FY2022

Human Services Community Development staff coordinates with the United Way of Johnson County and the Housing and Community Development Commission in providing funds for human service agencies. The City Council makes annual allocations to the area’s human service agencies as part of the Aid to Agencies budget process.

HIGHLIGHTS

Recent Accomplishments: • Completed the City Steps 2021-2025 Consolidated Plan which guides the allocation of funding for housing, jobs, and services for low- to moderate-income persons over the next five years • Assisted 83 affordable housing units through CDBG and HOME funds, including rental acquisition, rental rehab, and owner-occupied rehab • Completed 10 GRIP owner-occupied housing projects • Provided technical assistance funds to support in-home child care providers through 4Cs • Expanded the UniverCity program into the South District and purchased, rehabilitated and sold first duplex to two eligible homebuyers. Estimated monthly housing costs were under $510/month • Awarded $658,262 to 18 legacy agencies through the Aid to Agency funding allocation • First vacant lot purchased with Opportunity Funds (former land banking 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 • Two Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects completed and began leasing with City financial support for a total of 61 affordable units for those under 60% median income. Eight of the units are affordable to those at 30% median income and 16 are affordable to those at 40% median income. Total projects costs were estimated at over $14.2 million • Developed and began implementation of Energov land use management software for housing inspections • PIN grants funded 11 projects including tree plantings in Benton Hill Park, Eulenspiegel Puppet drive-in performances, Iowa City Community Band performances, neighborhood newsletters, and South District Neighborhood events, bike repair stations, and meeting daycare services • Staff and the Public Art Advisory Committee developed the Public Art Management Plan to refine the process by which public art funds are expended. This includes the development of an annual review process for potential art projects, securing ongoing public and artist input into the process, and evaluating long-term maintenance needs

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