Chamber members invited to weigh in on self-supported municipal improvement district
Updated:  May 19, 2013

The Downtown Association of Iowa City (DTA) has requested the Chamber’s support for a self supported municipal improvement district (SSMID). The intent of the SSMID is to improve the downtown commercial area of Iowa City. Funds would be used to support a downtown development manager who would be responsible for developing more traffic downtown by expanding retail offerings, creating media packages, increasing beautification and maintenance efforts, and further buying down the cost of Park & Shop/Bus & Shop program. A Downtown District organization would merge SSMID activities with current Downtown Association and Retail Caucus functions.

Support from at least 25 percent of downtown Iowa City property owners within the proposed district is required for the establishment of a SSMID. They must represent ownership of property with an assessed value of twenty-five percent or more of the assessed value of all of the property in the district. Establishment would mean property owners would agree to pay a self-imposed tax for a specified length of time.

Click here to view a map of the proposed SSMID boundaries.

Chamber members are invited to learn more about and offer their opinions on the SSMID at a forum on Wednesday, March 9. Karen Kubby, a downtown small business owner who is leading a DTA committee about the topic will lead the discussion. This complimentary members-only event will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Chamber office. Click here to review frequently asked questions about the SSMID.