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Neighborhood Associations
Iowa City is made up of distinct and thriving neighborhoods, each contributing to the character and energy of the community. This dynamic network continues to evolve as the city grows, new leaders step forward, and fresh ideas take shape. Since the Iowa City Neighborhood Outreach Program began in 1997, 33 neighborhoods have formed official Neighborhood Associations.
Neighborhood Associations help strengthen connections—both between neighbors and between neighborhoods and city government. They work alongside the City to address local priorities, exchange information, provide input on public projects, and take part in community discussions. The City’s role is to serve as a resource, helping Neighborhood Associations access services and coordinate efforts for initiatives such as public art, neighborhood gatherings, beautification projects, cleanups, and other requests that align with our City’s Strategic Plan.
Watch the Know Your Neighborhood series to learn more about Iowa City's neighborhoods.
Not sure if you reside within the boundaries of an existing Neighborhood Association? Explore the Neighborhood Map to view association boundaries. If your neighborhood has an active association, we encourage you to connect with its representative to learn more about getting involved. If your area is not currently within an association boundary, reach out to us to explore how to start a Neighborhood Association.
Getting Started with Your Neighborhood Association
Starting a neighborhood association doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it’s all about creating connections and building relationships through small, meaningful efforts. Whether you’re looking to preserve neighborhood amenities, improve communication with local government, or increase interaction among neighbors, we’re here to help you get started.Pilot Programs
Our office recognizes that neighborhoods are often at different stages of connection, and some may not yet have an official association but still have neighbors eager to come together. For neighborhoods like this, we refer to them as Pilot Programs. A Pilot Program gives emerging neighborhoods the flexibility to test ideas, gauge interest, and explore what resonates with the community, all without the pressure of committing to a formal association right away. This approach allows you to try different methods, engage your neighbors, and find what works best for your area before making any long-term decisions.Flexibility and Freedom in Structure
When it comes to starting a neighborhood association, there is no “cookie-cutter” approach. Every neighborhood is unique, with its own values, needs, and vibe. What works for one neighborhood might look entirely different for another. The focus should always be on working in a way that feels right for your neighborhood and its residents.
Your group’s activities can be as simple or as involved as you decide—there’s no “right way” to do it. Whether your group prefers casual, quarterly meetups or larger community events, the goal is to create something that feels natural and helps build connections in a way that works best for your neighborhood. We’ve seen that trying to stick to a strict structure can sometimes feel overwhelming or even discourage people from getting involved. Keeping things relaxed and easygoing can make it easier to bring people together, get to know each other, and build real, lasting connections.
Simple Requirements to Get Started
To form an association, we just need at least two people to serve as the main points of contact for the City. That’s it! From there, your association can grow and evolve however you see fit. Meetings and gatherings don’t need to be frequent or formal—quarterly get-togethers or casual meetups can work just as well.Opportunities for Support and Collaboration
Forming an association also opens doors to exciting opportunities, like applying for PIN Grant funding and collaborating with City departments. For example:- The Public Safety team can bring a fire engine or squad car for kids to explore or host fraud prevention sessions for vulnerable communities.
- The Climate Action team can partner with your neighborhood to become a resilience hub, helping you prepare for and adapt to climate challenges.
- You can even explore partnerships with local businesses, schools, or nonprofits to sponsor activities or provide resources.
Ready to get started?
- Refer to the Toolkit: Starting a Neighborhood Association as a starting point to effectively organize your group.
- Contact the City at EngageIC@iowa-city.org for assistance in arranging a method of outreach and communications.
- Establish common goals and needs of the neighborhood through a meeting or online format and initiate a process to accomplish these goals.
See below for a list of Iowa City neighborhood associations and contacts. If you wish to contact the representatives, if your association is not listed, or if edits need to be made, please email EngageIC@iowa-city.org.
- Bluffwood – Dick Dorzweiler
- College Hill – Nancy Carlson and Jim Walters
- Country Club Estates HOA – Kim Reves
- Creekside – Ellen Schneider
- Deweyville – Jennifer Baum
- Eastside – Alexis Kurth and Craig Esbeck
- Galway Hills HOA – Jason Wilbur and John Kalohn
- Longfellow – Claire Trettin and Tim Weitzel
- Lucas Farms – Judy Nyren
- Manville Heights – Tea Ho
- Miller Orchard – Cecile Goding
- Mormon Trek Village HOA – Dr. Keith Hanlon and Mahvish Farid
- Morningside-Glendale – Ashley Laux
- Northside – Sharon DeGraw and Kathy Kessler
- Parkview Terrace/Normandy – Mary Murphy and Becky Hall
- Peninsula Neighborhood HOA – Jay Gilchrist and Terri Morrow
- Shimek – Michelle Wiegand
- South District – Mark Signs
- Taft Speedway – Catherine Wilcox
- Ty’n Cae – Judy Pfohl
- Village Green HOA – Melvin Cannon
- Windsor Ridge HOA – Erika Christiansen and Lorraine Bowans
- Wonderful Westside – Safia El-Hadi and Hanadi Elshazali
- Wylde-Weeber – Joe Reilly and Hannah Rager
Search for an address to discover which Neighborhood Association that location falls within. Please note that some addresses may not be within the bounds of any association.
Use one of these search methods:
- Click the search box to type in and select an address.
- Click within the map (use the + and - buttons in the upper right corner to zoom in and out; click and drag to pan around the map)
Results will include the neighborhood name for the given address/location. Each neighborhood is displayed as a shaded color and the boundary is displayed as a solid black outline of the area.
Each edition celebrates recent projects, community initiatives, and inspiring stories, offering readers an inside look at the impactful efforts shaping our neighborhoods. You’ll also find helpful information about City services and resources available to support neighborhood growth and connection. Whether it’s grant-funded projects or neighbor-led events, the newsletter keeps you connected to all the exciting developments happening at the neighborhood level.
Visit our subscription page to sign up for future editions.
Each neighborhood association is led by resident volunteers who take on leadership roles to drive engagement and guide community initiatives within their neighborhoods. These leaders, representing the various neighborhood associations across Iowa City, form the Neighborhood Association Council. This council serves as a network that fosters communication, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas and resources among the associations, allowing leaders to share successful strategies, address common concerns, and support one another in their engagement efforts.
Meetings of the Neighborhood Council typically occur on a quarterly basis, or as needed.
Nextdoor is a free and private social networking site for neighborhoods that connects neighbors to one another and allows for the City to post important updates for all to view. This is a great way to share information with your neighbors regarding activities, concerns, or general interest.
The City of Iowa City has composed a resource directory for neighborhoods that will assist them in achieving their goals.
Starting a Neighborhood Association
PIN Grant
Planning and Hosting Events
Additional Resources
Homeowners’ Associations vs. Neighborhood Associations
Neighborhood associations in Iowa City are community-focused and informal. They bring people together to build connections, share ideas, and work on projects that improve quality of life for everyone in the neighborhood. Membership is voluntary, meetings are open to all neighbors, and activities are centered on community-building rather than property management.
HOAs, on the other hand, are formal legal entities. They’re tied to specific property developments and created through a legal agreement among homeowners. HOAs typically handle things like enforcing covenants, collecting dues, and maintaining shared property. They’re registered businesses, and you can look up their official contact information through the Iowa Secretary of State’s Business Entity Database.
HOAs as Recognized Neighborhood Associations
A HOA can also be recognized by the City as a neighborhood association. While the organizational structure may differ, both share the potential to strengthen community connections.
When an HOA applies for funding through the Program for Improving Neighborhoods (PIN) Grant, it’s important to remember that grant dollars must be used for projects that foster broad community engagement. Activities should be designed to include and benefit all residents of the neighborhood, not just HOA members. Examples include block parties, cultural events, beautification projects, and other initiatives that encourage participation from the entire community.
Because the PIN Grant is funded with public dollars, expenditures that relate solely to HOA governance—such as printing and mailing notices for an annual meeting—are not eligible. These activities are considered internal business matters and do not align with the grant’s purpose of fostering inclusive, neighborhood-wide engagement. Similarly, costs for infrastructure repairs or common area maintenance remain the responsibility of property owners and are not eligible for funding.
HOA Disputes
Because HOAs are private organizations, the City doesn’t have authority over their internal rules or decisions. If your HOA is enforcing covenants or interpreting its own bylaws in a way you disagree with, that’s considered a civil matter between you and the association. In those cases, you may want to consult an attorney to understand your options.
The City does get involved if an HOA is violating municipal law—like zoning requirements, building safety, noise limits, or other City Code provisions. If you’re unsure whether an issue falls under City authority, let us know and we’ll help figure it out. You can also search the Iowa City Code by topic to see what’s regulated.
PIN Grant Program
*Note this video includes the 2019 PIN grant schedule.
The City of Iowa City is committed to strengthening neighborhoods by fostering community engagement, encouraging collaboration, and promoting connections among residents. To further this commitment, the City supports neighborhood-driven initiatives through the annual Program for Improving Neighborhoods (PIN) Grant. This grant funds projects that engage and energize communities through innovative and cooperative efforts.
For detailed information on eligibility, requirements, and program goals, refer to the Toolkit: PIN Grant Overview.
For questions or assistance with the PIN Grant application process, please contact us at EngageIC@iowa-city.org.
Who Can Apply
To be considered for PIN Grant funding, applicants must be a recognized Neighborhood Association or an emerging group participating in a Pilot Program. Applications must be submitted through the official leadership of the association, ensuring the project has neighborhood support.Project Scope
All projects must be open to all members of the Iowa City community, located within city limits, and carried out on public property.Funding Limit
Neighborhoods may request a maximum of $3,000 per project.Expenditures
Eligible Expenses:
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages
- Entertainment
- Insurance fees
- Facility and equipment rentals
- Materials (decorations, paint, plants, etc)
- Marketing, promotion and other advertising fees
- Specialized labor (arborist, heavy equipment operator, etc)
Ineligible Expenses:
- Reimbursement is not allowed for costs incurred prior to grant approval
- Projects that have already been completed
- Projects which conflict with existing City plans and policies
- Alcohol, tobacco, weapons, or controlled substances
- Computers (laptop/desktop), monitors, printers, and related equipment
- Annual software, subscriptions, or website fees
- Lodging and associated costs
- Transportation expenses (gas, mileage, etc)
- Political campaigns, candidate endorsements, or ballot measures
- Routine operating expenses (rent, utilities, insurance, etc)
- Routine maintenance expenses
- Major infrastructure improvements (sidewalks, alleyway gravel)
- Home improvements for individually owned property
- Supplies and materials that benefit an individual verses the neighborhood
- Direct financial assistance to individuals or families
- Any event, program, or activity that charges admission fees
- Purchase of land or buildings
- Matters related to HOAs or private businesses
Project Categories
Projects should fit into one of these categories to ensure neighborhood impact:
- Education: Programs providing hands-on learning, training, and education that support the community.
- Events: Projects that engage and unite neighbors, fostering stronger community connections.
- Building Things: Projects that involve creating or improving physical spaces or structures.
- Multimedia, Art, and Designs: Creating or enhancing assets that contribute to neighborhood pride and identity.
- Environment Enhancements: Projects that positively impact the natural environment of the neighborhood.
Neighborhood Input
Applicants must demonstrate neighborhood support by addressing the following elements: the project should address a specific neighborhood need, foster social connection and community building, and show broad backing through resident feedback. Neighbors should also be actively involved in planning and executing the project.
Partners and Collaborators
Grant projects must involve collaboration between the neighborhood association and external groups to maximize impact and provide additional support. Potential partners may include youth or civic organizations, nonprofits, local businesses, ethnic groups, schools, and others. These collaborations can provide funding, in-kind donations, volunteers, or specialized expertise.Projects that involve City property or services must coordinate with the appropriate City department. For example, a public art project would require guidance from the Public Art Program staff, who can assist with permits, budgeting, and other project requirements.
Strategic Plan Alignment
Applicants must explain how their project aligns with the City of Iowa City’s Strategic Plan Values and Impact Areas, demonstrating a clear connection to how the project supports broader community goals and contributes to neighborhood improvement.
Values: These values represent both a lens through which you will approach your work, as well as a desired end state when your proposed project is completed.
- Climate Action: Your project supports sustainable practices such as using alternative transportation, shopping locally, energy conservation, and preparedness for extreme weather events.
- Community Access and Engagement: Your project is welcoming and accessible to everyone in the community.
- Partnerships and Collaborations: Your project strengthens connections to important local resources through partnerships with agencies, businesses, and educational institutions.
Impact Areas: How your proposed project will impact your neighborhood.
- Neighborhoods and Housing: Your project enhances shared spaces and promotes a sense of belonging through recreational, social, and cultural opportunities.
- Safety and Wellbeing: Your project provides hands-on learning, training, and education to equip the neighborhood with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent, prepare for, confront, or respond to challenges. Projects may address safety, health, nutrition, physical fitness, mental wellbeing, or health education to enhance overall community resilience.
- Mobility: Your project expands safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation options, prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders.
- Economy: Your project supports a vibrant local business ecosystem that attracts tourism, supports living wages, creates business growth and development, and provides resources for career development.
Project Proposal
The first step of the PIN Grant process is to submit a general Project Proposal. This provides a high-level overview of what applicants aim to accomplish, including key goals and project ideas. The proposal helps ensure applicants understand grant requirements, plan communications with community partners, and coordinate with relevant City departments and divisions.
City staff reviews the proposal to assess its feasibility and alignment with grant guidelines. If there are concerns about the eligibility of a proposed project, staff discusses these with applicants to identify potential modifications that align the project with the goals of the PIN Grant program.
Pre-application Meetings
Applicants will have the opportunity to attend Pre-Application Meetings, which are informal drop-in office hours. These sessions allow applicants to ask questions, clarify uncertainties about the grant process, and share ideas in an open and collaborative environment. While attendance is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged.
Application Submission
This is the second step in the application process and requires detailed information about the proposed project, including specific goals, timelines, budget, and the roles of any community partners or City departments. Submitting a full application allows City staff to evaluate the project in depth and ensures all necessary details are provided for funding consideration.
Application Evaluation and Review
A grant review committee, composed of representatives from various City departments and divisions, evaluates applications using the Ranking Criteria. This rubric ensures that all applications are assessed by the same standards, providing a consistent and impartial review process. Based on these evaluations, City staff recommends an appropriate funding level for each project.
Disbursement and Use of Funds
Grant funds are provided upfront and must be used exclusively for project-related expenditures. Recipients are responsible for keeping track of all project-related expenses and must retain copies of invoices and receipts as documentation. Any unused funds or expenses not supported by the grant guidelines, including purchases deemed ineligible, must be returned at the end of the grant cycle.
Grant Monitoring and Closeout
The City monitors PIN Grant projects throughout the grant cycle and requests both a Mid-Year Report on the progress of the project and a Final Report to evaluate the project’s overall success.
The Mid-Year Report serves as a checkpoint to assess how much of the project has been completed and how much funding remains for the remainder of the grant cycle. The Final Report serves as a closeout summary, including a self-evaluation of the project’s success and documentation of all incurred expenses.
Failure to submit reports or return unused funds results in ineligibility for future PIN Grant funding until the required items are provided.
Refer to the Toolkit: Project Ideas for an exhaustive list of examples of potential projects.
- March 2024 – Grant cycle announced
- March 2024 – Project Proposals due
- April 2024 – City staff review of Project Proposals completed and invitation to proceed to full Grant Application sent
- May 2024 – Grant Applications due
- June 2024 – City staff evaluation and review of Grant Applications completed
- June 2024 – Awardees notified
- July 2024 – Funds made available to awardees
- January 31, 2025 – Mid-Year Report due
- June 30, 2025 – Final Report due and all grant funds must be expended and invoices provided to support funded expenditures
- March 3, 2025 – Grant cycle announced
- March 24, 2025 – Project Proposals due
- April 2025 – City staff review of Project Proposals completed and invitation to proceed to full Grant Application sent
- May 2, 2025 – Grant Applications due
- June 2025 – City staff evaluation and review of Grant Applications completed
- June 2025 – Awardees notified
- July 2025 – Funds made available to awardees
- January 31, 2026 – Mid-Year Report due
- June 30, 2026 – Final Report due and all grant funds must be expended and invoices provided to support funded expenditures
The Eastside Neighborhood Association will be hosting a series of block parties to connect and gather information and feedback from residents, with the goal of informing the future direction of the association.
The Longfellow Neighborhood Association will be supporting several projects to build community connections and foster a sense of neighborhood identity. Funds will support their Front Porch Music Festival, monthly neighborhood gatherings at the Longfellow Elementary Playground, and an annual newsletter.
The Miller Orchard Neighborhood Association will be hosting three community events to bring together residents and community members, with the aim of lowering barriers to fostering a stronger sense of community.
Mormon Trek Village plans to beautify a common green space within their neighborhood. This project involves planting new trees and installing pet waste stations.
The Morningside-Glendale Neighborhood aims to strengthen relationships between members while collaboratively working on long-term priorities. They will hold quarterly association meetings and three social gatherings that blend activities with engagement on priorities like public art, walkability, and environmental sustainability.
The Northside Neighborhood Association is launching a quarterly newsletter to inform neighbors about current interest groups and projects in the neighborhood. The newsletter will also announce the “Northside Yellow Pages” project, which will connect neighbors with each other to offer no-cost or low-cost services.
The South District Neighborhood Association will be hosting a series of community gatherings to bring together residents from different parts of the neighborhood. These events will provide opportunities for socializing and networking, as well as addressing concerns and discussing neighborhood issues. Additionally, they will be purchasing soccer equipment for neighborhood youth, and share a district-wide informational mailer to highlight local resources and upcoming events.
Windsor Ridge plans to host various community gatherings to bring neighbors together, foster a sense of community, and encourage participation and idea-sharing.
The Wonderful Westside Neighborhood plans to host an outdoor movie to bring neighbors together. They will also hold a soccer festival with a game, bazaar, music, and food to promote teamwork, healthy living and celebrate the neighborhood's diversity.
Deweyville will host its annual block party, bringing together longtime residents, newcomers, and even former neighbors for a celebration featuring food, music, and conversation. The event promotes connection, identifies shared concerns among households, and strengthens the collective voice of the neighborhood.
The Eastside Neighborhood Association will host a series of quarterly social events designed to bring neighbors together and build lasting connections. Activities will range from art projects and a cookie swap to game days and an outdoor movie night, all aimed at creating opportunities for neighbors to meet, engage, and enjoy shared experiences.
Galway Hills will grow its annual summer potluck into a larger, more dynamic neighborhood celebration. The event will bring neighbors together, foster a stronger sense of community, and create meaningful connections across the neighborhood.
The Longfellow Neighborhood Association will continue a variety of community-building efforts, including a printed annual newsletter, Front Porch Music Festival, and monthly 3rd Sunday morning socials at Longfellow Elementary playground. This year, they are exploring hosting Small Group Dinners to encourage deeper neighbor-to-neighbor connections. These projects aim to strengthen neighborhood identity, increase participation, and ensure residents of all ages feel informed and welcomed.
The Miller Orchard Neighborhood Association will host its annual Jamboree, which brings neighbors together and promotes social connections in their diverse community. This event encourages neighbor engagement, fosters connections, and builds momentum for future neighborhood projects.
The Morningside-Glendale Neighborhood Association will support food security and climate resilience by offering workshops on sustainable gardening, fruit tree planting, and food sharing. These initiatives will help residents gain hands-on skills to grow their own food. A neighborhood gathering will also be held to bring residents together and encourage ongoing engagement in community activities.
The Northside Neighborhood Association will host its annual neighborhood gathering to bring together residents from different parts of the neighborhood. The event will feature food, live music, and opportunities for neighbors to meet, socialize, and strengthen community connections.
The Shimek neighborhood is participating as a pilot program to explore creative ways of bringing neighbors together. Through a mix of social gatherings, art activities, and hands-on environmental projects, they will build connection and community. These efforts aim to spark momentum toward forming a formal neighborhood association.
The South District Neighborhood Association is expanding its efforts to engage residents. They will send seasonal postcard mailings, host a neighborhood clean-up event, and resume monthly meetings. These initiatives aim to increase resident participation and provide more opportunities for community involvement throughout the year.
The Wonderful Westside Neighborhood plans to host a Culture Day to celebrate the diverse cultures within the community, featuring a bazaar, performances, food, and music. They will also hold a soccer festival to promote teamwork, healthy living, and foster stronger community connections.
The Wylde-Weeber neighborhood will host a cookie crawl to encourage connection and build community spirit. Residents will be invited to visit participating homes and collect sweet treats along the way. The event offers a lighthearted way for neighbors to meet, mingle, and enjoy time together.