HomeMy WebLinkAboutNDS Annual Report 2021City of Iowa City, IA
Neighborhood and
Development Services
2021 Annual Report
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street,
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Mission
Neighborhood and Development Services (NDS)
works to create community and find solutions
that promote healthy neighborhoods and a
vibrant business community.
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City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 3
Contents
4 About Iowa City, Iowa
Community Profile 4
8 NDS Overview
NDS Management Team 8
9 Development Services
Urban Planning 9
Building Inspection 12
Highlights 19
20 Neighborhood Services
Housing Inspection Services 20
Housing Authority 24
Community Development 27
Housing Rehabilitation 29
Neighborhood Outreach 32
34 Metropolitan Planning Organization
of Johnson County (MPOJC)
Major Projects 35
Grant Awards Received for Iowa City 36
Objectives and Performance Measures 37
Cover photo: Sea of Change by Hilde DeBruyne, Riverfront Crossings Park
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 522404
both staff and the general public in researching information. Taxi company licenses and driver authorization, dancing permits, outdoor service areas, cigarette licenses, beer/liquor licenses, and cemetery deeds are issued from the Clerk's office. City subdivision files, project files, the Domestic Partnership Registry, and an index of Council proceedings are also maintained in the office. The Clerk's office also provides staff and support for the Community Police Review Board.Community ProfileLocation & Transportation:The City serves as the County seat for Johnson County. The City lies at the intersection of Highways 80 and 380. The City is approximately 115 miles east of the City of Des Moines, 20 miles south of the City of Cedar Rapids and 55 miles west of the City of Davenport. The Iowa City Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport on the south side of the City. The Cedar Rapids Airport, located 20 miles from downtown Iowa City is served by a number of national and regional air carriers. Rail service is provided by the mainline of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad.The
Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, and the University of Iowa’s Cambus system
provides public transportation to the metropolitan area.
35
Sources: US Census 2000, 2010, ACS 2019
About Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa City is a dynamic and growing community with quality
medical care facilities, superior educational opportunities
and stellar recreational and cultural amenities.
Community Profile
Location and Demographics
Iowa City serves as the County seat for Johnson County, and lies at the intersec-
tion of Highways 80 and 380 — approximately 115 miles east of Des Moines, 20
miles south of Cedar Rapids and 55 miles west of Davenport (Quad Cities). Iowa
City is the 5th most populous city in Iowa, and is positioned at the southern end
of the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids region, which has a combined population of over
450,000. Since 2010, Iowa City experienced a 10.4% increase in population and
currently anticipates a projected growth to 99,766 over the next 25 years
(an increase of over 24,800 residents).
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 5
About Iowa City, Iowa
Sources: US Census 2000, 2010, ACS 2019
Due to the large student population at the University of Iowa, the urbanized area
has proportionally more residents between 20 and 24 than other urbanized areas
in the state. Cities in the urbanized area have become more racially and ethni-
cally diverse in recent years. Iowa City and Johnson County are generally more
racially diverse than Iowa as a whole, but still have a majority White population.
Post Secondary Education, Fall 2021 # of Students
University of Iowa (a Big 10 University)31,206
Kirkwood Community College - Iowa City Campus 1,067
Language use in Iowa City % of Population
Speak Language other than English 16.30%
Speak English less than “very well” 5.20%
Common languages the City provides translations for: Spanish, French,
Mandarin, Arabic
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 522406
About Iowa City, Iowa
Johnson County Mean Annual Wage and Percent of Total Employment:
Employment
The City’s major employers are a mix of corporate head-
quarters, health care and education, with the City’s top
employer being the University of Iowa. Iowa City is home
to national and international Fortune 500 companies,
small, family-owned businesses and emerging and
advancing entrepreneurs representing multiple industries.
Principal Employers - 2020 # of Employees
University of Iowa & University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics 29,860
Iowa City Community School District 2,289
Veterans Administration Medical Center 2,119
Hy Vee Inc.1,348
Mercy Hospital 1,048
Proctor and Gamble 976
ACT Inc. 885
City of Iowa City 731
NCS Pearson 719
Johnson County 612
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City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 7
About Iowa City, Iowa
Iowa City Area 2020 Recognition and Accolades
+Ranked #1 for Best College Town in America (Reviews.org)
+Named One of the Best Cities for Creatives (Thrillist.org)
+Ranked #4 Best Place to Live in America (Liveability.com, 2019)
+Iowa City earned the top score for municipal support of LGBTQ rights
(Human Rights Campaign’s 2018 Municipality Equality Index)
Fast Facts
+Total Area: 25.1 square miles
+Median Household Income: $49,075*
+Persons Living in Poverty: 9.3%
+Number of Households: 30,568
+Number of Housing Units: 33,254
+Owner-Occupied Units: 52.3%
+Rental-Occupied Units: 47.7%
+Median Value of Owner-Occupied Housing Units: $215,100
+Homeowner Vacancy Rate: 1.8%
+Rental Vacancy Rate: 4.1%
+Median Gross Rent: $967
* Includes householders under age 24 that may include students.
Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 2015-2019 5-year estimates
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 522408
At Glance
FY21 Budget
Employees
$19.8 million
45.30 FTE
NDS Overview
Neighborhood and Development Services (NDS) Administration is responsible for oversight
and support of the department’s four operating divisions, Administration, Development
Services, Neighborhood Services (including the Housing Authority), and the Metropolitan
Planning Organization of Johnson County (MPOJC). The revised budget for FY22 is $42.9
million due to the receipt of ARPA and CARES Act funds. The MPO also programmed $17.3
million to area transit agencies in federal COVID relief. These are not shown in the NDS
budget as directly allocated to the transit agencies.
NDS Management Team (Total 45.30 FTE, Includes 1.30 FTE Administration)
Tracy Hightshoe
Director Amalia Bascom
Development Services Assistant
Development Services (13.30 FTE)Neighborhood Services (25.50 FTE)Metropolitan Planning Organization
of Johnson County (5.20 FTE)
Danielle Sitzman
Development Services Coordinator
Erika Kubly
Neighborhood Services Coordinator
Kent Ralston
Executive Director and IC
Transportation Planner
Building
Inspection Tim Hennes
Senior Building Inspector
Housing
Inspection Stan Laverman
Senior Housing Inspector
Emily Bothell
Senior Associate
Transportation Planner
Urban
Planning Anne Russett
Senior Planner
Iowa City
Housing
Authority
Steven Rackis
Housing Administrator
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 9
“August 18, 2020 - New downtown Target
store” by Alan Light (licensed under CC BY 2.0)
Development Services
The Development Services Division is respon-
sible for facilitating the development process
from comprehensive planning to annexation,
zoning and subdivision, site plan, building
permit, building inspections, and the final
certificate of occupancy. The Division is also
responsible for zoning code related inspec-
tions and enforcement; local administration
of state and federal regulations such as
floodplain management regulations; historic
preservation programs, administration of the
sign code, minor modification applications,
temporary use permits, and other local
permits; research, recommendations, and
developing code amendments to address
City Council and/or City Manager’s Office
directives such as the Affordable Housing
Action Plan, the Climate Action Plan, and the
Equity Toolkit. The Division also interacts
regularly with other local organizations such
as the Iowa City Downtown District, the Iowa
City Homebuilders Association, the Iowa City
Area Association of Realtors, and Friends of
Historic Preservation.
Urban Planning
The Urban Planning staff promotes sustainable growth
and development within the City by applying the vision,
goals, and strategies of the Comprehensive Plan
(including district plans and master plans for specific
sections of the community) and administers zoning,
subdivision and historic preservation regulations. The
guiding principle of these regulations and policies are
to preserve and enhance the best qualities of the City’s
existing residential, commercial, and employment areas
while promoting new development opportunities that
create long-term value for the community. The Division
fulfills state statutory requirements pertaining to zon-
ing, development, and historic preservation.
Urban Planning provides staffing for the following
boards and commissions, which are associated
with developmental regulations and zoning. Staffing
includes preparation of agendas and information
packets, notification letters, minutes, and preparation of
ordinances, resolutions and historic preservation certifi-
cates related to proposed construction, and attendance
at all meetings.
+The Planning and Zoning Commission is
charged with holding public discussions and
providing recommendations to City Council
on development-related applications including
Comprehensive Plan updates, annexations
and requests for rezonings, subdivisions and
code amendments.
+The Board of Adjustment reviews requests for
special exceptions, variances and other appeals
pertaining to the Zoning Code.
+The Historic Preservation Commission
conducts studies and implements regulations
designed to promote the preservation of historic
landmarks and districts. The primary duty of
the Historic Preservation Commission is to
Staffs the following
boards/commissions:
+Planning and Zoning
Commission
+Historic Preservation
Commission
+Board of Adjustment
+Board of Appeals
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224010
Development Services Urban Planning Activities
Planning & Zoning Commission FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Average
Annexations 0 1 3 2 1 0 1 0 1 1 1
Rezonings 13 29 19 29 14 20 26 16 6 9 18
Preliminary Plats 5 7 11 9 6 6 11 4 6 3 7
Final Plats 0 0 0 14 18 2 0 6 5 4 5
Code Amendments 13 11 11 3 4 9 5 3 6 6 7
Comprehensive Plan Amendments 0 6 2 2 4 3 3 2 0 2 2
County Zoning Items 1 2 3 2 4 6 0 5 8 7 4
Board of Adjustment FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Average
Special Exceptions 15 13 11 16 10 8 7 6 13 11 11
Appeals 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1
Variances 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Development Activity Metrics FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Average
Acres Annexed 19.8 18.6 0.0 7.9 0.0 35.29 3.6 12
Acres Zoned Residential 125.5 119 13.7 171.0 80.0 72.1 37.2 88
Acres Zoned Commercial 85.9 7.98 1.00 0.70 26.90 0 17.68 20
Acres Zoned Mixed-Use / RF Crossings 35.1 2.48 25.21 5.08 5.30 2.75 5.90 12
Acres Zoned Commercial / Office 85.9 0.98 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 12
Residential Lots Final Platted / Created 150 335 23 67 32 83 59 107
Commercial Lots Final Platted / Created 19 12 0 1 3 0 2 5
Historic Preservation Commission FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Average
Project Reviews 80 93 108 83 86 90 102 100 96 94 93
Additional Landmarks 2 1 2 1 1 1 6 5 2 6 3
Additional properties in
historic/conservation districts 0 39 265 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 31
Properties rehabed, restored, or
converted through adaptive reuse 24 25 30 22 24 24 25
review proposed building projects in historic and
conservation districts.
Urban Planning staff work with prospective applicants
to review requirements for new development and
construction and to create solutions for properties
that confront obstacles to development, renovation,
or reuse. Once an application is filed, staff reviews the
proposal, coordinates feedback from various depart-
ments, and writes reports, including recommendations
to boards and commissions. Urban Planning staff also
participates in design review applications for areas
such as the Riverfront Crossings District.
2021 Urban Planning Activity
For the second year in a row, the overall current
planning case load activity in 2021 for Urban Planning
work, such as annexations, rezoning, and platting, was
slightly lower than average. However, work on several
in-frequent and multi-year long-range planning projects
were completed or continued. These included the final
adoption of the South District Form Based Code and
update of the Fringe Area Agreement with Johnson
County. An update to the Southwest District Plan, in
anticipation of the extension of public sewers, contin-
ued. Long-range planning requires significant engage-
ment with the community, data analysis, and drafting
of multiple plan documents. Urban Planning activity is
tracked and reported on a fiscal year (July-June) basis.
Annexation, the process by which land is added to the
City, occurs infrequently. Historically, most undevel-
oped land is not annexed into the City by its owner until
just prior to its development. Property tax rates are
usually lower in the unincorporated County and land is
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 11
Development Services
often used for agricultural purposes up until the
time that is sold for development. Additionally,
unlike other cities, the Great Recession of 2008 did
not result in a large inventory of improved but not
developed lots in Iowa City.
Over the past 10 years the average is one annex-
ation per year, adding 10-20 acres of land. In 2020,
a larger annexation occurred of 35 acres on the
east central side of the city. This was for the even-
tual subdivision and development of Community
View, a residential subdivision. It was the first
annexation to occur since the City’s adoption of
an affordable housing policy in 2018. The policy
requires an affordable housing agreement be made
for any annexation that will result in the creation of
ten (10) or more new housing units to ensure that
10% of the total units in the annexed area provide
not less than 20 years of affordable housing.
Options include, but are not limited to transfer of
lots/unit to the City or an affordable housing pro-
vider; on-site affordable housing, fee-in-lieu; and/or
participation in a State or Federal housing program.
The Community View subdivision is anticipated to
provide approximately 171 total new housing units,
17 of which will be affordable once built. In 2021,
approximately 70 acres along IWV Road west of
Highway 218 was annexed for commercial pur-
poses. A large annexation request for 196 acres of
the Carson Farm west of Highway 218 and south
of Rohret Road was withdrawn by the applicant
and not completed.
The number of rezonings, the process that allows
for changing the of use of a property, remained
low for a second year in 2021. Only nine (9)
rezonings were completed in 2021 compared to
the 10-year average of 18. This is up slightly from
the year before. The majority of rezoning cases
filed in 2021 were for existing developed property
to facilitate its redevelopment. Previous years of
abnormally heavy rezoning activity occurred in
2013-2018 during which the City itself initiated
several rezonings to implement a master plan for
the Riverfront Crossings area and the adoption of
the Riverfront Crossing Form Based Code. More
recent redevelopment in the Riverfront Crossing
District has focused largely on multi-family hous-
ing desirable to University of Iowa students.
Individual lots are created via the subdivision
platting process. New first-time development of
vacant land usually requires land to be platted
to create lots while re-development often occurs
on already created lots. Platting activity in 2021
showed a decline and was well below 2015-16
levels. Subdivision platting in the County near the
City’s boarders continued to remain high due to
recent changes in the County’s Comprehensive
Planning and Future Land Use Map that increased
areas for residential and commercial development
in the County. Such activity is regulated through a
shared agreement with the County called the Fringe
Area Agreement (FAA). Many of the applications
in 2020 were out of compliance with the existing
agreement. In 2021, Staff completed the process to
update the FAA. This included analysis of past land
use patterns and projection of future growth pat-
terns to establish a growth boundary area. The new
agreement redefines the role of each jurisdiction
based on this growth boundary area giving more
control to the City closer to its boarders.
Iowa City has thirteen (13) Historic Preservation
or Conservation Districts which were estab-
lished beginning in the mid 1980’s. Districts
range in size from one to more than twenty (20)
blocks in size. The last District was established
in 2014 as the Goosetown/Horace Mann
Conservation District. Throughout these years
and since 2014 historic preservation activity
has continued in the form of historic landmark
designation of individual properties. Several
landmarking applications were completed in
2021 including properties on North Clinton
Street adjacent to future residential development
and on the City Plaza as part of the Tailwinds
project. Once designated, exterior changes
to properties located within a District or land-
marked are reviewed by the Historic Preservation
Commission. To support properties designated
as historic the City provides grants and loans of
up to $5,000 per property per project for qualified
exterior rehabilitation or preservation projects
under the Historic Preservation Fund Program.
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224012
Development Services
Total Value of Construction (in millions)
10 Year
Average CY 2012 CY 2013 CY 2014 CY 2015 CY 2016 CY 2017 CY 2018 CY2019 CY2020 CY2021
$189.7 $169.2 $184.9 $152.6 $138.3 $388.4 $216.8 $192.8 $231.5 $87.3 $135.5
107.1%9.3%-17.5%-9.4%180.8%-44.2%-11.1%20.1%-62.3%55.2%
The Program is funded with $40,000 from the General
Fund annually and fully utilized each year.
In 2021 6 ½ blocks of the downtown area were officially
listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This
designation was the result of a multi-year planning
effort and was based on the Downtown Historic Survey.
The Survey provided valuable information on the histor-
ical and physical character of the area and included an
inventory of properties andtheir historic significance.
Listing in the National Register of Historic Places is
an honorific designation with economic benefits, such
as State and Federal Historic Preservation tax credits.
Designation does not protect properties nor does it
regulate changes that owners may make to a building.
In 2021 several changes to the City’s Zoning laws were
also adopted. These included minor adjustments for
new construction that involves the preservation of a
separate historic structure, flexibility in the extension of
use of nonconforming drinking establishments, adap-
tive reuse of large box retail buildings, and adoption of
the South District Form Based Code.
Building Inspection
The Building Inspections Services staff is responsible
for facilitating the site plan review process, building
permit review, building inspections and final certificates
of occupancy. Building Inspection Services is also
responsible for enforcement of codes and ordinances
regulating the protection of the public health, safety and
general welfare as it relates to the built environment
and maintenance of existing structures. Review and
issuance of all permits for new construction, additions,
alterations, repairs and signs is a key function.
Building Inspections Services enforces the follow-
ing construction codes:
+2018 International Building / Residential
Code (adopted with local amendments)
+2021 International Mechanical Code
(current State adopted code)
+2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (current
State adopted code)
+2018 International Fire Code (adopted
with local amendments)
+2020 National Electrical Code (current
State adopted code)
+2012 International Energy Conservation
Code (current State adopted code)
+Accessibility Code (current Federal and
State adopted code; local amendments
for visitability/adaptability)
In addition to the above codes, the Building
Inspection Services Staff enforces the
Zoning, Sign, Nuisance, Noise, Site Plan
Design Regulations, Floodplain Management
and Construction Site Runoff Ordinances,
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City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 13
Development Services
and provides key staff support for the Design
Review Committee.
Building Inspections Services provides staffing for the
Board of Appeals. The Board of Appeals hears and
decides appeals of orders, decisions or determinations
made by City staff relative to the application and
interpretation of the Iowa City Building, Electrical,
Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire and Housing Codes.
2021 Permit Activity
Iowa City requires building permits for new building
construction and most existing building repairs and
remodel projects. Data regarding the type of project
and its valuation is collected at that time. Valuation is
not building permit fee revenue or market value, but the
estimated average construction cost of a project based
on a standardized per square foot estimate using
typical construction practices. Building permit activity is
tracked and reported on a calendar year basis.
Construction in 2021 continued to be impacted by
the COVID19 pandemic which affected labor and
manufacturing, disrupted supply chains, raised
construction material costs, and created economic
uncertainty for builders and buyers. Permits in many
categories did increase from 2020 but were still below
the 10-year average.
2,130 total permits were applied for in calendar year
2021. This included construction related permits as well
as site plan, sign, liquor, and temporary use permits.
This is an increase from 1,845 permits applied for in
2020 but below the 10-year average of 2,371 applica-
tions. $135.5 million total value was reported for all
permits in calendar year 2021. Overall, 2020 was the
worst year in project valuation reported since the three
years immediately following the Subprime Mortgage
Crisis and Great Recession of 2008. There was a 62%
decline in project values undertaken in 2020 from the
previous year, and $97 million dollars less than the
10-year average valuation. 2021 permit activity made
up for some of this decline but was still $54 million
below the 10-year average.
While permit activity in 2020 showed a noticeable
decline, there was an equally unusual increase in the pre-
vious years 2016-2018. During that timeframe construc-
tion activity jumped to more than $388 million, more
than double the previous 10-year average at the time
of $135 million. These swings in activity largely reflect
development interest in the Downtown and Riverfront
Crossings area. In addition, the construction phase on
large projects often also spans several calendar years.
In 2021, only one project (Gilbane on South Dubuque
Street) was active in the planning process in this area.
Historically, Iowa City building permit activity is domi-
nated by construction of three main categories:
1. Single-family Detached and Attached (Duplex)
Home Building: 133 new single-family detached
dwellings were applied for in calendar year 2021.
This is an increase over the last three years and
matches the yearly average from 2009-2021.
Over nearly the past 20 years, new single-family
detached home construction has averaged 135
new units per year. Year to year production has
varied widely with annual rates bottoming out at 80
units in 2011 and 2019 and climbing back up to the
mid 170’s in between. The highest number of new
2,130
Total permits applied for in 2021
An increase from 1,845 in 2020,
below 10-year average of 2,371
Total 2021 permit value
$135.5 million
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224014
Development Services
applications was 193 units in 2003. The past three
years indicates an upward recovering trend.
In 2021 total project value of new single-family
housing construction was $46 million. The per
unit value in 2021 was $343,445. These are both
above the 10-year average and the highest on
record since 2003. However, as value per unit has
increased over time due to inflation , the true value
is better understood using other benchmarks.
Compared to the Bureau of Labor Statistics annual
Consumer Prices Index (CPI) and Construction
Price Indexes from the US Census Bureau’s Survey
of Construction (SOP) new single-family dwelling
valuation per unit in Iowa City follows the same
generally increasing pace of inflation. Year to year
differences are greatest between 2010 and 2016
where the local value fluctuates widely. Local value
is self-reported by builders at the time of permit
application. In the same time period permit activity
also varied widely indicating other changes in the
local market. The average trend line of the three
measures are shown to represent overall trends
regardless of potential misjudements. Starting
in 2011 the local value trend line exceeds the
percent increase of CPI for the first time and begins
to overtake the SOP metric. This indicates that
overall, construction value inflation was greater
than inflation in the rest of the economy and a little
bit more so in the local construction market than
the national one. All three metrics indicate a rapid
increase in inflation from 2020-2021.
New duplex construction is a small portion of
the new single-family housing total. Only four (4)
permits for duplex construction were applied for
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City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 15
Development Services
in 2021 for a total of 8 dwelling units. The average
number of duplex permits per year from 2009-2020
is five (5). The highest year of duplex permit activity
was 2011-2012 with nine (9) and eight (8) permits
per year respectively.
Similarly, alteration, remodel, repair construction
activity on existing residential buildings is a small
percentage of the overall residential project valu-
ation per year. Typical valuation of reinvestment
ranges from $5 million-$9 million annually. That’s
approximately 10-25% of the total amount of
residential valuation annually. In 2021 the amount
of reinvestment was 15% of the total valuation of
single-family construction, or $8 million.
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224016
Development Services
“The Rise at Riverfront Crossings” by Alan Light (licensed under CC BY 2.0)
2. New Multi-family Dwelling Construction: Housing that
contains more than two dwellings in one structure is con-
sidered multi-family construction. These dwellings may
be owned or rented such as townhomes, apartments,
or condominiums.
As mentioned in the Urban Planning summary, in 2013-
2014 the City initiated several rezonings to implement
a master plan for the Riverfront Crossings area and the
adoption of the Riverfront Crossing Form Based Code. This
is reflected in the uptick in new multi-family construction
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 17
Development Services
permits and valuation in 2013-2017 for projects using the new zoning available
to them to build new large buildings near downtown. The Riverfront Crossings
Form Based Code also continued to encourage the trend for multi-family
housing to be combined in multi-story buildings with other uses such as retail,
office, or hotel and categorized as “mixed-use” structures.
The valuation of multi-family or mixed-use projects is more dependent on
the scale or location of a development project than the overall number of
permits issued. Therefore, the trend line fluctuates more with number of
dwelling units than with permit numbers. Such projects often take more
than one construction season or permit year to complete with developers
finishing one before beginning another resulting in a lumpiness or rise and
fall of valuation from one year to the next.
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224018
Development Services
All dwelling types combined:
294 total new dwelling units
(one- and two- family dwellings and multifamily dwellings) were applied for
in calendar year 2021. This is an increase from 2020 but still well down from
505 new units in 2019 and 424 units which is the 10-year average indicating
more than the typical lumpiness of project investment.
3. All Other New Commercial Buildings: All other non-res-
idential construction is considered as the final category
of permit activity. This may include retail and services
buildings, industrial and manufacturing, healthcare,
office, and schools. Like multi-family construction, these
projects can be large in scale and value and also tend
to occur infrequently and are completed one at a time.
The exception recently has been the Iowa City School
District’s implementation of their 10-year Facilities Master
Plan beginning in 2015 to complete construction projects
ranging from new school construction to renovation and
expansion projects in all 27 schools in the District. In late
2017 voters approved an estimated $192 million bond
package to fund the second half of the approved 10-year
Facilities Master Plan with planned completion by 2023.
In November 2021 voters approved extending the tax
levies to 2035 and 2051 to cover additional improvments
identified in the School District’s Facilities Master Plan 2.0.
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City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 19
Development Services
Highlights
Recent Accomplishments
Work in planning, zoning, site, design review, and
building code and inspection services supported
continued development interest in the Downtown
and Riverfront Crossings for several projects:
+Adoption of a form-based zoning code for a
portion of the South District.
+Identified additional building inspec-
tion types to improve enforcement
of energy efficiency code in new and
existing buildings.
+Gained listing on the National Register
of Historic Places for a 6 ½ block area of
the downtown
+1121 S. Gilbert Street-design review, site
plan, and building plan/construction review
of new 4 story residential building in the
Riverfront Crossings District
+Tailwinds-E. College Street-development
agreement, rezoning and design review to
preserve historic buildings and construct
new 11-story residential building
+Gilbane Project-rezoning, design, and site
review of new 6-story residential building in
the Riverfront Crossings District
+Completed an update to the Iowa City/
Johnson County Fringe Area Agreement
+Hired and on-boarded four new staff mem-
bers (27% of entire Division staffing) due to
retirement, job transfer, and FTE expansion
On May 27, 2021, the Iowa City Downtown
Historic District was officially added to
the National Register of Historic Places.
Authorized by the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park
Service’s National Register of Historic Places
is part of a national program to coordinate
and support public and private efforts to
identify, evaluate, and protect America’s
historic and archeological resources.
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224020
Top and bottom: The Housing Fellowship single
family home rentals
Neighborhood Services
Staffs the following
boards/commissions:
+Housing and Community
Development Commission
+Public Art Advisory
Committee
The Neighborhood Services Division is respon-
sible for the administration of various housing
services, housing programs and revitalization
efforts that focus on sustaining healthy
neighborhoods. The Division provides housing
inspection services, facilitates communication
and outreach services to neighborhood asso-
ciations and coordinates Iowa City’s public
art and PIN Grant programs. The City’s federal
Community Block Grant (CDBG), HOME,
Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing
programs are also administered through the
Neighborhood Services Division.
Housing Inspection Services
Housing Inspection Services (HIS) works with property
owners, managers, and tenants to ensure rental units
are in conformance with the Iowa City Housing Code.
There are close to 20,000 rental units in Iowa City
that get inspected annually or over a two-year period.
Housing Code language establishes minimum health
and safety standards necessary to promote the welfare
of tenants and the general public. HIS also enforces
certain zoning ordinances and responds to complaints
of nuisance-related ordinance violations such as tall
grass and weeds, snow, or inoperable vehicles.
Housing Code Changes – Radon
In January 2020, the City of Iowa City announced a new
policy requiring all single family detached and duplex
rental properties to be tested for hazardous radon
levels as a step towards improved public health. The
ordinance, set to go into effect on July 1, 2020, was
delayed due to COVID-19 and began July 1, 2021.
The City remains committed to radon testing and mitiga-
tion as important health measures. The Iowa Department
of Public Health identifies radon as the No. 1 cause of
lung cancer among non-smokers. Iowa’s indoor radon
average of 8 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) is more than six
times the national average. The EPA recommends that all
Iowa homes be tested for radon and homes with indoor
levels of radon over 4 pCi/L be mitigated.
Due to the pandemic the City has delayed the new
radon requirements to reduce contact between staff
and public to help limit exposure and the spread of
COVID-19. Property owners were encouraged to use
this extension to schedule radon inspections and take
the steps needed for mitigation while units may be
vacant. Radon testing completed in 2020 was accepted
to document compliance with the new radon require-
ments that went into effect on July 1, 2021.
Systematic Housing Inspections
during COVID-19
All inspections followed COVID-19 protocols which
included social distancing of six feet and all parties, if
present, wearing a mask.
Neighborhood Stabilization Efforts in
University Impacted Neighborhoods
The State Legislature prohibited cities from adopting
or enforcing any regulation or restriction related to
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 21
Neighborhood Services
occupancy of residential rental property that is based upon
the existence of familial or nonfamilial relationships between
the occupants of such rental property, effective January 1,
2018. This was the principle tool on how many cities, includ-
ing Iowa City, addressed occupancy of rental properties,
especially in neighborhoods surrounding the university.
In response to this change, the City implemented various
measures to 1) ensure single family detached structures
and duplexes provide healthy and safe living environments
for all occupants; 2) maintain neighborhood characteristics
and housing options suitable for attracting a diverse
demographic in our older single-family neighborhoods;
and 3) prevent the overburdening of city infrastructure and
operational resources.
The City started tracking the number of rental permits for
single family and duplex dwellings in University impacted
neighborhoods in November of 2017. As of June 2021, the
City has not seen a dramatic increase in the number of rental
permits for this housing type. The City also started tracking
how many bedrooms were added in these neighborhoods.
Approximately 28 bedrooms have been added to properties
in these neighborhoods since 2017; however only one
property in the Northside/Goosetown neighborhood added a
bedroom this past year. The following map and spreadsheet
highlight the percentage of single family and duplex rental
permits in each neighborhood as of June 30, 2021 as well
as each year since we started tracking this information.
Note: to standardize how the City tracks these permits,
in June of 2021 the single family and duplex definition
changed to match the zoning code definition (one unit per
lot for single family or two units per lot for duplexes). The
impact of this change reduced the total # of properties in
various neighborhoods.
CY2021 HIS Stats
2,009
neighborhood complaints
92% resolved in 14 days
19,491
rental units
New land use software
implemented in FY21 allows
for more accurate tracking of
properties. The new system allows
multi-family condo buildings to be
tracked for rental license purposes
and removed from the rental
license rolls when no rental units
are present in those buildings. This
resulted in a slight decrease in
reported rental units.
Key Dates
12/19/2017
In addition to several zoning and housing codes
changes, the City adopted a Rental Permit Cap,
Ordinance #17-4734, to prohibit additional rental permits
issued for single family or duplex dwellings in neighbor-
hoods that exceeded more than the 30% threshold.
1/1/2018
Effective date of State prohibition on any regulation or
restriction related to occupancy of residential property
by familial status.
4/23/2019
State prohibits municipalities from adopting or enforcing
rental permit caps.
4/29/2019
City adopts rental permit moratorium for the following
neighborhoods: Northside, College Green, Bowery,
Longfellow, Mark Twain, RFC East, RFC West, Miller/
Orchard and Brookland/Roosevelt, Ordinance #19-4793.
1/21/2020
City repeals rental permit moratorium,
Ordinance #20-4819.
7/1/2021
City begins enforcement of radon requirements.
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224022
Neighborhood Services
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 23
Neighborhood Services
Historical Data for University Impacted Neighborhoods
% of Single Family & Duplex Units with a Rental Permit
November 2017 - Original July 2018 January 2019 June 2020 June 2021
Neighborhood
SF/
Duplex
Units
Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
% Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
SF/
Duplex
Units
Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
% Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
SF/
Duplex
Units
Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
% Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
SF/
Duplex
Units
Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
% Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
SF/
Duplex
Units
Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
% Rental
SF/
Duplex
Units
City High 1143 153 13.4% 1143 159 13.9% 1133 156 13.8% 1136 165 15.0% 1131 154 13.6%
Melrose/Emerald 226 36 15.9% 226 37 16.4% 226 38 16.8% 227 41 18.0% 227 39 17.2%
Willow Creek 765 135 17.6% 765 148 19.3% 684 109 15.9% 785 169 22.0% 787 155 19.7%
City Park 544 117 21.5% 544 123 22.6% 537 115 21.4% 544 117 22.0% 545 112 20.6%
Mark Twain 1138 318 27.9% 1138 341 29.9% 1137 331 29.1% 1133 330 29.0% 1129 327 29.0%
Longfellow 909 258 28.4% 909 272 29.9% 879 259 29.5% 891 253 28.0% 884 245 27.7%
Miller/Orchard 310 88 28.4% 310 95 30.6% 302 86 28.5% 327 86 26.0% 308 85 27.6%
Northside Goosetown 1200 646 53.8% 1200 646 53.8% 1180 622 52.7% 1190 636 53.0% 1181 624 52.8%
College Green 365 197 54.0% 365 197 54.0% 361 201 55.7% 370 217 59.0% 358 212 59.2%
Brookland/Roosevelt 297 161 54.2% 297 161 54.2% 392 161 41.1% 325 175 54.0% 280 170 60.7%
Riverfront Crossings E 43 28 65.1% 43 28 65.1% 40 27 67.5% 43 29 67.0% 29 21 72.4%
Riverfront Crossings W 25 17 68.0% 25 17 68.0% 120 16 13.3% 19 12 63.0% 15 9 60.0%
Bowery 238 181 76.1% 238 181 76.1% 237 180 75.9% 241 184 76.0% 231 175 75.8%
7203 2335 32.4% 7105 2328 32.8%
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224024
Neighborhood Services
$
Cross Park Place, a Housing First project of Shelter House
Housing Authority
The Iowa City Housing Authority (ICHA) acts as a
community leader for affordable housing, family
self-sufficiency, and homeownership opportunities. We
provide information and education, housing assistance,
and public and private partnership opportunities.
Housing Choice Voucher Program
ICHA administers a total of 1,457 vouchers consisting
of 1,191 through the Housing Choice Voucher Program
(HCVP), 95 Veterans’ Supportive Housing (VASH), 78
Mainstream Vouchers, 69 Emergency Housing Vouchers,
and 24 Project-Based Vouchers for Cross Park Place.
These vouchers serve households not only in the City
of Iowa City, but also throughout Johnson County, Iowa
County, and Washington County North of Highway 92.
+In 2021, ICHA continued its partnership with
Shelter House with the addition of 69
Emergency Housing Vouchers which serve
persons experiencing homelessness or
domestic violence.
+Since the start of Calendar Year 2016,
the ICHA has added 185 vouchers serv-
ing persons experiencing homelessness.
These allocations were competitive and
the ICHA partnered with Shelter House
when applying for the new vouchers.
+ICHA paid out $8.3 million in Housing
Assistance Payments during 2021. This
primarily consists of payments to local land-
lords who rent to voucher holders, but also
includes escrow savings deposits for Family
Self-Sufficiency participants.
Voucher Assistance # of Vouchers
Housing Choice Vouchers 1,191
Veterans Supportive Housing (VASH)95
Mainstream 78
Emergency Housing Vouchers 69
Cross Park Place Project Based Vouchers 24
Total 1,457
98%
ICHA voucher
utilization rate
(87% statewide
average)
During 2021:
$8.3 million
ICHA Housing
Assistance Payments
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 25
Neighborhood Services
1 3 1 0 F O S T E R R D .
I O W A C I T Y , I O W A
Fully accessible
Elevator
Covered off-street parking available
Washer & dryer in unit
Central air
Intercom system for restricted entry to
building
Tenant pays all utilities
Peninsula
Neighborhood
No smoking in building, including
common areas and apartment
For more information, contact Patricia MacKay
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA | 319-887-6069
1, 2, & 3 bedroom accessible apartments
Household income restricted to those under
60% median income by household size:
Household Size
1
2
3
4
60% Median income
$40,200
$45,960
$51,720
$57,420
INCOME LIMITS Effective 6/28/2019
F O R R E N TAFFORDABLE HOMES
FEATURES
Affordable units in the Peninsula
neighborhood, 1310 Foster Rd, Iowa City
Household Characteristics (All Relevant Programs)
Total Families as reported to HUD: September 1, 2020 — December 31, 2021.
Source: HUD’s Resident Characteristics Report (RCR)
Count % of Total
Family Type by Head-of-Household (HOH)
Disabled and/or Elderly HOH 815 58%
Non-Elderly/Non-Disabled HOH 597 42%
Total 1,412 100%
Family Composition by Household
Households without children 782 55%
Households with Children 630 45%
Total 1,412 100%
Race by HOH
White HOH 664 47%
Black/African American HOH 706 50%
All Other Races HOH 42 3%
Total 1,412 100%
Ethnicity by HOH
Non-Hispanic HOH 1341 95%
Hispanic HOH 71 5%
Total 1,412 100%
Voucher Distribution:
Point-in-Time count 1/4/2022: Of the total active vouchers, 975 were utilized in Iowa City (71%), 221 in Coralville (16%), 102 in North Liberty (7%), and 77 (6%) in other
Johnson County Municipalities or port-outs.
Less than 1% of assisted households (total = 14) report Family Investment Program (FIP) as their sole source of income. FIP provides temporary financial and other
assistance to low income families with children while they move toward self-sufficiency.
Voucher Distribution
Point-in-Time count 1/4/2022: Of the total active vouchers, 975
were utilized in Iowa City (71%), 221 in Coralville (16%), 102 in North
Liberty (7%), and 77 (6%) in other Johnson County Municipalities
or port-outs.
Less than 1% of assisted households (total = 14) report Family
Investment Program (FIP) as their sole source of income. FIP
provides temporary financial and other assistance to low income
families with children while they move toward self-sufficiency.
Public Housing and City-Owned
Affordable Housing
Public housing provides decent and safe rental housing for low-
income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Iowa City
currently owns 86 public housing units throughout the City that are
managed by ICHA staff. Units are located at scattered sites and
constructed to conform and blend into existing neighborhoods. Five
of those units, located at The Chauncey in downtown Iowa City, were
added to the City’s affordable housing portfolio in 2020. ICHA also
manages 10 units of city-owned affordable housing at Peninsula
Apartments and recently acquired six units at Augusta Place.
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224026
Neighborhood Services
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program promotes
self-sufficiency and asset development by providing
supportive services to participants to increase their
employability, to increase the number of employed par-
ticipants, and to encourage increased savings through
an escrow savings program. There are currently 225
FSS participants, 89% of which have an escrow savings
account and 59% of which have increased income. The
average escrow savings balance is over $6,000. In 2021
the program saw 32 FSS graduates who accomplished
their program goals and received full access to funds in
their escrow savings account.
City-Owned Affordable Housing # of Units
Public Housing 86
Peninsula Apartments 10
Augusta Place 6
Total 102
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program
Total participants = 214 Count % of Total
Participants with escrow savings account 200 89%
Participants with increased income 135 59%
FSS Graduates in Calendar Year 2021 32 NA
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 27
Neighborhood Services
4Cs Community Coordinated Child Care
Community Development
Community Development is committed to providing low-to-moderate income
Iowa City residents with access to safe and affordable housing, jobs and ser-
vices to promote the general economic prosperity and welfare of Iowa City. This
is accomplished by coordinating efforts with local agencies, businesses, non-
profit organizations and other community partners, and by administering and
coordinating activities relating to city, state and federal housing and community
and economic development programs.
CDBG/HOME
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides federal
funds for a variety of community and economic development activities. Staff
makes assessments of community employment opportunities, housing, and
services for low- and moderate-income residents, and uses CDBG funds to fulfill
identified needs. CDBG projects completed in FY21 include:
+4Cs Child Care – Technical assistance to 24 low-income child care
providers to register their operations and help improve economic
security ($25,000)
+Creative Printing Plus – Microenterprise loan and technical assis-
tance grant to develop a printing business as part of the city’s Small
Business Resource Program ($15,000)
+Shelter House, DVIP and Neighborhood Centers of Johnson
County – Public service funds to operate shelter and child care
facilities ($130,000)
84% of CDBG beneficiaries in FY21 were below 30% of the Area Median
Income (AMI). 98% of CDBG beneficiaries in FY21 were below 80% AMI.
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224028
Neighborhood Services
Successful Living Acquisition
MYEP Rental Construction
MYEP Rental Construction
South District Program
The HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) program
is another federally funded program through the US
Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD).
The program provides safe, decent, affordable housing.
HOME Projects completed in FY21 include:
+Successful Living Acquisition – Purchase of
four single-family homes with a total of eight
bedrooms rented to persons with disabilities
(1340 Hollwood, 2272 Hickory, 3104 Juniper,
2219 Palmer)
+Unlimited Abilities Acquisition – Purchase of a
single-family home with five bedrooms to rent to
persons with disabilities (2710 Wayne)
+MYEP Rental Construction – New construc-
tion of two single-family homes with three
bedrooms rented to persons with disabilities
(177-191 Huntington)
+South District Partnership – Down payment
assistance for affordable homeownership
opportunities in the South District Neighborhood
(2129 Taylor)
74% of HOME beneficiaries reported in FY21 were
below 30% AMI.
NDS staff working in conjunction with the City’s Office
of Equity and Human Rights completed the City’s Fair
Housing Choice Study, an Analysis of Impediments to
Fair Housing Choice on August 20, 2019. The study
is an assessment of Iowa City’s laws, ordinances,
statutes and administrative policies as well as local
conditions that affect the location, availability and
accessibility of housing. The development of the study
is part of the consolidated planning process required
by all entitlement communities, such as Iowa City, that
receive annual housing and community development
funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development. The study includes an analysis of barriers
and impediments to fair housing choice. The study can
be found online at www.icgov.org/ActionPlan.
Aid to Agencies
Community Development staff coordinate with
the United Way of Johnson and Washington
Counties as well as the Housing and Community
Development Commission to provide funds for human
service agencies.
+In FY21, $545,500 in local funds and $130,000
in CDBG public service funds were allocated to
20 agencies which served more than 23,876
Iowa City residents.
+Table to Table, a food rescue organization, pro-
vided 170,000 pounds of food to area pantries
and low income households.
COVID-19 Response
and Funding Activities
In fiscal year 2021, Neighborhood
Services allocated CDBG-CV funding
to prevent, prepare for, and respond
to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds
were awarded to public service and economic devel-
opment activities as part of a community response to
the pandemic including emergency housing assistance,
operational funding for local nonprofits, and small
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 29
Neighborhood Services
New solar panels were installed in the fall of
2021 on this South District duplex
business assistance. The City continues to work with
community partners to get needed funds to our resi-
dents and businesses most impacted by the pandemic.
The City has partnered with several organizations
including Shelter House, CommUnity Crisis Services
and Food Bank, Center for Worker Justice, East Central
Iowa Council of Governments, Iowa City Area Business
Partnership and Community CPA.
+Emergency Housing Assistance: $616,000 was
allocated for emergency housing payments.
The program was initially administered by
CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank and
is currently administered by Shelter House. A
total of 273 households were served in FY21.
+Small Business Assistance: $424,000 was allo-
cated for small business assistance adminis-
tered in partnership with ECICOG. Funds served
27 Iowa City businesses impacted by COVID-19
with grants up to $15,000. Of those, 22 of the
27 businesses were owned by women or people
of color. Eligibility required that all businesses
retain jobs held by low to moderate-income
(LMI) employees or qualified as a HUD-defined
microenterprise owned by an LMI person.
+Nonprofit Assistance: $555,417 was allocated
to 17 different projects including homeless
services and prevention, mental health services,
child care services, eviction prevention, and food
assistance. While some projects are still under-
way, a total of 13,035 were served in Iowa City
through activities completed in FY21.
91% of CDBG-CV beneficiaries reported in FY21 were
below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI). 99.6% of
CDBG-CV beneficiaries in FY21 were below 80% AMI.
Housing Rehabilitation
The Housing Rehabilitation program works to help
residents maintain and update their homes by providing
financial assistance to income-eligible homeowners.
The availability of affordable, low or no-interest loans
provides lower income homeowners the opportunity
to make repairs and improve energy efficiency at their
homes which ultimately maintains Iowa City’s housing
stock. Funding is available through the federally funded
CDBG and HOME programs, as well as locally funded
General Rehabilitation and Improvement Program
(GRIP) and Healthy Homes Program.
+16 homes completed through the CDBG/HOME
owner-occupied rehab program and GRIP
Program in FY21
+12 rehabs completed through the Healthy
Homes program to-date
UniverCity and South District Programs
In 2011 the City received a state grant to provide
rehabilitation assistance to convert former rental
homes near the campus, complete renovations and sell
the homes to income eligible owner-occupants with a
deed restriction to keep the homes owner-occupied for
a set period of years. The City continued this program
after grant funding ended and to date has purchased,
renovated and sold 70 homes in the neighborhoods
surrounding the downtown and the University of Iowa.
Approximately $50,000 in rehabilitation was spent
for each home. This represents a total investment of
over $3.4 million in renovations in University impacted
$424,000
allocated for
small businesses
27 Iowa City businesses served
22 BIPOC*/
woman owned
*Black, Indigenous and People of Color
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224030
Neighborhood Services
Updated kitchen in South
District home on Taylor Drive
neighborhoods since 2011. The City worked with area
lenders to purchase the homes and repaid the funds
when the home sold.
In FY20, Neighborhood Services began a similar
program in the South District Neighborhood with the
purchase of a duplex at 1232/1234 Sandusky Drive.
The property was purchased, renovated, converted
to a two-unit condominium, and sold as affordable
owner-occupied housing. The program is partnered
with federal HOME funds to provide downpayment
assistance to income qualified homebuyers. Combined,
the first two buyers had rented in the neighborhood
for over 21 years. Additional units at 2129/2131 Taylor
Drive and 2021/2023 Taylor Drive have also been
purchased as part of the South District Program. One
unit has been sold to an eligible neighborhood resident
and the remaining three units are under renovation.
Staff is working with interested applicants to secure
financing to acquire the homes. All homebuyers must
complete homebuyer counseling approved by HUD
before acquisition.
Affordable Housing Projects
The City invested $10,442,249 in affordable housing
in FY21 using federal, state and/or local funds. The
FY21 Year End Housing Report can be found in the
Appendix that identifies all housing activities completed
or initiated in FY21. 1,919 affordable rental units/house-
holds and 18 owner-occupied homes were created or
assisted. All activities completed met one or more the
following housing goals:
1. To invest City and federal CDBG/HOME funds to
create and/or preserve affordable homes, both
rental and owner‐occupied housing;
2. To support our most vulnerable residents,
especially those experiencing homelessness
or at risk of homelessness, maintain safe,
affordable housing;
3. To ensure equitable growth for all Iowa City
residents and minimize displacement; and
4. To support innovation in housing and
streamline processes
The South District Program was the
recent recipient of the 2020 Housing
Innovation Award from the Iowa
Finance Authority!
Testimonial from the South District First buyer in the program
“My mother and I both have small, fixed incomes and had a very high rent burden,
while neither of us had access to any form of rent assistance. We looked at the
information about the program online and I decided to apply immediately!
I’ve been worried for over a decade about my mother’s vulnerability to becoming
homeless, physically struggling to maintain full time work to pay rent at age 79 and
my inability to do anything to help her! I also feared being in the same situation myself
as rent continues to increase faster than my SSDI income. I had no expectation of
being able to purchase a home with an income of just $23,000 per year. My new
housing cost has been reduced from $675 per month in rent to just $400 for the new
mortgage and property tax. In addition, my mom now shares the home with me and
doesn’t have to worry about any mortgage or rent, saving her $700 per month! This
program has lifted that huge burden of work and worry from both of us!”
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 31
Neighborhood Services
In FY2016, the City created an Affordable Housing Fund which contributes towards
the development of affordable housing throughout the City. The City allocated
$1,000,000 to the fund in FY20, FY21, and FY22. The funds are allocated based on
a distribution formula approved by Council in 2019.
1. 70% to the Housing Trust Fund, which includes the Low-Income Housing Tax
Credit (LIHTC) set-aside
2. 7.5% to an Opportunity Fund (former Land Banking Fund)
3. 7.5% to the Healthy Homes program
4. 10% to programs to help tenants secure housing. 70% is dedicated to a secu-
rity deposit program and 30% to a landlord risk mitigation fund (to be created).
If a balance at end of year, the balance converts to the Opportunity Fund.
5. 5% will be reserved for emergent situations. If a balance at end of year, the
balance converts to the Opportunity Fund.
Over $10m
invested in FY21
+ 1919 Rentals+ 18 Owner-occupied units
2129/2131 Taylor Drive
The City is investing $35,000 in each
unit. Rehabilitation work includes
a new roof, interior paint and trim,
updated kitchen and bathrooms, an
added bedroom in the basement,
and resurfaced driveway.
Sustainability improvements include
a new high effiency furnace and air
conditioner, air source heat pump
water heater, Energy Star rated
appliances, new windows and doors,
and long life-cycle flooring.Energy efficient New interior $35K invested per unit
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224032
Neighborhood Services
National Night Out 2021 event at Wetherby Park Iowa City Community Band performance Iowa City Reading Tree
The City purchased its first vacant lot with Opportunity Funds in the
Lindemann Subdivision, Part 8. The lot is designed for six townhouse units.
The land will be held by the City for a future affordable housing project.
Neighborhood Outreach
Neighborhood Outreach provides a conduit between all City Departments and
the network of neighborhood associations within Iowa City, and supports and
encourages citizens to help shape the future of their neighborhood. By assist-
ing in the establishment of neighborhood associations, and coordinating with
16 active neighborhood associations, this activity seeks to encourage action
by providing ideas and resources that help associations address their needs
and interests within the goals of the larger community.
PIN Grants
Neighborhood Outreach administers the Program for Improving Neighbor hoods
(PIN) grant program, which provides $20,000 annually for neighborhood projects.
There were 14 PIN grants awarded in FY21, including the following projects:
+South District Annual Event Funding: Events including the Team Up to
Clean Up, Diversity Festival, National Night Out and Harvest Feast.
+Eulenspiegel Puppets Performances: Twelve performances were
scheduled for neighborhood parks through the summer with over 200
families attending.
+Iowa City Community Band Performance and Ice Cream Socials: Four
performances in neighborhood parks and Plum Grove Historic Site
+Northside Reading Tree–312 Ronald Street: Assistance in funding the
creation of a Reading Tree carved out of the trunk of a fallen tree.
+Lucas Farms Art Market: Assisted in expenses to host an art market
as part of the annual Lucas Farms History Days
+Eastside Neighborhood Improvement and Empowerment: Funding to
purchase supplies for events and assist with promotion in the newly
organized neighborhood.
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 33
Neighborhood Services
Día de los Muertos ofrenda
by Miriam Alarcón Avila
Oracles of Iowa City by Antoine
Williams and Donté K. Hayes The Other Extreme by Tim Adams
Public Art
Neighborhood Outreach currently works with Economic Development staff
and the Public Art Advisory Committee to administer the Public Art Program.
The Committee determines the placement of public art, the type of art to be
used in a specific project, and the artists to be engaged in accordance with
the Public Art Strategic Plan. They also administer public art matching grants
and oversee the maintenance and disposition of public art.
In FY21, the Public Art Program funded several art installations and projects:
+Oracles of Iowa City: Mural project installed on the Capital Street
Parking Ramp stair towers created to be a visual call out or beacon
to the Iowa City community concerning Black people and their
lived experience.
+Iowa City Sculptors Showcase: Five sculpture pads were installed
throughout the City (Riverfront Crossings Park, Mercer Park and
Terry Trueblood Recreation Center) and 5 temporary sculptures
were installed as part of an annual program to provide exhibit
opportunities to Iowa artists.
+Kiwanis Park Community Garden Art Project: Neighbors worked
with a local artist to design a community gathering space adja-
cent to the community garden areas in Kiwanis Park. Installation
is scheduled for this spring.
+Matching Funds: Trumpet Blossom Mural/Thomas Agran,
Jugging Performance/Luther Banquert, Day of the Dead Ofrenda/
Miriam Alarcón Avila, Open Air Media Festival/PS1, Activity Book/
Artifactory, Music by the Gross/Red Cedar Chamber Music
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224034
5.0 METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION OF JOHNSON COUNTY (MPOJC)
The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) of Johnson County is responsible for fulfilling state and federal requirements necessary to receive transportation capital
and operating funds; conducting transportation and traffic studies related to public and private development projects; providing traffic data collection and analysis
services, preparing and administering transportation-related grants; and serving as a body for regional policy and project-related discussions.
The MPO staffs the following boards and commissions:
• Urbanized Policy Board
• Rural Policy Board
MPOJC’s goal is to ensure the strategic use of public investments and policies for the creation of a safe, efficient, and equitable transportation network that enhances
economic opportunity and growth while preserving the environment and residents’ quality of life.
The following formal documents are required to be completed and approved by the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration and/or Iowa
Department of Transportation. MPO staff provide planning, programming, and administrative efforts to complete these documents to ensure that Iowa City remains
eligible to receive federal transportation funding, including transit capital and operation funds, streets and trails infrastructure funds, and discretionary grant funds.
FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022
Projected
Long Range Transportation Plan (required every 5 yrs.)
Transportation Planning Work Program
Passenger Transportation Plan
Transportation Improvement Program
1.1 MAJOR PROJECTS
Completion/enhancement of bike and pedestrian facilities as directed by the adopted Iowa City Bike Master Plan:
Metropolitan Planning
Organization of Johnson
County (MPOJC)
The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) of Johnson County is responsible for fulfilling
state and federal requirements necessary to receive transportation capital and operating funds;
conducting transportation and traffic studies related to public and private development projects;
providing traffic data collection and analysis services, preparing and administering transporta-
tion-related grants; and serving as a body for regional policy and project-related discussions.
MPOJC’s goal is to ensure the strategic use of public investments
and policies for the creation of a safe, efficient, and equitable transpor-
tation network that enhances economic opportunity and growth while
preserving the environment and residents’ quality of life.
The following formal documents are required to be completed and approved by
the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration and/or Iowa
Department of Transportation. MPO staff provide planning, programming, and
administrative efforts to complete these documents to ensure that Iowa City remains
eligible to receive federal transportation funding, including transit capital and opera-
tion funds, streets and trails infrastructure
funds, and discretionary grant funds.
Staffs the following
boards/commissions:
+Urbanized Policy Board
+Rural Policy Board
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 35
MPOJC
Muscatine Avenue crosswalk
New electric bus on Washington Street Summit Street bikeway
Major Projects
Numerous bike and pedestrian facilities were com-
pleted or enhanced as directed by the adopted Iowa
City Bike Master Plan. Examples include:
+Installation of High-Visibility signage at mid-
block crosswalks in Iowa City (Washington
Street adjacent to City Hall) and the addition of
‘Bikeway’ signage to identify low-stress routes
for bicycles
+Installation of shared-lane markings and
a pedestrian refuge island on the recently
improved Muscatine Avenue
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224036
$$
MPOJC
1.2 GRANT AWARDS RECEIVED FOR IOWA CITY
Grant awards are pursued to help fund and achieve Iowa City’s Capital Improvements Program and Transit Operating Assistance.
*Includes all planning & legal documents, grant preparation & administration, & IDOT/FTA reporting
1.3 OBJECTIVES & PERFORMANCE MEASURES
1.3.1 Transportation Safety
Iowa City’s transportation network is designed and maintained to enhance the safety and security of all users.
All reported collisions dating back to CY 2017 are reflected in the following tables. Vehicle collisions include those where property damage exceeded $1,000 or where an
injury occurred. CY20 and CY21 collisions are not typical due to changes in traffic patterns related to COVID-19.
Objective: Zero fatalities resulting from vehicle collisions, or collisions involving bicycles or pedestrians.
FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 Estimate
$1,487,897 Federal Transit
Grant*
$1,582,896 Federal Transit
Grant*
$1,752,119 Federal Transit
Grant*
$1,810,347 Federal Transit
Grant*
$1,822,924 Federal Transit
Grant*
$3,750,000 STBG funds for
Dodge Street
Reconstruction
$1,011,360 STBG funds for
Burlington St Pavement
Rehab/Widen
$1,315,860 STBG funds for
Benton Street
Rehabilitation
$2,400,000 STBG funds for
Taft Avenue Reconstruction
$438,000 TAP funds for
HWY 6 Trail Construction $939,866 Federal CRRSAA
Transit Grant*
$520,000 TAP funds for HWY
6 Trail Construction
$1,000,000 STBG-HBP
funds for Gilbert St Bridge
Replacement
$5,109,870 Federal
CARES Act Transit Grant*
$444,000 STBG-HBP funds
for 2nd Ave Bridge
Replacement
Grant Awards Received for Iowa City
Grant awards are pursued to help fund and achieve Iowa City’s Capital Improvements Program and Transit Operating Assistance.
Approximate MPO funding allocated in
FY21 for Iowa City Transit operations:
$2.7m
Operating funds +$5.1m
Emergency
COVID-19 relief
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 37
MPOJC
Park Road bridge at dusk
*Decrease in observed collisions is due to the change in traffic volumes due to COVID-19
Transportation Safety (Bicycle &
Pedestrian Collisions) CY 2017 CY 2018 CY 2019 CY 2020 CY 2021
Property Damage Only 1 0 0 1 2
Possible/Unknown Injury 23 25 12 8 5
Minor Injury 24 28 28 13 23
Major Injury 4 5 3 5 2
Fatal 1 0 0 0 0
Totals 53 58 43 27 32
*Decrease in observed collisions is due to the change in traffic volumes due to COVID-19
Transportation Safety
(All Collisions)
CY 2017 CY 2018 CY 2019 CY 2020* CY 2021*
Property Damage Only 1,095 1,073 1,065 521 928
Possible/Unknown Injury 244 218 195 109 164
Minor Injury 102 116 92 70 103
Major Injury 17 17 9 13 14
Fatal 3 0 2 1 1
Totals 1,461 1,424 1,363 714 1,210
*Decrease in observed collisions is due to the change in traffic volumes due to COVID-19
Transportation Safety (Bicycle &
Pedestrian Collisions) CY 2017 CY 2018 CY 2019 CY 2020 CY 2021
Property Damage Only 1 0 0 1 2
Possible/Unknown Injury 23 25 12 8 5
Minor Injury 24 28 28 13 23
Major Injury 4 5 3 5 2
Fatal 1 0 0 0 0
Totals 53 58 43 27 32
*Decrease in observed collisions is due to the change in traffic volumes due to COVID-19
Transportation Safety
(All Collisions)
CY 2017 CY 2018 CY 2019 CY 2020* CY 2021*
Property Damage Only 1,095 1,073 1,065 521 928
Possible/Unknown Injury 244 218 195 109 164
Minor Injury 102 116 92 70 103
Major Injury 17 17 9 13 14
Fatal 3 0 2 1 1
Totals 1,461 1,424 1,363 714 1,210
Objectives and Performance Measures
Transportation Safety
Iowa City’s transportation network is designed
and maintained to enhance the safety and
security of all users.
Reported collisions dating back to Calendar Year
(CY) 2017 are reflected in the following tables. Vehicle colli-
sions include those where property damage exceeded $1,000
or where an injury occurred. CY20 and CY21 collisions are not
typical due to changes in traffic patterns related to COVID-19.
Objective: Zero fatalities resulting from vehicle collisions, or
collisions involving bicycles or pedestrians.
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224038
MPOJC
1.3.2 Vehicle Miles & Emissions
Iowa City strives to build a well-connected transportation network with coordinated land-use patterns to reduce travel demand, miles traveled, and energy consumption.
Objective: Reduce vehicle miles traveled and subsequent greenhouse gas emissions
Vehicle Miles Traveled & CO2
Emissions Per Capita
CY 2017 CY 2018 CY 2019 CY 2020 CY 2021*
Total Vehicle Miles Traveled
Per Capita
4,760 4,728 4,803 4,126 N/A
Metric tonnes of Vehicle CO2e
Per Capita
2.09 2.08 2.10 1.82 N/A
*VMT data not yet available from Iowa DOT for calendar year 2021
1.3.3 Travel to Work
Iowa City’s transportation network offers multi-modal options that are affordable and accessible.
Objective: Increase the mode split for those who commute to work by walking, biking, or using public transit
Travel to Work (%)
(Primary means of travel by all
workers 16 years or older)
CY 2017 CY 2018 CY 2019 CY 2020 CY 2021*
Drove alone 58.0 60.0 58.9 58.6 N/A
2 or more person carpool 8.4 8.0 8.7 7.5 N/A
Transit 8.6 8.4 8.7 7.8 N/A
Bike 3.5 3.4 3.6 2.8 N/A
Walked 15.7 14.3 14.3 14.5 N/A
Taxi, Motorcycle and other
means
1.6 1.8 1.6 1.9 N/A
Worked at Home 4.2 4.0 4.2 7.0 N/A
Source: U.S Census Bureau, 5-year American Community Survey data
*Data not yet available for calendar year 2021
Mode Split - Commuting to Work: Includes all workers 16 years or older by primary means of travel to work.
1.3.2 Vehicle Miles & Emissions
Iowa City strives to build a well-connected transportation network with coordinated land-use patterns to reduce travel demand, miles traveled, and energy consumption.
Objective: Reduce vehicle miles traveled and subsequent greenhouse gas emissions
Vehicle Miles Traveled & CO2
Emissions Per Capita
CY 2017 CY 2018 CY 2019 CY 2020 CY 2021*
Total Vehicle Miles Traveled
Per Capita
4,760 4,728 4,803 4,126 N/A
Metric tonnes of Vehicle CO2e
Per Capita
2.09 2.08 2.10 1.82 N/A
*VMT data not yet available from Iowa DOT for calendar year 2021
1.3.3 Travel to Work
Iowa City’s transportation network offers multi-modal options that are affordable and accessible.
Objective: Increase the mode split for those who commute to work by walking, biking, or using public transit
Travel to Work (%)
(Primary means of travel by all
workers 16 years or older)
CY 2017 CY 2018 CY 2019 CY 2020 CY 2021*
Drove alone 58.0 60.0 58.9 58.6 N/A
2 or more person carpool 8.4 8.0 8.7 7.5 N/A
Transit 8.6 8.4 8.7 7.8 N/A
Bike 3.5 3.4 3.6 2.8 N/A
Walked 15.7 14.3 14.3 14.5 N/A
Taxi, Motorcycle and other
means
1.6 1.8 1.6 1.9 N/A
Worked at Home 4.2 4.0 4.2 7.0 N/A
Source: U.S Census Bureau, 5-year American Community Survey data
*Data not yet available for calendar year 2021
Mode Split - Commuting to Work: Includes all workers 16 years or older by primary means of travel to work.
Vehicle Miles and Emissions
Iowa City strives to build a well-connected
transportation network with coordinated land
use patterns to reduce travel demand, miles
traveled, and energy consumption.
Objective: Reduce vehicle miles traveled and subsequent
greenhouse gas emissions.
Travel to Work
Iowa City’s transportation network offers
multi-modal options that are affordable
and accessible.
Objective: Increase the mode split for those
who commute to work by walking, biking, or
using public transit.
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 39
Appendix
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224040
Appendix
Total Funds Available for Affordable
Housing in FY21: $11,365,672
Total Funds Spent in FY21: $10,442,249 1) Invest City and federal CDBG/HOME funds to create and/or preserve affordable homes, both rental and owner-occupied housing;
Number of Affordable Rental
Units/Households Created or Assisted*:1,919
Number of Owner-Occupied Units Created
or Assisted*: 18 3) Ensure equitable growth for all Iowa City residents and minimize displacement; and
*Reports units completed in FY21 with FY21 or prior year funds
1) Invest City and federal CDBG/HOME funds to create and/or preserve affordable homes, both rental and owner-occupied housing.
FY21 City of Iowa City Affordable Housing Fund ($1,000,000). $650,000 - $1,000,000 allocated annually Action Plan #5. City Council approved annual distribution formula, revised July 2019:
Project Name
City General Funds, Distribution
Formula:Project Type Funds Allocated Project Status Funds Leveraged
Households/
Units Assisted
Income Level
Assisted FY21 Funds Spent Notes/Status
Housing Trust Fund Annual Contribution Affordable Housing Fund (50%)
Supportive housing for chronically
homeless $500,000 Underway $7,000,000 0 Less than 30% AMI $285,000
Staff reports completed projects in FY21 that utilized FY21 or prior year funding.
$475,000 in FY21 funds and $250,000 in FY20 funds allocated to Shelter House
501 project. HTFJC awarded a total of $1,036,000 to this project to-date. Est.
completion is 8/1/22.
LIHTC Annual Allocation Affordable Housing Fund (20%)Affordable Rental $200,000 Deferred $0 0 NA $0
Nex Senior, LIHTC application, not funded by the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA)
for 9% credits under recent round. IFA considering project with ARPA funds
paired with the 4% LIHTC program. IFA waiting US Treasury guidance as of
1/5/22. HTFJC authorized 5% for administrative fees. HTFJC receives remaining
funds when eligible project proceeds. HTFJC to meet in January to determine if
they will hold funds for the Nex Senior project.
Opportunity Fund*Affordable Housing Fund (7.5%)Various $127,500 Underway NA 182 Less than 80% AMI $110,977
Center for Worker Justice - COVID Relief ($37,500) Signed agreement
7/28/2020.
Shelter House Eviction Prevention $125,000 (FY20 - $35,000, FY21 - $90,000)
Signed agreement 6/8/2020.
Healthy Homes Affordable Housing Fund (7.5%)Housing Rehab $75,000 Underway $0 6 Less than 80% AMI $34,212
Six households assisted in FY21. Four were homeowners and two were renters.
Four households were <30% AMI.
Security Deposit Assistance*Affordable Housing Fund (7%)Rental Assistance $105,000 Ongoing NA 84 Under 50% AMI $94,110
Increased allocation mid-year in FY21 to $105,000 due to COVID-19. Remaining
balance to be spent first quarter of FY22. FY22 allocation is $100,000.
Landlord Risk Mitigation Affordable Housing Fund (3%)Rental Assistance $30,000 Deferred NA NA NA $0
Unspent funds not committed at the end of the fiscal year go into the
Opportunity Fund. Staff continuing to work with Johnson County Local
Homeless Coordinating Board in FY22 to establish.
Emergent Situations Affordable Housing Fund (5%)Various $50,000 Completed NA 26 NA $49,367
Funds utilized for Forest View mobile home repair, housing assistance for those
ineligible for CDBG due to lead regulations and an eviction diversion program.
*Allocated additional funds from prior years $1,087,500 $7,000,000 298 $573,667
Project Name Funding Source Project Type Funds Allocated Project Status
Households
Assisted
FY21 Funds
Spent
Eviction/Foreclosure Prevention Program - City CARES Act Funding (COVID)Emergency Housing Payments $246,000 Completed 153 $246,000
Affordable Housing Goals:
City of Iowa City Affordable Housing - FY21 Year End Report
FY21 CDBG-CV Funds - One time allocation through the CARES Act for COVID relief
2) Support our most vulnerable residents, especially those experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, maintain safe, affordable housing;
Notes/Status
CommUnity Crisis Services initiated contract, 1/4/21 reassigned to Shelter House. 72% of beneficiaries under 30% MI.
Maximum income is 80% MI.
4) Support innovation in housing and streamline processes
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 41
Appendix
Eviction/Foreclosure Prevention Program - IEDA CARES Act Funding (COVID)Emergency Housing Payments $370,000 Ongoing 120 $200,142
FY21 Housing Rehabilitation Projects Completed Action Plan #1. Continue to fund existing housing programs.
Project Name Funding Source Project Type Funds Allocated FY21 Funds Spent
# Units
Rehabilitated
GRIP Local Funds Owner-occupied Rehab $200,000 $330 1
South District Local Funds/HOME Homeownership $120,000 $83,750 1
UniverCity Local Funds Homeownership $60,000 $54,828 1
HOME Owner-occupied Rehab & Rental Rehab.HOME Owner-occupied/Rental Rehab $90,000 $40,070 4
CDBG Owner-occupied Rehab CDBG Owner-occupied Rehab $235,000 $116,433 11
$705,000 $295,410 18
FY21 CDBG/HOME Housing Projects Completed (Beneficiaries reported when project is completed)
Project Name Funding Source Project Type FY21 Funds Spent Funds Leveraged
Households/
Units Assisted
Successful Living - Palmer HOME Affordable Rental $59,900 $171,031 4
Successful Living - Hickory HOME Homeownership $44,900 $185,526 3
Successful Living - Juniper HOME Affordable Rental $68,200 $155,800 5
Successful Living Rental Rehab HOME Affordable Rental $44,962 $2,000 5
MYEP New Construction HOME Affordable Rental $18,600 $551,800 6
Successful Living - Hollywood HOME Affordable Rental $44,990 $170,010 3
Unlimited Abilities - Wayne HOME Affordable Rental $60,000 $106,609 5
THF CHDO Operations HOME $52,000 $0 NA
HOME Administration HOME Administration $40,136 $0 NA
$393,552 $1,342,776 31
2) Support our most vulnerable residents, especially those experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, maintain safe, affordable housing
ICHA Programs, Calendar Year 2021 The jurisdiction of the ICHA includes the following Counties: Johnson, Iowa and Washington (north of Hwy 92, but not within Washington City limits), unless noted.
Project/Program Name Project Type Vouchers Authorized
ICHA Owned &
Managed Units
Households
Assisted CY21 Funds Spent Income Limits
Housing Choice Vouchers Affordable Rental 1,215 NA 1,214 $7,404,202 Under 50% AMI
VASH Vouchers (reserved for veterans)Affordable Rental 95 NA 66 $274,442 Under 50% AMI
HUD Mainstream Vouchers (chronically homeless with a
disabling condition)Affordable Rental 78 NA 63 $75,587 Under 50% AMI
Emergency Housing Vouchers Affordable Rental 69 NA 43 $101,034 Under 50% AMI
Public Housing Affordable Rental NA 86 79 $1,324,355 Under 80% AMI
Other - Affordable Housing Under ICHA Management Affordable Rental NA 16 14 N/A Under 80% AMI
1,457 102 1,479 $9,179,620
Notes
CY21 data: 58% of all assisted households were elderly and/or disabled. 38% were working families. Less than 1% of
assisted households report Family Investment Program (FIP) as their sole source of income. Totals include administrative
costs, Cross Park Place Project Based Vouchers (PBV), Homeownership Vouchers & Portable Vouchers.
ICHA reports on a calendar year. 78 new vouchers authorized in CY20. Leasing started in March 2020.
All units in Iowa City. Funds spent includes administrative costs, HUD rent subsidies and maintenance/repair of units. 5
units purchased at the Chauncey due to TIF agreement in CY20.
All units in Iowa City (Peninsula & Augusta).
Notes/Status
All CDBG/HOME funds must benefit those under 80% AMI, most commonly HOME funds benefit those under 60% MI.
Includes projects completed with FY21 and prior year funds. Beneficiaries reported when project is completed.
69 new vouchers authorized in CY21
Notes/Status
Must be under 110% AMI. One project completed in FY21. Assessments stopped temporarily in FY20-21 due to COVID. Project expected to
pick up again in FY22.
520 N. Dodge sold. 322 Douglas Court completed and sold in FY22. Beneficiaries reported when homes are sold. Funds spent include rehab
for both Douglass and Dodge St properties.
Rental rehab. of single family or duplex properties in targeted neighborhoods eligible; one new application received in FY21. Completed four
projects from previous years in FY21.
COVID impacted projects and applications in FY21. Projects expected to pick up again in FY22.
Shelter House administering program. $169,858 available for emergency housing payments in FY22. 92% of FY21
beneficiaries under 30% MI. Maximum income is 80% MI.
One home sold (homebuyer under 50% MI), one home rehabilitated and available for sale. In FY21 Purchased one duplex, it is currently under
renovations. In FY22, purchased 8 duplexes.
City of Iowa City
www.icgov.org/NDS
410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 5224042
Appendix
3) Ensure equitable growth for all Iowa City residents and minimize displacement
FY21 TIF & RFC Affordable Housing Requirements under Compliance Period
Project Name Policy Project Type Units Underway
Units under
Compliance Fee-in-Lieu Paid AMI Rent Limit Compliance Period Notes/Status
The Rise - 435 S. Linn Local requirement Affordable Rental -33 -80%HOME FMR In perpetuity
Orchard Court Lofts - 627 Orchard Ct RFC - Zoning requirement Affordable Rental -5 -60%HOME FMR 10 years
Dubuque St Apartments - 620 S. Dubuque RFC - Zoning requirement Affordable Rental -5 $28,396 60%HOME FMR 10 years Fee for 4 units out of compliance for one year.
1301 Gilbert Street RFC - Zoning requirement Affordable Rental -5 -60%HOME FMR 10 years
The Edge - 314 S. Clinton St TIF & RFC Zoning requirement Affordable Rental -2 $323,488 60%HOME FMR 20 years FIL for 4 units
Breckenridge - 707 S. Dubuque St RFC - Zoning requirement NA --$404,360 ---FIL for 5 units
Del Ray Ridge - 628 S. Dubuque St RFC - Zoning requirement Affordable Rental -3 60%HOME FMR 10 years
1131 S. Gilbert RFC - Zoning requirement Affordable Rental -6 60%HOME FMR 10 years
1121 S. Gilbert RFC - Zoning requirement Affordable Rental -5 60%HOME FMR 10 years
1141 S. Gilbert RFC - Zoning requirement Affordable Rental -6 60%HOME FMR 10 years
1201 S. Gilbert RFC - Zoning requirement Affordable Rental -6 60%HOME FMR 10 years
225 E. Prentiss RFC - Zoning requirement Affordable Rental -5 60%HOME FMR 10 years
Riverview West - 629 S. Riverside Dr TIF Affordable Rental -12 -120%120% HOME FMR 10 years
Augusta Place - 20 S. Gilbert TIF Affordable Rental -6 NA 80%HOME FMR In perpetuity 6 Units purchased in July 2020, ICHA will operate as affordable housing.
Augusta Place - 104 Westside Dr (offsite units)TIF Affordable Rental -12 NA 60%
Based on 40%
AMI, Developer
pays utilities 20 years Compliance started 8/1/2019.
The Chauncey - 404 E. College St. TIF Affordable Rental -Under HA NA 80%30% of Income In perpetuity
5 Units purchased 8/2020, added to Public Housing Program. Reported under
the Housing Authority
Tailwinds - 100 block E. College St. TIF NA --$1,805,648 ---FIL for 16 units.
111 $2,561,892
FY21 Misc. Action Plan Initiatives
Project/Program Name Council Approved:Project Type Units Created
Fee-in-Lieu/
Revenue
Generated AMI Rent Limits
Action Plan #7. Annexation Policy - 10% of units in
residential developments affordable 7/17/2018
Affordable Rental - New
Construction 0 $0 60%HOME FMR
Action Plan #8. Consider TIF to support residential
development. First agreement: Foster Road TIF
Residential Development Agreement 7/17/2018 TBD -$1,805,648 --
Action Plan #12. Create tax exemption/abetment policy
to support affordable rental housing 10/1/2019
Affordable Rental - New
Construction 0 $0
Less than 40%
AMI
AMI, minus
tenant paid
utilities
Action Plan #14. Minimize tenant displacement 10/3/2017 Major Site Plans NA NA NA NA
0
4) Support innovation in housing and streamline processes
Action Step: Program Estimated TimeLine
Action Plan #9. Consider regulatory changes. Review
processes/fees, etc. to support affordable housing.
Policy Review (NDS, Public Works,
Parks & Rec, Legal)Fall 2020
Received HBA and IC Area Association of Realtors input. Recommendations regarding code changes expected in the Affordable Housing Steering Committee Action Plan. (Remaining task out of the
original 15 Affordable Housing Action Goals)
Community View annexed off American Legion Road in FY20. CZA & Affordable Housing Agreement signed. 17 affordable
units designated. Started construction in FY21.
Notes:
Foster Road TIF - Collections to start in FY22. Estimated to receive $123,210 in FY22 for affordable housing.
Downtown TIF - Tailwinds project paid $1,805,648 for FIL for 16 units in Feb. 2021. Paid $1,520,000 for 8 duplexes (16
homes) for the South District program in July, 2021.
Notes:
Requires Council approval when 12 or more households will be displaced and no rezoning needed. Requires a transition
plan to better inform tenants and the public. Policy not triggered in FY21.
No applications received to date. Requires at least 15% of total units leased to eligible tenants to receive a 40% tax
exemption on all units in a new residential development with 6 or more units for 10 years.
www.icgov.org/NDS
City of Iowa City410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 43
Appendix
Action Plan #9. Consider regulatory changes. Review
zoning code to increase density/diversity in all single
family/low density residential zones (support missing
middle housing)South District Form Based Code Adopted 11-16-2021
Action Plan #9. Consider regulatory changes.
Review zoning code to increase density/diversity in all
single family/low density residential zones (support Comprehensive Plan Amendment 8-10 month process
Action Plan #15. Rent abatement for emergency orders
when vacation is not necessary.Rental permit units Completed 10/3/2017
Acquire land for future affordable housing opportunities
(Opportunity Fund - former Land Banking Fund)
Land Banking (now Opportunity
Fund)Ongoing
Incorporate Sustainability/Climate Action in our
rehabilitation programs
All City housing rehabilitation
programs Completed, July 2019
Support unique housing solutions for special populations
through zoning and/or financial support.FUSE Housing First Program
7/5/2016 Approved Long Term
Housing Use Zoning,
Approved voucher set-aside for
FUSE 10/2/2018
Changes approved after City Council review in July 2019:
Incorporated the following energy efficiency and health/safety measures into our housing programs:
5) Adopted our first radon ordinance, effective July 1, 2021, that requires radon testing, and mitigation, if necessary, to obtain or maintain a rental permit for single family detached or duplex homes.
Will pursue FBC in all outlying greenfield developments.
Enable more dense and/or more diverse housing in all residential zones (particularly low density residential zones outside of historic districts)
See below for measures incorporated.
ICHA allows up to 5% of ICHA vouchers to be used for permanent supportive housing for persons who are chronically homeless with a disabling condition. Project based vouchers issued to Cross Park
Place. 8/2020 Shelter House awarded $2.7 million from IFA for another FUSE Housing First property (similar to Cross Park Place). Project eligible for this voucher set-aside.
No emergency orders issued in FY21.
5) Removed the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County (HTF) from the competitive Aid to Agency process and moved it to a contractual relationship where the HTF uses 8% (changed from 5% in FY22) of the funds allocated to them through the Affordable Housing Fund for administrative expenses. They will remain as a “Legacy
Agency” in City Steps 2025 in case they do not get funded or funded at levels lower than their past funding awards in subsequent years through the Affordable Housing Fund.
1) All housing rehabilitation projects must complete a free home energy audit by Green Iowa AmeriCorps staff prior to funding approval. The audit measures the level of air coming into the home and provides basic weatherization, if necessary, to reduce air leaks. During the audit, participants receive LED light bulbs, low flow
aerators in kitchen and bathrooms, pipe insulation for the water heater, taping of ducts in basement, and extra weatherization based on the results of the blower door test.
2) Expanded housing rehabilitation activities to include landscaping (tree planting) and grading for stormwater management, as needed, as part of a rehabilitation project.
3) The HOME owner-occupied housing rehabilitation program, with up to $90,000 available annually, is now eligible to landlords of rental housing leasing to tenants with incomes at or below 60% of median income. Landlords are eligible for grants for radon testing and mitigation, if necessary, as part of their rehabilitation project.
4) The Neighborhood Improvements set-aside in the CDBG program was converted to a Neighborhood-Based Climate Action set-aside to encourage sustainable, energy efficiency initiatives in our neighborhoods with a higher number of lower income households.
1) Revised the Distribution Formula for City funds.
2) The Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC) altered the preference criteria for CDBG/HOME housing projects to encourage applications serving lower income households.
3) Reduced the equity requirements for CDBG emergency rehabilitation projects, such as a broken furnace in the winter or a non-functioning water heater, to enable those that may not be able to proceed to be eligible for the program.
4) Due to the high cost of acquisition and new construction, HCDC altered the preference/evaluation criteria to support those CDBG/HOME rental applications that leverage significant dollars from non-City sources, such as Low-Income Housing Tax Credit projects. The acquisition or construction of SRO or group housing would remain
supported due to the lower average public investment per assisted unit and to increase the supply of accessible homes in our community.
Purchased first property in FY20. Lot 10, Lindemann Subdivision, Part 8 for the future construction of 6 townhomes.
Neighborhood and Development Services
410 E. Washington Street,
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319)356-5230
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