City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission issues statement in support of Black Lives Matter

Monday, June 22, 2020 - 11:15am
Contact: 
Stefanie Bowers
Equity and Human Rights

Like so many across the nation, we were outraged by the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. We felt it was time to make an unprecedented statement addressing this human rights violation.

The killing of George Floyd resonates within our community, illuminating the failure to address underlying economic and social forces perpetuating systemic racism throughout our nation. Because of these failures, many names have become headlines: Tamir Rice, Philando Castile, Botham Jean, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, among so many other BIPOC. Living While Black...

Video Update: Farmers Market opening date, Animal Center hours, and more

Monday, June 22, 2020 - 7:00am
Contact: 
Jack Brooks
Communications

Iowa City Update is a weekly video featuring City of Iowa City projects, programs and events. Topics this week include the opening date for the Farmers Market, open hours at the Animal Center, and more.

Iowa City Update: Farmers Market Opening Date Iowa City Farmers Market returns with precautions

Get the details on how the Farmers Market will operate when it returns to an in-person event on July 4th. Changes include fewer vendors to...

Rummage Redux graphic.

Rummage Redux: DIY furniture repair, repurpose competition goes online

Friday, June 19, 2020 - 8:45am

The City's Rummage Redux is back again, as part of the online version of the annual Rummage in the Ramp sale .

Rummage Redux (pronounced “re-ducks”) is the City's annual DIY competition where residents can take used pieces of furniture or other items they own, revive or redux it themselves with creativity, and then potentially win some cash for their work.

This year, as with many other events, Rummage Redux is going virtual with a more...

Community Connection: Iowa Freedom Riders & Black Voices Project host Juneteenth Celebration with march and events

Friday, June 19, 2020 - 7:15am
Contact: 
Bruce Teague
Communications
Community Connection: Iowa City Juneteenth Celebration

Community Connection is a video series that highlights different people and organizations in our community to discuss the issues that are important to our residents. Juneteenth is a celebration that commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. While Iowa City's annual gathering was canceled due to COVID-19, a new event is being organized in light of the murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement.

The Juneteenth...

Community Connection: 50th Annual Pride Festival and Parade celebrates with virtual events

Thursday, June 18, 2020 - 12:15pm
Contact: 
Bruce Teague
Communications
Community Connection: Iowa City Pride

Community Connection is a video series that highlights different people and organizations in our community to discuss the issues that are important to our residents. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 50th Annual Pride Festival and Parade had to change plans. Mayor Bruce Teague speaks with Iowa City Pride President Tony Sivanthaphanith about virtual programming and how the organization is continuing the fight for human rights.

You can watch previous Community Connection...

Graphic saying City offices are closed Friday, July 3, 2020.

Independence Day closings announced for City

Thursday, June 18, 2020 - 8:00am
Contact: 
Shannon McMahon
Communications

City of Iowa City administrative offices and other facilities will be closed Friday, July 3, 2019, to celebrate the Independence Day holiday.

The City's annual fireworks display has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Normal City operations will resume Monday, July 6, 2020.

Airport: The office will be closed, but Jet Air will be open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and 24-hour self-serve fuel will be available.

Animal Care and Adoption Center: Closed.

Trash & Recycling: Garbage,...

City of Iowa City logo

City Council passes initial Black Lives Matter reforms

Wednesday, June 17, 2020 - 4:00pm
Contact: 
Geoff Fruin
City Manager's Office

On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, the Iowa City Council passed a 17-point resolution addressing systemic racism and law enforcement policies in the wake of Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Iowa City and across the country.

The entire resolution can be read online . The 17 points addressed by this resolution are:

By Dec. 15, 2020, have a preliminary plan to restructure the Iowa City Police Department towards community policing. Allocate $1,000,000 in...

Fireworks are illegal to use in Iowa City; avoid a $250 fine

Wednesday, June 17, 2020 - 1:30pm

Due to public safety concerns, the use of fireworks inside city limits is prohibited, and violators can face a minimum $250 fine.

Why can I buy fireworks in Iowa City, but not use them here?

Changes to state law in 2017 prevents cities from prohibiting the sale of fireworks, but does allow counties and cities to determine their own regulations regarding the use of consumer fireworks.

Use of fireworks in unincorporated parts of Johnson County are also illegal...

Iowa City Animal Center set to reopen with limited hours due to COVID-19

Tuesday, June 16, 2020 - 9:00am
Contact: 
Chris Whitmore

Starting Thursday, June 18, 2020, the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center will operate with limited open hours: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The building remains locked and limited numbers of people are allowed to enter at one time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors should call 319-356-5295 when they arrive, or wait at the door to be allowed in.

Licensing and dog park permits can be done in person during open hours. Potential owners will also be allowed to view adoptable pets, following all safety guidelines.

The Animal Center will...

50th Annual Iowa City Pride Festival

Monday, June 15, 2020 - 12:00pm

Iowa City Pride will celebrate its 50th Annual Iowa City Pride Festival, Iowa's longest-running LGBTQ Pride celebration, with a variety of different virtual events with in person events canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s theme is “Our Pride We Will Maintain”.

All of the below videos will be posted on Iowa City Pride's Facebook .

7 p.m. Wednesday, June 17 - Queer BIPOC Transgender Discussion - Where Do We Go From Here? 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18 - Dance Your Call-to-...

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