A green graphic with the text "Keeping Iowa City green."

Iowa City named Tree City USA once more

Monday, April 12, 2021 - 8:15am
Contact: 
Juli Seydell Johnson
Parks and Recreation

Iowa City has once again been named a 2020 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.

Iowa City achieved its 41st Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program's four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation....

Video Update: Summer Aquatics, FilmScene in the Park, and more

Monday, April 12, 2021 - 6:30am
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 phased reopening of pools this summer, a new outdoor cinema in Chauncey Swan Park, and more. Select the image below to watch Iowa City Update .

Iowa City Update: Summer Aquatics Summer Aquatics

Watch to learn...

Zane Ormsby.

Update: Teen found safe

Friday, April 9, 2021 - 3:45pm
Police

Update : The reported missing teen Zane Ormsby has been found and is safe. The Iowa City Police Department would like to thank everyone who helped.

The Iowa City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing juvenile.

The missing teen, 16-year-old Zane Ormsby, was last known to be in the 900 Block of Willow Street in Iowa City on Friday, April 9, 2021, at approximately noon. He is believed to be on foot. He is 5’11", 150 lbs., and was reported to be wearing dark jeans, a dark t-shirt, and a black hoodie sweatshirt.

If...

Iowa City Parks and Recreation receive STMA Environmental Certification

Friday, April 9, 2021 - 1:15pm
Contact: 
Juli Seydell Johnson
Parks and Recreation

An Environmentally Responsible Management certification has been earned by the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department from the Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA.) This achievement is a credit to the parks and forestry staff who have established environmental best practices throughout three outdoor sports facilities, Iowa City Kickers Soccer Complex, Napoleon Softball Complex, and Mercer Park ball diamonds.

The certification is valid for three years and was awarded to each facility when they achieved a minimum of 80% compliance in each of the 10 categories that were...

A graphic that reads: April Is Arab-American Heritage Month

Mayor proclaims April as Arab-American Heritage Month

Friday, April 9, 2021 - 1:00pm
Contact: 
Stefanie Bowers
Equity and Human Rights

Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague has proclaimed the month of April as Arab-American Heritage Month in Iowa City.

According to ArabAmerica.com , It was first celebrated in the 1990s, primarily in school districts. Since then, it has grown to be recognized increasingly by states, cities, and school districts across the country. In 2017, Arab America, a media and educational resource organization dedicated to portraying the Arab community in the United Sates, began an initiative to designate the month as a national holiday.

Arab...

Drug TakeBack Day poster.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and needles collection event scheduled for April 24

Friday, April 9, 2021 - 12:00pm
Contact: 
Jennifer Jordan
Resource Management

On Saturday, April 24, 2021, Johnson County residents can properly dispose of unwanted or outdated pharmaceuticals and needles. The event will be held in the parking lot of the East Side Recycling Center at 2401 Scott Boulevard SE, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To protect our community, face coverings are required at this event, per the Mayor’s Order . Please plan to stay in your vehicle and hand items out to staff, or plan to direct staff to where in the vehicle your items are located.

The...

Iowa City Police Department awarded CALEA Law Enforcement Accreditation

Friday, April 9, 2021 - 9:00am
Police

The Iowa City Police Department is honored to announce that it has been awarded CALEA Law Enforcement Accreditation effective March 26, 2021. This is the seventh time ICPD has received this accreditation.

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., also known as CALEA, was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of major law enforcement executive associations:

International Association of Chiefs of Police, or IACP National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, or NOBLE National Sheriffs' Association, or NSA...
Graphic for Real Talk.

#RealTalk #RealSolutions virtual program on race, gender, and violence now available

Friday, April 9, 2021 - 8:45am
Contact: 
Stefanie Bowers
Equity and Human Rights

The City's Office of Equity & Human Rights is offering an online training for area businesses and organizations. There is no charge to participate in this virtual event.

The #RealTalk #RealSolutions program will be presented by Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. and Dr. Marguerite W. Penick-Parks. The virtual event will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 29, 2021, and is scheduled to end at 4 p.m.

How do you have the tough conversations during difficult times? This interactive, informational, challenging, and energetic session examines and explores issues related to...

Officer Colin Fowler accepts award from Chief Dustin Liston.

Iowa City Police Department recognizes outstanding employee service through annual award program

Thursday, April 8, 2021 - 4:15pm
Police

Each year, the Iowa City Police Department (ICPD) presents three awards to recognize employees for their accomplishments during the previous year.

Officer Jeffrey Schmidt received the 2020 Dick Lee Award, Systems Analyst Jim Baker received the 2020 Civilian Employee of the Year Award, and Officer Colin Fowler was named the 2020 Officer of the Year.

Richard Lee Award

The Richard “Dick” Lee Award was established in 1999 by several retired ICPD officers to honor the life work of Captain Dick Lee, who served as an Iowa City Police Officer for 32 years.

The annual award...

A cartoon depicting housing discrimination is shown.

Fair Housing Month recognized by Office of Equity & Human Rights

Thursday, April 8, 2021 - 10:00am
Contact: 
Kristin Watson
Equity and Human Rights

Fair Housing Month is an annual, month-long celebration of the signing of the Fair Housing Act on April 11, 1968, by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The Office of Equity and Human Rights is recognizing the month in a variety of ways.

Utility bills will include an insert explaining a person’s fair housing rights in Iowa City. A video training eligible for certification of one hour of fair housing training is available 24/7 online . Finally, in collaboration...

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