Izabela Zaluska

Here’s what to know for Friday about road closures, transportation, entertainment and where to cool off as temperatures continue to climb. The entertainment and various events are free and open to the public.

The city of North Liberty, working with the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County, is pursuing an affordable housing project on the city’s west side. The city is contributing $400,000 in American Rescue Plan Act dollars.

Iowa Department of Transportation says a larger location was needed.

Betsy Potter, who joined the downtown district in 2013 shortly after it was established, has played a role in growing events and programs, marketing and building trust.

Johnson County Meals on Wheels is back to delivering meals five days a week to seniors after temporarily reducing delivery days earlier this summer due to a volunteer shortage.

The North Liberty City Council this week took the first step to allow utility task vehicles — or UTVs — to operate on city streets. The council needs to approve the ordinance two more times before driving these vehicles on city streets is legal.

The city of Iowa City will move forward with purchasing a vacant downtown property for $4.5 million and taking a lead role in redevelopment efforts after a developer’s plans for student housing there will not move forward.

The annual Taste of Heritage Garden event in Iowa City will celebrate Iowa’s history, agriculture and food on July 12. The event will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the historic Plum Grove home at 1030 Carroll St. in Iowa City.

After their son committed suicide, Joe and Jennifer Skelley created an organization focused on raising awareness about mental health and talking openly about it. The organization has already made progress in its first year.

The city of Iowa City is considering purchasing the vacant land at 21 S. Linn Street, which formerly housed the U.S. Bank drive-thru, after a developer’s plans for student housing will not move forward.

The North Liberty City Council during a brief special session earlier this week approved a development agreement authorizing tax increment payments. The city agrees to make eight annual payments, with the total amount not to exceed $7.5 million.

Earlier this year, six students graduated from the pilot cohort of the Child Care Foundations and Communication Class at Kirkwood, an “earn and learn” program geared toward helping English language learners get the certifications and experience necessary to be successful on the job — while getting paid.

Riders will no longer need a bus pass or pocket change to hop aboard an Iowa City bus. For anyone who has considered using Iowa City Transit, the city says now is a great time to try.

Iowa is receiving $43.5 million in federal funding to buy zero- and low-emission buses, with over half of those dollars going to the city of Iowa City.

The Iowa City Police Department has implemented majority of the recommendations outlined in the 2020 plan to restructure the department toward community policing. The police chief said the plan is “just a start” and now is an opportunity for council to weigh in on next steps.