Megan Woolard

It’s been nearly a year since the Iowa City school district closed Hills Elementary -- the only school in the small Johnson County town. Residents and city leaders say despite that loss, the town is “poised to grow,” with new home construction, cornerstone businesses and a way of life that includes small-town living and big city conveniences.

The Murray Family Foundation also will offer career-readiness resources to athletes

The North Liberty City Council has unanimously approved a $20 million incentive to make way for the development of 65,000 square feet of commercial space and 350 apartments across 20 acres located south of North Liberty’s Community Center.

Cedar Rapids schools will reduce building staff positions by 6 percent and cut $7M in administrative expenses to adjust to a budget deficit that district officials said is the result of declining enrollment and decreases in state and federal funding.

Property owners across Johnson County have received letters detailing expected property tax rates as required by state law, but county and city officials are warning that the letters are not reflective of what taxpayers can expect to pay.

Iceberg Development and Salida Partners combine efforts for 21 S. Linn St. property. It’s one of two proposals going before the City Council to develop the city-owned property.

Iowa City launched a two-year fare free pilot program in

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Swisher voters approved a 1 percent local-option sales tax in a special election Tuesday.Voters approved the sales tax by 75 percent. The tax needed 50 percent approval to pass.

Oliver Weilein won the Iowa City Council special election Tuesday with 60 percent of the votes cast, according to unofficial results.

Past property tax legislation may lead to future financial pressures, North Liberty City Manager Ryan Heiar says.

Iowa City City Manager Geoff Fruin called this year’s city budget “the most difficult” since he joined the city in 2016. The city is projecting a deficit of $2.8 million in its general fund, which it will cover using general fund reserves.

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6-1 in favor of required rezoning. It now goes to the City Council.

In-person early voting for the special election to fill a vacancy on the Iowa City Council is available at the Johnson County Auditor’s Office.

County bought 15-unit Iowa City property for $1.7 million in summer of 2024