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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-...

AAMI announces weeklong Juneteenth Virtual Celebration

Monday, June 15, 2020 - 10:00am
Contact: 
Stefanie Bowers
Equity and Human Rights

The African American Museum of Iowa is excited to bring a weeklong celebration to communities across Iowa and beyond with a virtual celebration starting Monday, June 15, 2020.

Visit the museum's website or their Facebook page to participate in these virtual events.

The museum's largest free event, this annual program promotes black achievement, with a platform for learning more about black history. This year’s celebration has...

Video Update: Rummage in the Ramp goes virtual, Party in the Park, and more

Sunday, June 14, 2020 - 7:00pm
Contact: 
Jack Brooks
Communications

Iowa City Update is a weekly video featuring City of Iowa City projects, programs and events. Topics this week include a virtual approach to the annual Rummage in the Ramp, the return of the Party in the Park series, and more.

Iowa City Update: Rummage in the Ramp goes virtual Rummage in the Ramp goes virtual

While the physical Rummage in the Ramp is being canceled due to COVID-19, the City is hoping to provide online...

Schedule for the 2020 Party in the Park event series

Friday, June 12, 2020 - 4:45pm
Contact: 
Juli Seydell Johnson
Communications

Edit: Due to increases in cases of COVID-19 throughout the area, Party in the Park events for June 25 and July 2, 2020, have been canceled. The status of future Party in the Park events will be announced at a later date.

Connect with friends, family and neighbors this summer at our Party in the Park event series. Happening on Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 8 p.m., each week will feature a variety of live music, games, and arts and crafts. Party in the Park gives residents a chance to enjoy their summer evenings outdoors with friends and family while exploring the City’s many...

Community Connection: Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County helps renters navigate financial hardships

Friday, June 12, 2020 - 8:45am
Contact: 
Bruce Teague
Communications
Community Connection: Housing Trust Fund

Community Connection is a video series that highlights community response efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic. The financial impact of COVID-19 is putting many Iowans at risk of losing their home. In this episode, Mayor Bruce Teague speaks with Ellen McCabe, Executive Director of the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County, about how the organization is working to prevent that from happening.

For all Iowa City COVID-19 news updates and resources, visit...

AARP Tax Aide Program Not Expected to Resume at The Center this Summer

Thursday, June 11, 2020 - 9:45am
Contact: 
Emily Edrington
Senior Center

AARP Tax Aide Program Not Expected to Resume at The Center this Summer

Based on current public health guidance and due to the uncertain timing of the Iowa City Senior Center's phased reopening, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program will not be able to resume services at The Center prior to the July 15 federal tax filing deadline. We encourage those who still need to file a tax return this year to make alternative arrangements.

Here are some tips and suggestions related to tax filing: If you expect to get a tax refund (not owe the IRS), you have up to three...
Graphic advising people to stay at least six-feet away from people while in public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor removes 50% capacity rule for businesses

Thursday, June 11, 2020 - 8:30am
Contact: 
Doug Hart
Police

The Governor has ordered that, starting 8 a.m. Friday, June 12, 2020, some businesses no longer need to restrict capacity to 50% due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Businesses such as restaurants, bars, movie theaters, entertainment venues, fitness centers, and others will still have to maintain social distance measures of at least six feet, according to the Governor's latest orders .

Public gatherings such as parades, festivals,...

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