Parity
Onstage, Riverside maintained gains over the last three seasons in diversity, moving from 6% BIPOC
actors in 2017-18, to 23% in 2018-19, to 27% in 2019-20, and 28% in 2020-21. Full productions by
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 34
BIPOC playwrights in each year were: 2017-18: O; 2018-19: I, 2019-20: 2; 2020-21 : 2. Additionally,
Riverside commissioned 8 new monologues by BIPOC artists for our "Walking the Wire" series.
In 2021/22, 45% of performers were men; 53% were women; 3% were non -binary or gender
nonconforming.
Education
- Moved Will Power Shakespeare education program entirely online, allowing access for teachers
and students in both in -person and remote learning environments.
Free Shakespeare
- Produced two shows for the first time in years
- 4,389 attendees
- Audience surveys indicate that around 50% of attendees were attending Free Shakespeare for the
fast time
Crescent Block Theatre and Staff Increases
Building on that success, the theatre's 2021/22 season will include the world premiere of a new play,
partnerships with other Iowa City non-profit organizations, and our first musical in nearly 10 years.
Riverside Theatre is poised to be a catalyst for a sea change in the Iowa City performing arts scene - with
a new location, more performances, and substantial room for growth.
On February 4th, 2022, Riverside will open the world premiere of Eden Prairie, 1971 by Mat Smart: the
first full production in the new state-of-the-art Crescent Block Theatre in the heart of the Ped Mall. This
project, made possible because of Tax Increment Financing provided by the City, will house seven full
productions in most seasons, along with special events such as cabaret performances, new play readings,
and improv. Riverside will go from producing 100 nights of programming annually to producing 150
nights of programming, all in a block downtown where performing arts currently has no outlet.
This growth carries with it the possibility of increasing earned revenue as a percentage of overall revenue.
In 2018/19 (the last full season pre-COVID), earned revenue comprised only 40% of Riverside's total
revenue. While this percentage is not rare in the not -for -profit theatre industry — and is specifically driven
by Riverside's commitment to free summer programming -- Riverside aims for a more versatile revenue
stream while also increasing the numbers of our patrons in this new phase of operations.
Growth like this carries risks and structural needs. Two new staff positions with benefits have been
created in 2021/22 to accommodate this growth: 1) an Artistic Associate position (24 hours/week) to help
grow and diversify programming; and 2) a House Manager (full-time) to serve as primary front -of -house
liaison for patrons. (Previously, House Managers were hired on an hourly, show -by show basis and
averaged 12 hours per week.) These salaried positions will further professionalize the patron and artistic
experience, while growing the number of artistic administration jobs within our City.
2
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 35
2021/22 Season Goals and Highlights
Goals
- Maintain and expand gender parity and diversity in all roles and positions
- Extend operations from 100 nights per year to 150
- Increase staffing to account for extended operations
Local Arts Partnerships
- Iowa City Book Festival (The Grand Inquisitor)
- FilmScene (Eden Prairie, 1971 - tentative cross programming)
Increased Student Attendance
- Continue to offer steeply discounted student tickets for students of all ages.
- Reach out to local schools of all levels to ensure that students are aware of programming and
ticket availability
- Provide free performances for high schoolers for all age -appropriate productions
Eden Prairie 1971
- Opening in February, Eden Prairie 1971 will be the first full production in the new Crescent
Block home of Riverside Theatre.
- Eden Prairie is a world premiere penned by Mat Smart, author of The Agitators, one of
Riverside's most well -received productions in recent history. It deals with the micro -level
consequences of draft resistance during the Vietnam War, putting an extremely personal spin on
how these decisions affected family, friends, and communities.
- The play presents opportunities to partner with a number of other local organizations (anti -war,
presenting arts orgs, etc.) and examine Iowa City's own history during the Vietnam War and the
civil rights era.
The Niceties
- The Niceties by Eleanor Burgess will be presented in March. This play puts a critical eye towards
academia and issues of racial justice, allowing for an unflinching examination of those issues that
is not only socially pertinent but particularly well -suited for our community.
- Talkbacks and discussions around this performance will allow Riverside to engage with local
civil rights groups, academics, and student organizations, helping to fulfil our mission to spark
discourse in our community.
Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812
- Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 is Riverside's first musical production in 11 seasons
- Great Comet will employ 10 performers along with 10 musicians, and bring in audiences that
may not have attended Riverside previously, introducing them to the new space and to Riverside.
3
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 36
Free Shakespeare in Lower City Park
- Present one full production in July, 2022, increasing the number of performances from 7 to I 1
over three weeks.
- Maintain Free tickets for all
BUDGET SUMMARY
INCOME
FY19
FY20
FY21
FY22
Budeet
Earned Income:
Ticket Sales
Subscription
43,973
47,106
23,238
-
General
99,217
70,584
13,659
189,250
Subtotal Ticket Sales
143,190
117,690
36,896
189,250
Advertising Revenue
6,595
5,915
-
Concessions
8,454
5,254
13,256
37,842
Education
1,200
1,225
-
4,000
Rentals
1,250
1,180
179
5,750
Other
2,795
3,009
2,000
3,785
Total Earned Income
163,484
134,272
52,331
240,627
Contributed Income:
Contributions
Individuals
137,002
153,572
121,305
135,500
Business/Organizations
35,084
35,651
31,207
51,900
Capital Campaign
-
-
99,463
Grants
63,041
82,500
206,257
139,226
Events/Raffle
16,735
4,675
-
15,000
Total Contributed Income
251,862
276,398
358,769
441,089
TOTAL INCOME
415,346
410,670
411,099
681,715
4
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 37
EXPENSES
Wages+Benefits
166,937
137,603
154,136
276,836
Artistic
99,512
69,524
96,327
182,104
Production
32,616
20,437
21,819
32,380
Education
3,157
668
6,400
2,500
Marketing
24,147
19,474
18,593
23,000
Patron Services
14,989
21,478
17,992
44,345
Administration
22,882
21,246
22,490
21,668
Development
13,712
4,367
6,192
5,000
Facility
71,250
70,600
32.118
90,185
TOTAL EXPENSE
449,200
365,402
376,068
678,018
NET INCOME
(33,855)
45,268
35,032
3,697
Conclusion
For the last 40 years, Riverside Theatre has been bringing thoughtful, serious, professional theatre to Iowa
City, and the 21/22 season is poised to be a historically formative one as the theatre takes up residence in
the heart of downtown. In tandem with increasing staffing, operations, and expanding our production
calendar, the new theater will further cement Riverside's role as the keystone employer for local theatre
artists, and as the destination for audiences seeking serious theatre in the region. It will also allow
Riverside to continue making strides in increasing representation in our community in performers,
writers, collaborators, and audiences.
www.riversidetheatre.org
5
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 38
Oct. 11, 2021TY
PC
� URE
City Council Economic Development Committee
c/o Wendy Ford
City of Iowa City
President
Mary Ellen Lewis
410 E. Washington St.
Vice President
Iowa City, IA 52240
Jesse Singerman
To the committee:
Treasurer
Linda Farkas
On behalf of the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature, I would like to
thank the City of Iowa City for its continued support of our organization.
Secretary
The city's commitment to supporting a vibrant literary culture in our
John culsnaw
community has been critical during the past two years as our usual
funding opportunities have been compromised as we shift the way we do
Board
programming and meet the needs of the community.
Aron Aji
Laura Bergus
I would like to request that you continue this funding at the same $60,000
9 Y g
Anna Berry
Anna Barker
level in FY23. This includes the annual partnership support of $50,000
Elsworth Carman
and $10,000 that we will earmark as support for the Book Festival. Our
Maeve Clark
other institutional partners have agreed to maintain their funding levels in
LaTasha DeLoach
FY23. We are then able to leverage this support to bring other fundin to
g PP g g
d
Alison Ames GarnGalser
Jennie Garner
our organization and the community.
Jon Green
Nick Kaeding
The City of Literature works to advance its mission to promote and
Lyz Lenz
encourage the love of literature b providing opportunities for the
g Y P g PP
LaTKare McQueen
Karen Miller
enjoyment of every genre to inspire and enrich the minds and souls of
Caleb Rainey
readers and writers of all ages and from all parts of our community.
Steve Semken
Through programs like the One Book Two Book Children's Literature
Festival and the Iowa City Book Festival, we have encouraged families,
businesses and community organizations to discover and share our many
literary resources and opportunities.
We look forward to working with the council and city staff to find ways
to better leverage the significant literary assets of our community and to
continue writing the story of this remarkable city.
Sincerely,
John Kenyon
Executive Director Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature
123 S. Linn St.
Iowa City, IA 5240
(319)887-6100
www.iowacityofliterature.org
EDC 10.27.2021 packet info@iowacityofliterature.org
page 39
Iowa City UNESCO 2020=21
City of Literature
In recent years, what it means to be a UNESCO City of Literature has changed significantly, When Iowa
City was first designated in November 2008, it was the first such City of Literature in the United States,
the third in the world, and one of fewer than 15 Creative Cities worldwide. Today, it is part of a vast global
network, one of 39 Cities of Literature, and part of the 246-member Creative Cities Network. In addition,
what is asked of a Creative City is fundamentally different, as the call to promote and support the local
literary sector has been joined by larger, more global charge.
Increasingly, cities are asked to bring their creativity to bear on the weightiest issues in our world: Those
addressed in the United Nations' 2030 Strategic Development Goals. In the case of the Iowa City area, this
has involved macro and micro efforts. For example, at the city level in Iowa City, the government adopted
a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan that outlines 35 actions to be taken by the community and City
which will result in an 80 percent reduction of community -wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. At
the City of Literature organization level, this has included efforts to raise awareness of the SDGs locally
and regionally and to foster conversation about ways they can be addressed through individual and group
efforts.
At the same time, the focus has remained on literature - its creation, its consumption, and its promotion.
Iowa City earned its designation in large part because it is among the primary destinations for those in
the United States - and increasingly, the rest of the world - who want to improve their writing.
The independent nonprofit organization formed to manage the designation on behalf of the city is a
partnership among the cities of Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty; the University of Iowa, the Iowa
City Public Library, Johnson County, and the Iowa City/ Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
(now known as Think Iowa City). The area business community, local foundations and charitable
organizations also provide support, while thousands in the community attend events, read, write and
financially support those efforts.
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Plans
r 2021 and
In 2016, the City of Literature organization set out five goals in a strategic plan designed to guide its
operations through 2020. These included raising the profile of the city's designation and of the
organization, evaluating needs of stakeholders, resourcing the organization, serving as a leader in the
literary sector, and fulfilling the requirements set out by UNESCO for membership in the Creative Cities
Network. While many of the goals in this plan were accomplished, work remains on evaluating needs of
stakeholders, work that is expected to be completed in 2021 and 2022 in concert with other area arts
and culture organizations.
In fall 2020, the organization approved a new plan to guide it through 2024. Its goals are inward- and
outward -facing, seeking to strengthen its own operations to better facilitate the work called for to
enhance the greater cultural community.
1. Programming innovations focused on collaboration and on connecting with new communities: Explore
options for increasing engagement online, within communities not currently reached by the City of
Literature organization, and through collaborations with related and like-minded groups.
2. Board effectiveness enhancements: Harness more of the talent and expertise among board members
in support of the organization through such means as establishing board committees, developing
financial modeling tools, and formalizing processes.
3. Marketing messaging: Ensure the newly articulated mission and core values are clearly reflected in
the City of Literature brand identity and messaging, and refine the website to support critical activities
in a more robust manner.
As part of this work, the organization updated its Mission and Vision statements, and approved a set of
Core Values:
Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature 2 Annual Report 2020-21
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 41
Short- and long-term initiatives
Study of the Community's Arts and Culture Sector
In 2019, eight arts nonprofits housed in downtown Iowa City came
together informally to create what became the Iowa City Downtown
Arts Alliance. Members include a professional theatre company, an
independent cinema, a performing arts theatre, an umbrella
organization for music and art festivals, an independent press, and a
multi -disciplinary arts center.
AAR
TS
ALLIANCE
The goals of this group were to share information, explore the sharing of resources, and to find ways to
connect and collaborate to our shared benefit. One of the goals of this organization is a broader task
carried over from the City of Literature's 2016 strategic plan: to survey the community about how arts
and culture needs are being met, what gaps exist, and how best to close those gaps. This would address
the literary culture of the community as part of a larger effort coordinated by other organizations.
With this information in hand, the organization can better determine scale and scope of the sector, its
economic impact, and, by setting this as a benchmark, its growth. Policy as it relates to the promotion
and support of those in this sector can then be addressed, as well as ways to direct resources. This also
will reveal ways these organizations can find ways to collaborate and partner across disciplines.
Conversations over the past four years have focused in part on the infrastructure in the city that exists to
support artists, including housing, office space, performance and gallery space, funding sources, and
commercial opportunities. These topics will be surveyed and will be addressed in subsequent policy
discussions with city, culture and business leaders.
Response to Black Lives Matter/Freedom Riders calls for action
The killing of George Floyd in May of this year by police in Minneapolis sparked protests throughout the
world, and Iowa City saw the rise of groups that protested both police actions and cultural shortcomings
in our community as they relate to race. One group, calling itself the Freedom Riders, issued a list of
demands that included items related to how African Americans are represented and given opportunities
to participate in the arts in the Iowa City -area.
The City of Literature organization issued a statement of support for these efforts in June:
The Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature's mission is to connect readers and writers
through the power of story. We are listening to the powerful stories and testaments of
Black people and other people of color in our community and in our country, and we
are working to amplify BIPOC voices to educate, build empathy, and pursue equity
and justice. We know we have a lot of work to do, and listening and amplifying voices
is not enough. We pledge to do more, to be a resource in our community, and to
address areas where we have fallen short. This includes immediate steps to increase
diversity and representation in our organization, on our board of directors, and in all
aspects of our festivals and programs. Where we are now is a beginning, not an end.
The immediate impact has been changes in our board of directors and a greater awareness of how we
program our events, and this work will continue as staff seek training to better understand the issues
Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature 0 Annual Report 2020-21
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 42
and seek new partners and collaborators to broaden our perspectives. The organization is crafting a
statement related to diversity, equity, and inclusion that will provide further guidance.
Work with area communities on ways to use literature in pursuing climate action plan goals
As the City of Literature organization has learned more about the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development
Goals, it has become clear that people and governmental agencies in our area already are pursuing action
on many that are relevant to our community. As we look for ways to use literature in our efforts to
educate residents about the SDGs, we will look for ways to work with these groups to use these tools
help achieve its climate goals.
The City of Literature will work to harness the transformative power of story to assist organizations in
communicating goals and the strategies to employ to meet these goals. This can take the form of
enhancing programming related to climate and sustainability, such as promoting authors and their work
in these areas, or tailoring children's programming so our young writers are addressing these issues in
their own work. Collaboration with other arts organizations, businesses, or governmental agencies --
which is at the core of nearly all of our programs -- can lead to innovative solutions to these challenges
locally, and the results can be shared with the rest of the Creative Cities Network.
Collaboration with other Cities of Literature
With the continued growth of the Creative Cities Network, opportunities for collaboration with other
member cities has grown exponentially. The influx of proposed programs is often overwhelming, and the
staff must select only the handful of opportunities that are possible given limits in funding and time. To
better address this, the organization has created a staff position with the express purpose of gathering,
organizing, and promoting these opportunities to our community, with the goal of a greater level of
participation from Iowa City -area writers and others in the literary sector.
Addressing SDGs
in accordance with the directive from UNESCO to address the United Nations' 2030 Strategic
Development Goals when undertaking projects and programming, the Iowa City UNESCO City of
Literature has identified progress toward the following SDGs in its programming portfolio:
Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature 4
Annual Report 2020-21
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 43
Initiatives Undertaken in Response to
COVI D-19 A
As the first COVID-19 cases were reported in the U.S., the City of Literature organization was launching
its One Book Two Book Children's Literature Festival. The precautions at the time involved having extra
hand sanitizer throughout the space. Within two weeks, the office, like those across the city and
throughout the country, closed and people began to work from home. This led to the eventual
cancellation of dozens of cultural events over the final nine months of 2020, including all in -person
programs scheduled for our Musick festival and Iowa City Book Festival, and other events and festivals
in the community. International collaborations also were put on hold. Iowa City was to be the guest City
of Literature at the Granada Book Fair, but this was postponed due to travel restrictions.
Our organization addressed this in three primary ways. The first was to solidify connections with other
entities in the local arts and culture scene. An informal group of leaders from eight downtown Iowa City
arts organizations was formalized as the Iowa City Downtown Arts Alliance. This group met weekly in the
first months of the pandemic, sharing information about mitigation strategies, funding possibilities, and
programming ideas.
The second was to build on that work by serving as an information clearinghouse for the literary
community. While this is a large part of the organization's efforts in normal times, it was enhanced over
the past several months as we sought to serve as a line of communication within and without this sector.
We shared information about when book stores would be open, whether they were offering curbside
pickup, and what their protocols involved when they did open. We offered information to local writers
and artists about writing and funding opportunities. And we kept our community apprised of
programming changes and offerings,
The third was to offer our own projects and programs. With so many projects moving online, we sought
to provide opportunities for people to stay off of their computers. This began with simple things like
creating reading lists of local books with a sports focus to offer those missing out on the opportunity to
attend or watch sporting events a chance to indulge that passion in other ways.
We took one of our more recent projects, the LITtalks author series, online. This occasional series, which
features authors discussing new books that deal with political or social engagement, was held twice,
once with Jesse Wegman discussing his book, Let the People Pick the President: The Case for Abolishing the
Electoral College; and another with W. Joseph Campbell, author of Lost in a Gallup: Polling Failure in U.S.
Presidential Elections. Both were held online, with the latter also rebroadcast on the C-SPAN television
network. Both events emulated their in -person precedents with discussion of timely issues, sharing of
Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature 0 Annual Report 2020-21
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
page 44
WILDLAND
SENTINEL
AfteK;fief
GREEN, FAIR,
PROSPEROUS
oees,
ways for people to get involved, and a robust back -and -forth between presenters and audience.
Another endeavor was a series of community reading projects led by University of Iowa Assistant Adjunct
Professor Anna Barker. Barker, also a City of Literature board member, led programs where participants
read The Decameron, Paradise Lost, and Grilgamesh. In each, Barker led more than 300 members through
daily readings and discussions, drawing participants from throughout our community and around the
world. These will continue with a project to read War and Peace and other classics in 2021.
Two of the organization's three major festivals also moved online during the pandemic year. MusicIC,
which celebrates the intersection between literature and music, typically features three or four multi-
disciplinary concerts in mid -June. The 2020 festival was abbreviated, with two of the scheduled
performers offering short solo video performances, and two more creating musical accompaniment for a
story time in partnership with the children's department at the Iowa City Public Library.
The Iowa City Book Festival, the organization's largest annual event, moved online in October 2020. This
program, which typically includes more than 50 events featuring about 100 presenters over seven days,
was scaled back to 12 events. These were made available to a live audience which allowed for robust
discussion via chat as well as interaction with the authors through moderated Q&A. The programs were
recorded and are hosted on the organization's YouTube channel, where they continue to be viewed.
One highlight of the annual festival is the awarding of the organization's Paul Engle Prize. Named for the
longtime director of the Iowa Writers' Workshop and co-founder of the International Writing Program at
the University of Iowa, the prize seeks to recognize writers who, like Engle, "represent a pioneering spirit
in the world of literature through writing, editing, publishing, or teaching, and whose active participation
in the larger issues of the day contribute to the betterment of the world through the literary arts. "
This year's winner, Dr. Eve L. Ewing, took part in the award ceremony from her home in Chicago. Though
she was unable to accept the award in person, Dr. Ewing will undertake tasks similar to those of her
fellow winners from prior years, including plans to lead a writing workshop in February 2021 via Zoom for
students in the Iowa Youth Writing Project. This longtime partner of the City of Literature offers writing
instruction and activities for junior high and high school students in our community. Keeping these
connections intact while we await the return of in -person programming has been an important part of
the organization's efforts throughout this year.
While programming will remain virtual through at least the first half of 2021, the organization is poised --
and eager -- to return to in -person programming as soon as it is prudent.
Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature 0 Annual Report 2020-21
EDC 10.27.2021 packet
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