The Iowa City City Council voted in favor of participating in the Linn County and Johnson County sustainable communities grant and planning process Tuesday.

After being approached by Linn County, councilors voted to approve a motion to authorize City Manager Tom Markus to sign a letter of support and commitment to the project.

The requested grant is $2.5 million and is administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Funds from the grant would be used to create a consultant team to develop regional housing, land use, transportation, and livable communities plan over a period of three years.

The East Central Iowa Council of Governments would administer the grant, with support from local governments.

— by Asmaa Elkeurti