Downtown Iowa City’s collection of nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $20.4 million in economic activity in 2022, the Iowa City Downtown District announced last week.
According to a newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts — the nation’s largest nonprofit arts education and advocacy group — investments by arts organizations and arts agencies fueled the arts sector’s resurgence after facing COVID-19 pandemic-induced challenges.
Englert Theatre joined the study, last conducted in 2015, to ensure it included the Iowa City Downtown District and Iowa City area of the almost 400 communities assessed nationally.
“With the densest application of contributing organizations and venues ever recognized by the Iowa Arts Council as a Cultural & Entertainment District, it’s an open secret the arts live in Iowa City,” Nighttime Mayor Joe Reilly of the Downtown District said in a statement. “The arts are a major cog in our community’s economic engine.”
That $20.4 million generated in districtwide economic activity includes:
- $12.5 million in spending by nonprofit arts and culture groups
- $7.9 million in event-related spending by the organizations’ audiences
- 319 full-time jobs
- $3.6 million in local, state and federal government revenue
The study shows that when people attend a cultural event in the Downtown District, they also often dine at a restaurant, pay for parking, enjoy dessert after the show and pay for child or pet care. Overall, in the Downtown District, attendees spent $46.77 per person per event beyond the cost of admission, according to the District.
“These results are a great tool to show the baseline economic impact the arts sector has on downtown. In reality, the art’s impact is much larger than this,” Iowa City Downtown District Executive Director Betsy Potter said.
Marion adopts temporary development pause
The Marion City Council last week fully adopted a one-year pause on most new development in the city’s growing commercial districts.
Until Oct. 5, 2024, this moratorium will temporarily restrict certain commercial uses along parts of Tower Terrace Road, Highway 13 and Uptown Marion while the city looks to plan for the impacts of commercial development in these areas. During this pause, the city is refreshing its comprehensive plan, a long-term guide for physical improvement and development. It was last updated in 2010.
The moratorium is slated to automatically expire, unless extended by a vote of the seven-member council. The council unanimously supported the pause, with council member Randy Strnad absent.
This pause only affects businesses looking to expand or new ones looking to locate in these areas, but the council can amend the ordinance to allow for projects if it deems appropriate.
Mark Weiser, who manages DWK Art Gallery which is owned by his wife, said he was concerned about “big money” — gas station chains and large grocers, for instance — taking over Tower Terrace. He said Uptown, being full of small businesses, shouldn’t be part of the same moratorium.
“You’re trying to put a blanket over two different problems and put a moratorium over an Uptown business area that has been struggling for a number of years” because of the 2020 derecho, COVID-19 and state of the inflationary economy, Weiser said.
Mayor Nick AbouAssaly said the artists live work use was included in the pause so the city can look at all places where business and residents are combined on the first floor of a building and see if any adjustments are needed to change how these are handled.
“We want development to happen,” AbouAssaly said. “We want businesses to be here. I think the city has shown over and over again we support the arts. We support businesses. We support small businesses.”
Optional pre-proposal meeting to be held for old Marion library site
A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting for potential developers interested in proposing a mixed-use project at the former Marion Public Library site is slated for 3 p.m. Tuesday at Marion Economic Development Corp., 1107 Seventh Ave., Suite 201 in Marion.
This meeting is intended to clarify development expectations and answer questions from potential partners, but is not required. Interested developers can view the request for proposals at www.cityofmarion.org/publicnotice. Proposals are due no later than 3 p.m. Jan. 12, 2024.
The city of Marion, the Marion Economic Development Corp., the Marion Chamber of Commerce and Uptown Marion Main Street District — together as Team Marion — have issued a request for proposals for the 1.44-acre site, 1095 Sixth Ave., to identify developers or development teams who may look to redevelop the property.
The team seeks a project that anchors the city’s Uptown District, complete with commercial and residential space that honors the historic character of the area.
Cedar Rapids has best-tasting water in Iowa — again
A panel of judges chose Cedar Rapids’ drinking water as Iowa’s Best-Tasting Drinking Water 2023 — for the second year in a row — in a blind taste-test competition.
The Iowa section of the American Water Works Association holds the competition each year to determine which Iowa community provides the best-tasting drinking water. Entries are judged on appearance, odor, taste and aftertaste by a local panel.
“A lot goes into that great taste,” Utilities Director Roy Hesemann said in a statement. “For 135 years, the Cedar Rapids Water Division has been working around the clock to provide clean, safe and great-tasting drinking water to our residents and customers.”
The “Best of the Best Tap Water Taste Test” is part of the Iowa section’s annual conference. It was held in Des Moines from Oct. 18-20. Cedar Rapids won the award for the first time in 2010, and again in 2012 and 2022.
“Cedar Rapids’ high-quality drinking water is an investment in our community,” City Manager Jeff Pomeranz said in a statement. “More than just a refreshing drink, our water is a source of pride, driving economic growth and ensuring our community’s health.”
State auditor honors Cedar Rapids for finding efficiencies
State Auditor Rob Sand presented Cedar Rapids last week with a 2023 Public Innovations and Efficiencies (PIE) Award and congratulatory pie.
Cedar Rapids and various other Iowa local governments shared how they are using practical tips and tricks to reduce waste with Sand. Cost-cutting measures range from shutting off lights to cut energy costs to collaborating with other organizations. Cedar Rapids was recognized in three categories: Largest Participating City as well as Best Performing City, both overall and in a population-based category.
Amana Fire District gets $20,000 from Firehouse
The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation presented a $19,845 grant to the Amana Benefited Fire District in October. The check was presented by John Chadima, the Firehouse Subs franchisee at Westdale in Cedar Rapids.
The money will be used to buy five sets of bunker gear, to “better protect firefighters from heat and hazards,” said Steven Rose, the fire district’s treasurer and trustee.
Cedar Rapids begins closing golf courses for the season
Gardner Golf Course closed for the season at the end of play on Sunday. Ellis and Twin Pines Golf Courses will remain open as the weather allows. The closing of all courses will be announced through the city of Cedar Rapids’ social media.
Prairie High teacher awarded 2023 Iowa Talented and Gifted Teacher of the Year
Prairie High School teacher Erin Hoffman was selected as the 2023 Iowa Talented and Gifted Teacher of the Year. She received the award last month in Des Moines.
Hoffman grew up in talented and gifted programs as an elementary, middle and high school student and understands the importance of strong advocacy for gifted learners, according to a news release from the College Community School District.
She provides her students and families with resources and support to navigate high school and prepare for opportunities after graduation.
“I feel very supported throughout my time at Prairie working with dedicated educators and administrators to best meet the needs of our gifted students,” Hoffman said in a news release. “I have been lucky to follow many of my students from elementary to high school and treasure the connections we have developed over the years. Our students constantly amaze me with all of their wonderful accomplishments.
The award is presented to a public or private school teacher who has exhibited a long-standing commitment to gifted students and their families.
This commitment is exemplified by their recognition, support, and respect for the unique and diverse needs of gifted and talented learners through:
- Advocacy by encouraging informed educational professionals, parents, policy makers and all other stakeholders to take appropriate action for the benefit of gifted learners.
- Education by strengthening and encouraging the recognition and implementation of practices that support identification of gifted and talented learners and accommodation of the social emotional and intellectual needs.
- And networking by increasing opportunities for collaboration and cooperation among all stakeholders, with the goal of advancing the abilities and developing the potential of all gifted and talented learners.
Hoffman has been an educator for 21 years and is in her 11th year in the College Community School District.
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