Iowa City Downtown District Announces
Property owners invited to authorize continued investment in downtown Iowa City’s economic vitality
(Iowa City, IA) – June 3, 2024 – The Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD) announced Tuesday the renewal process for its Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) for the 2026-2036 term. The renewal, which requires authorization from downtown property owners through a petitioning process, will ensure continued investment in downtown Iowa City’s economic development, cleanliness, safety, and community programming.
Since its establishment in 2012, the ICDD has served as downtown Iowa City’s dedicated advocate and champion, operating as a nonprofit organization partially funded through voluntary property owner assessments within the SSMID boundaries. The organization’s mission centers on championing a thriving downtown economy while fostering a vibrant community and welcoming experiences for all.
“Over the past thirteen years, thanks to the support of our stakeholders, the City, businesses, and property owners, the ICDD has achieved hundreds of impactful successes,” said Betsy Potter, Executive Director of the Iowa City Downtown District. “We have built a strong, recognizable brand, launched dynamic marketing campaigns, hosted dozens of successful events, implemented a comprehensive cleaning and hospitality program, and become a major advocacy voice for downtown priorities.”
The ICDD’s track record includes comprehensive cleaning and hospitality services through the Downtown Ambassadors program, economic development advocacy, targeted marketing campaigns, and place management initiatives, including investment in public spaces and public art installations. The organization has also maintained partnerships with the City of Iowa City, including funding for a Downtown Police Liaison and safety enhancements.
The 2026-2036 renewal will continue core services while expanding strategic focus areas:
- Clean & Hospitality: Continuation and potential expansion of Downtown Ambassadors service area, ongoing funding for Downtown Police Liaison, and enhanced safety initiatives including harm reduction lighting
- Economic Development: Proactive elevation of downtown development opportunities, small business support, and advocating for policies and funding that maintain downtown’s competitive advantage
- Marketing & Communications: Develop targeted marketing campaigns promoting downtown, conduct and report market research, and keep downtown stakeholders informed of important issues
- Place Management: Continued investment in public spaces such as Black Hawk Mini Park, with emphasis on public art and activation of underutilized areas
Karen Kubby, a member of the ICDD SSMID Renewal Committee, emphasized the collaborative impact of the District’s approach. “The Downtown District allows property owners and business owners to work together to make things happen that we could not do as individual entities—marketing, business development, and keeping things clean, safe, and green,” said Kubby.
The SSMID renewal represents the collective commitment of downtown property owners to their shared economic future. Over the coming year, the ICDD will engage property and business owners in conversations about downtown’s trajectory through a signature-gathering process that allows stakeholders to show their support and participate in shaping downtown’s next chapter. Following signature collection, Iowa City’s City Council will review community support through petitions and conduct a public hearing before final authorization.
The current SSMID authorization expires June 30, 2026. Property owners within the district boundaries must submit signed petitions supporting reauthorization to the Iowa City Downtown District, which will then forward all petitions to the City Clerk.
As part of the renewal, the ICDD proposes expanding current district boundaries in two key areas. The Northside expansion would include the Downtown UI Health Care campus, while the southern expansion would extend coverage to Court Street east to Gilbert Street, incorporating additional businesses to the train tracks.
The ICDD operates under a Board of Directors comprising property and business owners, with non-voting ex-officio members representing Greater Iowa City, Think Iowa City, and the City of Iowa City to ensure downtown priorities remain visible within broader regional marketing and advocacy efforts.
Property owners interested in supporting the renewal can contact the ICDD at info@downtowniowacity.com to request authorization petitions.
To learn more about the 2026 – 2036 ICDD SSMID renewal, visit the Iowa City Downtown District’s website.
