Annie Smith Barkalow's stories
Iowa City’s Downtown SSMID passes first hurdle for renewal
The Iowa City City Council passed a first consideration at its meeting Nov. 18 for an ordinance that would renew the Iowa City Downtown Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID). The re-establishment would extend the district’s borders and enact a tenure…
Iowa’s youth labor law leaves small businesses and teen workers in hot water
An Iowa bill meant to expand employment opportunities has backfired on the businesses it aimed…
Coffee Emporium sold to North Liberty couple, rebranding and expansion ahead
A popular Johnson County coffee chain has switched hands. Coffee Emporium, which has locations in…
North Liberty is booming. Here’s a list of housing developments in the works
You don’t have to be an expert in real estate or economic development to see…
Durham talks triumph, challenges of downtown revitalization
Size doesn’t matter – at least to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). The way…
Iowa City businesses get a boost with CoSign+ program
Iowa City has been recognized as one of the top 50 best places for families…
Mount Mercy and St. Ambrose announce historic merger
In a landmark decision, Cedar Rapids’ Mount Mercy University entered into a “strategic combination” agreement…
Regionalism holds key to economic development, Corridor leaders say
On July 25 local business leaders gathered at the Hotel at Kirkwood for the Corridor…
Coralville council advances plan for West Village, ‘new urbanist neighborhood’
The Coralville City Council approved the first step of a proposed 28-acre mixed-use development with…
Johnson County leaders explore possibility of battery-powered rail line
An electric rail system may be in the works for the Iowa City area, as…
Labor leaders decry Gov. Reynolds’ lax child labor laws
Corridor labor leaders say Governor Reynold’s recent child labor laws defy decades-old federal government regulations…
Future of Johnson County jail, sheriff’s office in question
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors had a lengthy work session last week regarding the…
Iowa City Cancer Treatment Center closes doors
A Johnson County radiation oncology clinic has shuttered its operations after 13 years of serving…
Estela’s Fresh Mex: burritos, with a side of podcasts and basketball
Anyone who’s been a Hawkeye for the last eight years is no doubt familiar with…
The Palestra celebrates grand opening
On a muggy July 9 afternoon in North Liberty, dozens of community members gathered at…
UnityPoint Health, UI Health Care unveil new leadership
UnityPoint Health and University of Iowa Health Care have each announced the appointment of new…
