Neighborhood News Newsletter - Issue 005

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Neighborhood News is a quarterly newsletter from the City of Iowa City's Neighborhood Outreach Program, highlighting the great work of neighborhood associations and the people who live there. Each issue shares stories, projects, and initiatives that encourage community engagement and bring people together through collaboration.

For more than 30 years, the Neighborhood Outreach Program has strengthened Iowa City’s neighborhoods by supporting programs, events, and projects that matter to residents and enhance the quality of life in our community.

Please share this information with your neighbors, family, and friends. If you are reading as a non-subscriber, visit our subscription page to sign up for future editions.

What's In This Quarter's Issue:

• Neighborhood Stories: Highlights of inspiring neighborhood initiatives and projects.
• Community Spaces & Projects: Updates on creative and recreational projects that make our shared spaces more vibrant.
• Upcoming Events: Save the date for opportunities to connect with the community.
• Grant Opportunities: Information about available grants.
• Community Programs and Events: Information about local initiatives, efforts, and activities.
• City Resources: Important updates and services available to residents.

National Night Out brings the community together
On August 5, Iowa City Public Safety representatives joined residents at Wetherby Park for National Night Out, a nationwide event that celebrates community partnerships and public safety. Families explored squad cars and fire engines, enjoyed free gifts, and connected with one another. United Iowa Financial generously donated backpacks preloaded with school supplies, which were distributed at the event.

National Night Out is always a highlight, bringing everyone together for a night of fun, connection, and community building. It’s a great opportunity for public safety officials to meet the people they serve, engage with residents, and strengthen the relationships that help keep neighborhoods safe. Events like these do more than entertain; they foster trust, build a sense of unity, and make the community stronger and more connected.

Celebrating a century of community in Manville Heights
Manville Heights celebrated its centennial on August 9 with a block party that brought neighbors together to honor more than a century of community. The celebration featured live music, a food truck, family-friendly games and crafts, and historical exhibits curated by the Johnson County Historical Society that highlighted the neighborhood’s past and its evolution over time.

Both new and longtime residents shared stories, enjoyed birthday cake, and celebrated the pride and connection that continue to define Manville Heights today.

Galway Hills gathers for annual potluck
On August 16, Galway Hills neighbors came together for their annual potluck, sharing food, conversation, and time together. Residents brought favorite dishes, caught up with familiar faces, and welcomed new neighbors to the community. The event was a simple but meaningful celebration of connection and the strong sense of belonging that defines Galway Hills.

Neighbors gather for Deweyville block party
On September 13, Deweyville neighbors gathered for their annual block party. This long-standing tradition brings residents together to share food, enjoy music, and catch up on neighborhood happenings. The event offered a relaxed space to meet new faces, reconnect with familiar ones, and welcome former neighbors who stopped by to say hello. Throughout the day, residents shared announcements, reflected on community milestones, and discussed ways to collaborate on neighborhood projects. The event was a lively way to meet, reconnect, and keep the neighborhood thriving together.

Eastside neighbors come together for Welcoming Week and Out&About
The Eastside Neighborhood Association teamed up with Iowa City Compassion and the Church of the Nazarene to bring Welcoming Week to the neighborhood. Neighbors repurposed yard signs during a hands-on art project, painting messages of inclusion and positivity. The signs were displayed at the Eastside Block Party on September 12 and at the Intercultural Festival at Mercer Park on September 14, spreading a friendly message throughout the community.

Beyond Welcoming Week, the association piloted Out&About, a monthly program designed to strengthen neighborhood connections. Each first Sunday evening, neighbors can connect in a relaxed, engaging way. At the September 7 event, participants visited local urban chickens, picked up free wildflower seeds, and enjoyed meeting neighbors along the route.

Miller Orchard Jamboree celebrates community
Residents of the Miller Orchard neighborhood gathered for the 3rd Annual Jamboree at Benton Hill Park on September 20. Neighbors came together for an evening full of conversation, laughter, and community spirit. Throughout the night, neighbors enjoyed live music, bingo, face painting, and hands-on activities, from a raised-bed garden demo to learning about reptiles. The event wrapped up with a raffle, where lucky winners took home gift cards to local businesses and even a bicycle, donated by the Iowa City Bike Library. Each year, the Jamboree continues to grow, celebrating the neighborhood spirit that makes Miller Orchard such a vibrant place.

Wonderful Westside neighbors come together for soccer and celebration
On September 20, the Sudanese Iowans Soccer Club, part of the Wonderful Westside neighborhood, hosted an end-of-season soccer tournament at Kickers Park that drew a large crowd of players, families, and fans. The Iowa City Police Department joined in on the fun, helping strengthen community ties and celebrate the local Sudanese community’s love for the game. It was a day filled with energy, connection, and shared excitement both on and off the field.

Beyond soccer, the neighborhood has been busy building skills and leadership among residents. Weekly workshops in August and September offered financial literacy training, while a new leadership program that launched in September is preparing neighbors to take on community roles through a six-session curriculum. These efforts reflect the Wonderful Westside’s commitment to connection, growth, and community-driven action.

Northside celebrates the season with community and connection
Happy Hollow Park was the site of Northside’s biggest neighborhood gathering of the year, where neighbors came together on September 21 to celebrate community and connection. The Goodbye Summer – Hello Neighbor picnic featured live music, good food, and plenty of laughter as residents of all ages enjoyed a relaxed afternoon outdoors. It was also a chance to welcome new neighbors, share ideas, and strengthen the ties that make the Northside such a vibrant part of Iowa City.

Longfellow thrives through music, nature, and connection
The Longfellow neighborhood continues to thrive as a hub of creativity and connection. On September 28, residents celebrated the 10th year of the Front Porch Music Festival, a tradition that began with a few neighbors who believed in the power of music to bring people together. Twenty-two homes opened their porches to performers across genres including jazz, folk, Bollywood, blues, and classical, creating an afternoon full of sound, joy, and neighborly connection. A decade later, the festival remains a signature expression of Longfellow’s welcoming, community-minded spirit.

Beyond music, residents have been busy caring for the Longfellow Nature Trail, where tree and shrub plantings are flourishing, native grasses and wildflowers are taking root, and volunteers manage invasive plants and spread mulch to support healthy growth. This spring, a tree and commemorative plaque were added to honor Dr. Jeff Schabillion, who was instrumental in establishing and maintaining the trail for many years.

The neighborhood also hosts seasonal gatherings that bring residents together. Outdoor movie nights have offered evenings of backyard cinema for all ages, while Third Sunday Socials remain a cozy way for neighbors to enjoy coffee, pastries, and friendly conversation. Together, these events and efforts reflect Longfellow’s ongoing dedication to creativity, community, and connection.

Sweet connections at the Wylde-Weeber Cookie Crawl
On October 12, the Wylde-Weeber Neighborhood hosted its first-ever Cookie Crawl, turning an ordinary day into a delicious neighborhood adventure. With maps in hand, residents went door to door, like trick-or-treating, to collect homemade treats. The fun continued at Cookie HQ, where neighbors gathered for music, coloring, and yard games — a simple and fun way to connect and celebrate the neighborhood.

Creekside neighbors reconnect through monthly socials
The Creekside Neighborhood Association has experienced a revitalization over the past few months, bringing neighbors together through a series of engaging socials. Each first Sunday of the month, neighbors gathered at McPherson Park. In August, residents shared and swapped flower cuttings and blooms from their gardens for bouquet making, in September they held a zine-making session, and the season wrapped up in October with fall cookie decorating and a pumpkin hunt. These monthly gatherings provide a welcoming space for residents to socialize, play, share ideas, and strengthen community connections.

Potluck and plantings in Bluffwood
Bluffwood neighbors gathered for their annual potluck, enjoying food, conversation, and the chance to reconnect. Upgrades to the neighborhood park were finished just days before the gathering, allowing all residents, including those who use wheelchairs, to join in the festivities. The neighborhood also added a touch of color with a recent beautification project, planting cheerful flowers that brighten the neighborhood.

Shimek neighbors volunteer at the ravine
On October 25, Shimek neighbors came together to remove invasive species from the Shimek Ravine. This Bur Oak Land Trust property provides vital habitat for wildlife, supports clean air and water, and serves as a cherished natural space for the neighborhood. The day wrapped up with a stroll along the new Storybook Walk at Shimek Elementary, a joyful addition made possible by the PTO and parent volunteers.

Food Drive
Starting November 4, the City is holding a community-wide food drive to support the CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank.

Food donations can be dropped off at several convenient locations throughout the city:

• City Hall Front Lobby, 410 E. Washington Street
• Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn Street
• Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, 220 S. Gilbert Street
• Mercer Aquatic Center, 2701 Bradford Drive
• Iowa City Municipal Airport, 1801 S. Riverside Drive
• Iowa City Landfill, 3900 Hebl Ave SW
• Iowa City Streets Division, 1200 S. Riverside Drive
• Animal Care and Adoption Center, 3910 Napoleon Lane
• Fire Station 4, 2008 N Dubuque Road
• Fire Station 2, 301 Emerald Street

The City is also hosting pop-up donation events at local grocery stores and neighborhood parks. On Friday, Nov. 14, from 1 to 4p.m., donations can be brought to any of these participating grocery stores:

• North Dodge Hyvee, 1125 N Dodge Street
• First Avenue Hyvee, 812 S 1st Avenue
• Mormon Trek Fareway, 2530 Westwinds Drive

Donation pop-ups will also be held at local parks from 4 to 6 pm on the following dates:

• Monday, Nov. 17 at Happy Hollow Park, 800 Brown Street
• Tuesday, Nov. 18 at James Alan McPherson Park, 1858 7th Avenue Court
• Wednesday, Nov. 19 at Wetherby Park, 2400 Taylor Drive

Lead Service Line Open Houses
The City launched a Lead Reduction Program in November 2023 to help property owners understand potential lead exposure from water pipes and provide resources for voluntary replacement. Residents with questions are invited to informal Lead Reduction Open Houses at the Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A, on Sunday, Nov. 16, from noon to 2 p.m., and Monday, Dec. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.icgov.org/water. 

Join the community cleanup effort
Project Cleanup is a volunteer-driven program that helps keep Iowa City neighborhoods and walking routes free of litter. Participants can pick up a free kit with gloves, a bag, and instructions for disposing of garbage at the Iowa City Public Library, City Hall, the Senior Center, or Mercer Park Aquatic Center. Joining this effort is a simple way to care for your community. For more information, visit www.icgov.org/projectcleanup.

Dont wait, rake
Iowa City residents can rake leaves to the curb for free collection by the City’s Leaf Vacuum, which services each street multiple times throughout the fall. Stay informed about when the vacuum will be in your area by subscribing for email updates, so you’ll know exactly when to have your leaves ready. Visit www.icgov.org/subscribe to sign up.

Cobwebs inside your home?
Cobwebs often form where air enters or leaves a house through gaps too small to see, signaling that your home may need weatherization. Green Iowa AmeriCorps offers free home energy audits for Iowa City residents, using specialized equipment to find air leaks and providing materials to seal them. They also perform safety checks for gas leaks during the visit. To schedule an energy audit for your home or request a demonstration for your neighborhood group, email greeniowaic@gmail.com.

Leave the leaves for healthier lawns
Mulch fallen leaves into your lawn by mowing to return vital nutrients to the soil. This simple practice reduces yard work, improves soil quality, supports pollinators, and helps create lush, healthy lawns and gardens. Visit our news article for tips on how to leave the leaves effectively.

Building Change Grant Program
Property owners can apply for the Building Change Grant Program, a 50/50 matching grant that helps revitalize commercial properties in Downtown, the Northside Marketplace, Riverfront Crossings, and the Towncrest Urban Renewal Area. Funding supports projects that enhance façades, accessibility, energy efficiency, or space usability. Applications are due by November 17. For details on eligibility and how to apply, visit www.icgov.org/BCGP.

Support for events that celebrate culture and connection
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission offers sponsorships for local events that build understanding and bring people together, supporting efforts to reduce cultural, religious, or other intergroup tensions. Each year, $2,000 is budgeted to fund community events, with up to $250 available per event and per organizer. For more details and to apply, visit www.icgov.org/humanrights.

Root for Trees
Residents can receive help planting new trees and adding more greenery to their yards. Vouchers cover 50% of the retail cost of one tree, with up to $125 in savings available. Additional discounts may be available for income-eligible households. Learn more at www.icgov.org/Root4Trees.

Insulation Grant
Income-qualified homeowners can cover the cost of increasing insulation and air-sealing in their homes through this grant. Through this program, the City pays contractors directly, eliminating the need for reimbursement. Grants cover up to $5,000 per project, with homeowners responsible for any costs beyond that. Grants are available until funds are exhausted. For more details and to apply, visit www.icgov.org/insulate.

Down Payment Assistance Program
Eligible residents can access up to $24,999 in down payment assistance through a forgivable loan, making it easier to achieve homeownership. The City of Iowa City is partnering with GreenState Credit Union and Hills Bank to increase opportunities for households that do not meet traditional financial parameters. Participating lenders offer flexible financing that considers credit, assets, and job tenure, and potential buyers receive free homebuyer education and financial counseling. For more information, visit www.icgov.org/dpa.

Housing Rehabilitation Programs
The City of Iowa City offers programs to help homeowners repair, update, and preserve their homes. Eligible residents can access up to $25,000 in low-interest loans to complete projects such as replacing roofs or siding, upgrading furnaces or air conditioning, and making accessibility improvements. City staff guide homeowners through inspections, project planning, and contractor selection to ensure successful home improvements. For more information, visit www.icgov.org/housingrehab.

Historic Preservation Fund
The Historic Preservation Fund Program is designed to provide owners of historic properties with financial assistance for the rehabilitation and preservation of the exterior architectural features of their property. More information and eligibility requirements can be found in our online program guide.

Meet the candidates
On November 4, Iowa City voters will head to the polls to vote in the general election. Before heading to vote, visit the Meet the Candidates page to watch candidate statements and community forums, and learn about local ballot topics.

For more information on voter registration, precinct locations, to request a mail-in ballot, or for other voter information, visit the Johnson County Auditor’s website. 

New walk-in hours for the Revenue Office
The City's Revenue Office, which handles customer utility payments, will now open at 9 a.m. Staff will still be available from 8 to 9 a.m. for scheduled appointments and phone assistance, which can be arranged by calling 319-356-5066. Customers can make payments online, start or stop service, or sign up for automatic payments anytime by visiting www.icgov.org/residents/payment. Visit our news article for more information.

Apply for a City Board or Commission
There are several openings across various City boards and commissions, including the Airport Commission, Community Police Review Board, Historic Preservation, Housing and Community Development, Library Board, and Planning and Zoning. To learn more about these vacancies and how to apply, visit the commission vacancies webpage: www.icgov.org/boardvacancies.

Report issues easily with ICGovXpress
Got a question, suggestion, or complaint for the City? ICGovXpress makes it easy! Whether it’s potholes, tree limbs blocking the road, a complaint about a neighbor’s tall grass, or even seeking clarity on a City policy, just visit www.icgov.org/report to let City staff know. The app is also available for your iPhone or Android device and can be found in the app store by searching “ICgovXpress.” You can even make reports anonymously! It’s a quick and efficient way to get things resolved, and many issues are addressed within just a few days.

Get the latest news
Stay in the loop by signing up for E-subscriptions at www.icgov.org/subscribe. Receive the latest updates on everything from road closures and construction to news from various boards, commissions, and committees. There’s always something happening in Iowa City, so subscribing keeps you informed on important news and events!

Stay connected with the Human Rights Office
The Human Rights Office provides updates, workshops, and events that promote equality and fairness in Iowa City. Sign up for email notifications to stay informed about programs at www.icgov.org/subscribe and learn about Human Rights Commission meetings at www.icgov.org/hrc. Together, these resources help make Iowa City a place where everyone belongs.

How to file a complaint of discrimination
Many situations that are unpleasant or upsetting may not qualify as unlawful discrimination. The key question is, "Was this because of a protected class you belong to?" Protected classes are characteristics we cannot change or shouldn’t be asked to change. If you believe you’ve experienced discrimination based on any protected class, including age, race, gender identity, disability, and more, you can file a complaint within 300 days of the incident. Complaints can be filed for issues in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and credit. To file, visit www.icgov.org/humanrights, email humanrights@iowa-city.org for a complaint form, or call 319-356-5015 for assistance.

Help firefighters help you
The Iowa City Fire Department has partnered with Community Connect, a free platform that lets residents and business owners share key information to help firefighters better protect people and property. By creating a profile, you can include details like emergency contacts, garage codes, pets in the home, and any special needs. This info helps firefighters respond more efficiently in emergencies. Sign up for free at www.communityconnect.io/info/ia-iowacity.

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase recent projects, celebrate community efforts, and share inspiring stories happening across Iowa City's neighborhoods. Selected submissions will be featured in our next quarter's publication!

Submit stories about:

• PIN Grant Projects: Updates on funded projects and their impact.
• Community Collaborations: Stories of partnerships that have benefited specific neighborhoods.
• Neighbor-Led Initiatives: Creative efforts like neighborhood art or community gardens.
• Upcoming Events: Announcements of events, activities, or meetings to share.

How to submit:

• Write-Up: A short description (100-200 words) including the who, what, when, where, and why.
• Photos: Include photos that capture the essence of the story.
• Submit: Send stories and photos to EngageIC@iowa-city.org.