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
TERM
12/09/20
10/27/21
10/19/22
11/29/22
9/25/23
7/1/24
NAME
EXP.
Josh
Moe
01/02/24
---
---
---
---
---
X
Andrew
Dunn
01/02/24
---
---
---
---
---
X
Laura
Bergus
01/02/24
---
---
X
X
X
X
John
Thomas
01/02/24
X
X
X
X
X
---
Megan
Alter
01/02/24
---
---
X
X
X
---
Susan
Mims
01/02/22
X
X
---
---
---
---
Mazahir
Salih
01/02/22
O/E
X
---
---
---
Key:
X =
Present
O =
Absent
--- =
not a member
O/E
= Absent/Excused
I r 1
3� "It`m3' `t
•®�•� CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
CITY OF IOWA CITY
UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
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
1-380 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):
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 &
0
35
25
15
25
25
25
25
32**
32
32
32
40
Refocus Film Festival
Riverside Theatre
25
20
0
16.5
15
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
25
67 or
67
67
67
67
67
67
67
67
67
67
67
67
Summer of the Arts
70.35
UNESCO City of Lit/
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
65
Book Festival
Public Space One
25
*included $20,000 for capital improvements
**$7,000 for ReFocus was added in FY22
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.
v,& edc
Accelerating Iowa Business
October 7, 2024
City Council Economic Development Committee c/o Rachel Kilburg
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Rachel & Committee,
For the past 21 years, EDC has been actively engaged in the creation and growth of high -impact
businesses in Iowa, with a strong focus on the Iowa City — Cedar Rapids Corridor. Over this time, the
more than 1,400 businesses supported by EDC have created over $5.2 billion in economic development
impact (Please see attached 2023 Stakeholder Report for details). In the past year, EDC invested time
directly in Iowa City working with the companies listed below. Exciting for Iowa City is the continued
expansion of Perspective Therapeutics (formerly Viewpoint Molecular), and the other business impacts
listed on the next page.
IOWA CITY ENGAGEMENT 2024
Company Raised Capital Jobs Created
AugmENT - medical Yes 0
Oasis (Hummus) No 0
Steel Therapeutics — medical Yes 0
Perspective Therapeutics (Viewpoint) Yes 2 IC / 11 Coralville
Iowa Simulation Solutions No 0
Meld Marketing No 1
IOWA CITY IMPACT 2023 and Proaram-To-Date
Impact
2023
Program to Date
Capital raised & deployed
$50,012,500
$109,893,957
Private vs public ratio
$50,000,000 (Private) vs.
$ 94,068,731 (Private) vs.
$12,500 (Public)
$15,825,226 (Public)
Increased business revenue
$302,700
$147,185,172
New jobs created
10
450
Average wage
$98,000
$75,529
New payroll added
$980,000
$70,244,756
New businesses started
1
21
Total impact
$51,393,200
$327,399,864
EDC Inc. - 230 2nd Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 - www.edcinc.org - 319-369-4955
IMPACT EXAMPLES - Below are examples of how your annual contributions to EDC are helpful in
creating strong economic impact for Iowa City. They represent over $1,100,000 in EDC overhead,
showing that capital from many other supporters is leveraging Iowa City's investment annually.
Pear Deck: With the growth and sale of Pear Deck, Iowa City and Johnson County are reaping the
rewards of this incredible success. EDC was integral in the growth and success of this business,
investing over 1,200 hands-on hours over many years. The overhead expense to EDC for such
engagement was roughly $240,000 and the funding provided by Iowa City helped EDC provide the
support Pear Deck needed. Pear Deck co-founders will tell you that their success would not have
happened without the support EDC provided across their journey. More than $50 million flowed back to
Iowa City investors with millions of dollars of impact, which includes:
• Investment and support of Tamarack Discovery School
• Wright House support including programs focusing on black students
• Investment and support of MDC Iowa, allowing for business loans for BIPOC entrepreneurs
• Investment and support of the new ICON Academy
• Neighborhood project support — more than 75 to date
• Direct investments in Keto Kitchen, Foundations in Learning, Day Drink Coffee, Basic Goods,
ICCSD Foundation, Bike Library, and FilmScene, and multiple local school and University
bonds.
Perspective Therapeutics (Viewpoint): From the labs at the U of I in 2016 to today, this
pharmaceutical company is now a publicly traded stock with a market cap over $1 billion. The company
has raised more than $200 million, with significant money being invested in both Iowa City and
Coralville. This is the first pharmaceutical company to start and remain in Johnson County, and based
upon their success to date looks to be a strong contributor to the Johnson County ecosystem for many
years to come. EDC invested over 2,000 hours and roughly $400,000 in overhead helping this company
get to where they are now. Founders, Michael Schultz and Francis Johnson MD, have stated that
without EDC the company would not have started and remained in Iowa, but would rather have been
pulled to the east or west coast by investors. This company continues to hire highly skilled workers,
most of which are relocations to the Iowa City area.
Oasis Hummus: Since 2016, EDC has invested roughly 200 hours helping founders Naftaly and Ofer
expand distribution as well as number of product offerings, now reaching Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota
and Nebraska. Oasis continues to be a financial supporter of our organization as well as a strong
advocate of our program.
Steel Therapeutics: Since 2020, we have provided 30 hours of support to this Iowa City start-up, led
by founders Matt Stahl and Robbie Schwenker, along with CEO Ben Clark. They have raised millions
and are building a strong pharma business that, like Viewpoint, will attract talent and increase
community investment.
Since 2004, EDC has consistently engaged in Iowa City, supported by over 120 public and private
partners. Major public supporters include the City of Cedar Rapids, State of Iowa, and the cities of
Coralville, North Liberty, and Hiawatha. As most funding comes from outside Johnson County,
maintaining and increasing support from this region is crucial for Iowa City entrepreneurs. EDC is
requesting the same amount ($25,000) for fiscal year 2026 to continue its impact.
Thank you very much for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Curt Nelson
EDC Inc. - 230 2nd Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 - www.edcinc.org - 319-369-4955
edc
Ira,
2023 Stakeholder
Report
1,400+
Businesses _
Supported
- $885 M
Capital Raised
� � and Employed I�
EDC Stakeholder Report 2023
Reflections on 20 Years
Entrepreneurial support 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
after 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 started 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
impact created, we were going to have to crack the code on meaningful engagement.
After 20 years of supporting over 1,400 entrepreneurs, I offer the following observations:
• 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 capability to
provide such.
• Curriculum has limited impact 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 direct 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.
• Support is not a short-term engagement; in most cases it takes many years to create
real impact.
So, with this education, we at EDC...
• Built a process that quickly determines the unique needs of each entrepreneur and
business opportunity for their specific personas and business's place in time.
• Assembled the talent needed to properly diagnose, prescribe, and help execute
against each opportunity.
• Engage, hands-on, as part of the team. Helping "do" as well as advise in a process
that accelerates growth 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 art of helping others is about engaging in a way that the other party actively pulls the
help from you. We are proud of the impact we have had on the lives of those we have
supported 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 serve will have on Iowa's
communities in the years to come.
Sincerely,
Curtis R. Nelson
President & CEO
2023 Numbers at a Glance
101
BUSINESSES DIRECTLY
SUPPORTED
0
3,450
HOURS OF SUPPORT
2023 Impact
$250M
NEW REVENUE GENERATED
1*
32
CITIES ACROSS IOWA
NEW PAYROLL CREATED
$319M
TOTAL ANNUAL IMPACT
9
FUNDING APPLICATIONS
PREPARED FOR STARTUPS
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.
Celebrating 20 Years
Clients
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 morejobs, 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
Timeline
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
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 startups or pre -rev,
• 37% were early -stage clients
• 24% were well established cli
Industries Supported
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.
0
0 0 0 0 0
EdTech Agriculture Consumer Goods Medical Tech Saas/IT Manufacturing
"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."
a ,M Frances Johnson, MD
An PERSPEMVE Co-founder of Viewpoint Molecular Targeting
THERAPEUTICS (now Perspective Therapeutics)
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
2003 2006-2007 2008-2010 2022 2023
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
LJFoundations CEO, Foundations in Learning
Tin 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
inteconnex® 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."
<*> COLLECTIVE DATA
Jason Wonsae
Founder & CEO, Collective Data
Client since 2006
Services
STRATEGIC
PLANNING
MARKETING SALES/BUSINESS GROWTH FUNDING NETWORKING
DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE & 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
"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
2023 EDC Investors
LEADER LEVEL
t �� )WiAr.
BA i s
BANK &
.�
WACI
CEDAR RAPIDS
E I I G rg y' economic development
Energy
T��+L++
CORALVILLE
CITY CI IO UT CITY
UNESCO [ITVOFLITERATURE
City ofFive Seasons,
CHAMPION LEVEL
TRiTE&RTH
Insurance and Financial Strategies R S ��
SKQqMAN
OMPANIES
I N T 9 R N A T I O N AL
BRADLEY & RILEY PC
A't'mRNEY$ AND COUNSELOns
121.GreatAmerica`
1 N A N G 1 A L IERVIIEI WWnAr,BRADLEYRILEY.COM
HARD WORK • INTEGRITY • EXCELLENCE
U 0 CRYSTAL /'!; IKIIN4IO'S'
MATERIAL INC.
FARMERS STATE BANK GreenState ohn
I
CREDIT UNION S
��g THE I Pl't ehn
`WatehPoint ItTY UNIVERSIEntrepreneurial
MPNRGE�Ii&SECIINItt Member FDIL•mr Wnline.com 3ARM
OF IOWA Center
f 6awatha!_
®M®M .urAa'w roayea�perewuve. "owmwder
1� North Liberty BcrkerSTruSte SIMMOM) PERRINE Shuttleworth
q` I°u,A "°" MOIER BERGMAN PLC & INGERSOLL
PARTNER LEVEL
Linn County /�/�/�r
tobanka ( _/ �� Rurp1 Electric mOLllO ,Lm9nd/�///(I(r meld,Coo erative III u GDemaDEVELOPMEN MSI Mold Builders Achieve More i
3 BAZOOKA
FARMSTAR HILLCR ST HOLDINGS
INC
0
COLLECTIVE DATA
Medi Rew
berganKDv OHNWARD
businessfinancial technology BANK & TRUST
n. o4�wad P,ee4ao Bask
Iowa Venture QjyA1DK
U.1aITA1 AGao. AT N
RA/SER BANK •
AHMANN
Companies. Inc.
14vatfon
networksinc.
�r— RS oERSIDE , ,
A�EI.rE�
Involta..
COLLABORATOR LEVEL
0 (V G inteconnex a ftraphics
�Clckstop
5? LW9 ` Michal & Rile WWOStOnt' H
RECRUITING\�R;� y ■Bank Rinderknecht
J.W.Morton Eynon -Lynch HILLS BANK
acumen prorol t e hmitt
lhewVchoice. l oa-.w"a.®w"
HOGAN4HANSEN AIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII,
w HONKAMP
LL PFllll6 COr � �`�ntln ,p
GRAY VENTURE PARTNERS 0
MEMBER LEVEL
OR , GIbbstambftwn COMMUNITY
B
ER
erei EInt, A111-1 SAVINGS BANK
H SMnM R1O[]
RBC Wealth Net ever SUBURBAN
Management WMBER 00MPINY
CLIMATE POINT=:iaiiiii pERSPECTiVE"
ENGINEERS BUILDERS lr�rraeon THERAPEUTICS embank. Iowa City readywireleSS" COE COLLEGE.
e d c 230 2nd St. SE, Suite 212 • Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Accelerating Iowa Business 319-369-4955 • www.edcinc.org
�Tf MCl'
010WA
INCUBATE
October 9, 2024
STEM ®®
FACTORY
Economic Development Committee:
319-333-0600 (MAIN)
WWW.MDCIOWA.ORG
501(C)(3 ): 84-3464327
INNV8
idea LAB 1 A', NM
NMI
CONNECT
Thank you for envisioning with us a future where economic development in Iowa City is truly equitable
and inclusive. The City's commitment and ongoing investment in the INCUBATE program has been a
lifeline for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly among immigrant community members. Through access
to vital training, direct business support, technical assistance grants, and microlending, INCUBATE has
helped 107 BIPOC-owned businesses build a foundation for sustainable success. While this program
might not seem transformative to all, it has been nothing short of lifechanging for these entrepreneurs
by providing critical resources and options they otherwise would never be able access.
This year, thanks to ARPA funds, MDC Iowa was able to add staff to increase our capacity to support
Iowa City -based businesses, directly addressing barriers that have prevented historically marginalized
people from accessing working capital. For example, MDC Iowa's new Credit Builder loan program not
only offers small -dollar loans but also incorporates essential financial literacy training to help individuals
build or repair their credit. This program is especially valuable for immigrants in our community, many
of whom are unfamiliar with the credit system and often face denials from traditional lenders preventing
them from pursuing a new business endeavor and creating generational wealth.
To meet the 2x increase in demand for our services and direct business support for the past three years,
we are asking for $25,000 in funding. Support from the Economic Development Committee in the City's
fiscal year 2026 budget would empower even more underserved entrepreneurs and small business
owners to foster a more inclusive and thriving local economy.
Thank you for considering this investment in Iowa City's future.
In unity,
Tracy Jon Sargeant
Executive Director
�
AEX::
1 0 W A
Empowering Communities, O n e S m a lL
B u sin ess At a T|m e j@i@@
F-I
kk]
r:�
- - - h ��
. � f �^
� . .
FY 2025
REPORT
�
■
■
Be the Change We Wish to See
Small businesses contribute .. and fuet our Local
economy. The contributions from small businesses are critical to the growth of our
rational and local econorny with fret smaIt
business owners still face challenges in obtaining working capital and equitable
access to resources.
To address these challenges, we created Iowa Incubate & Microlending.
NCUBATE
M I C R 0 L E N DI N
J140
WHY MDC 1 IJ A INCUBATE MATTER
Small businesses face challenges in accessing capital, mentors,
leadership training, and established peer support. MOC Iowa's
INCUBATE program addresses these challenges and provides
dedicated business coaches to support entrepreneurs as they
navi ate the business startup journey.
WHY REPRESENTATION MATTERS
Representation is crucial ire economic devatopment to ensure that
the unique deeds and perspectives of .all community members are
considered teaching to more inclusive policies, public and private
development initiatives, and more equitable distribution of
resources.
HOW COMMUNITY IS I M PA TED
Inclusive economic development programs, particularly business
accelerator programs like MDC Iowa's INCUBATE that focuses on
BIPO -owned businesses, have far-reaching economic and social
impact. Job creation, closing the wealth gap, Increased Innovation,
and strengthening Local economies are just same of the benefits of
the INCUBATE program.
QV�� MCl�
� —
Together, We Can
Make a Difference
The Iowa Incubate & hlicrolending program
provides education, business support, and
access to resources that enable aspiring
entrepreneurs & small business owners to
achieve growth and buitd resilience.
0
Our Mirolanding Mission:
We aim to bridge the gap for individuals who lacy
access to traditional financial services by offering
inclusive, equitable, & sustainable microlending
solutions.
je�''r MDC
i o w
Continued Education and E
Support for Entrepreneurs 6s
FY 2025, MDC Iowa operated two cohorts of the BIPOC lousiness
accelerator providi ng business training, industry -specific mentor
support, and direct support to 25 small business owners.
a%
NO INCUBATOR RACCELERATOR
INCUBATE program participants had no previous
business training. Access to business accelerator
progrerns is key to small business success.
%DLACK INDUSTRY -SPECIFIC SUPPORT
Participants had no access to mentors with industry -
spec i#ic experience. This is a Ivey resource that 85%
of all small lousiness owners lack today.
1
BUSINESS TRAINING
Taught by successful small
business owners, attorneys,
accountants, lenders, and
local leaders.
.0
LN \
Removing Barriers to
Access Resources
&MCl.:
,oW�
SMALL BUSINESS LENDING
Small businesses face challenges in accessing capital to
kaunch or expand a business. MOC Iowa's rnicrolending is
purpose built to help those who are traditionally excluded
trout mainstream financial institutions.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS
TS
TA grants empower entrepreneurs to guild sustalnable
businesses that generate intergenerational wealth, create
jogs, and contribute to economic development ire our
community.
CREDIT BUILDER LOANS
Credit builder loans are a key tool for entrepreneurs to
establish or improve credit, which can increase access to
other forms of funding and financial services essential for
business growth.
o•
Building a Better Community, One
Small Business at a Time
$237K In FY 5 MDC Iowa approved
12 small business loans.
GRANTS
$54K Technical Assistance grants
for 11 small businesses.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
BuRdingthe local economy,
$294Mcontri but! ng an estimated
$ .4 million in tax revenue
and household income.
&MCl.:
,oWA
NEV JOBS CREATED
Accelerated business growth and
27 new start -yap companies generate
almost 30 new full-time jobs and
dozens of seasonal jokes in FY5.
00
90
80
70
L lJ
�iE
W
5
INCUBATE Participants 2019-2024
Number of business accelerator participants receiving program benefits
"5
1'
0 20" 0 2G21
75
u7
■ 2022 ■ 2023 ■ 2024
85
INCUBATE Participant Countries of Origin,
Cultural Contributions to Our Community
Greentand
�■ener
1e�nd Russia
Canada
w.war
1LI rn4 r*��a1'4. 44itlIL
R L.AT ulrrurn' I.W.rXO
._�.._ Kazakhstan
Magnolia
1 rl La •�
[■ 11 A
.w�lw4
na,— ........ Chin , �; Japan
vp..... irixl� ryA7 Y
iit ��u.e Ln■I.r..
IndiaRhME o9ln— opADO irkwl r.i..
rrri Nr
.- •.111 ,•null
ViE
MXO�RVIA
GLLYXw ..,ruin L.�r■r yp,
�{ii{{w C�ai 4.rmra,r x.,M
�.�. In�anes3a •r.^
8WIL
MAU
��� Mr4mi
eouwA
J,rL.lw..
FAAAawy ly+..n,n A L s G ra t I a
k
C}xILE h�..
LI14114ay
OMCIEN"NA
M DC
S
1 0 W A 49� �
INCUBATE Program Budget
&MCl.:
,oW�
Income (Grants, Donations, etc.) S119,256 $ 97.000
Expenses
Payroll
$18,500
$01,000
Insurance
$5,000
$7,500
Technical Assistance
$54,000
$60,000
Professional Services
$8,000
$8,000
Software & Subscriptions
$24,000
$6,000
EgUipment & Materials
$11,000
$14,000
► A
S�MM�1?
October 10, 2024
Economic Development Committee,
ML
IRIVERSIDE
I THEATRE
ENGL ERT SCENE
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 (FIFE) 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 Arts
John Kenyon, Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature
Adam Knight, Riverside Theatre
John Schickedanz, The Englert
Andrew Sherburne, FilmScene
*Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 provided by the Americans for the Arts conducted in Iowa City & Johnson County in 2022
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
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
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 1
FV24 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 151h 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.
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.
FY24 Financials
Income
Direct Public Support
OtherTypes of Income
Program Income
Total Income
Expenses
Organization Promotion
Program Administration
Personnel
Contract Services
Operations
Insurance & Bonding
Facilities and Equipment
Business Expenses
156,609.16
3,367.58
74,808.19
$234,784.93
5,617.68
64,889.85
160,955.94
7,327.12
2,795.24
4,941.00
753.81
3,061.93
Total Expenses $250,342.57
MET INCOME ($15,551.64)
FY25 and beyond
Other Program Highlights
• Poetry in Public program expansion
throughout Johnson County
• SlamoVision International Slam
Poetry competition
• #11BooksFor17SDGs 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
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 Musick festival that
celebrates chamber music and literature will be retooled as a spring event to be more accessible to a broader audience.
(�l ENGLERT
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,
ohn Schick
Executive Director
Income
Total Show Income
Total Development Income
Total Other Income
Total Income
Expense
Total Show Expense
Total Development Expense
Total Building Expense
Total Administrative Expense
Total Personnel Expense
Total Non -Operating Expense
Total Other Income
Total Expense
Net Ordinatory Income
$3MM
$1.5MM
$0
$1,647,927
$1,375,652 -16.5%
$345,920
$376,788 8.9%
$27,360
$16,362 -40.2%
$2,021,207 $1,768,803 -12.5%
$1,179,938
$1,037,902
-13.7%
$25,720
$27,890
7.8%
$109,980
$84,461
-30.2%
$82,100
$81,342
-0.9%
$710,332
$652,747
-8.8%
$15,750
$20,042
21.4%
$0
$21,294
N/A
$2,123,820 $1,925,678 -10.3%
$(102,613) $(156,875)
Total Expenses by Year
'Po 'Po 'Po 'Po 'Po 2a
-52.8%
REFOCUS
FilmScene
CITY OF IOWA CITY
FUNDING REQUEST
October 3, 2024
FILM
SCENE
October 3, 2024
City of Iowa City Economic Development Committee,
Thank you for your enduring annual support of FilmScene. Over the last decade, our organization
has grown significantly year after year. Our annual operating budget has grown from $471 k in 2014
to $1.8M in 2024 — a 3.8x increase. In that time, we have added a second location, four additional
screens, and a seasonal outdoor cinema — the latter, with the help of the City.
Our economic impact has steadily grown as well. In 2023, we welcomed over 80,000 patrons to
FilmScene, which Americans for the Arts estimates to create an additional $2.6M dollar impact on
the local economy — beyond ticket sales — through dining, shopping, parking, hotel stays, and
more. This impact to our local business neighbors is up from $914k in 2014 — a 2.8x increase.
This growth also comes with increased programmatic benefit to our community. We now program
over 450 films annually, including specialty programming like our family and children's series,
FilmScene in the Park, and Community Collaborations, over 8,000 free or pay -what -you -can
admissions annually. In 2022, we launched the Refocus Film Festival which connects our
community with the international film industry. In 2023, we added a community engagement and
programming coordinator to strengthen our commitment to serving our diverse communities
through films that challenge, inspire, educate, and entertain.
Support from the City of Iowa City remains essential to our mission, and to our impact. We are
extremely grateful for the sustained support of the City of Iowa City, however, we believe that our
exponential growth and increased programmatic expenses merit an increase in annual support.
FilmScene graciously requests a modest FY2026 funding increase to $30,000 in
organizational support and $10,000 for festival support. We also request a deeper
conversation about creating a path for long-term increases commensurate with our increased
impact. Using our 10-year 2.8x growth in economic impact as one measure, an increase to
$70,000 annually, inclusive of Refocus Film Festival support, would be one such target.
We believe that we offer an excellent return on this investment in both quality of life and economic
impact. Thank you for the consideration for this increase in recognition of our decade -long growth.
With deep gratitude,
+LA4��
Andrew Sherburne,
FilmScene Cofounder and Executive Director
FILM
SCENE
Our Mission
FilmScene's mission is to challenge, inspire, educate,
and entertain our diverse communities through the
shared discovery of film.
2023 2023 Free or
Attendance Pay -What -You -Can Admissions
81,069 10%
2023 Community Partners
Nonprofits, Community Groups and Campus Partners
10-Year 10-Year
Budget Growth Attendance Growth
2.6x
2023 Economic Impact
$2.6 Million
FILM
SCENE
FilmScene is recognized locally as a devoted community partner
and nationally as a leader in the presentation of cinema as an art form.
"Since it opened its doors... FilmScene has established
itself as an essential institution in Iowa City...
and has developed an impressive national profile."
—Little Village Magazine;
"FilmScene... offers one of the best
film viewing experiences in the country."
—Creative Vitality
"This concept, this cinema, is a catalyst for
other arts in this community."
—John McGivern's Main Streets, PBS
"Is this cinephile heaven? No, it's Iowa."
;Medium
"The literary world knows Iowa City...
but it's also a landmark city for cinephiles."
-LitHub
2024 Terry Cunningham Award
ADA Celebration Event Committee
2022 Pride Honor Roll
Coralville Pride Committee
2024, 2023, 2022 Grantee
National Endowment for the Arts
FILM
SCENE
Financial Report & Forecast 2021-2025
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
PROFIT/LOSS
STATEMENT
Annual
Budget
Aug YTD
Actual
Aug YTD
Budget
Forecast
INCOME
Contributed Income
Membership
$199,935
$234,675
$313,481
$346,277
$205,283
$226,772
$340,617
Individual Giving
53,403
102,150
110,477
68,930
49,774
40,753
76,383
Sponsorship
39,438
37,625
48,800
51,000
70,755
49,375
72,500
Grants
100,907
143,087
85,570
52,500
47,500
40,500
52,500
City of Iowa City
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
25,000
Contributed
$427,458
$542,537
$583,328
$543,706
$398,312
$382,400
$566,999
Pandemic Relief Income
COVID-19 Relief
Funds
$447,572
-
-
-
-
-
-
Operational Income
Programming
186,394
574,439
862,079
808,263
464,706
520,094
810,571
Concessions
149,254
256,961
428,643
430,131
245,960
296,527
419,129
Other
121,040
87,510
100,019
128,677
72,183
85,654
129,267
Sales Tax
-26,332
-44,903
-75,665
-76,295
-45,291
-53,896
-75,600
Operational
Income
$430,356
$874,007
$1,315,076
$1,290,775
$737,558
$848,379
$1,283,367
Total Income
$1,305,386
$1,416,544
$1,898,404
$1,834,482
$1,135,870
$1,230,779
$1,850,366
Expense
Facilities
$237,813
$211,720
$211,760
$232,336
$159,347
$156,798
$238,425
Staffing
494,127
705,250
787,324
840,626
546,009
545,849
819,899
Programming
87,914
273,510
378,460
385,595
182,525
212,757
379,282
Operations
218,445
252,930
400,728
400,526
270,876
280,740
409,405
Education
25,392
38,863
30,928
30,090
44,149
29,516
40,075
Other
5,789
28,246
37,279
25,546
17,442
20,177
22,482
Total Expense
$1,069,480
$1,510,519
$1,846,479
$1,914,719
$1,220,348
$1,245,837
$1,909,568
Operating
Profit/(Loss)
$235,906
-$93,975
$51,925
-$80,237
-$84,47P
-$15,058
-$59,202
FII.M
SCENE
Impact Report & Forecast 2013-2024
Attendance and Membership Growth
Attendance — Membership
100,000
75,000
50,000
25,000
111
Economic Impact
$3,000,000.00
$2,000,000.00
U
lO
Q
it
U
E
p $1,000,000.00
U
LUi
$0.00
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
W
* Pandemic impacted year ** Current pace 'Projected data
FII.M
SCENE
REFS CUS
FILM FESTIVAL
Festival Growth
Attendance
2022 2023 2024 2025
2,100 3,779 3,800* 4,300*
Expenditures
2022 2023 2024 2025
$70k $84k $125k $140k*
*anticipated
Description: The Refocus Film Festival is a four -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 created 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.
"A new blockbuster hits the megaplex every week,
but Refocus comes just once a year."
—Little Village Magazine
FILM
SCENE
REF CUS
FILM FESTIVAL
Audience
2023 2022 Change
PASSES: 455 152 +200%
ATTENDANCE: 3,779 2,100 +80%
Capacity filled: 78% 54% +44%
Of the 3,577 tickets, 3,252 were trackable based on zip code. 2,452 tickets were sold to the Iowa City Metro
(75%), with 439 from within Iowa, but outside the IC metro (14%) and 361 from out of state (11%). The 25%
from outside the market, represents 23 other states, 1 Canadian province and Washington DC. (See map)
t WA AAT ND
BAN
'e
' PAI ME
OR ID SD
7,qI
IH
WY NY
NE � PA GTE'
CH
NV UT }
GA KY VA f
OK TN 19 }
Az NM • Sr-
US AL GA
T
h L
Quantity
4
1-1
0
1-2
0
2-3
3-6
6-12
0
12-37
I;
37 - 2,5W
Amount
SO-
-528
t_ry 528 - S4W
_J S40 - SBO
1 SSO - $120
S120- S550
40 55M - S22.COD
RIVERSIDE THEATRE
FUNDING 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.
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.
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.
We are grateful for this continuing partnership in this City of
Literature that we all love. Thank you for your consideration of our
ADAM KNIGHT
PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
RIVERSIDE THEATRE
4%
CITY FUNDING AS A PERCENTAGE OF
RIVERSIDES TOTAL BUDGET
RIVERSIDE THEATRE
RIVERSIDE THEATRE
IN THE PEDMALL
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.
WHERE IS OUR AUDIENCE FROM?
67% -
Iowa City
13% -
Greater Johnson County
14% -
Greater Iowa
6% -
Out of state
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.
22-24 PERFORMERS
NON -BINARY
GENDER NONCONFORMING
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.
PAST & UPCOMING VENUE
PARTNERSHIPS
FilmScene:
Julius Caesar Film/Talkback - Summer 202
Refocus Film Festival Event - Fall 2024
The Englert Theatre:
Mission Creek Festival Venue - 2022-2025
UNESCO City of Literature
Musick Festival - June 2023
Hancher Auditorium
Infinite Dream Festival - October 2023
Iowa City Downtown District
First Round - October 2024
2024/2025 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
• 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 Uofl 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.
40 BIPOC PERFORMERS % BY SEASON VISITING & LOCAL
ARTISTS SINCE 2023
30
20
10 ,
0
oy�fy� oy�'fyo off'°fyy o�'yfyy o'�yfy� o'��fy� o'���`�
STRIDES IN EMPLOYMENT, DIVERSITY & GENDER PARITY
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.
RIVERSIDE THEATRE
FREE SHAKESPEARE
IN LOWER CITY PARK
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 Caesarfeatured a cast of 17, including three
Equity members. This program saw 2,958 attendees, including
more than 500 on its closing performance.
CULTIVATE AND CAPTIVATE
DIVERSE, ENTHUSIASTIC, AND
LOYAL AUDIENCES.
Solidifying existing relationships while
reaching new patrons.
Engaging them. Letting them know
their investment matters.
$60, 000
$40, 000
$20, 000
3,000
2,000
FREE SHAKESPEARE GROWTH
ATTENDANCE AT FREE SHAKESPEARE
HENRY IV THE THE
PART 7 WINTER'S COMEDY
2079 TALE OF ERRORS
2027 2027
COST OF "FREE" SHAKESPEARE
DIRECT EXPENSES BY PRODUCTION
HENRY IV WINTER'S COMEDY HENRY TWELFTH JULIUS TBD
PART 7 TALE OF ERRORS V NIGHT CAESAR PROJECTED
2079 2027 2027 2022 2023 2024 2025
HENRY
TWELFTH
JULIUS
V
NIGHT
CAESAR
2022
2023
2024
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.
RIVERSIDE THEATRE
RIVERSIDE THEATRE
IN THE COMMUNITY
IN THE SCHOOLS:
BARD BUDDIES & WILL POWER
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 1 st
graders on the power of Shakespeare.
11
THEATSq�E
IOWA Clj
• HERE
HE DRAM,,
WORKSHOPS FOR ALL:
IMPROV & PLAYMAKER PROJECT
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.
STRATEGICC)A
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.
AT THE THEATRE:
PANEL DISCUSSIONS, BACKSTAGE PASS,
& MORE
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.
M
RIVERSIDE THEATRE
BUDGET & SUMMARY
DIVERSE AND
SUSTAINABLE SOURCES
OF REVENUE & SUPPORT
Envisioning an organization
that can survive shocks
through multiple income
streams and a broad
community of supporters.
IN CONCLUSION
INCOME
9/1/22 to
8/31/23
9/1/23 to
8/31/24
9/1/24 to
8/31/25
Projected
Earned Income
Ticket Sales
Memberships
27,581
31,584
35,100
General
156,907
108,003
177,184
- Subtotal Ticket Sales
184,488
139,587
212,284
Concessions
31,726
25,003
36,004
Education
7,658
13,686
12,525
Rentals
6,595
8,034
10,000
Other
16,240
16,646
17,720
Total Earned Income
246,707
202,956
288,533
Contributed Income:
Contributions
Individuals
149,979
176,659
199,299
Business/Orgs
42,793
53,464
66,900
Capital Campaign
178,794
95,379
66,667
Support from City of Iowa City
20,000
20,000
25,000
Other Grants, State and Federal Funding
105,625
70,000
95,000
Events
13,596
25,080
26,250
Total Contributed Income
510,787
440,581
479,116
TOTAL INCOME
757,494
643,537
767,649
EXPENSES
9/1/22 to
8/31/23
9/1/23to
8/31/24
9/1/24to
8/31/25
Projected
Wages+Benefits
325,118
267,288
266,903
Artistic+production
216,520
160,370
239,573
Education
7,081
10,825
26,180
Marketing
37,890
32,380
28,492
Patron Services
51,637
42,777
39,062
Administration
35,811
41,460
41,694
Development
5,524
10,004
9,042
Facility
122,505
109,202
120,113
TOTALEXPENSE
1 802,087
1 674,307
1 771,059
NET INCOME (LOSS)
1 (44,593)
1 (30,771)
1(3,410)
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.
i
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 `` s
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.
October 2024 1
TO: Iowa City Council Economic Development Committee 'fix w
4111
RE: Summer of the Arts Funding Support �V
4A]R7v§
tp
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
Executive Director
Shaner Magalhaes
Board President
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 I 1
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, PSI/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 1 2
2024 Iowa Arts Fest-Main Stage
2024 Rhythms at Riverfront Crossings -Shade of Blue
2024 Music on the Move -The Feralings at
North Market Square Park
2024 Iowa City Jazz Fest-Clinton St Crowd
2024 Friday Night Concert Series -Dandelion Stompers
2024 Free Movie Series-Pepperwood Plaza��]
Summer of the Arts 2024 Report: Page 13
9 AP
M t 1� 0 c
� �'A.� AATAT7TAT_ Ir.
A
UMlak
R��SiftICEEO AflEA
I
Ycwa sw�.c W� us a fuee c4 ins'o,,
Y
VOLUNTEER IMPACT M IMPACT ON IOWA ARTISTS
Your Cy, Your Hospit T$�
\�I a
't
For more information about our 2024 events visit: SummeroftheARTS.
A
INCOME
2.4%
Sponsors 47%
Festival Booth Fees 13.4%
City Support & Grants 14.6% Receipts 5.6%
Individual Donors 17% 0 Fundraising Events/Other 2.4%
From the Executive Director:
EXPENSES
Programming Expenses 59%
Programming Operations 27%
Administrative Overhead 14%
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!
4
a ,aw,, ,
A
W..:
CITY OF IOWA CITY
CITY OF LITERATURE
GreenState
"IMIDAMERICAN
CREDIT UNION
ENERGYCOMPANY
i1�11L
URBAN ACRES OnMedia
real estate
ftD
MidWestOne
Bank®
1 ,
. I E
HILLS BANK
CITY OF IOWA CITY
�aknoll I�OWAARTPARTMENT �SCOUNCIL KF CULTURAL AFFAIRS IEXYSperts YTONECan ��T
*McGrath
Toyota of Iowa City
0hy19 so �'BROCKFAMILYMUSIC
DR SUZAN NE STOCK MAKING MUSIC FOREVER
Heart ORTHODONTIST
OWA CITY
SUSTg0aG6E`�►�
SOWUR a� Ceri,dian. �; WESPTIIIUSIC A E s A 1 n N
"� COR
Community
�c7c -
Foundation
Johnson County
HERTEEN
McTEols & ®Hilton LKR
ECOCARE ��e Brame ski STOCKER H YA E' IhnUh K�M
Firmstone Re al Estate (jar(Ien Ind PLACE' SCHILLI
SUPPLY .���. 'E�„E",~ IOWA CITY .EA�.��..wG...
Iowa CR,, / Downrown
LeafgFilter LENSINGI, Mta,�tasmTl. MARTIN "'MERCY Music
✓✓ OR PomdbGmmniSntix CONSTRYUCTION it 1 Pro Sho/� C 41M
Obstetrics &Gynecology I� ,.t
..—McRCYONE BREWERY
5HIVC-FIATTERY AAMERICA®NFAMILY IOWA CITY ®bank A%A US. a L S
n a ,xa Agxrc COIARCRAPHIrR ��/�//W��-
.w ��� uscellular S dxtifa&S ®_
Carre11-chinsWHt-
fIX / MABABUCK •riX�
art materials ESSHOB G® SALQN
BLUEBIRD ll
1 • MCFADDEN, R t t
Hawkeye JO$EPH'S PR I ROC L INASSOCIATES
AND IITP� ® HIRE A HELPER
Y—sEAKHousE— � ASSOCIATES VII.II /aC�JC
n e INC. tAsn.. �aew,a canauRhrg
�f r n
jO arcv% �� E I N ACRE5 I' p PHELAh
URBA TUCKER
j�j!)��J R URBAN ACRES d y-�I"�
Grilled Cheese I+� ;�'.�"„`"9 "-0 MOSLEY S '�� � '�' �'� � LAWLLP PRAIRIE
Natasha Wendt """`" °°"` SHANER KITCHEN STORE
MAGALHAES �.Na.°"'"•
ROCKET CS�P "sitcRnt's! e� a AhUeyct
Mortgage Sevita_ SCHEELS
ERIK MICKALSOnu"„ sN / \ Eastsida & I OOi� � the children',
Stuart C azmen dental center
n Unitarian
UUniversalist Kirkwood soM T Novi► eitychannel I3
$OCletV Room the WEBSTER V v4aJ a
.,.•.Kra .�....:,...�;,�..
0
js IOCALS4 am soo
The, na�ly Iowan DOWNBEAT 1AVE�BM ®/002.9
"'ate QSG14iflBG+ MW
T S a•
ii W `�
PUBLIC SPACE ONE
229 N. Gilbert St.
VVV Iowa City, IA 52245
Po SSIBrcITY publicspaceone.com
Dear Geoff and Rachel,
September 20, 2024
Public Space One is an amazing, one -of -a -kind organization that I stumbled into fifteen years ago, as
an MFA candidate at Iowa, looking for a venue for my thesis exhibition; I came as an artist and never
left. Since that time it has gone from a "handshake -lease -agreement -and -postcard -budget" (in 2009,
one of our biggest expenses was the $70 we'd spend on postcards advertising exhibitions each
month) to the cultural center of artist life in Iowa City, bridging creatives of all types from musicians to
painters, performance artists to writers, artists from across the country to local artists ranging from the
aspiring to the professional. In that time we've collaborated, supported, and amplified a massive
variety of IC's many communities. But as much as we've grown in that time, we have also held on to a
core ideology: to be a grassroots, responsive, and accessible space for the community to "go public"
with creative expression. In this we have been wildly successful and become an irreplaceable
component of the Iowa arts sphere.
We have succeeded through consistently showing up (art every day!) for both artists and audiences,
conversing person to person, and likely through saying "yes" to probably more projects than we
should have. These "yeses" have not only supported artists and our community, but have been a
humus for the creative ecosystem of the Iowa City area and a magnet for drawing out the more
exploratory, experimental, and unique events and visions of people in our small, great arts city. While
we have grown in nonprofit business sophistication we ultimately remain an artist -led, open-door
organization for an arts community not easily pigeon -holed into single definitions. It is from this perch
between occupier of historic houses to ringleader of often "leaderless" creatives that we appeal for
the City's support in helping us in our capacity for this work into the future.
We are still catching our breath from the excitement of the last several years at PS1, during which we
have grown from a small space in the Wesley Center to owning and operating in three historic houses.
As we make a case here to the EDC for future support and share where we feel the City of Iowa City
could have a magnifying impact on our work, I'd like to share some practical highlights including:
• 15 year budget growth, from negligible (<$5000) to now ('$500,000)
• Increased support for artists and the platforms that boost them
• Facilities: stewards of historic properties and experts in adaptive reuse
When I got involved with PS1 (circa 2009) it was 100% volunteer -run. While donated time is still crucial
to PS1, this year we hired our sixth staff member and added health insurance for our 3 FT staff,
referenced in the economic impact spreadsheet below.
We financially support artists in two ways: 1) through direct payment in the form of artists stipends,
teaching/workshop pay, and 2) direct art sales to them through platforms we have created and
continuously maintain. The combined impact of these numbers is significant on an annual basis:
In the past 12 months, we have paid $60,288 directly to 97 artists for their work with us
(exhibitions, performances, screenings, workshops, etc.). This number will double in the next
year with $60,000 in funds distributed from our new, annual Warhol Regional Regranting
program, Big Field Fund. We estimate that when adding sales that go directly to the artists
through platforms we have created (like art markets and performance opportunities) this adds
another $45,200, in addition to the $125,000 in wages/benefits to our all -artist staff. This
brings our total impact to a quarter million dollars each year paid to artists, demonstrating one
way that we are "punching above our weight"
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024 (projected)
# of artists paid
60
55
70
139
115
$ to artists
$17,000
$26,000
$33,000
$44,800
*$118,300
staff (wages)
$43,500
$88,500
$88,900
$98,000
$125,000
annual budget
$174,000
$260,500
$339,900
$323,701
$460,000
* Includes Big Field Fund regranting program, first grants going out in Dec 2024
In addition to the dollars we directly put into the community through artist grants and payments, we
also bring visitors to town. In the last year we put visiting artists up on 244 nights both in our own
artist apartment and in local hotels and B&Bs, an impact on the local economy that is not insignificant.
The facilities where we program and platform artists are old! All are 120+ year old houses, with our
new flagship Close House hitting its 150th birthday this year (for reference: when it was built, Darwin's
Origin of the Species was still contemporary reading, there were only 37 US states, and the
microphone was not yet invented). In choosing to exist in and present out of these historic houses,
we've gone all -in on adaptive reuse, seeing the non -white -cube gallery and studio spaces as not only
creative constraints for contemporary use, but as an ethos of sustainability, a way to hold space
(literally) and give value to that which is while supporting people dreaming of what could be. That PS1
is a steward of these integral pieces of Iowa City's heritage is both an honor and a responsibility.
Through hiring a Facilities Director and successfully securing initial funding to support both historic
preservation and climate action work, we are building the culture for these facilities to be sustained.
Our inclusion of this information here is important as we know the City, equally, has a stake in seeing
these properties not only survive but thrive as these historic, communal relics that tie present activity
to a sense of IC's past.
I believe this letter begins to unpack our interesting place in the local arts ecosystem. On one hand:
we are a venue (studios, galleries, community space) where people come to make, talk, or otherwise
experience art like at the Englert, FilmScene and Riverside. But we are also the center of gravity for
diverse artist networks and communities, a living breathing link to the arts history of Iowa City,
and an exceptionally innovative, resilient, and exciting platform for engaging, attracting, and
ultimately sustaining Iowa City's artist community. More than a venue, we are a lifeblood circulating
vibrancy and creative currency and making Iowa City notjust a place to come for a weekend show,
but a place to settle and be supported, inspired, and seen in your creative practice. In short, we do the
behind -the -scenes work that makes an arts community work and we are requesting the City's help in
bolstering that.
PUBLIC SPACE ONE I an artist -led, community -driven contemporary art center
home of the Center for Afrofuturist Studies, Iowa City Press Co-op, and Media Arts Co-op
We are requesting $25,000 from the City of Iowa City to underscore our dedicated service and
buttress our work for our next chapter, as caretakers, programmers, and a diverse and connected
network of artists. In the next five years, our strategic priorities are to:
• Increase resources and opportunities for artists
• Increase participation in the organization
• Increase community awareness of PS1 and our offerings
• Grow alongside other community institutions
• Continue to diversify and strengthen revenue streams
• Be good stewards of our historic properties
• Be good employers
• Achieve financial stability
This major support will benefit these bullet points (especially the last three). Specifically, this will
bolster the experience of artists and audiences in both our facilities and programs: with restoration of
the once -beautiful main hall floor in Close House, investment in the Media Arts Co-op facility (which is
beginning to engage a growing population of audio/video makers), and the Center for Afrofuturist
Studies program (entering its 10th year in bringing artists of color on fully -supported artists residencies
from all over the world to Iowa City).
Finally, I am attaching our P&L from 2023 along with some of our recent accolades and highlights.
As we approach our 22nd year as an Iowa City institution, we will be digging deeper and stretching
more than ever before. Our visibility and the excitement for what we do has never been higher. We
believe investment in us comes back to the culture of IC tenfold. We are showing up on larger radars
and excitement for what we are doing continues to grow well beyond Iowa. With that, we want to
leave you with a short testimonial from one of our summer 2025 artists -in -residence, Oakland,
CA -based Courtney Desiree Morris:
"These are world class artists living in the Midwest just quietly doing their work," she says. And at
the center of it, is PSI. "I was taken aback by how rich the creative life of PSI is and how active it
is in shaping the creativity of the community. It's an arts organization that's really punching above
its weight."
Thank you for your time and attention to our request. We, as always, would be excited to engage with
any of the specifics in this request and look forward to ways we can continue to help bolster and
nourish the arts community in Iowa City.
Sincerely,
�\ C
John Engelbrecht
Executive Director
Public Space One
PUBLIC SPACE ONE I an artist -led, community -driven contemporary art center
home of the Center for Afrofuturist Studies, Iowa City Press Co-op, and Media Arts Co-op
Public Space One: Jan -Dec 2023
REVENUE
Direct Public Support
Corporate donations
$
7,660
Fundraiser Events
$
25,451
Grants - Foundations
$
110,420
Grants - Government
$
29,956
Individual donations
$
40,526
Total Direct Public Support
$
214,012
Misc. Income
$
7,547
Total Program Income
$
79,070
Rentals
$
52,388
Sales (artwork and studio supplies)
$
6,278
Total Revenue
$
359,295
EXPENDITURES
Facilities
$
100,908
Insurance
$
6,032
Legal & Professional Services
$
11,614
Marketing
$
2,362
Mortgage Interest Expense
$
37,473
OperationslProgram Expenses
$
16,060
Other Business Expenses
$
4,384
Payroll Expenses
$
98,312
Subcontractors: artist compensation
$
44,804
Travel
$
1,752
Total Expenditures
$
323,701
Restricted Funds
$
37,500
Net Operating Revenue
$
(1,906)
Public Space One
an artist -run, community -driven contemporary art organization
p05518,.,Ty in downtown Iowa City since 2002
in the past 12 months (September 2023-August 2024)
programming impact
16 exhibitions
8 artists -in -residence
2 festivals
400+ events and gatherings produced or hosted
950+ people served by Art Access Program
350+ workshop participants
274 participants in free or reduced -cost workshops
2000+ hours used in our community -access print & media arts studios
economic impact
$60,288 paid directly to artists
$45,200 estimated additional artist income via PS1 platforms/events
$125,593 wages & benefits to our all -artist staff
244 nights hosting out-of-town visitors
recognition, leadership, and service
Iowa Arts Council Cultural Leadership Partner (2024)
Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Regional Regranting Partner (2024)
National Endowment for the Arts Project Grant (2023)
Ruth Arts Artist's Choice Award (2023)
Iowa Governor's Art Award for Arts Service (2023)
Iowa state organizing partner, MdW*
*12-state regional coalition of artist -organized spaces and projects
Iowa City Downtown Arts Alliance
Downtown Iowa City Cultural & Entertainment District Committee
Iowa City Video Zine natural dyeing workshop Open Air Media Festival DIY publishing
artists -in -residence
09/2024