New committees from the Iowa City Downtown District aim to guide decisions on economic growth, public spaces, and downtown development for the next six years. The Iowa City Downtown District launched new committees and task forces as it follows its strategic plan for 2025-31. The plan is divided into three phases — assessment, planning, and implementation — with the formation of these groups being a part of the initial phase. The additions include a Policy and Advocacy Committee, Economic Vitality Committee, Place Management Task Force, and the Organizational Infrastructure Task Force.
Each committee aligns with one of the plan’s four priorities: economic vitality, place management, policy and advocacy, and organizational infrastructure.
The Economic Vitality Committee will focus on enhancing the district’s desirability as a place to live, work, and visit, strengthening downtown’s position as Johnson County’s economic hub.
The Place Management Task Force aims to enhance walkability, safety, and the overall visitor experience. The Policy and Advocacy Committee will serve as a “trusted, influential voice advocating for downtown issues.”
The Organizational Infrastructure Task Force will focus on developing strong leadership, effective governance, and sustainable resources within the downtown district.
The district announced applications on Oct. 15 and received roughly 35 applicants. Groups will begin meeting in November, with eight to 15
members in each group. Members consist of businesses and property owners in the Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District of Iowa City, or SSMID.
Each of the committees had requirements for the type of people involved, Betsy Potter, executive director of the downtown district, said.
Under the Policy and Advocacy committee, Potter said the district sought experts or those interested in public policy, government relations, and law.
A SSMID, according to the Iowa League of Cities, “authorizes a city to impose additional property taxes on a special district for specific purposes within that district.”
Most of the SSMIDs in Iowa are downtown areas, which pay for streetscaping or beautification projects.
On Nov. 18, the Iowa City City Council will consider a petition to re‑establish a SSMID, which will expand the district’s area and, according to the hearing notice, set maximum tax rates to be imposed and levied on properties within the district.
Karen Kubby, owner of Beadology, who now serves on the Infrastructure Task Force and Policy and Advocacy Committee, is optimistic about the expansion. With her business being slightly outside the border of the downtown district, the new expansion would allow her to participate in other aspects, including its executive board.
Josh Immerfall has been a business owner in downtown Iowa City for the last eight years, owning Donnelly’s Pub, Scout’s Honor, Giddy Up, and Camp. Immerfall is the president of the district’s executive board.
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Immerfall said the committees play a key role in bringing together stakeholders to help guide priorities within the district.
“They drive the decisions made by the executive board, which ultimately shape our downtown,” Immerfall said. “It’s wildly important that we make correct and prudent choices for downtown to keep it clean, keep it safe, and keep it welcoming for everyone.”
Kubby said she’s excited to see how the committees will bring different voices together.
“I love it when there’s disagreement because it means we’re going to work through it, we’re going to figure it out. We’re going to understand each other’s concerns and hopes so we can make the best decision,” Kubby said. “It’s giving property owners and small businesses a chance to create our future.”
A part of three other downtown district committees, Immerfall said his passion for downtown Iowa City keeps him motivated to take
on more responsibility.
“I’m incredibly passionate about downtown. I’m incredibly passionate about Iowa City, and it being the economic driver of Johnson County, specifically our downtown,” Immerfall said.
Potter said the district works to turn that vision into action through the services it provides.
“As the nonprofit that manages that funding, we strive to provide enhanced services for the Iowa City Downtown District boundaries,” Potter said.
Immerfall acknowledged the progress the district has already made and expressed appreciation for the work done in improving downtown.
“The impact already done by the downtown district is massive. We see a better downtown now than in the past. Now it’s just continuing to shape that. We’ve done a lot of amazing work, and some of the work ahead of us now may be difficult, and that’s okay,” Immerfall said.
The district’s annual mission report for 2023-24 noted an increase to 8.9 million visits, a 5.2 percent increase.
As the committees begin meeting, Immerfall said he’s confident they’ll continue shaping a stronger, more connected downtown.
