FY2022

NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES The Neighborhood Services Division is responsible 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 associations and coordinates Iowa City's public art and PIN Grant programs. The City's federal Community Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs are also administered through the Neighborhood Services Division. Community Development Community Development staff are committed to providing Iowa City residents with access to safe and affordable housing, jobs and services. This is accomplished by coordinating efforts with local organizations, businesses and other community partners, and by administering and coordinating activities relating to city, state, and federal housing and community and economic development programs. 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 to their homes and ultimately helps to maintain Iowa City's housing stock. Funding is available through the federally- funded CDBG and HOME Investment Partnership programs, and through the General Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (GRIP), which is funded by general obligation bonds. CDBG and HOME descriptions can be found in the Special Revenue Fund section of this budget. In fiscal year 2020, Neighborhood Services began receiving CDBG-CV funding to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds are being used for public service and economic development activities as part of a community response to the pandemic including emergency housing assistance, operational funding for local nonprofits, and small business assistance. Neighborhood Outreach Neighborhood Outreach provides a conduit between all City departments and the network of neighborhood associations within Iowa City, and facilitates the distribution of funds made available by the City Council for small-scale neighborhood improvements. Neighborhood Outreach supports and encourages citizens to help shape the future of their neighborhood. By assisting in the establishment and coordination of 33 neighborhood associations, this Division seeks to encourage action by providing ideas and resources that help associations address their needs and interests within the goals of the larger community.

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