FY2024 Proposed Budget

NDS Administration

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). General Fund Activities:  The NDS Administration activity manages and coordinates the activities of the department’s four divisions.

Recent Accomplishments:  Launched the South District Program, modeled after the UniverCity program where we purchased, renovated, and sold 70 homes in our downtown and campus neighborhoods. The City purchased a total of 11 duplexes (22 units) for the program centered in the Taylor Dr./Davis St. neighborhood near Wetherby Park. Four homes have been renovated and sold to income eligible homebuyers from the neighborhood. Two are currently for sale. To avoid displacement, 11 of the 16 units purchased in 2021 remain occupied. Once both units in a duplex are vacant, rehabilitation starts. Completed homes are sold to income eligible homebuyers at affordable sales prices. All buyers must be income eligible, but first preference is provided to those currently living in the neighborhood. The City provides a $35,000 declining balance loan and provides up to $25,000 in HOME downpayment assistance to the qualifying buyer. Before approval all buyers must complete a HUD certified homebuyer financial counseling course.  Entered various partnerships to expose ICCSD students and women to the construction trades. Partnered with Kirkwood and the Greater Iowa City Home Builders Association (HBA) to offer the Residential Construction Confidence Course for Women for 15 participants last winter and recently sold the lot at 724 Ronalds Street for the next student built house in partnership with the ICCSD and HBA.

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