In 2017, the Iowa City City Council created the Social Justice and Racial Equity ("SJRE") Grant to assist community-based organizations in building capacity to address social justice and racial equity needs.

Seventy-five thousand dollars has been allocated yearly for the SJRE Grant since fiscal year 2019. For 2023, the allocation has been increased to $100,000. The grant is available to for-profit and non-profit Iowa City based organizations to fund programs, activities, or services that help eliminate inequities in the community. The grant lists six priority service areas:...

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the Office of Equity and Human Rights is hosting a training on reducing the stigma of mental illness in the workplace. An estimated 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year and while we may not always know it, every workplace has employees who are experiencing mental illness. This session will provide attendees with information on basic mental health awareness, highlight myths and misconceptions about mental illness, and address strategies we can all implement to reduce bias and influence change in our work culture to...

On April 21, Whitney T. Claybon, 32, of Iowa City was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for felon in possession of ammunition. Claybon will serve three years of supervised release following her prison term. John C. Vest-Walker, 35, of Iowa City was sentenced to 37 months in prison for drug user in possession of a firearm, false statement during a purchase of a firearm, and conspiracy. Vest-Walker will serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.

According to the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa, Claybon and Vest-Walker...

With warmer weather finally arriving, it's time for a City spring tradition to begin: the Iowa City Farmers Market!

The Farmers Market begins Saturday, May 7, 2022, on the first level of the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp. It runs from 7:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays from May through October. Due to a decline in vendor participation, there will be no Wednesday Farmers Market for the 2022 season.

Mask-wearing will not be required to visit the market, but all visitors should respect those who do continue to wear masks due to COVID-19.

Credit, debit, and EBT/SNAP...