HomeMy WebLinkAboutEconomic DevelopmentECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Economic Development Division is charged with helping to grow the community, increasing
the property tax base, and attracting new jobs. The division serves as a resource for businesses
operating in or considering operating in Iowa City.
The Economic Development Division is the municipal office to contact for business assistance in
City of Iowa City. A division of the City Manager's Office, they provide access to information and
to individuals throughout the City organization and assist in pursuing new and expanding business
endeavors.
Working in cooperation with other City departments, the Iowa City Area Development Group and
other local promotional organizations, the Economic Development Division assists developers
and site selection consultants with specific commercial, office, and industrial development
projects. This assistance ranges from helping businesses understand local regulations to
determining available local public financial assistance. The Economic Development Division acts
as a municipal resource for the business community.
HIGHLIGHTS
Recent Accomplishments:
• Continued TIF Policy review process
refining requirements for sustainability,
historic preservation, building heights,
affordable housing, and social justice
• Assisted in getting projects to
development agreement stage
o Augusta Place
o Hieronymus Square
• Cohosted Building Business Basics class
with Neighborhood Services at Kirkwood
Community College
• Restarted visits to Iowa City's Large
Employers
Staffing:
Upcoming Challenges:
• Foster Road Urban Renewal Plan
• Forestview Urban Renewal Plan
• Green Business Recognition program
• Continue planning for future
development in Riverfront Crossings
district
• Continue working with prospective
infill developers
• Establish commercial tax abatement
areas to spur investment
FY2017
FY2018
FY2019
Total FTE's
1.00
1.00
1.00
Staffing Level Change Summary:
There are no staffing level changes budgeted for fiscal year 2019.
Service Level Change Summary:
There are no service level changes budgeted for fiscal year 2019.
Financial Highlights:
The Community Development Assistance line (448020) includes funding for the following
organizations:
$269,690 Convention and Visitors Bureau hotel motel tax pass through
$550,000 Englert Theater $500,000 capital campaign and $50,000 operating
$60,000 City of Literature
$20,000 Riverside Theater
$25,000 Film Scene
$20,000 Mission Creek Festival
$25,000 Entrepreneurial Development Center
$969,690