116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Iowa City Downtown District looks to expand boundaries
ICDD is undergoing Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District renewal
Jun. 9, 2025 6:06 pm, Updated: Jun. 10, 2025 7:32 am
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IOWA CITY — The Iowa City Downtown District is looking to expand its boundaries as it works through the process of renewing its status as a Self-Supported Municipal District.
A SSMID is a district where taxpayers have given permission for the city to levy an additional tax on property owners to raise money for specific purposes within the district’s boundaries. In the case of the Iowa City Downtown District, it provides funding for downtown beautification efforts, business support and additional marketing.
The Iowa City Downtown District has been operating since 2012 and is overseen by a board of directors that includes property and business owners.
The Iowa City Downtown District is in the process of collecting signed petitions from property owners in the proposed boundary area. Once petitions are collected, the Iowa City Council can vote on a resolution to allow the SSMID to continue. The district’s current SSMID authorization is set to expire in the summer of 2026.
The district is looking to expand the current boundary to include the University of Iowa Health Care Downtown Campus — formerly Mercy Hospital — at 500 E Market St. The proposal also includes an expansion to the south. Currently the downtown district ends just south of Burlington Street, but under the expansion plan, it would expand to the railroad tracks south of Prentiss Street.
"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," Betsy Potter, executive director of the Iowa City Downtown District, said in a news release. "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."
Comments: megan.woolard@thegazette.com
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