Greater Iowa City, Inc., has announced the launch of Strategic Investment Districts in Iowa City, North Liberty, and Coralville. The organization aims to attract businesses, create jobs, and foster long-term prosperity within these areas.
According to the Greater Iowa City website, these districts are part of a broader strategy to drive sustainable growth by leveraging each area’s distinct characteristics. They were first announced at the organization’s annual meeting on Nov. 21.
The Iowa City district is centered around Sycamore Mall and Tate High School, with investment corridors marked along South 1st Avenue and Lower Sycamore Street. The North Liberty district is centered around the Community Center and North Liberty Pharmacy, with an investment corridor marked along West Cherry Street. The Coralville district is centered around Central Elementary & Central Cares, Inc., with an investment corridor marked along 5th Street.
Each district stretches approximately two miles in diameter. Detailed maps of the districts were developed in collaboration with Slingshot Architecture.
The initiative focuses on “place-based economic development,” which builds on a community’s unique identity and strengths, the site states. This approach aims to boost employment and income while improving the overall quality of life.
The Strategic Investment Districts are intended to transform underutilized areas into “thriving hubs” of activity.
The districts were identified in collaboration with the Greater Iowa City, Inc. Executive Council, the Community Development Innovation Council, the Business Support Innovation Council, and the Economic Development Innovation Council. Staff also worked with city officials to ensure alignment with comprehensive planning and zoning goals, the announcement reads.
By targeting areas where market forces alone may not drive progress, the initiative seeks to stimulate growth in a manner that supports community development and addresses economic disparities.
“For businesses to invest confidently, they need a clear understanding of the community’s goals and regulations. Without a strong, shared vision for neighborhoods, market forces alone can lead to fragmented development. Strategic Investment Districts provide that vision, ensuring growth aligns with both economic needs and community values,” states a portion of Greater Iowa City’s announcement on the districts. “These districts serve as a blueprint for how we can leverage an area’s unique features to enhance local prosperity. By fostering the growth of central job hubs, we also support the revitalization of surrounding neighborhoods, creating a ripple effect that benefits all.”
The initiative will run alongside existing economic improvement efforts, such as Self-Supported Municipal Improvement Districts (SSMIDs) like South of 6 and the Iowa City Downtown District.
