HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-16-24 Council EDC Agenda PacketCity Council Economic Development Committee
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
8:30 A.M.
Emma J. Harvat Hall
City Hall, 410 E. Washington
AGENDA
1. Call to order
2. Consider minutes of the August 16, 2024 Economic Development Committee
Meeting
3. Review FY26 funding requests from Business Development and Arts &
Culture organizations
4. Set recurring EDC meeting time (quarterly)
5. Old or New Business
6. Adjournment
If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this program/event, please
contact Rachel Kilburg Varley, Economic Development Coordinator at 319-356-5248 or rkilburg@iowa-
city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
DRAFT - p.1
Council EDC, 8/16/24
Minutes
City Council Economic Development Committee
August 16, 2024
Emma J. Harvat Hall
City Council Economic Development Committee
Members Present: Josh Moe, Andrew Dunn
Members Absent: Laura Bergus
Staff Present: Rachel Kilburg Varley, Eric Goers, Sarah Gardner
Others Present: None
Recommendations to council:
Dunn moved, Moe seconded a motion to approve a recommendation to the full City Council
for approval of the revised TIF Policy. Motion passed (2-0).
Call to Order
Councilor Moe called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m.
Consider approval of minutes from the August 12, 2024 Economic Development
Committee meeting
Dunn moved, Moe seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the August 12, 2024
meeting. Motion passed (2-0).
Consider recommendation to full City Council for approval of revised Tax Increment Fi-
nancing Policy
Councilor Moe briefly reviewed the proposed changes to the policy, including edits to the
Climate Action & Resilience section and the addition of an introductory paragraph clarifying
how the policy will be used by staff and City Council. Moe asked Dunn for feedback or
comments. Dunn expressed his approval of the changes. Moe invited discussion on other
areas of the TIF Policy beyond those changes. Neither Moe nor Dunn had additional
comments.
Dunn moved, Moe seconded a motion to approve a recommendation to the full City Council
for approval of the revised TIF Policy. Motion passed (2-0).
Old or New Business
None.
DRAFT - p.2
Council EDC, 8/16/24
Adjournment
Dunn moved, Moe seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried (2-0)
DRAFT - p.3
Council EDC, 8/16/24
Council Economic Development Committee
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2020-24
NAME
TERM
EXP.
12/09/20 10/27/21 10/19/22 11/29/22 9/25/23 7/1/24
0BJosh
Moe 01/02/24 --- --- --- --- --- X
1BAndrew
Dunn 01/02/24 --- --- --- --- --- X
2BLaura
Bergus 01/02/24 --- --- X X X X
3BJohn
Thomas 01/02/24 X X X X X ---
4BMegan
Alter 01/02/24 --- --- X X X ---
5BSusan
Mims 01/02/22 X X --- --- --- ---
6BMazahir
Salih 01/02/22 O/E X --- --- --- ---
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
--- = not a member
O/E = Absent/Excused
Date: October 11, 2024
To: Council Economic Development Committee
From: Geoff Fruin, City Manager
Rachel Kilburg Varley, Economic Development & Public Art Coordinator
Re: FY26 Funding Support for Business Development and Arts & Culture Organizations
The City has historically provided financial support for several organization who align with the City
Council’s economic development Strategic Plan priorities. Each year, the Council Economic
Development Committee considers requests from the business development and arts & cultural
organizations and historically has provided a funding recommendation to City Council for inclusion
in the upcoming (FY26) budget proposal under the Community Development Assistance budget
line. Following this memo, you will find a request letter and additional information from each of
the organizations.
Within the Economy impact area, the City Council’s FY23-28 Strategic Plan aims to “Cultivate a
strong entrepreneurial and small business ecosystem with a focus on creating new pathways to
success for systemically marginalized populations.” In line with this strategy, the City has been
providing funding for two business development operations which provide early-stage support for
entrepreneurs and scalable businesses.
Within the Economy impact area, the City Council’s FY23-28 Strategic Plan aims to “Build Iowa
City’s image as the Greatest Small City for the Arts.” In line with this strategy, for the City has
been providing funding for five arts and cultural organizations which provide inclusive
programming and events throughout the year. Following this memo, you will find a request letter
and additional information from each of these organizations, and one new request.
In recent years, nearly all of the organizations have expressed a need for increased funding to
support recent inflationary impacts on programming, personnel, and operations, in addition to
expanded efforts to offer accessible and free programming to the public. This year, the Arts &
Culture organizations (except PS1, who is submitting a request for the first time), submitted a joint
letter further communicating their recent budgetary challenges and requesting consideration for
increased financial support. Staff has openly shared the increasingly difficult financial pressures
the City has faced in recent years and to expect a status quo budget. More on the expected FY26
budget challenges is included later in this memo.
October 14, 2024
Page 2
Business Development Organizations’ Funding Requests
The Entrepreneurial Development Center, Inc. (also as EDC, Inc.) was incorporated in 2003
to improve the economic vitality of the region through the creation and growth of high-impact,
scalable entrepreneurial businesses. EDC, Inc.’s work focuses on growing high potential
businesses; assisting in areas spanning marketing, development, sales, operations, information
technology and finance. While based in Cedar Rapids, they serve businesses on both ends of the
I-380 corridor. In recent years, EDC. Inc. has supported several businesses in the surrounding
metro area, including a few Iowa City-based businesses. The EDC is requesting continued
funding in the amount of $25,000 for FY26.
The Multicultural Development Center of Iowa (also known as MDC Iowa) launched in 2021
and began receiving City funding in FY22 to support INCUBATE, a Business Accelerator program
targeting underestimated and immigrant entrepreneurs which provides training, business support,
technical assistance grants, and microlending. Since it’s launch, INCUBATE has assisted 107
BIPOC-owned businesses, and since the City began providing funding in FY22, 227
entrepreneurs have participated in the program. To-date for FY25, INCUBATE has approved 12
small business loans, 11 technical assistance grants, and helped create 27 new jobs in Iowa City.
In 2024, the City provided $600,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to MDC Iowa to
hire staff and provide professional services, technical assistance, and grants to small businesses,
including financial literary and credit builder training programs. MDC Iowa is requesting a stable
funding amount of $25,000 for FY26.
Business Development Organizations Historical Funding:
FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25
FY26
request
EDC, Inc. 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000
MDC Iowa 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000
Arts & Culture Organizations’ Funding Requests
Englert Theater
Over the past year, the Englert has increased focus on educational outreach, including the launch
of an arts administration internship program which is designed to retain emerging arts leaders in
the region. In 2025, the Englert intends to introduce the inaugural Iowa City songwriter festival,
which aims to further enhance the community’s reputation as a haven for writers as well as boost
local business and tourism.
In recent years, the City has also supported the Englert through $1 million in TIF support for their
joint Strengthen Grow Evolve capital campaign in partnership with FilmScene. For the Englert,
this TIF support helped accomplish critical renovations at the Englert Theater. Historically, the
October 14, 2024
Page 3
Englert’s request has been tied to general operations, capital investments (pre-Strengthen Grow
Evolve campaign), and the Mission Creek Festival; for FY26, the Englert is requesting $75,000 in
operating funds (a $5,000 increase over prior year funding levels).
FilmScene
FilmScene operates two non-profit cinema locations in downtown Iowa City, alongside a seasonal
outdoor screen in Chauncey Swan Park. FilmScene programs over 450 films annually, including
specialty programming like the family and children’s series, FilmScene in the Park, and
Community Collaborations. In 2022, with increased funding assistance from the City, FilmScene
launched the Refocus Film Festival. In 2023, the organization added a community engagement
and programming coordinator to strengthen targeted at serving diverse communities through films
that challenge, inspire, educate, and entertain.
In recent years, the City has supported each of FilmScene’s current locations. The City provided
$1 million in TIF support for their joint Strengthen Grow Evolve capital campaign in partnership
with the Englert, which enabled the preservation and renovation of the Ped Mall location.
Additionally, the City facilitated the development of the Chauncey Building, and FilmScene’s new
location in it, through the sale of the property and TIF incentives to help finance the project. For
FY26, FilmScene is requesting an $8,000 increase in funding support, for a total of $40,000
including $30,000 in operational support and $10,000 for festival support.
Riverside Theatre
Riverside Theatre provides a uniquely professional, diverse, and Iowa-centered theatrical
experience in the heart of downtown Iowa City. With ongoing support from the City of Iowa City,
Riverside Theatre has grown its budget by 42% over the past decade and transitioned
Shakespeare programming in Lower City Park from a paid, ticketed model to a free model. It has
maintained its status as the only professional resident theatre in Eastern Iowa, and one of only
two theatres in the state with an agreement with the union of performers and stage managers.
In recent years, the City has facilitated and supported Riverside Theater in relocating to their new
home in the Pedestrian Mall, by providing TIF support for this larger historic preservation and
redevelopment project. Riverside Theatre is requesting a $5,000 funding increase for FY26, for a
total of $25,000, including $5,000 specifically earmarked for Free Shakespeare in City Park.
Summer of the Arts
Summer of the Arts’ (SOTA) signature annual festivals and events include the Iowa Arts Festival,
Jazz Fest, and the Friday Night Concert Series, which attracted over 68,000 people to Downtown
Iowa City. Additional programming through partnerships with the City including Music on the
Move, Rhythm at Riverfront Crossings, Free Movie Series, and Holiday Thieves Market brought
another 3,254 people into municipal parks and facilities. Like many of the organizations, SOTA
has focused on increasing outreach and diversity in their programming in recent years.
In addition to the historical Economic Development funding support, the City’s Parks & Recreation
Department also provides SOTA $10,000 for neighborhood programming. Summer of the Arts is
October 14, 2024
Page 4
requesting either a stable funding request of $67,000 or an increase to $70,350 (a 5% increase)
for FY26 to support events and operations.
UNESCO City of Literature
The City of Literature builds and supports diverse communities of writers and audiences through
the transformative power of story. Through programs like the One Book Two Book Children’s
Literature Festival, the Iowa City Book Festival, and Poetry in Public, the organization
encourage families, businesses, and community organizations to discover and share the
community’s many literary resources and opportunities. City of Literature is also engaged with
international opportunities through the City’s membership in the Creative Cities Network.
City of Literature is requesting a $5,000 increase in funding for a request of $65,000, which
includes $55,000 for operations and $10,000 for the Book Festival for FY26.
Public Space One
Public Space One (PS1) operates out of two locations in Iowa City, self-defined as “an artist-led,
open-door organization for an arts community not easily pigeon-holed into single definitions.” PS1
supports local artists, and attracts artists from around the world, by financially supporting artists
through direct payments, teaching/workshop pay, and facilitating art sales; providing studio,
gallery, and exhibition space in each of the two locations; hosting artists in residency; and
facilitating engagement and connection between artists and their audiences.
In 2019, the City of Iowa City facilitated a permanent home for PS1, by purchasing two historic
homes in the Northside and conveying those to PS1 with $116,000 in down payment assistance.
PS1 has not historically requested or received funding support through the Council Economic
Development Committee. For FY26, Public Space One has submitted a letter requesting $25,000
to help support restoration of the main hall floor in the Close House and investment in the Media
Arts Co-op facility and Center for Afrofuturist Studies program.
Arts & Culture Organizations Historical Funding (shown in $1,000s):
*included $20,000 for capital improvements
**$7,000 for ReFocus was added in FY22
FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 FY26
Request
Englert Theatre 59 62 82.5* 90* 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 75
Film Scene &
Refocus Film Festival 0 35 25 15 25 25 25 25 32** 32 32 32 40
Riverside Theatre 25 20 0 16.5 15 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 25
Summer of the Arts 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 or
70.35
UNESCO City of Lit /
Book Festival 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 65
Public Space One 25
October 14, 2024
Page 5
FY26 Budget Outlook
In September of 2024, staff provided the City Council with a brief outlook on our FY 26 budget,
The following is copied from the staff memo that supported that work session discussion.
FY 2024 marked the end of a number of phased property tax reforms that were passed by
the State of Iowa in 2013, including the drastic drop in taxable valuations for multifamily
properties (100% taxability in FY 2014 to 46.34% in FY 2025). In 2021, the Iowa Legislature
passed legislation which phases out commercial/industrial property tax replacement
payments (“backfill”) put into place with the 2013 property tax reform. Iowa City’s backfill of
$1.5 million started being phased out in FY 2023 and the City will no longer receive any
backfill payments in FY 2027. Finally, in 2022 the State again pursued property tax reform
with legislation signed into law by Governor Reynolds that phases out the voter-approved
supplemental Library Levy ($0.27) and the Emergency Levy ($0.20), which was previously
used to support our Climate Action grants and programming. Combined these levies
generated approximately $2 million in revenue that is now no longer available to the City to
support Library and Climate Action operations. Thus, without cutting services, these
expenses need to be absorbed into an already tight General Fund.
The cumulative result of these legislative impacts is that in FY 2023-24, the City experienced
a .8% decline in taxable valuation, the lowest two year cycle in a ten year period by a wide
margin. FY 2025 experienced a modest 3.61% growth in valuations, which means over the
last three years our average valuation growth averaged less than 1% per year. FY 2026 is a
non-valuation year, which generally means that valuation growth will be minimal. With an eye
to FY 2027 and beyond, new construction has slowed considerably in the second half and
2024 and first half of 2025, which is a negative leading indicator for future valuation growth.
On the expense side, the City is also still experiencing the impacts of the inflationary
pressures that began in 2022. Numerous capital projects have been over budget due to
material costs, supply chain disruptions and labor shortages. Operating inputs including
insurance, chemicals, and other supplies also continue to impact department budgets.
Pressures on both the revenue and expense sides paint a clear picture of difficult budget
environments ahead in the next two or more fiscal years. Unfortunately, demands for many
of our public services and the services of external organizations that we support financially
continue to grow. It is highly unlikely we can meet these growing demands based on the
budget environment.
Since this memo was provided to the Council last month, we have received early indicators that
the City should expect about a 1% growth in taxable property valuation. This matches the average
over the last three years and is insufficient for maintaining current services, especially while
navigating the known loss of existing revenue streams that are being phased out by the State of
Iowa.
October 14, 2024
Page 6
In brief, the City’s General Fund revenue is averaging 1% growth per year since 2022 and we
expect that to continue for another couple of years at minimum. Meanwhile expenses to maintain
core public services averages approximately 4% annually. While the City has been able to
maintain status quo public service levels and non-profit support in recent years, this is becoming
increasingly difficult and is not sustainable. More explicitly, there is a likelihood that reductions in
public services and/or external organization support will become a reality as further tax reform
implementation is navigated.
Recommendation
Due to the current budget environment, staff is not able to provide a recommendation on FY26
funding at this time. Much of our ability to support these efforts will be based on variables not yet
known at this time including the State rollback percentage, final taxable valuation growth and
collective bargaining settlements. However, based on current information, staff believes it will be
unlikely to recommend any increases for at minimum the next couple of fiscal years and further
believes some reductions may be necessary.
The contributions of these organizations to the local community are invaluable, and staff are both
proud of past partnerships and supportive of continuing to bolster their efforts in various ways to
the extent possible. However, the desire for City funding to either increase commensurate with
individual organizations’ growing budgets or to supply a specific percentage of their operating
budget has never been the goal of this financial support; and meeting these goals is not practical
due to State of Iowa tax reform. Due to the current budgetary environment as described above,
Council and the funded organizations should anticipate difficulty in maintaining current levels of
funding.
2023 Stakeholder
Repor t
$885M
Capital Raised
and Employed
$3.55B
Revenue
Growth
Generated
1,400+
Businesses Supported
$861M
Payroll
Growth
Generated
$5.2B
Total
Economic
Impact
Reflec tions on 20 Years
Entrepreneurial suppor t programs have, for decades, engaged with
the thought that what entrepreneurs need is knowledge around
what they do not know and / or have not experienced. So, program
af ter program put together curriculum and a block of mentors and
engaged, only to later lament that the entrepreneurs, themselves,
were not executing as they were advised. We star ted EDC with the
same idea, but quickly realized that if we were going to measure
success by an entrepreneur’s progress and the resulting economic
impac t created, we were going to have to crack the code on meaningful engagement.
Af ter 20 years of suppor ting over 1,400 entrepreneurs, I of fer the following obser vations:
• Advice is not followed because the recipients don’t have a frame of reference to
judge the value of that advice, and /or a level of trust in the provider’s capabilit y to
provide such.
• Curriculum has limited impac t because most want to learn what they need to know
now – not what they might need to know in the future.
• Improper advice from well-intentioned mentors can damage progress and cause
related distrust. “I need help from people who have done what I need to do, not good
intentioned people without direc t real-world experience”, is an entrepreneur’s quote I
will always remember.
• You need to truly understand the capabilities of the team you are advising, as well as,
the market dynamics around which they are executing before advice is given.
• Suppor t is not a shor t-term engagement ; in most cases it takes many years to create
real impac t .
So, with this education, we at EDC ...
• Built a process that quickly determines the unique needs of each entrepreneur and
business oppor tunity for their specific personas and business’s place in time.
• Assembled the talent needed to properly diagnose, prescribe, and help execute
against each oppor tunit y.
• Engage, hands-on, as par t of the team. Helping “do” as well as advise in a process
that accelerates grow th and secures a level of trust strong enough for future advice
to consistently be acted upon.
• Stay involved for years, engaging when needed, to generate real results.
The ar t of helping others is about engaging in a way that the other par ty ac tively pull s the
help from you. We are proud of the impac t we have had on the lives of those we have
suppor ted over 20 years . We thank our investors for the fuel needed to provide this
critical service. And we look forward to the impact those we ser ve will have on Iowa’s
communities in the years to come.
Sincerely,
Cur tis R. Nelson
President & CEO
EDC Stakeholder Repor t 2023
2023 EDC BOARD
Jon Dusek (Chair) Armstrong Development
Jim Haddad (Past Chair/Sec /Treas) Haddad Consulting Ser vices
William McCar tan Bradley & Riley PC
Nancy Lynk , US Bank
Charles Rohde Kings Materials
Kim K ing, Alliant Energy
Kris Gulick Kris Gulick, CPA /EdgeData
David Hensley Universit y of Iowa, JPEC
Larr y Helling Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust
Bruce Lehrman, Involta
Terry Sullivan, Linn County REC
Pat Diegnan, BankIowa
Aaron Friederich GreenState Credit Union
Jasmine Almoay yed Kirkwood Community College
Hunter Skogman, Skogman Realt y
Brian Bergstrom Shut tlewor th & Ingersoll
Chad Pelley Twent y40 Building Concept s
Tom DeBoom Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman
Steve Schoenauer RSM US LLP
Tim K intner, Ohnward Bank & Trust
Dennis Jordan, Alliant Energy
Jack Gonder, Bankers Trust
Riley Eynon-Lynch, Entrepreneur
2023 Impact
ANNUAL
2023
TO DATE
2003-2023
Number of Businesses Supported 101 1,438
New Revenue Generated $250M $3.55B
Capital Raised $58.6M $884.6M
Net Direct Jobs Added 175 3,762
Average Wage $58k $72k
New Payroll Created $10M $861M
Total Impact $319M $5.2B
The table below depicts the economic impact of EDC’s clients in 2023, as well as total numbers since the
program’s launch in 2003.
2023 Numbers at a Glance
32
CITIES ACROSS IOWA
$10M
NEW PAYROLL CREATED
3,450
HOURS OF SUPPORT
9
FUNDING APPLICATIONS
PREPARED FOR STARTUPS
101
BUSINESSES DIRECTLY
SUPPORTED
$250M
NEW REVENUE GENER ATED
$319M
TOTAL ANNUAL IMPACT
EDC created the first state-wide
“Innovation EXPO”. EDC’s proven
methods are published in the book
“The Recipe for Business Success”
EDC successfully capitalized
the corridor’s first
pharmaceutical company
EDC marks 20 years of growing
Iowa businesses
Celebrating 20 Years
Since our inception in 2003, EDC has been on a mission to support high-impact, Iowa-based interstate commerce
businesses, propelling them towards success and contributing to the state’s economic vitality. Over the course of two
decades, our organization has emerged as a vital cornerstone of Iowa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and we’re proud of
the impact we’ve made on the state’s economic growth.
With an impressive track record of working with over 1,400 businesses, we’ve acted as a catalyst for change, fueling
innovation and expanding growth capabilities across a multitude of industries. These businesses have not only thrived
but also collectively generated $5.2 billion dollars of direct economic impact for Iowa. This tremendous economic
momentum has translated into tangible benefits for local communities and the state.
One of the most significant indicators of our success lies in the influence on job creation and payroll growth. Through
our hands-on efforts and tailored guidance, EDC has helped businesses generate over $861 million dollars in payroll
growth. This means more jobs, more opportunities, and a stronger workforce that contributes to the prosperity of Iowa’s
economy.
As we celebrate the past two decades, it is a moment to reflect on the immense strides taken, the challenges overcome,
and the countless success stories we’ve been a part of crafting since 2003. Our legacy is not merely in the impact
numbers we share in this report – revenue growth of over $3.5 billion, over 3,700 jobs added, and capital raised and
employed of over $884 million – but in the lives transformed, dreams realized, and communities empowered.
Goals
EDC was created to provide economic
growth throughout the state of Iowa
through the support and growth of
entrepreneurial businesses
EDC expands clients to
include later-stage and
mature businesses
Create vital, sustainable economies
Increase the number of successful high-impact startup businesses in Iowa
Increase the growth rate and profitability of existing businesses
Create wealth that gets reinvested locally
T imeline
The clients that come through the doors of EDC range from startups seeking assistance in business planning, funding
assistance and marketing needs, to early-stage businesses seeking growth and capital assistance, to well-established
companies seeking growth or restructuring assistance.
Of the clients EDC served in 2023:
• 39% were s tar tups or pre-revenue clients
• 37% were early-stage client s
• 24% were well established clients
Clients
“As 2022 ended, VMT had 33 employees, a highly qualified CEO, expanded trials in India, Germany, Asia, and
the US for both of our cancer fighting therapeutics, first in-human positive data, and the purchase of a new building in
Coralville for the continued expansion of our team. The path to where we are today, from validated science in a research
setting in 2016, has been an incredible journey. This journey has required more than $40 million in capital, with more
than half of that capital needing to come in the form of investor equity. That process required experience and expertise
that we truly had none of, which is why we engaged the team at EDC, who did have the experience, connections, and
hands-on capability to make us street worthy.
I can honestly say that without EDC, there is no way our business would have been successful in Iowa. Without the
experience and diligent engagement of Curt and his team, no matter the time of day, or day of the week, we would have
failed to raise the money, or money would have forced us to move out of Iowa.”
Frances Johnson, MD
Co-founder of Viewpoint Molecular Targeting
(now Perspective Therapeutics)
Consumer Goods
11
Manufacturing
10
Saas/IT
11
Medical Tech
5
EdTech
4
Agriculture
1
EDC supports clients in varied stages of development and industry types. From heavy haul semi-trailers, to reading
fluency solutions, to asset management software and hummus, our clients continue to inspire us with their innovative,
game changing products.
Industries Supported
Client Feedback
“The EDC has become an advisor and a participant with us when it comes to how we grow our business. Curt has
been really involved in the hiring process of our sales team and working with our leadership to find and evaluate
candidates so we could make sure we were getting the right fit. He is also helping us shape and structure the team,
coaching me on what we should be thinking about, and working directly with our salespeople.
While going through our latest fundraising round, Curt was a helpful sounding board and
partner. As I was out talking to people, it was nice to have another mentor and adviser in
addition to our team and our board of directors to give feedback and make sure we were
representing ourselves the best we could.”
Allison Zimmerman
CEO, Foundations in Learning
Client since 2022
“The EDC fills an area of expertise that most businesses need help with when they’re smaller or just starting out.
Curt and his staff are very well-connected in the community as well - if they don’t have the expertise, they know
where to go to get it. Few people have that knowledge base and network of people that they can
plug into. The EDC fills a critical niche for businesses that are starting out or smaller businesses
like us that are looking to get bigger. They are critical to our business. The whole team there is
basically my advisory council. I rely on them heavily, and they’ve contributed significantly to
our success.”
Marc Meyer
Founder & CEO, Inteconnex
Client since 2010
“Over the years the EDC has plugged holes in almost every aspect of our business, whether that’s helping us craft
a new budget, marketing, or running our entire sales team. And they have helped assess the overall health of the
business and where we need to put additional resources.
What I really appreciate about the EDC is that they aren’t telling you what you need to do. They ask
a lot of questions and guide you to what is right. Everybody at the EDC has been great to work
with from every perspective. Curt does a great job recruiting good talent that complements
what founders would need to get their startup going, and throughout the years I’ve enjoyed
working with all of them.”
Jason Wonsae
Founder & CEO, Collective Data
Client since 2006
“The EDC is a remarkable business ally. Their approach to starting conversations
with ‘How can I help?’ fosters a relationship built on trust, openness, and a shared
commitment to growth. In just four months of collaboration, we’ve achieved milestones
that previously seemed a year away.”
Michelle Higgins
Founder, AugmENT
Client since 2023
“EDC has been very helpful presenting available government funding opportunities and
has helped navigate how to take advantage of the programs. Most of them are full of
paperwork that is not easy to understand. Without their help, we may have missed these
programs. ”
Jeff Ingels
Co-founder, Alpha Trailers
Client since 2019
“EDC’s practical, effective advice helped us grow in 2023. EDC’s hands-on approach
guiding our marketing and strategy made a difference. We’re really grateful to EDC for
their part in making this year a standout for us.”
Naftaly Stramer
Co-founder, Oasis Street Food
Client since 2016
Services
STRATEGIC
PLANNING
MARKETING SALES/BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT
GROWTH
MANAGEMENT
FUNDING
ASSISTANCE
NETWORKING
& RESOURCE
CONNECTIONS
“EDC has been a valuable partner for Groov. In 2023, they helped us create an effective
sales/marketing strategy, while enhancing our brand and messaging. We’re grateful for
their expertise and support.”
Ryan Glick
Founder, Groov
Client since 2020
230 2nd St. SE, Suite 212 • Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
319-369-4955 • www.edcinc.org
Iowa City
LEADER LE VEL
CHAMPION LEVEL
MEMBER LEVEL
PARTNER LE VEL
COLL ABOR ATOR LEVEL
2023 EDC Investors
Michal & Riley
Eynon-Lynch
October 10, 2024
Economic Development Committee,
We are deeply grateful for the continued partnership and support from the City of Iowa City. Collectively, our organizations play a critical role in driving economic development, and the City’s investment has been a key factor in enabling us to generate meaningful impact.
Since 2024, the City’s budgeted expenditures have increased by 44% while our five organizations have experienced a 79% increase in operating expenses, reflecting the dramatic increase in our community’s growing needs. Despite these rising costs, the City’s contributions have remained flat for many years, while our organizations have been challenged to sustain our programs and maintain our economic contributions at current levels.
Our patrons contribute nearly $8 million* (up 123% from 2014) annually to the local economy outside of ticket sales, benefiting local businesses and sustaining a vibrant downtown economy. We also directly and indirectly support over 270 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, helping drive employment across the arts and related industries. Additionally, $417,000 in local government revenue is generated from our activities each year, offering the City a 68% direct return on its investment.
Without an increase in the City’s financial support, our ability to continue delivering these benefits at the current level is at risk. While we understand the City has faced budgetary constraints for several years, we request the opportunity to discuss plans to meaningfully increase its investment in our organizations. Additionally, we’d like to discuss the metrics related to the City’s funding to ensure we’re best aligned with City goals. Our organizations offer incredible value to Iowa City’s quality of life and economic health, and increased investment is money well spent.
As we continue to evolve and expand, we look forward to working together to find solutions that will allow our organizations to thrive and further contribute to Iowa City’s economic and cultural landscape.Thank you for your ongoing support and consideration of our needs.
Sincerely,
Lisa Barnes, Summer of the ArtsJohn Kenyon, Iowa City UNESCO City of LiteratureAdam Knight, Riverside TheatreJohn Schickedanz, The EnglertAndrew Sherburne, FilmScene
*Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 provided by the Americans for the Arts conducted in Iowa City & Johnson County in 2022
President
Judith Leavitt
Vice President
Kellee Forkenbrock
Treasurer
LaTasha DeLoach
Secretary
Maeve Clark
Board
Aron Aji
Alison Ames Galstad
Venise Berry
Anna Barker
Elsworth Carman
Lisa Gardinier
Cady Gerlach
Jon Green
Shawn Harmsen
Nick Kaeding
Lyz Lenz
Anne Mangano
Karen Miller
Caleb Rainey
Trinity Ray
Barb Stein
Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature
123 S. Linn St.
Iowa City, IA 5240
(319) 887‐6100
www.iowacityofliterature.org
info@iowacityofliterature.org
Oct. 10, 2024
City Council Economic Development Committee
c/o Rachel Kilburg
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
To the Committee:
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. We proudly represent this city in UNESCO’s Creative
Cities Network, and seek to promote the reasons why Iowa City was
singled out for this honor while working to add to and enhance that
remarkable literary culture. The city’s commitment is vital to this work.
Iowa City has funded the City of Literature organization’s operations at
$50,000 since our inception in 2010. A $10,000 sponsorship of the
Iowa City Book Festival was added in 2013 when we took over that
program. Those investments yield a very different return now than they
did 14 years ago. We have added significant new programs like One
Book Two Book and MusicIC, and expanded the Book Festival from a
weekend to full week of free literary programming. As our efforts have
expanded, so have our costs.
We would like to request that you continue to fund the Book Festival at
$10,000, but that our operational funding increase to $55,000 for FY26.
Ideally, this would be part of an ongoing effort to increase our funding
in line with the growth of our programming and responsibilities
associated with the City’s membership in UNESCO's Creative Cities
Network over the past decade, as well as the rising costs of delivering
these services.
That support is leveraged to bring additional funding to our
organization and the community. Each dollar invested is multiplied at
least four times, giving the City of Literature a broader reach and the opportunity to provide
deeper, more varied programming. These resources allow us to advocate on behalf of the city
and its literary assets, provide free and diverse programming for residents and visitors, and
represent Iowa City nationally and internationally.
The City of Literature builds and supports diverse communities of writers and audiences through
the transformative power of story. Through programs like the One Book Two Book Children’s
Literature Festival, the Iowa City Book Festival, and Poetry in Public, we encourage families,
businesses and community organizations to discover and share our many literary resources and
opportunities. We also work to support international opportunities through the City’s
membership in the Creative Cities Network.
We look forward to working with the council and city staff to find ways to take full advantage of
the significant literary assets of our community and to continue writing the story of this
remarkable city.
With thanks,
John Kenyon
Executive Director
Enclosure: Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature FY24 Annual Report
Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature
FY24 Annual Report
Over the past fiscal year, the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature hosted a range of programs and initiatives aimed at
celebrating literary culture, supporting the local writing community, and representing Iowa City on the world stage.
Nearly all of these events are presented in partnership with other area nonprofits in the culture sector or through the
University of Iowa, the Iowa City Community School District, or other institutions. Financial support from the City of Iowa
City helps to fund operations and program expenses, providing opportunities for residents to connect with the literary
community and take full advantage of the city's designation as one of only two UNESCO Cities of Literature in the country.
Iowa City Book Festival
The 15th annual Iowa City Book Festival showcased literary
diversity and strengthened community partnerships through
over 30 engaging events with more than 25 authors and
presenters. Key highlights included a conversation with John
Irving and Lan Samantha Chang, collaborations with the
Hancher’s Infinite Dream Festival, and an appearance by Werner
Herzog in partnership with FilmScene’s Refocus Film Festival.
These events attracted nearly 4,000 people, both residents of
Iowa City and those visiting the area. Funding from the City of
Iowa City was augmented by support from the Iowa Humanities
Council, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, the
University of Iowa, Think Iowa City and others.
One Book Two Book Children’s Literature Festival
One Book Two Book 2024 celebrated children’s literature by
featuring workshops, readings, and events designed to inspire
creativity in young writers. More than 1,000 people attended
events presented in partnership with FilmScene, the Iowa
Children’s Museum, area public libraries and more. The festival’s
annual “Write Out Loud” Student Writing Awards Ceremony
honored dozens of area student authors with awards,
showcasing their talents and encouraging a love of reading and
writing from children in every school in the city, those in
homeschool programs, and beyond.
Paul Engle Prize and Scholarship
The annual Paul Engle Prize, funded by the City of Coralville, was awarded in 2023 to Alaskan poet Joan Naviyuk Kane,
whose work about indigenous Americans and the ecological impact of development addresses global issues of importance
to our community. An additional program named for Paul Engle is the Glory of the Senses: Paul Engle Essay Contest, solicits
essays from Iowa high school sophomores. The competition, judged in partnership with evaluators at ACT, awards one year
of free tuition to the University of Iowa to the winner. This scholarship, provided by the University, ensures that the best
young writers in the state come to Iowa City to study and further our reputation as a destination for creative people.
FY25 and beyond
The City of Literature will work to achieve the goals outlined in its new strategic plan through its continued slate of
programs. The 2024 Iowa City Book Festival, to be held Oct. 13-20, is the biggest since 2019, featuring more than 55
presenters, two dozen vendors, and a diverse lineup of more than 50 free events. The 2024 Paul Engle Prize will be
presented on Nov. 14 to poet Camille Dungy, a West High graduate. In 2025, One Book Two Book will be presented in
collaboration with several area organizations and will see an expansion in programming, while the MusicIC festival that
celebrates chamber music and literature will be retooled as a spring event to be more accessible to a broader audience.
FY24 Financials
Income
Direct Public Support 156,609.16
3,367.58
74,808.19
$234,784.93
Other Types of Income
Program Income
Total Income
Expenses
Organization Promotion 5,617.68
64,889.85
160,955.94
7,327.12
2,795.24
4,941.00
753.81
3,061.93
$250,342.57
Program Administration
Personnel
Contract Services
Operations
Insurance & Bonding
Facilities and Equipment
Business Expenses
Total Expenses
NET INCOME ($15,557.64)
Creative Cities Network
Iowa City, the third City of Literature in the world, is now one of 53 cities sharing
that designation, and part of the 350-city Creative Cities Network. The City of
Literature office is the liaison to those networks, promoting opportunities for
collaboration and connection at the city and individual level. Director John
Kenyon served as the coordinator of the Cities of Literature from 2021-2023,
strengthening Iowa City’s position in the network. In 2024, Mayor Bruce Teague
traveled to Portugal to meet with other Creative Cities Network leaders
Strategic Plan Update
The organization underwent a strategic planning process in spring 2023, and set a plan for the next three fiscal years that
will address issues of brand identity (addressing ways to better promote the city’s designation and the work done in its
name), sense of place (promoting literary tourism, placemaking and wayfinding), and sustainability (strengthening the
organization and continuing to seek out diverse sources of support). These efforts, where appropriate, will be aligned with
city priorities and goals.
Other Program Highlights
•Poetry in Public program expansion
throughout Johnson County
•SlamoVision International Slam
Poetry competition
•#17BooksFor17SDGs social media
campaign to promote Strategic
Development Goals globally
•Johnson County Great Give Day
leadership
•Iowa Student Poet Ambassador
program leadership
•Local writer participation in
internatoinal residencies
•Issue advocacy
October 16, 2024
Economic Development Committee,
We greatly appreciate your continued support of The Englert Theatre. The City’s investment
plays a crucial role in advancing our mission to inspire and activate positive community growth
through the arts.
As we approach our 20th anniversary, we are excited to showcase our recent growth in
education, community engagement, and support of the creative economy.
In 2025, we will introduce the inaugural Iowa City Songwriter Festival, which will not only
further enhance our community’s reputation as a haven for writers but also boost tourism
and local business. Alongside this new event, we continue to strengthen partnerships with
key local events such as Blues & BBQ, the Iowa City Downtown District’s Block Party, and the
Northside Series, all of which contribute to the local economy by attracting diverse audiences
and increasing foot traffic to nearby businesses.
Since 2014, our budget has expanded by 66%, with patrons now injecting over $2.6 million
annually into the local economy outside of ticket purchases. This generates $162,000 in local
taxes, supporting infrastructure, social services, and community growth. While operational
costs have risen, our economic impact continues to expand dramatically every year.
Additionally, we’ve deepened our educational outreach including the launch of an arts
administration internship program, designed to retain emerging arts leaders in the region. By
creating career pathways for young talent, we are bolstering the long-term sustainability of
Iowa City’s creative economy.
We respectfully request $75,000 for consideration in the City of Iowa City’s fiscal year 2026
budget to help us sustain these efforts. As we continue to evolve, we are proud of the expanding
economic and cultural impact we are having in Iowa City.
We are sincerely grateful for the City’s ongoing support and appreciate your consideration of
our request.
Gratefully,
John Schickedanz
Executive Director
Ordinary Income/Expense (Jan-Sep)YTD Budget YTD Actual YTD B vs. A
Income
Total Show Income $1,647,927 $1,375,652 -16.5%
Total Development Income $345,920 $376,788 8.9%
Total Other Income $27,360 $16,362 -40.2%
Total Income $2,021,207 $1,768,803 -12.5%
Expense
Total Show Expense $1,179,938 $1,037,902 -13.7%
Total Development Expense $25,720 $27,890 7.8%
Total Building Expense $109,980 $84,461 -30.2%
Total Administrative Expense $82,100 $81,342 -0.9%
Total Personnel Expense $710,332 $652,747 -8.8%
Total Non-Operating Expense $15,750 $20,042 21.4%
Total Other Income $0 $21,294 N/A
Total Expense $2,123,820 $1,925,678 -10.3%
Net Ordinatory Income $(102,613)$(156,875)-52.8%
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024*
Total Expenses by Year
$3MM
$1.5MM
$0
2024 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
ICCSD Partnership • Panel
Series • Postmodern
Jukebox • Queer Coffee
Social • Story Pirates •
Songwriter Series • The War
& Treaty • Taiko Project •
Slaughter Beach, Dog • Five
For Fighting • Track Zero
Series • Arts Administration
Internship • Community
Engagement Plan • Locals
Showcase • Nonfiction
Fellowship • Truthsgiving
Nutcracker • Indigo Girls •
• Cat Power • Los Lobos •
Girls Rock •Block Party •
North Liberty Blues & BBQ
• Mission Creek Festival
• Napoleon Dynamite •
Vitamin String Quartet •
Rocky Horror
To support and grow this work, Riverside Theatre is requesting
continued support from the City of Iowa City in the amount of
$25,000 for the City’s upcoming FY2026, with $5,000 specifically
earmarked for Free Shakespeare in Lower City Park.
Riverside’s funding has stood at $20,000 over the last six years,
which is down from a peak of $25,000 in FY2014. At that time, City
support represented 4.6% of Riverside’s budget. By contrast, last
year’s funding represented 2.6% of total budget.
RIVERSIDE THEATREFUNDING REQUEST
OCTOBER 2024
Riverside Theatre provides a uniquely professional, diverse,
and Iowa-centered theatrical experience in the heart of
downtown Iowa City. Its programs bring thousands of residents
to the Ped Mall to experience a mix of classic, contemporary,
and premiere works of dramatic literature. Through free
productions in Lower City Park as well as community classroom
experiences, Riverside makes Shakespeare accessible to
Eastern Iowa. And as a leading regional producer of new and
classic works, Riverside plays a key part in the local
professional artist ecosystem.
MISSION
A great city deserves
serious theatre: theatre
that sparks discourse,
builds community,
delights, inspires, breaks
down barriers, and
explores the
complexities of the
human spirit. Riverside
Theatre strengthens the
cultural fabric of Iowa
City through intimate,
engaging productions
from classics to new
works, fostering a
deeper appreciation for
the dramatic arts.
With ongoing support from the City of Iowa City, Riverside
Theatre has grown its budget by 42% over the past decade and
transitioned Shakespeare programming in Lower City Park from
a paid, ticketed model to a free model. It has maintained its
status as the only professional resident theatre in Eastern Iowa,
and one of only two theatres in the entire state with a standing
agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the union of
performers and stage managers. Riverside is the only Iowa-
based member of the National New Play Network and is a
member of Theatre Communications Group. Riverside occupies
a unique niche not only in Iowa City, but in the region.
2014
2024
CITY FUNDING AS A PERCENTAGE OF RIVERSIDE’S TOTAL BUDGET
4.6%
2.6%
We are grateful for this continuing partnership in this City of
Literature that we all love. Thank you for your consideration of our
request.
ADAM KNIGHTPRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTORRIVERSIDE THEATRE
20
1
8
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1
9
20
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9
/
2
0
20
2
0
/
2
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20
2
1
/
2
2
20
2
2
/
2
3
20
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40
STRATEGIC GOAL
ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL
LEADERSHIP IN IOWA CITY.
What does it mean to be a flagship
professional theatre? Acknowledging
Riverside’s unique role in our community
and joining with other organizations and
leaders to affect positive change.
STRATEGIC GOAL
EXPAND THE TYPES OF
STORIES WE TELL, AND WHO
GETS TO TELL THEM.
Growing the canon: new and
contemporary works alongside
vital classics each season.
Rethinking casting. Highlighting
underserved viewpoints.
RIVERSIDE THEATRE
Riverside Theatre opened its Ped Mall location in January
2022, after moving from its longtime home on the
Northside. This fully flexible 150-seat black-box theatre
hosts a full season of productions ranging from classics to
new works, along with talkbacks, student matinees, improv
classes, and the “Playmaker Project,” an initiative which
gives 4th to 6th graders the tools to write their own short
plays and have them performed by professional actors.
The first production of the season, Scalia/Ginsburg, was
the first opera Riverside has ever produced and played to
sold out houses.
page 2
RIVERSIDE THEATREIN THE PEDMALL
FilmScene:Julius Caesar Film/Talkback - Summer 2024
Refocus Film Festival Event - Fall 2024
The Englert Theatre:Mission Creek Festival Venue - 2022-2025
UNESCO City of Literature MusicIC Festival - June 2023
Hancher Auditorium
Infinite Dream Festival - October 2023
Iowa City Downtown District
First Round - October 2024
PAST & UPCOMING VENUE
PARTNERSHIPS
WHERE IS OUR AUDIENCE FROM?
67% - Iowa City
13% - Greater Johnson County 14% - Greater Iowa 6% - Out of state
Over the past two seasons, 240 artists were contracted by Riverside, including 190 artists from within 50
miles of Iowa City. Riverside has maintained and strengthened its commitment to having performers
onstage and off better represent our diverse community. Over the past two seasons, 46% of performers
were male-identifying; 52% were female-identifying; 2% were non-binary or gender nonconforming.
STRIDES IN EMPLOYMENT, DIVERSITY & GENDER PARITY
2024/2025 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
NON-BINARYGENDER NONCONFORMING
FEMALEIDENTIFYING
MALEIDENTIFYING
Scalia/Ginsburg: An opera by Derrick Wang. Featured a seven-piece
orchestra along with guest conductor (Michael Sakir, Artistic Director of
Opera Montana.) Special events included a UofI School of Law night
with a talkback featuring two Iowa Supreme Court Justices
POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying
to Keep Him Alive by Selina Fillinger. The first professional production
in Iowa of this recent Broadway hit.
It’s A Wonderful Life: a Radio Play by Joe Landry
The Cure at Troy by Seamus Heaney
Native Gardens by Karen Zacarias. Featuring RT’s co-founders Jody
Hovland and Ron Clark.
The Lifespan of a Fact by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell and Gordon
Farrel; based on the book by Iowa Non-Fiction Writers Workshop writer
John D’Agata.
BIPOC PERFORMERS % BY SEASON22-24 PERFORMERS VISITING & LOCAL
ARTISTS SINCE 2023
50
190
(pro
j
e
c
t
e
d
)
Henry P1 Winters Comedy Henry V 12th JC
0
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
3,000STRATEGIC GOAL
CULTIVATE AND CAPTIVATE
DIVERSE, ENTHUSIASTIC, AND
LOYAL AUDIENCES.
Solidifying existing relationships while
reaching new patrons.
Engaging them. Letting them know
their investment matters.
RIVERSIDE THEATRE
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.
Last summer, Julius Caesar featured a cast of 17, including three
Equity members. This program saw 2,958 attendees, including
more than 500 on its closing performance.
FREE SHAKESPEAREIN LOWER CITY PARK
Rising costs of materials along with increased union and labor costs
have meant this programming regularly operates at a loss.
Riverside is proud to work with the Iowa City Parks and Recreation
Department to maintain the Riverside Festival Stage, which was built
in 2000. Last season, Riverside contributed $50,000 towards
renovations of this facility to ensure that this unique venue serves
more members of our communities for many years to come.
FREE SHAKESPEARE GROWTH
ATTENDANCE AT FREE SHAKESPEARE3,000
2,000
1,000
HENRY IVPART 12019
THEWINTER’S TALE2021
THE COMEDYOF ERRORS2021
HENRYV2022
TWELFTHNIGHT2023
Henry P1 Winters Comedy Henry V 12th JC Projected
$0
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
HENRY IVPART 12019
WINTER’S TALE2021
COMEDYOF ERRORS2021
HENRYV2022
TWELFTHNIGHT2023
JULIUSCAESAR2024
COST OF “FREE” SHAKESPEARE
DIRECT EXPENSES BY PRODUCTION
JULIUSCAESAR2024
TBDPROJECTED2025
$60,000
$40,000
$20,000
Riverside aims to deepen connections between
the community and our productions. Last season,
over 400 patrons attended post-show panel
discussions associated with main stage
productions. Already this season, Riverside has
hosted two talkbacks, each with over 100 people
in attendance. Additionally, the “Backstage Pass”
program invites patrons to attend select open
rehearsals to better understand what all goes into
producing a show.
Theatre entertains, but it also has the power to
educate. Riverside’s improv classes are geared
toward non-performers and seek to connect people
of all abilities through theatre. Last season
Riverside are also programmed two camps and
productions as part of the “Playmaker Project”: a
playwriting workshop open to 4th-6th graders that
ended with a live performance of those plays by
adult professional actors.
STRATEGIC GOAL
EXPERIENCES THAT CONNECT
AUDIENCES TO PLAYS AND ARTISTS
BEYOND THE STAGE.
Theatre as a gathering place. Talkbacks.
Backstage experiences. Ways to connect
before the lights go down and after the
lights come up.
RIVERSIDE THEATRE
page 4
RIVERSIDE THEATREIN THE COMMUNITY
IN THE SCHOOLS:
BARD BUDDIES & WILL POWER
AT THE THEATRE:
PANEL DISCUSSIONS, BACKSTAGE PASS,
& MORE
WORKSHOPS FOR ALL:
IMPROV & PLAYMAKER PROJECT
In spring 2025, the “Will Power” program is
getting revamped with support from the
“Shakespeare in American Communities” grant
from the National Endowment for the Arts &
ArtsMidwest. Teaching artists will travel the
region to bring Shakespeare performances in
area schools and community centers.
Additionally, Riverside will once again partner
with ICCSD and Any Given Child to produce
“Bard Buddies,” a workshop for district 1st
graders on the power of Shakespeare.
STRATEGIC GOAL
DIVERSE AND
SUSTAINABLE SOURCES
OF REVENUE & SUPPORT
Envisioning an organization
that can survive shocks
through multiple income
streams and a broad
community of supporters.
RIVERSIDE THEATRE
BUDGET & SUMMARY
For the past 43 years, Riverside Theatre has been bringing
thoughtful, professional theatre to Iowa City. The 24/25 season is
poised to further Riverside’s role as the region’s key employer of local
theatre artists and as a destination for audiences seeking serious
theatre. Riverside’s expanded educational initiatives will provide
further resources to the community and be a boon to schools,
businesses, and individuals.
Nevertheless, serious challenges remain. Riverside cannot sustain
current operations without building new audiences and seeking
increased funding from current donors and our state and local
partners. Continued City funding is essential for Riverside to continue
its mission to strengthen the cultural fabric of Iowa City through
intimate, engaging productions that foster a deeper appreciation for
and engagement with the dramatic arts. We are grateful for this
continuing partnership in this City of Literature that we all love.
IN CONCLUSION
October 2024
TO: Iowa City Council Economic Development Committee
RE: Summer of the Arts Funding Support
Thank you to the City of Iowa City for the generous support provided to Summer of the Arts over the past 19 years. Our
events are part of the City’s cultural fabric and provides some of the most widely recognized and financially accessible
arts-based events in the Iowa City area. In 2024, we will provide 165 hours of programming and 57 events to our
community.
Your continued investment in Summer of the Arts pushes the local economy forward. This year, the Iowa Arts Festival,
Iowa City Jazz Festival, and Friday Night Concert Series brought 68,100 people to downtown Iowa City, while our other
events brought 3,254 people into municipal parks and facilities. Even though our overall budget has decreased slightly,
we have increased the number of hours of FREE community programming from 159.5 in 2014 to 165 in 2024. One of our
primary goals has been to expand our programming into the community which we’ve accomplished by the addition of
Music on the Move, the Free Movie Series in area parks and neighborhoods and the addition of Rhythm at Riverfront
Crossings this year.
We are proud of the partnerships we have with various City of Iowa City departments, notably Iowa City Parks and
Recreation Department, and other community arts organizations, businesses and nonprofits. Along with producing three
weekend events (Iowa Arts Festival, Iowa City Jazz Festival and Holiday Thieves Market), we continue to produce the
Friday Night Concert Series, Music on the Move, and the Free Move Series from May to September. New this year is
Rhythms at Riverfront Crossings, a unique opportunity to showcase some of the most popular local bands in one of Iowa
City’s newest and largest parks, and attendees broadly supported the event. Iowa City Parks and Rec provided the
beautiful setting, games and activities, and additional trash and recycle containers. Coralville Parks and Rec rented their
mobile stage to us. Big Grove Brewery sold beer and water within an enclosed portion of the park. West Music provided
additional activities at two concerts, and we had food vendors on site for a complete family experience. In 2025, we
hope to expand the number of concerts at Riverfront Crossings and activities available to attendees.
We continue to promote diversity through the performers featured at all events and music genres offered. We continue
to look for additional ways to feature local youth. We feature musicians at the Friday Night Concert Series and Iowa City
Jazz Festival and artists in the Iowa Arts Festival Emerging Artist Area. In 2024, we expanded performances at the Friday
Night Concert Series to four area high schools (City, West, Liberty and Clear Creek Amana). We featured a jazz quartet of
graduating City High seniors at one of the concerts. At the Iowa Arts Festival, we had several local youths perform on the
Main Stage Sunday afternoon and on the Ped Mall Stage over the weekend.
Over the past few years, our event and operational expenses have increased and while we continue to fundraise
through sponsorships, individual donors, and fundraising events, our budget has decreased 9% in the past 10 years. We
have made cuts to our programming, and since 2020 have worked creatively within these constraints to provide new
ways to experience music and art while keeping events free and open to all. We acknowledge the fiscal challenges the
City, so we respectfully request the City maintain their support at $67,000 or increase this amount by 5% to $70,350 to
pay for the mobile stage used at Rhythms at Riverfront Crossings.
Please see attached documents for more information on our programming. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Lisa J. Barnes Shaner Magalhães
Executive Director Board President
Summer of the Arts 2024 Report: Page | 1
2024 Summer of the Arts Summary of Activities and Involvement
City of Iowa City
Festivals Produced:
• Friday Night Concert Series (approximately 400-750 ppl/week)
o 2024 = 18 weeks
• Iowa Arts Festival (June 7-9) – approximately 25k ppl through the course of the weekend
• Free Movie Series (approximately 50-100 ppl/week)
o 2024 = 9 weeks (including three in partnership with IC Parks & Rec, two in partnership with So.6
Business District, one at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, one in Coralville, one in North Liberty
and one at the IC Municipal Airport)
• Iowa City Jazz Festival (July 5-7) – approximately 25k ppl through the course of the weekend
• Music on the Move (approximately 50-90 ppl/week)
o 2024 = 12 performances in partnership with IC Parks & Rec and featuring eight different
performances throughout the Iowa City area
• Rhythm at Riverfront Crossings
o One concert/month May – September 2024 in partnership with Iowa City Parks & Rec and Big
Grove Brewery
• Oaknoll Concert Series
o 2024 = 9 concerts split between the two locations, plus one special event
• Holiday Thieves Market (upcoming)
o December 7-8, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency in Coralville
City of Iowa City Support (in addition to financial support):
• Assistance from City Departments: City Manager’s Office, Public Works, Streets & Engineering, Fire,
Police, Housing & Inspections, Landfill & Recycling, City Clerk, Water, Communications, City Attorney,
Parking, Parks & Recreation, Public Library, Transit Services
• Use of land and space for Summer of the Arts festivals including Iowa City Municipal Airport and area
parks for movies and Music on the Move
• Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp for rain location for Friday Night Concert Series
• Parking for staff, vendors, performers and artists in ramps and on streets for festivals as needed
• Coordination of City of Iowa City’s fireworks in conjunction with the Iowa City Jazz Festival
• Coordination of pole banners and the locations/timing they are displayed (via the ICDD)
• Coordination of Block by Block to assist in grounds clean-up/trash removal at Arts and Jazz Festivals
Volunteer Involvement (2024 numbers):
• 342 Total Volunteers
• Over 1800 Volunteer Hours
Financial Summary/impact:
• 386 Individuals made personal donations to Summer of the Arts during the past year (not including cash
contributions at festivals)
• 88 Businesses supported Summer of the Arts with cash and in-kind sponsorships
• Summer of the Arts has financially helped support 582 Iowa performers and visual artists
• 15 Iowa City area restaurants are supporting Summer of the Arts this year through our Eat for the Arts
events
Summer of the Arts 2024 Report: Page | 2
2024 Awards/Recognition (so far):
• Locals Love Us recognized the Iowa Arts Festival as the Best Festival again this year and the Iowa City
Jazz Festival as one of the best
• In late 2023, the Iowa Arts Festival was recognized by Little Village Magazine’s Best of the CRANDIC as
the Best Cultural Event
2024 Collaborations:
• Participated in Downtown Arts Alliance meetings
• Nonprofit Arts Partners (UI Stanley Museum, UAY, PS1/IC Press Co-op, Systems Unlimited)
• Staff member Andrea Truitt serves as chair of the Public Arts Advisory Committee
• South of 6 -showed two movies
• Provided tents and equipment for use by MidWestOne Bank for Rock the Chalk event
• Partnering with Iowa City Parks and Rec on a variety of different programs including booking music for
Market Music and Party in the Park and activities at two of our Movie showings
• Partnering with the First Avenue Club to host a fundraising event in November 2024 in support of the
20th year of Summer of the Arts
• Partnered with The Vue Restaurant to host a Jazz Brunch in conjunction with the 2024 Iowa City Jazz
Festival
Some social media comments:
Winterland Performance at Rhythms at Riverfront Crossings Park -- Ed English
Great to see so many folks out at Riverfront Crossings. A really nice Saturday evening.
April Dirks, local musician
Thanks for all that you do for this community Summer of the Arts!!!!
Friday Night Concert Series -- Nikki Lunden Trotter
Yay Charlotte Blu Music!! What a beautiful voice to kick off this perfect Iowa evening!
Music on the Move with Kevin Burt -- Todd Carr
Don't miss seeing Kevin BF Burt do his thing. Saw him at the Englert theater a week ago Great stories great
vocals and a soulful incredible performance every time
Swampland Jewels at Friday Night Concert Series -- Julie Julie
Great concert last night!
Iowa Arts Festival -- Victoria Huitt
Pert Near Sandstone not to be missed!!
Summer of the Arts 2024 Report: Page | 3
2024 Iowa Arts Fest-Main Stage 2024 Iowa City Jazz Fest-Clinton St Crowd
2024 Rhythms at Riverfront Crossings-Shade of Blue 2024 Friday Night Concert Series-Dandelion Stompers
2024 Music on the Move-The Feralings at
North Market Square Park
2024 Free Movie Series-Pepperwood Plaza
2023
ANNUAL REPORT
Your Support Helps Us Create a Community Full of Inspiration
Iowa Arts
Festival Iowa City
Jazz Festival
Friday Night Concert Series
Northside Concert Series
Holiday Thieves
Market Free Movie Series
Music on
the Move
VOLUNTEER IMPACT IMPACT ON IOWA ARTISTS
BY THE NUMBERS
Attendance
of nearly
348 Volunteers contributing over
2,500 hours
472 Iowa
performers 141 Iowa fine artists
brought together
each year
70,000 people
For more information about our 2024 events visit: SummeroftheARTS.org
FINANCIAL INFO
INCOME EXPENSES
From the Executive Director:
In 2023, we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Iowa Arts Festival (our longest-
running event) and the 30th anniversary of the Friday Night Concert Series, which
was extended through September! We want our community to have access to the
arts in a variety of ways.
We appreciate the community support that allows us to continue these long-
standing Iowa City traditions (including the nationally recognized Iowa City Jazz
Festival), while spreading our wings by moving into more neighborhoods and
strengthening our partnerships to share our mission of bringing people together
in the Iowa City area to experience, learn about, and enjoy free arts and cultural
programs – all at NO FEE to attend!
Thank you for being a part of our story and joining us in making memories for all!
Lisa Barnes
Sponsors 47%
City Support & Grants 14.6%
Individual Donors 17%
Festival Booth Fees 13.4%
Receipts 5.6%
Fundraising Events/Other 2.4%
Programming Expenses 59%
Programming Operations 27%
Administrative Overhead 14%
47%
59%
14.6%
27%
13.4%
5.6%
2.4%
17%
14%
THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 SPONSORS