Planning & Community Development

410 E Washington Street ::: Iowa City, Iowa 52240 ::: ph 319.356.5230

The Planning and Community Development Department and the Johnson County Council of Governments include: Community Development, Housing Rehabilitation, Economic Development, Urban Planning, Historic Preservation, Neighborhood Services, Public Art, MPOJC Transportation Planning and MPOJC Human Services Planning.

Community Development

The Community Development Division staff administers the City's CDBG and HOME program, the Housing Rehabilitation program, and locally-funded housing and community development initiatives. These funds are used to benefit low-moderate income residents in the community by upgrading and preserving neighborhoods, improving housing conditions, and assisting human service agencies and small businesses. The Housing and Community Development Commission is also a responsibility of this division.

Housing Rehabilitation

Economic Development

The Economic Development office exists to promote the economic prosperity and welfare of Iowa City and to expand the non-residential tax base in Iowa City by encouraging business expansions and seeking new industries and other major employers compatible with the community’s labor force.

Urban Planning

The Urban Planning Division plans for future development as well as redevelopment within Iowa City. Staff members draft policies and plans for City Council approval and review all zoning, subdivision, and large-scale development proposals. It coordinates the Comprehensive and District Planning Process. The Historic Preservation Commission, Board of Adjustment, and Planning and Zoning Commission are also responsibilities of this Division.

Neighborhood Services

The Neighborhood Services Coordinator facilitates the formal organization of Iowa City's neighborhoods by assisting Neighborhood Associations in their work with City government.

Public Art Program

The Neighborhood Services Planner is also responsible for the Iowa City Public Art Program. Staff support for the Public Art Advisory Committee is provided and all public art projects are managed by the Planning staff.

Transportation Planning - MPOJC

The Transportation Planning Division of MPOJC is responsible for the federally-mandated transportation planning process. Staff is involved in grant writing for transportation funds for the urbanized area and are responsible for administering contracts for the transportation of elderly and handicapped residents. This division is also responsible for traffic engineering planning and traffic and transportation issues associated with development, public works projects and the neighborhood traffic calming program.

Human Services Planning - MPOJC

The Human Services Coordinator of the MPOJC identifies human service needs. Staff assists local agencies in planning and coordinating resources to avoid duplication of programs and to secure funding necessary to provided needed programs.