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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-04 Proclamation Item Number: 2.a. CITY OF OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT April 4, 2023 Arab American Heritage Month Attachments: Arab American Heritage Month proclamation ' oclamation was deferred to April 18,2023 due to the severe weather thr City of Iowa City PROCLAMATION Whereas, for over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of American society: in medicine, law, business, education, technology, government, military service, culture; and Whereas, since migrating to America, individuals of Arab descent have shared their rich culture and traditions with neighbors and friends, while also setting fine examples of model citizens and public servants; and Whereas, they brought with them to America their resilient family values, strong work ethic, dedication to education, and diversity in faith and creed that have added strength to our great democracy; and Whereas, Arab Americans have also enriched our society by sharing in the entrepreneurial American spirit that makes our nation free and prosperous; and Whereas, the history of Arab Americans in the US. remains neglected or defaced by misconceptions, bigotry, and anti-Arab hate in the forms of crimes and speech; and Whereas, Arab American issues, such as civil rights abuses, harmful stereotyping, and bullying must be combated in the forms of education and awareness; and Whereas, they join all Americans in the desire to see a peaceful and diverse society, where every individual is treated equally and feels safe; and Whereas, the incredible contributions and heritage of Arab Americans have helped us build a better nation. Now, Therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, announce that the Arab America Foundation celebrates the contributions Arab Americans have made to society and hereby proclaim April 2023 to be Arab American Heritage Month in Iowa City, and encourage our citizens to join us in this special observance. Mayor Signed in Iowa City,Iowa, this 4th day of April 2023. Item Number: 2.b. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT April 4, 2023 Fair Housing Month Attachments: Fair Housing Month proclamation Proclamation will be presented at a later date outside of a regular meeting by the Mayor due to the threat of severe weather. City of Iowa City PROCLAMATION ll Whereas, the American Housing Survey reveals over half of renting households below the poverty line spend at least half of their income on housing, with one in four of those households spending over 70 percent of their income on shelter costs alone; and Whereas, median asking rent nationwide has more than doubled over the last two decades, rising from $483 in 2000 to $1,002 in 2019. While all regions of the country have experienced a surge in rents, since 2000, median asking rent has increased by 72 percent in the Midwest; and Whereas, nationwide, only one in six eligible families receive housing assistance, with applicants spending an average of 26 months on waiting lists; and Whereas, cost is not the only barrier to equitable housing, as, despite protections against discrimination in the Fair Housing Act, the Iowa Code, and the Iowa City Code of Ordinances, many still experience unlawful rejection by landlords due to their protected characteristics; and Whereas, acts of housing discrimination and barriers to equal housing opportunity are repugnant to a common sense of decency and fairness; and Whereas, housing is a basic human right, upon which a person's stability, peace, and health depend. Now, therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, do hereby proclaim April 2023 to be Fair Housing Month in Iowa City, and encourage community members to participate in commemorative events, educate themselves on fair housing issues, and endorse policy supportive of fair housing at the local, state, and national level. Mayor Signed in Iowa City, Iowa, this 4th day of April 2023. Item Number: 2.c. CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT April 4, 2023 National Community Development Week Attachments: National Community Development Week proclamation Proclamation will be presented at a later date outside of a regular meeting by the Mayor due to the threat of severe weather City of Iowa City PROCLAMATION Whereas, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) programs support viable communities by providing safe, decent, affordable housing, creating safer neighborhoods, helping seniors live independently and investing in our next generation; and Whereas, in our community, forty-seven years of CDBG funding has developed a strong network of relationships among local governments, residents, businesses, and non- profit organizations that provide services and help make possible our commitment to meet the needs of low- and moderate-income residents; and Whereas, the HOME Program has allowed the City, with the help of private and non- profit partners, to create and preserve affordable housing for low-income families for the past thirty years; and Whereas, CDBG and HOME are some of the Federal Government's most effective means to revitalize communities across the country. The importance of CDBG and HOME to meet the unique needs of local communities is widely recognized; and Whereas, in the last five years, $3.3 million in CDBG funds and nearly $2.5 million in HOME funds have been invested in Iowa City. These funds help low income homeowners complete necessary improvements to their property, allow for accessibility improvements in local parks, increase the quality and availability of affordable housing throughout the community, and support agencies serving our at-risk youth, elderly, and residents with disabilities; and Whereas, Iowa City, Iowa and other local governments have clearly demonstrated the capacity to administer and customize the CDBG and HOME programs to identify, prioritize and resolve pressing local problems, such as affordable housing, neighborhood and human service needs,job creation and retention, and property redevelopment. Now, therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, do hereby proclaim April 10th —April 14th, 2023, as National Community Development Week in Iowa City, Iowa, and urge all citizens to join us in recognizing and supporting the important roles the CDBG and HOME programs play in our community. Mayor Signed in Iowa City, Iowa, 4this 4th day of April 2023.