HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.RAISE Grant Application - 2023
2 February 14, 2023
PROJECT NARRATIVE
Project Description
The City of Iowa City enthusiastically submits a proposal for a two-building Iowa City Zero-Emission Transit Operations and Maintenance Facility (hereafter known as the Transit Facility) for RAISE grant consideration. Iowa City seeks to become of
the most sustainable transit systems in the United States – a demonstration system that can show the transformative power of shared, sustainable transportation system powered by
clean, renewable energy (mostly wind) thanks to our partnership with MidAmerican Energy. With the continued support of the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, and the State of Iowa, Iowa City
seeks to create a more livable, equitable, and resilient Iowa City metro area with an expansion of sustainable electric transit service. The project will provide improved transportation access and
equitable mobility to the greater region, one of the fastest growing areas in the state, and enable a full transition to zero-emission bus technology.
Mid-American Energy currently provides the state with an incredible 88% renewable energy
mix, mostly wind, to power our homes, schools, businesses, and electric buses. Their mission is to provide 100% renewable energy and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The current Transit Facility is 40 years old and at the end of its useful life. Due to its age, condition, and significant soil subsidence and methane release issues on site, the facility cannot be replaced or expanded at the current site. Decades of
methane abatement have been required to ensure staff has safe air to breathe. A replacement facility is essential to ensuring staff has safe and modern work conditions and that Iowa City can fulfill community mobility needs and accelerated Climate Action Plan objectives to equitably and sustainably optimize and expand service levels as outlined in the recent Iowa City Area Transit Study.
Figure 1 p. 6 shows a conceptual drawing of the proposed two-building Transit Facility excerpted from the
Public Works Master Plan located on the new Public Works Campus. This project includes a Transit
Operations Storage and Charging Facility (Building 1) and a shared Transit and Equipment Maintenance Facility (Building 2). Equipment is a division of the Iowa City’s Public Works Department. Funding for the Equipment portion of the project will come locally from the Equipment Division. More detail regarding
expense assignment between the two divisions included in the Project Budget file.
Background
The Iowa City metro area has a long and proud transit tradition, and Iowa City Transit celebrates its 52nd year of service in 2023. According to the 2021 American Public Transportation Fact Book (p. 34), the Iowa City metro area ranks 21st in the United States in ridership per capita. Iowa City’s high per-capita ridership is a testament to the strength of the system and high demand for transit services. To help support the growing
metro area population in the face of limited roadway capacity, available right-of-way, and need to fulfill
In 2022, Iowa City Transit won the Federal Transit Administration’s
first ever Climate Action Award for the “Most Collaborative”
agency in the United States, leveraging partnerships to make
Climate Action and sustainability goals come to life.
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Climate Action objectives, Iowa City has an explicit goal of doubling ridership in the next ten years based on a clear understanding that supporting and expanding transit service is critical to a more sustainable and
equitable future for all. Iowa City Transit works in coordination with Coralville Transit and the University of Iowa’s CAMBUS to provide safe, efficient, low-cost, and sustainable transportation for over 5.5 million metro area residents and visitors each year.
Transportation Challenges
Age, Condition, and Safety Issues
The current transit facility was constructed in 1984 upon a
former, unregulated landfill. As the waste decomposed, the soil under and around the facility settled and methane gas has been steadily released from the soil over the years requiring an extensive and expensive methane abatement
system to ensure the air is safe to breathe for staff. The sinking soil issues require expensive extensive annual asphalt patching, else the angle of approach to the building would simply not allow for buses to enter or exit without major vehicle damage. Over $850,000 has been spent to date
to addressing safety issues caused by soil settlement. These ground subsidence and air quality issues preclude the City from expanding or further investing in the existing facility. The current facility is also over capacity in terms staff offices and bus storage which thereby restricts the expansion of transit service to the metro area to meet
growing metro area needs. The current facility has been retrofitted for an initial transition to electric bus technology (we currently have 4 battery-electric buses), but it is not prudent to continue to invest in the infrastructure upgrades given the age and condition of the building, therefore a new facility is needed.
Climate Action & Environmental Justice
The City of Iowa City has adopted an ambitious Climate Action Plan with a goal to reduce carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. One strategy to achieve this target is to shift
55% of vehicle trips to sustainable transportation options, such as transit, by 2050. In pursuit of these goals, the City was awarded a $3 million grant to transition four diesel buses to electric, zero-emission buses and launched the community’s first electric buses into revenue service in 2022. The existing facility can only a serve up to (4) more battery electric buses without a costly investment in electrical infrastructure, unwise
considering the age and condition of the facility. A replacement facility is essential to provide the space, capacity, and renewable energy infrastructure necessary to accomplish the City’s zero-emission and sustainable transportation climate actions (see Merit Criteria Narrative file for more information).
Social Justice & Racial Equity
To demonstrate Iowa City’s commitment to the transit and the avenue for environmental and racial justice it can provide, the City invested $237,000 in a comprehensive Iowa City Area Transit Study that prioritized
advancing mobility equity for all, especially those who have historically been underserved and adversely affected by persistent inequality. The resulting recommendations seek to remove systemic barriers and embed equity into Iowa City Transit’s policies and operations, such as improved bus frequency, connectivity, and fare consistency across area transit systems, evaluate zero-fare fixed route transit, and pilot Sunday and on-demand late night service. Other enhancements envisioned for the system such are 15-minute service on
arterial corridors and improved crosstown service to further remove barriers to economic opportunity. A new
The current facility was built on an old landfill around
which the soil has sunk 4 – 15 feet over time creating
extremely uneven surfaces, potholes, persistent ponding,
building access and methane air quality issues.
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Transit Facility supportive of these enhanced services and an expansion of the sustainable electric fleet is both essential and required. RAISE grant funds will make the City’s proposed transit service vision a reality.
(a)Areas of Persistent Poverty
The Transit Facility project is designed to support and enhance transit operations for the greater IowaCity metro area community, including the eight census tracts designated as Areas of Persistent Poverty inIowa City numbered 4, 5, 6, 11, 16, 17, 21, and 23. Iowa City Transit also supports neighboringCoralville by providing free transfers from Coralville Transit to Iowa City Transit to simplify cross
metro-area commutes. Iowa City is the major employment center in the region, drawing employees fromacross the metro area, often by transit. According to the MPOJC 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan,44% of workers living Coralville and 40.4% of workers living in North Liberty (the two largest suburbancommunities) are employed in Iowa City. Much of Coralville’s transit ridership comes from two census
tracts designated as Areas of Persistent Poverty 3.02 and 2. The census tracts designated as Areas ofPersistent Poverty have the highest density of transit riders in the metro area. The proposed TransitFacility is within 1.17 mile of Persistent Poverty tract 17.
(b)Historically Disadvantaged Community
The Transit Facility project is designed to support two Iowa City census tracts which have beendesignated Historically Disadvantaged Communities – 16 and 104. Tract 16 contains one of Iowa City’s
core neighborhoods which have a high proportion of low-income renters, students, multi-family units,and transit riders. Tract 104 contains multiple manufactured housing developments and the Highway 1commercial area anchored by Wal-Mart and Aldi foods, which generate significant transit ridership. Theexisting Iowa City Transit facility is in census tract 104, designated as Historically Disadvantaged. The
proposed Transit Facility is located within .80 mile of Historically Disadvantaged Community tract 104.
(c)Census Designated Urbanized Area
The proposed replacement Iowa City Zero-Emission Transit Facility will be in the census designatedIowa City Urbanized Area.
Project History
The property for the proposed location of the new Transit Facility was procured by the City in 1998 for the establishment of a new Public Works campus. In 1999, a
Phase 1 Archaeological Investigation was completed and in 2011 a Phase 1A Archaeological Investigation was completed. In 2014, the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County (MPOJC) drafted an Iowa City Transit
Facility Location and Feasibility Study, reviewing 20 potential sites. The proposed location on the City’s Public Works campus ranked highest.
In 2015, the City facilitated a Public Works Master Plan process which included a Transit Facility Needs
Assessment. In February 2017, the existing and proposed Transit Facility locations were visited by Federal Transit Administration Region 7 staff including Deputy Regional Administrator Mark Bechtel, Planning and Programming Director Cathy Monroe, and Beth Held, Environmental Protection Specialist. In April 2022, FTA Region 7 Director Mokhtee Ahmad, Cathy Monroe, Environmental Protection Specialist Gerri Doyle,
Regional Counsel Jason Pollock, and Community Planner Daniel Nguyen visited the existing and proposed
FTA Regional Administrator Mokhtee Ahmad and Mayor
Bruce Teague celebrate the launch of the metro area’s first
electric bus operations in April 2022.
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Transit Facility sites to discuss the proposed project with the Geoff Fruin, the Iowa City City Manager, Mayor Bruce Teague, and Iowa City Transit and Public Works Staff. The FTA Planning and Environmental
review was formally commenced soon thereafter. Monthly meetings have been held with FTA Region 7 officials since August 2022. It is anticipated the NEPA review will be completed by July 2023.
In 2022, Iowa City was thrilled to be awarded $750,000 in Community Project Funding by the United States Congress to commence design. The City expects to have a design consultant on board by May 2023.
Statement of Work
The City of Iowa City seeks to replace its 40-year-old Transit Facility and over 44-year-old Equipment Maintenance Facility with two new buildings on the existing Public Works Campus. Both buildings are at the end of their useful lives, in poor condition, and are over capacity. The City’s preferred strategy is to take
advantage of efficiencies by establishing a joint-maintenance facility for both the Transit and Equipment Divisions, considering both organizations have similar operational needs and whose current facilities have deficiencies that cannot be overcome. The Transit Division manages bus fleet operations with a staff of 60 and a fleet of (23) 40’ heavy-duty diesel buses, (4) 40’ heavy-duty battery electric buses, and (13) light-duty
paratransit buses. Transit will have a Fleet Operations Supervisor, a Parts Clerk, and four mechanics stationed in Building 2. The Equipment Division manages fleet service maintenance for all other City divisions including Police, Fire, Streets ect. and will have 11 employees stationed in Building 2. The City proposes to build Phase 1 and Phase 2 simultaneously as 72% of Phase 2 is related to Transit operations and moving to a zero-fare system could increase ridership by as much as 40-60%. Ensuring we have adequate
room to grow from the start is prudent considering these potential impacts.
The joint-facility shown in Figure 1, p. 6 is the preferred concept developed in the Public Works Master
Planning process (Scheme H). The proposal to share a maintenance facility between the Transit and Equipment divisions was born from a desire to take advantage of the parallel needs of both departments and to capitalize on cost saving efficiencies.
Specifically, the proposal is a two-building project with Building 1 housing Transit Operations, Bus Charging, and Storage (52,738 square feet) and Building 2 housing a shared Transit and Equipment Maintenance facility (68,432) co-located at the City’s existing Public Works Campus (Figure 1, p. 6 and
Project Location file). No additional property acquisition is required.
Building 1: Staffing and Administration + Fleet Cleaning Operations + Charging and Vehicle Storage
The standalone transit operations and maintenance facility must have the capacity to store and maintain the
current 27-bus fleet and anticipated future fleet requirements in Building 1 as shown in the layout of
Appendix A and B. Bus storage must be heated, secure, and under 24/7 surveillance. Additionally, the
facility must be fitted with the technological infrastructure to support our current electric buses and a future transition of all remaining diesel buses to battery electric or other low/no emission technology. Additionally, the facility should be constructed to include:
• 37,087 feet of heated storage to house 46 40’ battery electric buses, 13 battery electric paratransit
vehicles, and 8 electric support vehicles
• A 1,700 square foot wash bay for cleaning the exterior of the buses
• A 1,000 square foot interior cleaning position
• A 700 square foot room for wash equipment
• A secure room for fare collection and counting, to occur during fueling
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The new Transit Facility must also support the existing seven administrative staff, four maintenance workers, and 45 transit operators in addition to space for anticipated future staffing levels as outlined in the Transit
Needs Assessment of the Public Works Facilities Master Plan including:
•Adequate office space
•Dispatch area for overseeing the sign-out of bus operators and routes
•Crew work room, break room, and fitness room
•Janitor/custodial room/closet for storing supplies
•IT room to provide all data communications to the facility
•Accessible lobby entering the facility
Building 2: Shared Transit Fleet Maintenance + Equipment Maintenance
Transit maintenance components to the project include repair bays with minimum 60,000 lbs. lift capacity,
flat repair bays, and storage for equipment, tools, and parts are necessary as shown in the layouts included in
Appendix C and D.
•6 dedicated repair bays for 40’ heavy-duty buses and for 3 for light-duty paratransit buses
•7,700 square foot shared parts and materials storage
•1,100 square feet of office space for Fleet Operations Supervisor and Parts Clerk
•Kitchenette, break room facilities, and locker rooms and tool-box storage
•Parts manual library
•Conference room
Figure 1: Proposed Building 1 and Building 2 – Public Works Campus
Building 1 –
Proposed Transit
Ops & Bus Storage
and Charging
Building 2 – Proposed
Shared Transit &
Equipment Maintenance
Streets
Division
Facility
Built in 2019
2 February 28th, 2023
Project Costs
Building 1 is designated for Transit use only for Operations, Charging, and Bus Storage. Building 2 is designated as a shared Maintenance Facility for the Transit and Equipment Divisions. The total cost of the two-building project is $35,000,000. The opinion of probable cost was derived from the Transit Needs Assessment (p 25-26) as part of the Public Works Master Plan process in 2015 and was adjusted for inflation
and contingencies for a 2025 build year.
The costs associated with Transit operations is $26,000,000 which is 100% of the costs associated with Building 1 and 51% of the costs associated with Building 2, based on designated use by square footage as shown in Table 1. The square footage was derived from the Scheme H in the Public Works Master Planning
Process and are reflected in the draft plan and layout of the proposed facilities located in Appendix A - D.
Table 1: Building 2 –Square Footage by Designated Use
Phase 1 Phase 2 Total
Building 2 - Shared Transit & Maintenance Facility
Sq Footage % Sq Footage % Sq Footage %
Transit 25,885 46% 8,908 72% 34,793 51%
Equipment 30,194 54% 3,446 28% 33,640 49%
Total 56,079 100% 12,353 100% 68,432 100%
Only the Transit components of this project are eligible for RAISE funding, therefore the City is requesting funds solely for costs associated with providing Transit service. The City proposes a total contribution of
49% of the project, or $8,000,00 in local matching Transit funds out of the $26,000,000 in federally eligible Transit costs plus an additional $9,000,000 for the expenses associated with the Equipment Division. The City is requesting $17,250,000 in RAISE grant funding (49% of the overall project) for the remaining Transit
costs (Table 2). The remaining 2% or $750,000 in funding comes from a FY22 Congressionally Designated Community Project Funding which was awarded in FY22 for design.
All expenses related to the project will occur at the Public Works Campus which is located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Gilbert Street and McCollister Boulevard (Table 3) in Census Tract 001802.
Table 2: Total Project Funding Source Breakout
Funding Source Funding %
RAISE Funds 17,250,000$ 49%
Other Federal Funds (FY22 Community Project Funding)750,000$ 2%
Local Match (Transit Funds)8,000,000$ 23%
Other Local Funds (Equipment Funds)9,000,000$ 26%
Total 35,000,000$ 100%
Table 3: Expenses by Census Tract
Census Tracts Project Expenses %
001802 35,000,000$ 100%
Total 35,000,000$ 100%
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Figure 2: Proposed Two-Building Transit Facility Concept
Detailed Expense Breakdown
Building 1 is designed to solely support Transit operations, therefore 100% of expenses related to this facility
are federally eligible for grant funding. Building 1 is estimated to cost $17,000,000. The federally eligible
Transit expenses for Building 2 were calculated by determining the square footage designated for exclusive
use by the Transit or Equipment Divisions. The remaining square footage, common or shared spaces, was
divided in half and assigned to each division (Table 1). Building 2 is expected to cost approximately
$18,000,000 with federally eligible Transit expenses of $9,150,000. The Equipment Division will contribute
the remaining $9,000,000 to complete Building 2.
Building 1 – Transit
Ops & Bus Storage
and Charging
Building 2 – Shared
Transit & Equipment
Maintenance
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Table 2: Detailed Project Costs
Project Expense Item Total Project Expenses Transit Division Expenses
Equipment Division Expenses
Building 1 - Transit Operations & Storage Facility
Design $ 1,588,413 $ 1,588,413 $ -
Survey/Testing/Reports $ 132,368 $ 132,368 $ -
Environmental Reports $ 10,000 $ 10,000 $ -
Rooftop Solar $ 650,000 $ 650,000 $ -
Electric Vehicle Chargers $ 825,000 $ 825,000 $ -
Installation $ 500,000 $ 500,000 $ -
Construction $ 3,236,778 $ 13,236,778 $ -
Totals $ 16,942,560 $ 16,942,560 $ -
Building 2 - Shared Transit and Equipment Maintenance
Design $ 1,533,635 $ 781,050 $ 752,585
Survey/Testing/Reports $ 163,578 $ 82,820 $ 80,758
Environmental Reports $ 10,000 $ 4,616 $ 5,384
Construction $ 16,357,761 $ 8,281,966 $ 8,075,795
Totals $ 18,064,974 $ 9,150,452 $ 8,914,522
Total Project - Building 1 & Building 2
Total Design $ 3,122,048 $ 2,369,463 $ 752,585
Survey/Testing/Reports $ 295,945 $ 215,187 $ 80,758
Environmental Reports $ 20,000 $ 14,616 $ 5,384
Rooftop Solar $ 650,000 $ 650,000 $ -
Electric Vehicle Chargers $ 825,000 $ 825,000 $ -
Charger Installation $ 500,000 $ 500,000 $ -
Total Construction $ 29,594,540 $ 21,518,744 $ 8,075,795
Total Project Expenses $ 35,007,533 $ 26,090,000 $ 8,914,522
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Local Sources of Funds
The Iowa City Transit System has funding available to support project construction and operations. Please
refer to the Letter of Financial Commitment and associated FY23 Budget Documents from the Iowa City
Finance Director Nicole Davis found in the Funding Commitments file. This letter documents the Transit
Fund revenues from which the local match will be drawn and the Equipment Division revenues from which
the building expenses related to Equipment services will be drawn. The Funding Commitments file shows
the City has funding available to cover the match required for a replacement Transit Facility. The local match
will be derived from the City’s Transit fund which includes the following revenue:
• Federal Operating Assistance
• Court Street Transportation Center (a multi-modal/mixed-use facility from which all proceeds are designated for transit use)
• Fare Revenue
• Transit Property Tax Levy
• Other Revenue: Advertising and other miscellaneous sources
This fund also has an assigned fund balance for replacement reserves and to ensure financial stability for
long-term capital planning and maintenance. Funds equal to 20% of the accumulated depreciation of the
City’s bus fleet and maintenance facility are maintained in this reserve to be used as a match for state or
federal grants.
Local Financial Commitment
The City of Iowa City demonstrates local financial commitment to this project in five important ways:
1. 30% Local Match of Federally Eligible Funds, 49% overall Local Contribution to the project: Iowa City is increasing the local match from the minimum requirement of 20% to 30% ($8,000,000) of the $26,000,000 in federally eligible expenses related to Transit. Not only is the City committed to the Transit
local match, but the City is also committed to contributing another $9,000,000 in Equipment Division funds to ensure that shared Building 2 can be completed and that future cost-savings and efficiencies are captured for both Transit and Equipment operations. This demonstrates that the City is ready, willing, and able to take on $17,000,000 of the overall project costs (49%) to ensure the City’s facilities remain in a State of Good Repair.
2. Iowa City Area Transit Study / Comprehensive Operations Analysis: The City demonstrated
commitment to the future of the transit system by investing $237,000 in the 2019-2020 Iowa City Area Transit Study led by a consultant team from Nelson-Nygaard. The City took special care to engage disadvantaged communities in analysis of how the current resources can be optimized and add-on services that would address gaps, inequities, and systemic barriers in the Iowa City transit system. This included an
analysis of the potential costs, benefits, and best practices for funding and an analysis of a zero-fare system, which has the potential to be transformative for the community. The City Council has indicated willingness to consider further investment in the transit system, such as transitioning to a zero-fare system or introducing a late-night/overnight on-demand transportation option. The 2019-2020 Transit Study was a
watershed moment for regional transportation improvements, clearly indicating the City’s investment in identifying community mobility priorities, developing solutions, and finding a way to support them financially.
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3. Iowa City Climate Action Plan: Iowa City funded the development of a Climate Action Plan in 2017
and a follow-up Accelerating Iowa City's Climate Actions Report in 2020. This report calls for accelerated implementation of actions to address the climate crisis, including increased transit ridership and a transition
to electric, low/no-emission technologies for City fleets. Following adoption of the Climate Action Plan, the City Council has designated $1 million in emergency climate action funds each year to help fund these and other emission reduction initiatives.
4. Invested $1.6 million in Zero-Emission Fleet Transition: Both the Iowa City Climate Action Plan and the Iowa City Area Transit Study call for a transition to electric buses to meet Iowa City’s emission
reduction goals. In 2020, Iowa City received a $3 million 5339(c) Low/No Emissions Grant to replace four diesel buses with battery electric buses. Iowa City contributed $1.6 million in local match to purchase the buses and necessary charging equipment and infrastructure upgrades. While the current facility can support this small-scale (4 bus) transition to electric vehicles, a larger conversion would not be possible at the
current facility, which is over capacity and unable to support the infrastructure needed to power an all-electric fleet.
5. Bus Stop Improvements: Since 2017, the City has begun designating funds each year to make transit
stops more comfortable and accessible for passengers, totaling $500,000 worth of recent investments to the Bus Stop Improvement CIP fund. In 2023, the City will publish a request for consultant services to develop a comprehensive plan to evaluate and proposed improvements for all our 500+ bus stops, including the
main Transit Interchange. Improvements to be evaluated include ADA accessible paths, infill sidewalks, bus shelters, benches, trash cans, lighting, bike racks, pedestrian crosswalks and signage, and concrete pads.
February 23, 2023
The Honorable Secretary Pete Buttigieg
United States Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590
Dear Mr. Secretary:
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City. Iowa 52240-1826
(319)356-5000
(319)356-5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
Please consider this letter as evidence of the City of Iowa City's ability to fund a grant match for
the replacement of the City's Transit Facility.
The City proposes to replace its 40-year-old Transit Facility and separate Equipment Maintenance
building with two buildings on the existing Public Works Campus. Building 1 is designated for Transit use only for Operations and Bus Storage. Building 2 is designated as a shared
Maintenance Facility for the Transit and Equipment Divisions. The costs of the two-building
project is $35,000,000. The costs associated with Transit is $26,000,000 which is 100% of the costs associated with Building 1 and 51 % of the costs associated with Building 2, based
on square footage. The City's proposed local match for federally eligible Transit costs is
$8,000,000. The City is requesting $17,250,000 in RAISE grant funding for the remaining Transit costs. For Building 2, which is proposed to be shared with Public Works, $8,500,000
(49%) of the project will be funded locally by the City's Equipment Division. The City also
received an FY22 award of $750,000 in Congressionally Designated Community Project Funding (CPF) to commence design, which will begin in May 2023. The federal TRAMS
application for CPF funding is attached.
The City maintains a reserve for the replacement of buses and the bus facility and an unassigned
fund balance in the Transit Fund. The projected balances on June 30, 2023 for these reserves
are $10,315,000 and $2,151,000, respectively. The City also maintains a reserve for equipment
and facility replacement and an unassigned fund balance in the Equipment Fund. The projected balances on June 30, 2023 for these reserves are $15,235,660 and $3,886,073, respectively. In
2024 & 2025, the City has programmed $16,500,000 in Capital Improvement Project funding for
the replacement of the Transit and Maintenance Facilities. Attached are pages from the City's budget document demonstrating the City's financial position in its Transit Fund and Equipment
Fund.
Appropriation and use of these funds for this purpose would still be contingent on the City
Council's approval.
Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional documentation. Sincerely, �
-���Nicole Davies, Finance Director
Cc. Geoff Fruin
Darian Nagle-Gamm
To the Honorable Mayor and City Council Members,
It is my pleasure to submit Iowa City's operating and capital budget for Fiscal Year 2024. Although
Iowa Code only requires formal adoption of an annual budget, we have included a three-year
financial plan (FY 2023-2025) and five-year Capital Improvement Program (2023-2027) for
planning purposes. The budget is one of the most important documents the City prepares
because it identifies the services to be provided and the mechanisms to finance those services.
Any future modifications of this budget will be fully disclosed to the City Council and general public
through formal City Council actions at public meetings, in accordance with State of Iowa law.
This budget aims to provide resources to further strategic priorities, implement adopted master
plans rooted in public input, and provide reliable and efficient municipal services. The budget also
contains prudent contingency line items and reserves which help the City weather both
unexpected expenditures and revenue shortfalls.
However, the current economic climate and the final years of implementation from the State of
Iowa’s 2013 property tax reform have resulted in significant and still emerging budgetary strains.
In Fiscal Year 2023, the City’s taxable valuation declined for the first time in recent history as
state-mandated valuation rollbacks outpaced taxable growth and economic activity stagnated
through the pandemic. The continued plateau in development activity resulted in only a minor
increase in taxable values for Fiscal Year 2024. The financial strain from the State of Iowa tax
reform and gradual recovery of the local economy is compounded by inflationary pressures that
are driving up operating and capital costs and diminishing the City’s purchasing power.
Any further budgetary pressures, such as additional State of Iowa mandated property tax reform
measures or further inflationary increases, could drive impacts to service levels in the coming
years. Additionally, the City’s flexibility to pursue bold investments in new initiatives with local
dollars will be limited and the City will need to rely heavily on federal American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) funds as the primary funding source for new major initiatives.
Although I remain confident in the City’s financial foundation, the recommended budget keeps
discretionary expenditure growth to a minimum due to these pressures. Resources were
prioritized to advance the City Council’s Strategic Plan, implement various adopted master plans,
and support core service levels in critical areas such as public safety, transportation infrastructure,
and our public utility operations.
Investment in the City Council’s Strategic Plan
The following section highlights investments this budget makes in the values, strategies, action
items, and resources prioritized in the City Council’s Strategic Plan.
Strategic Values
Social Justice, Racial Equity, and Human Rights: For the second year, $100,000 is provided
for the Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant Program and $1 million in Black Lives Matter
funding is carried over from previous fiscal years. Sponsorship funds are included for historical
commemorations such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth. Additionally, funding for
trainings and programs coordinated by the Office of Equity & Human Rights are provided,
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including $10,000 for a new staff and Board and Commission member diversity, equity and
inclusion training series. Commitments to social justice, racial equity, and human rights are
demonstrated in various department budgets in ways such as funding for crisis response services,
transit ride voucher programs in Parks and Recreation and the Library, annual ADA improvement
projects, and translation of communications materials.
Climate Action: The budget again includes an emergency levy which is dedicated towards
implementation of the City’s climate action plan and emission reduction goals. $150,000 is
allocated to various commercial and residential energy efficiency and electrification rebate and
incentive programs including $60,000 in Climate Action Grant Program funds. Resources are also
provided for outreach and engagement activities including the Neighborhood Energy Blitz,
Climate Ambassador and Resilience Corps programs, Root for Trees, and ClimateFest. Many of
the City’s sustainability efforts are also incorporated into various master plans and capital projects
such as tree plantings, prairie management, bike facilities, multi-modal roadway improvements,
local foods efforts, community gardens, and waste reduction.
Partnerships & Engagement: This budget includes funds to support various outreach events
throughout the City such as Party in the Park and Rec ‘N Roll events, National Night Out and
other proactive public safety outreach events, Emergency Services Youth Camp, and a focus on
engagement of all ages through Recreation, Library, and Senior Center programming budgets.
Strategic Impact Areas
Neighborhoods & Housing: Another $1 million in the General Fund is earmarked for the
Affordable Housing Fund. This is supplemented by additional affordable housing revenue streams
including fee-in-lieu payments and Tax Increment Financing revenue. Support for Shelter House
is also continued in this budget, which includes up to $30,000 for the winter homeless shelter and
$30,000 to fund half the costs of 1.00 FTE Street Outreach position. An additional $3.5 million in
American Rescue Plan Act funds is set aside for additional affordable housing initiatives, including
eviction prevention efforts. $150,000 in consultant funds are allocated to the first year of a multi-
year process to overhaul the Comprehensive Plan, including review of possible parking, energy
efficiency, and sustainable land use policies. This budget also includes a $5,000 increase (25%)
to the annual Neighborhood PIN Grant Program, bringing the total to $25,000.
Mobility: Climate Action Funds are provided for a comprehensive, organizational-wide Electric
Vehicle (EV) Fleet Transition Plan and the EV Charging Installation Rebate Program, which
promotes EV-readiness at multi-family residential buildings. $75,000 is provided annually through
the capital improvement budget to make transit stop safety and amenity improvements.
This budget also includes funding to continue implementation of the Bicycle Master Plan. Projects
completed in 2022 include buffered bike lanes and a sidepath with the reconstruction of American
Legion Road (Scott to Taft); and a 4- to 3-lane conversion on Madison Street (Court to Market)
with the addition of bike lanes. Projects planned for 2023-2024 will significantly increase bike
connectivity in the South District. Anticipated 2023 projects include a 4- to 3-lane conversion on
Keokuk Street with bike lanes from Highway 6 to Sandusky Drive; bike lanes along Southgate
Avenue (Gilbert to Keokuk); installation of Wetherby, Hollywood, and Lakeside bicycle boulevards
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(Bikeways), and construction of the easternmost section of the Highway 6 sidepath trail (Heinz to
Fairmeadows). 2023 road construction and resurfacing projects will result in bike lanes on W.
Benton Street (Mormon Trek to Greenwood) and Rochester Avenue (1st Ave. to Montrose) and
existing bike lanes on Jefferson and Market Streets will be upgraded to buffered bike lanes.
Anticipated 2024 projects include bike lanes along Sunset (Benton to Highway 1) and
establishment of bike boulevards (Bikeways) along Emerald, Arlington, Oakcrest, Keokuk, East
Washington, Friendship, and Westminster.
Several pedestrian mobility and accessibility projects are also included in the capital improvement
budget including sidewalk infill along Scott Boulevard, High Street, and Southgate Avenue in
2023. Further mobility improvements include an extension of the Highway 6 trail (Broadway to
Fairmeadows) in 2026, additional pedestrian connectivity through the N. Gilbert Street
reconstruction project in 2025, and annual funding of $100,00 for the ADA curb ramp program.
Economy: This budget includes $25,000 to support a BIPOC Business Accelerator Program and
$100,000 in Opportunity Funds set aside for small business grants and technical assistance.
$569,300 in community development funding is also provided to support local arts and cultural
and small business and entrepreneurial support agencies. Funds are also budgeted to support
priority placemaking investments in partnership with the Downtown and South District SSMIDs.
Anticipated 2024 ARPA allocations which advance the City’s strategic economic action items
include $4 million to act upon recommendations stemming from the Inclusive Economic
Development Plan and $750,000 to support a childcare wage supplement program.
Approximately $1.8 million in local capital improvement plan funding serves as match to support
a potential state grant which would advance riverfront projects in coordination with local entities.
Safety & Well Being: Several strategic action items are advanced in the Safety & Well-Being
category through this budget. An additional $5,000 to promote the 988-lifeline service is included
along with cost-share funds to partner with CommUnity on a second Mental Health Liaison
position. $9,000 is also provided for the Police Department to conduct headlight/taillight bulb
replacement programs and other proactive vehicle repair programs as traffic stop alternatives.
The City’s strong network of social services is supported through this budget, including another
3% increase in local funds (+18,393) to the Aid to Agencies Program, bringing the total funding
(federal and local) of the Aid to Agencies program to $751,500 in Fiscal Year 2024. $3 million in
ARPA funding is also designated for a social service capital grant program.
The health and well-being of the older population is supported through an additional $750,000 in
2023 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) funding for exterior improvements to the Senior Center,
which supplements the $2.7 million previously allocated in 2022; $3.65 million in 2025 and 2026
CIP funding for interior improvements; and $40,000 in consultant funds for the Senior Center to
launch a capital campaign to supplement these improvements.
Strategic Resources:
Staffing & People: This budget recommends an addition of 9.50 full-time equivalent (FTE)
positions to address acute needs in our operations. 7.50 FTE are funded with City funds (3.90
FTE from General Fund revenues) and 2.00 FTE are supported by external sources:
12
• 0.50 FTE Civilian Police Accreditation Manager
• 1.00 FTE Police Sexual Assault Investigations Officer
• 2.00 FTE Firefighters
• 1.00 FTE Engineering Asset Management Technician
• 1.00 FTE Parking Enforcement Attendant
• 1.00 FTE Water Maintenance Worker I
• 1.00 FTE Landfill Maintenance Worker I
• 1.00 FTE Housing Authority Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator (funded with federal HUD
funding).
• 1.00 FTE Animal Center Volunteer Program Assistant (funded with Animal Center
Foundation funding).
This budget also includes an hourly wage increase from $16.25 to $21.25 per hour for Crossing
Guard temporary staff positions to encourage interest and retention in these roles.
The addition of the public safety positions aims to address high levels of burnout and overtime in
these operations. The Police Accreditation Manager will enable the Department to establish a
centralized Internal Affairs approach to enhance accountability review processes. The move will
also help reduce internal affairs workload on watch supervisors and provide more time for field
inspection of operations. The Police Officer position will be assigned to the Investigations Unit as
a second Sexual Assault Investigator to help respond to the 24% increase in sexual assault
investigations from 2020 to 2021. Sexual Assault investigators logged 655 hours of overtime in
2021 and 545 hours in the first 9 months of 2022. Finally, the Fire Department has two new
positions in the budget to help alleviate increasing overtime demands and record call for service
numbers. The two new firefighters will be strategically utilized by the Fire Chief as floating
positions until such time station five is constructed. At that time, these Firefighter positions will be
counted toward the new station’s staffing levels.
Facilities, Equipment, and Technology: Funding is provided in several operations to support
data collection and management for the 3-year implementation of Cartegraph asset management
software. The new Asset Management Technician position, which is funded by both General Fund
and Enterprise Fund operations, will provide full-time staff support to this initiative. $4.7 million is
transferred to the Facility Reserve Fund through a Fiscal Year 2023 budget amendment, bringing
the Facility Reserve Fund unassigned fund balance to $13.4 million. These funds will be critical
for several major upcoming facility replacement and renovation projects. No Fiscal Year 2024
transfer is planned for the Facility Reserve Fund, however it is hoped that any surplus funds will
be directed to the Emergency Reserve Fund and the Facility Reserve Fund.
Financial: This budget maintains a steady tax rate and proposes several rate and fee increases
to ensure fiscal health and stability. The “Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Overview” section of this
document further details the City’s tax and fee rates and debt service strategy for Fiscal Year
2024. The strategic goal to annually increase the Emergency Fund Balance by 5% is met through
a $258K transfer in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget amendment, bringing the total Emergency Fund
Balance to $5.4 million.
13
Investment in Master Plans and Core Services
As previously outlined, this budget provides funding to support continued implementation of
various City Master Plans including the Climate Action Plan, Bike Master Plan, and Affordable
Housing Action Plan. Over $27 million in the five-year capital improvement plan is budgeted for
parks and recreation projects, many of which implement the Parks & Recreation Gather Here
Master Plans. The Fiscal Year 2024 CIP budget includes funding for playground and/or shelter
improvements at Hunter’s Run and Happy Hollow Parks, redevelopment of the Terrell Mill Skate
Park, Mercer Park Ball Diamond improvements, and Hickory Hill Park Conklin Street entrance
improvements. Funding is also earmarked to respond to recommendations from the Recreation
Master Plan addressing major community interests, such as City aquatics facilities.
Finally, the bulk of this budget is dedicated towards ensuring core service levels are maintained,
including responsible funding levels for roadway repairs and equipment replacement. In addition
to annual pavement rehabilitation program funding, several important road rehabilitation and
reconstruction projects are planned for 2023, including continuation of the Rochester Avenue
(First Ave. to Ralston Creek) reconstruction project, Benton Street rehabilitation, and the Gilbert
Street Bridge replacement. Various water, sewer, and landfill projects are also planned in
accordance with replacement and maintenance schedules.
Inflation, supply chain issues, and labor shortages have had significant impacts on operational
and project budgets and completion timelines. The Fiscal Year 2023 amended and Fiscal Year
2024 proposed budgets reflect significant increases in essential supplies and services line items.
Combined, gas and diesel expenses increased by 54% in Fiscal Year 2024 over Fiscal Year 2022
levels (+$922K). Heating Fuel expenses increased 87% from Fiscal Year 2022 to Fiscal Year
2024 (+$244K) and several water treatment chemical line items doubled in price for Fiscal Year
2024 over the previous year. Additionally, rising insurance premiums are expected to continue in
Fiscal Year 2024, which include 10 to 20% premium increases across the board in Risk
Management. As these essential costs eat up more of the available resources, value-added
programs and services feel the squeeze in the form of stagnated or reduced budget allocations.
Budget Impacts and Financial Goals
This budget was developed within the context of several significant financial impacts:
• The final year of the phased 2013 State of Iowa property tax reform, including an estimated
$146 million loss in multi-residential taxable value in Fiscal Year 2023 and an anticipated
loss of well over $200 million in Fiscal Year 2024.
• Beginning in 2023, commercial and industrial property tax backfill payments (which have
historically totaled $1.5 million annually) are being phased out over a five-year period. In
Fiscal Year 2024 the remaining original commerical backfill payment is estimated to be
$926,000, or roughly two-thirds of the original commitment the State of Iowa made in 2013.
• An anticipated minor bump in taxable valuations in the coming fiscal year, driven in part by
the increase in the State residential rollback rate.
• Economic inflation, higher costs for goods and services, and ongoing financial impacts
caused by the pandemic, incuding continued pandemic-related lags in revenue for some
operations.
14
In light of these impacts, the preparation of this budget was guided
by three primary financial goals that seek to establish a sound
fiscal strategy for the next year and beyond:
First, within the context of heightened financial challenges, the
budget aims to prioritize adequate resources for making progress
on City Council’s Strategic Plan goals and adopted Master Plans.
Second, this budget continues to respond to phased 2013 State
of Iowa property tax reforms while also confronting limited growth
in taxable property values, the phased loss of commercial and
industrial property tax reimbursement payments (“backfill”), and
general economic inflation.
Finally, as the City navigates the next few years of strong financial
headwinds and competing budgetary pressures, it will be critical
to ensure sufficient resources are provided to maintain core
service levels. As such, this budget recommends a stable property
tax rate and several utility rate and fee increases to help address
some acute challenges in our core service areas. Any new, non-
essential or strategic initiatives must be carefully evaluated for long-term financial impact and will
likely need to rely on ARPA funds or other alternative funding sources to implement.
Fiscal Health and Outlook
In general, Iowa City benefits from a strong local economy anchored by the presence of the
University of Iowa and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The local economy consists
of a diverse set of successful industries that together help sustain one of the most consistent
stretches of low unemployment rates in the nation. The City of Iowa City has a rich tradition of
responsible budgeting policies which has created a strong financial foundation and helped the
community weather both past and recent economic recessions while sustaining top-notch service
delivery. In 2022, Moody’s Investors Service reaffirmed its highest quality bond rating (Aaa) for
the City’s general obligation debt.
Moody’s notes factors that could negatively impact the City’s bond rating include a substantial
and sustained reduction in reserve funds or large growth in debt leverage. Iowa City’s bond rating
is the product of prudent budgeting and long-range financial planning. Ultimately, our strong
financial position lowers the cost of borrowing and ensures more of our community’s dollars are
spent on service delivery and Strategic Plan priorities, rather than interest payments.
Despite the stable financial position of the organization, the public should be aware of the
economic trends shaping the community. Iowa City has many attributes that attract new residents
to our city. A strong job market, good schools, and diverse cultural amenities all contribute to the
desirability of our area for families, retirees, and young professionals to make their permanent
homes. New residents, including students, bring a social and economic vibrancy that helps define
Iowa City. The City Council has adopted several policies and initiatives in recent years to maintain
and enhance our positive attributes. However, population growth has a profound effect on service
Financial Goals
Continue to dedicate resources
towards advancing City Council’s
Strategic Plan priorities and
adopted Master Plans.
Seek fiscal stability and
maintenance of service levels
through competing financial
pressures of rising costs and
inflation, the phase out of the
commercial property tax backfill,
and the final years of the phased
2013 tax reform.
Ensure reliability of core services
and infrastructure remains high
while balancing cost impacts on
residents and businesses.
15
delivery, land use, and housing affordability; and creates additional service demands, stresses
transportation and utility infrastructure, and impacts critical quality of life factors.
Prior to the pandemic, strong growth in our tax base allowed the City to absorb the necessary
expenditure increases that accompany population growth and devote significant resources to new
programs while weathering the implementation of the State of Iowa’s 2013 property tax reform.
However, Fiscal Year 2023 represented the first year the City’s tax base actually shrunk due to
both a plateau in development activity and larger tax rollbacks that reduced the taxable
percentage of residential and multi-residential properties. Although Fiscal Year 2024 shows a
slight increase in taxable values over Fiscal Year 2023 (+2.28%), this growth is much lower than
the increases the City has experienced in recent two-year tax valuation cycles. In short, rising
costs tied to inflation and service demands are outpacing the tax revenue collected.
As previously mentioned, this stagnation in taxable value is compounded by the final year of the
phased property tax reform. The taxability of multi-residential properties dropped by 7.26% from
Fiscal Year 2023 to Fiscal Year 2024 and will now be taxed at the same rate as residential
properties going forward. This represents millions in lost revenue annually that is not backfilled
by the State. Additionally, about $1.5 million in annual backfill payments the State previously
made to the City to compensate for lost commercial and industrial property tax revenue is now
being phased out and will decrease by $308K annually until it is eliminated in Fiscal Year 2027.
These factors make moving forward with cautious budgeting and strong reserves critical. Although
the City benefits from a strong financial foundation, any additional financial stressors such as
worsening inflation, new property tax reform legislation, natural disasters, or public health crises
could tip the scales towards higher expenditure cuts, service level reductions, or rate increases.
Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Overview
The proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget includes budgeted expenditures totaling $219,560,475.
Of the total budget, $67,798,034 is for the General Fund, $65,637,220 is directed to Capital
Projects and $56,338,944 is related to the operations of enterprise funds. A breakdown of the
budget by fund type follows:
General Enterprise SpecialRevenue Debt Service Capital Projects
FY2024 $67,798,034 $56,338,944 $16,575,587 $13,210,690 $65,637,220
$-
$10,000,000
$20,000,000
$30,000,000
$40,000,000
$50,000,000
$60,000,000
$70,000,000
$80,000,000
Fiscal Year 2024 Expenditure Comparison by Fund Type
excludes transfers
16
Property taxes and charges for services account for the majority of City revenues. The following
table depicts a year-over-year comparison of Iowa City's revenue mix across all funds.
All Funds Revenue Comparison of FY2023 versus FY 2024
FY 2023 Revised FY2024 Budget Percent Change
Property Taxes $ 66,474,472 $ 68,015,786 2.32%
Other City Taxes $ 6,993,578 $ 7,679,492 9.81%
Licenses & Permits $ 2,593,050 $ 2,574,121 -0.73%
Use of Money & Prop $ 2,875,320 $ 3,299,263 14.74%
Intergovernmental $ 47,155,369 $ 35,925,666 -23.81%
Charges for Services $ 43,929,943 $ 44,597,034 1.52%
Miscellaneous $ 8,498,638 $ 8,912,667 4.87%
Other Financial Sources $ 11,911,663 $ 43,423,267 264.54%
TOTAL $ 190,432,033 $ 214,427,297 12.60% The increase in Other City Taxes is due hotel/motel tax revenues continuing to recover from the
pandemic. The increase in Use of Money and Property is due to increased interest revenue and
recovery from COVID-19 impacts on rent incomes. The decrease in Intergovernmental is largely
related to the receipt of roughly $9 million in ARPA funds in Fiscal Year 2023. The large increase
in Other Financial Sources is due to a projected increase in Debt Sales due to an approximately
$29 million in Wastewaster revenue bonds and $14.5 million in General Obligation (G.O.) bonds
that are projected in Fiscal Year 2024.
The following pie chart displays revenue across all funds for FY 2024 only. The chart shows the
heavy reliance on taxes and charges for services to support the various projects and services
contained in this budget.
It is imperative to consider how the overall revenue and expenditure recommendations in this
budget will impact local households and businesses. The proposed property tax rate remains
Property Taxes
32%
Other City Taxes, 4%
Licenses & Permits, 1%
Use of Money & Prop, 1%
Intergovernmental
17%
Charges for
Services
21%
Misc.
4%
Other Financial
Sources
20%
All Funds Revenue Sources (FY 2024)
17
unchanged at $15.63. Although this rate represents a 12% reduction in our property tax rate over
the past decade, it is likely further reductions will not be possible in the coming years and failure
to grow the City’s tax base could actually force property tax rates back upwards. Economic
inflation has significantly bloated budgets while diminishing the City’s purchasing power; 20 –
30% increases in capital project costs have become standard. To address some of these acute
challenges in the utility and enterprise funds, this budget includes several rate increases including
a 2% Wastewater rate increase, 4% Water rate increase, $1/month Refuse and Recycling rate
increase ($2/month total), and $0.50/month Stormwater rate increase.
Additionally, this budget includes fee increases of $5/month for monthly parking permits, an
increase to special curbside bulky waste and 24-hour tagged refuse pickups, and an increase in
the Landfill minimum tipping fee of $7 for Iowa City residents and $7.50 for other county residents.
These changes impact only the residents who take advantage of those services.
Based on a flat property tax rate and the aforementioned utility rate increases, it is estimated in
Fiscal Year 2024 a household with a $300,000 assessed home value will pay approximately $160
more per year (approximately $13 more per month) in taxes and fees for basic City services
compared to the previous year (4.3% increase). The following bar chart illustrates the estimated
overall financial impact of tax and fee changes to resident households. The table uses $100,000
in assessed home value so the reader may easily calculate tax payments based on their own
home value.
Property Tax Overview
The taxable valuation of property subject to all levies in Iowa City decreased 0.46% in Fiscal Year
2023, despite assessed growth increasing 3.3%. This was driven largely by residential tax
FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY2021 FY2022 FY2023 FY2024
Property Taxes $930 $900 $901 $869 $884 $848 $883
Stormwater $54 $54 $60 $60 $60 $60 $66
Refuse $205 $229 $229 $240 $240 $276 $300
Sewer - 800 cubic feet $433 $433 $433 $433 $433 $433 $442
Water-- 800 cubic feet $362 $380 $399 $399 $419 $419 $436
Total $1,984 $1,996 $2,022 $2,001 $2,036 $2,036 $2,127
Percent Change 1.1%0.6%1.3%-1.1%1.8%0.0%4.4%
-$500
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
Annual Financial Impact to Residential Households
(based on $100K Assessed Home Value)
18
rollbacks imposed by the State which significantly reduced the taxable portion of residential and
multi-residential properties. Prior to assessment year 2013 (Fiscal Year 2015), multi-residential
properties were classified as commercial and taxed at 100% of assessed value. Since then, the
taxable percentage of multi-residential properties has dropped 3-4% annually and in Fiscal Year
2024, the taxable percentage will drop 7.26%. Going forward, multi-residential properties will be
taxed at the same rate as residential properties. While the property tax reform legislation has
clearly provided significant benefit to multi-residential property owners, it places additional strain
on the City’s budget. For context, the multi-family rollback will result in Iowa City losing over $146
million in taxable value in Fiscal Year 2023 alone and that number will likely double in Fiscal Year
2024.
With multi-residential properties now being collapsed into the residential tax rate, more of the
City’s tax base will be riding on the residential rollback rate set annually by the State. This rate
has been as low as 44% in past years and has more recently been in the mid-fifties. Fiscal Year
2023’s 2.3% reduction in the residential rollback rate equated to a loss of about $1.6 million in
direct revenue to the City. Due to the significant number of multi-residential properties in Iowa
City, any fluctuations in this rollback rate from year to year could result in significant swings in tax
revenue. Furthermore, multiple state legislators have identified property tax reform as a priority
for the 2023 Session, which will likely further threaten property tax revenue cities rely on for
service delivery.
For Fiscal Year 2024, the taxable valuation of property subject to all levies in Iowa City increased
slightly by 2.3% and assessed values grew only incrementally by 1.7%. The larger growth in
taxable valuation is due to recovery from the residential rollback drop in Fiscal Year 2023. While
new construction and higher property values in recent years have been sufficient to make up for
the reduction in the taxability of residential and multi-residential properties, the Fiscal Year 2023
and 2024 budget years mark a juncture in this trend with rollback rates and inflation outpacing the
assessed growth. It is important to remember that tax valuations occur in a two-year cycle.
Typically, the City experiences a larger boost in taxable value in valuation years (odd years).
However, Fiscal Year 2023 deviated from that trend and the taxable valuation actually decreased
– again due largely to a reduction in the taxable percentage of residential properties (including
multi-family). These rollback impacts, combined with stagnant valuations and inflation reducing
FY2014 FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY2021 FY2022 FY2023 FY2024
Taxable %
of Multi-Family 100.00%95.00%90.00%86.25%82.50%78.75%75.00%71.25%67.50%63.75%56.49%
Taxable %
of Residential 52.82%54.40%55.73%55.63%56.94%55.62%56.92%55.07%56.41%54.13%56.49%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
80.00%
90.00%
100.00%
Taxable % of Residential Properties
19
buying power, led to a much lower than normal increase in taxable valuations for Fiscal Year
2024. As shown by the chart below, Fiscal Year 2023 and 2024 marked the lowest two-year total
in taxable valuations growth within the last ten years by a wide margin.
In light of these financial impacts, the Fiscal Year 2024 budget proposes no change in the property
tax levy rate. For the previous eleven years, tax rate reductions were made possible by prudent
debt strategies, operational efficiencies, and valuation growth. In particular, reductions in the debt
service portion of the tax levy has been achieved through debt restructuring and early bond
retirement strategies, fueled by valuation growth. However, our debt service revenue is no longer
keeping up with project costs in this hyperinflationary market. If the city’s tax base continues to
lag in growth and inflation worsens, the City may need to consider more severe expenditure cuts
or increases to the property tax rate to avoid service cuts or increased deferred maintenance.
The following chart shows a detailed breakdown of the City’s property tax asking for Fiscal Year
2024 compared to the previous year. The emergency levy, employee benefits levy, and debt
service levy remained unchanged from Fiscal Year 2023. The total in property tax dollars levied
by the City increased slightly over the previous fiscal year due to the residential rollback rate
increase, a slight bump in valuations, an increase in Downtown SSMID Levy rates which are
FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24
Taxable Val $3,136,$3,182,$3,421,$3,542,$3,745,$3,923,$4,258,$4,396 $4,375 $4,475
Val % Change 3.32%1.46%7.50%3.55%5.72%4.74%8.54%3.24%-0.46%2.28%
-2.00%
0.00%
2.00%
4.00%
6.00%
8.00%
10.00%
$0
$1,000,000,000
$2,000,000,000
$3,000,000,000
$4,000,000,000
Ta
x
a
b
l
e
V
a
l
u
e
Property Tax Valuations & Percent Change
FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24
Tax Value (millions)$3,036 $3,137 $3,183 $3,421 $3,543 $3,745 $3,923 $4,258 $4,396 $4,376 $4,476
Val % Change 2.56%3.32%1.46%7.50%3.55%5.72%4.74%8.54%3.24%-0.46%2.28%
Ptax Rate 16.805 16.705 16.651 16.583 16.333 16.183 15.833 15.773 15.673 15.633 15.633
Rate % Change -2.69%-0.60%-0.32%-0.41%-1.51%-0.92%-2.16%-0.38%-1.01%-0.26%0.00%
1515.215.415.615.81616.216.416.616.817
$0$500$1,000$1,500$2,000$2,500$3,000$3,500$4,000$4,500$5,000
Pr
o
p
e
r
t
y
T
a
x
R
a
t
e
Ta
x
a
b
l
e
V
a
l
u
e
(
i
n
m
i
l
l
i
o
n
s
)
Property Tax Rate vs. Valuations
4.8% 11% 10.4% 11.7% 1.8% 2-yr. Val % growth:
20
passed through to the Downtown District. Please note that a property tax bill is a function of
property value, the taxable percentage of the property as determined by the state, and local levy
rates from all taxing bodies. Thus, most property owners’ tax bills will increase despite the City’s
stable tax levy rates.
LEVIES
FY2023 FY2024
Dollars Tax Rate Dollars Tax Rate
per $1,000 per $1,000
General Fund Tax Levies:
General $33,996,056 8.100 $34,792,378 8.100
Transit $3,987,192 0.950 $4,080,588 0.950 Tort Liability $1,218,989 0.290 $1,247,543 0.290
Library $1,133,202 0.270 $1,159,746 0.270
Emergency $839,409 0.200 $859,071 0.200
Subtotal: $41,174,848 9.810 $42,139,326 9.810
Agland Levy $4,211 3.003 $4,543 3.003
General Fund Property Taxes $41,179,059 $42,143,869
Special Revenue Levies:
Employee Benefits $14,035,545 3.344 $14,364,312 3.344
Subtotal: $14,035,545 3.344 $14,364,312 3.344
Debt Service $10,733,062 2.478 $10,980,799 2.478
Total City Levy Property Taxes: $65,947,666 15.632 $67,488,980 15.632
% Change from prior year -0.80% -2.16% 2.34% 0.0%
SSMID Levy – Downtown $426,713 2.000 $426,713* 2.500
SSMID Levy – South District $100,093 5.000 $100,093* 5.000
Total Property Taxes $66,474,472 ---- $67,488,980 ----
*FY 2024 SSMID dollars unknown until received by the State January 2023
Iowa City’s tax rate reflects enhanced levels of public services
(e.g. full-time fire department, senior center, human rights,
transit and library levies, etc.), unique state and federal
mandates (e.g. public safety pension contributions), a lack of
alternative revenue sources (e.g. LOST, gaming, etc.), and
other factors such as a significant number of University of Iowa
affiliated tax-exempt properties within the jurisdiction. Recent
efforts to reduce Iowa City’s property tax rate have brought our
community in closer alignment to the tax rates of other cities in
Eastern Iowa. When compared to the ten largest cities in Iowa, Iowa City has moved from one of
the highest tax rates in the state to the middle of the pack. Looking ahead, it is unlikely additional
rate reductions will be possible in coming years, and rate increases could become necessary in
response to the many competing financial stressors discussed throughout this transmittal letter.
General Fund Overview
The General Fund, which includes services such as police, fire, parks and recreation, and general
government, represents approximately one third of the total budget. General Fund operations are
FY2023 Municipal Property
Tax Rates in Eastern Iowa
North Liberty $11.32 Coralville $14.31
Iowa City $15.63 Cedar Rapids $16.03
Davenport $16.78
21
largely supported by property taxes, which constitute approximately 67% of the total revenue in
this fund (down from 69% in Fiscal Year 2023).
Prioritization of General Fund expenditures is crucial considering annual salary and benefit growth
(generally 3-4% annually), rising supply and material costs, and increased service demands due
to a growing population. On the expense side, the Fiscal Year 2024 budget includes an increase
of 4.34% in General Fund expenditures.
Note that despite the addition of 3.90 FTE property-tax supported positions in this budget the
share of Personnel expenditures decreased 1% over Fiscal Year 2023. The overall increase in
expenditures is reflective of supplies and services at current service levels costing more, rather
than new expenditures being added.
Enterprise / Business Fund Overview
Enterprise or Business Funds refer to specific operations intended to be self-sustaining without
the need for subsidy from property taxes or revenue sources other than fee collection directly
related to the operation. The budgeted revenues, expenditures, and corresponding fund balances
Property Taxes
67%Other City Taxes, 5%
Licenses & Permits, 4%
Use of Money & Property, 2%
Intergovernmental, 7%
Charges for Fees &
Services, 2%
Miscellaneous, 12%Other Financing
Sources, 1%
FY2024 Revenues & Other Financing Sources
excludes transfers
Personnel
74%
Services19%Contingency, 2%
Supplies, 3%
Capital Outlay, 2%
FY 2024 General Fund Expenditures by Category
excludes transfers
22
of the City’s enterprise funds are detailed in the following table. Each of the City's enterprise funds
are in varying, yet stable conditions. A column has been added to indicate the approximate health
of each fund (AAA = Good, AA = Adequate, A = Needs Monitoring).
Fund Estimated Revenues Transfers In Budgeted Expenditures Transfers Out
Estimated Fund Balance 6/30/24
Restricted, Committed, Assigned
Unassigned Fund Balance, 6/30/2024
Unassigned Balance as % of Rev & Trans In
Fu
n
d
H
e
a
l
t
h
Parking 5,611,532 1,000,000 4,359,209 2,378,595 2,301,704 463,702 1,838,002 28% A
Transit 6,562,268 5,221,512 10,144,009 1,325,000 12,781,235 11,065,245 1,715,990 15% A
Wastewater 12,548,301 6,077,875 8,183,257 8,530,000 22,510,530 10,621,201 11,889,329 64% AA
Water 11,668,360 3,167,175 10,085,483 7,108,675 11,364,221 3,985,762 7,378,459 50% AA
Refuse 4,968,435 8,125 4,627,383 250,000 1,355,425 0 1,355,425 27% AA
Landfill 7,292,093 1,445,559 6,108,611 4,902,750 20,908,872 19,097,743 1,811,129 21% AA
Airport 100,000 506,797 406,307 47,000 383,477 291,649 91,829 18% AA
Stormwater 1,903,038 1,101,500 738,481 2,090,000 1,632,877 834,000 798,877 27% AA
ICHA 12,274,066 - 11,686,204 54,791 6,759,039 1,341,073 5,417,967 44% AAA
In response to some of current and anticipated pressures on many of the Enterprise Funds, this
budget recommends several rate and fee increases. Although some funds present stable or
adequate positions, proactive, incremental increases to some rates are recommended to avoid
larger hikes when the fund is in a more critical condition.
• $2/month Refuse / Recycling Rate increase
• $0.50/month Stormwater Rate increase
• 2% Wastewater Rate increase (approx. +$2.85/mo. per home)
• 4% Water Rate increase (approximately +$1.50/mo. per home)
• $5/month Monthly Parking Permit increase (impacts parking permit holders only)
Additionally, this budget recommends an increase to special bulky item and 24-hour tagged
curbside pickups, and an increase in the Landfill minimum tipping fee of $7 for Iowa City residents
and $7.50 for all others. These changes address heightened demand in resource management
operations and impact only those who take advantage of these services.
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Highlights
The capital budget for Fiscal Year 2024 totals $65,737,220 and the five-year CIP totals
$253,000,100. The majority of CIP projects in the five-year period improve the local transportation
network, municipal utility system, and public parks and open spaces. The five-year program
continues to reflect the City Council’s priorities established in previous fiscal years. We are
currently facing capital project budgets increase by 20-30% due to cost increases. As such, we
are buying less and relying on reserves to keep projects underway moving forward in Fiscal Year
2023. The proposed Capital Improvement Budget delays several projects in order to balance the
budget and to account for supply chain issues and labor shortages.
23
Each year, significant resources are committed to annual capital projects including water and
sewer main replacements, fire truck replacements, annual street overlays, facility projects, and
curb ramp replacements. Recurring projects in this five-year Capital Improvement Plan include
bicycle master plan improvements, annual tree plantings, bus stop improvements, and ADA
improvements. Other examples of significant projects that align with Council priorities and are
budgeted for in the 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan include the following (many projects will
span multiple years):
2023
• Kiwanis Park improvements
• Gilbert Street Bridge replacement
• Hunter’s Run Park improvements
• Willow Creek Trail replacement
• Hickory Hill Park ecological restoration
& Conklin Street entrance improvements
• Fire Apparatus replacement
• Landfill Cell development
• Mercer Park ball diamond improvements
• Wastewater Digester Complex rehab
• Rohret South Sewer expansion
• Terrell Mill Skate Park redevelopment
• Senior Center exterior improvements
2024
• Equipment building replacement
• Palisades Park development
• Lower City Park shelters & restroom
• Riverside Dr pedestrian bridge rehab
• Collector Well #2 cleaning and upgrade
• Wastewater Digest Gas improvements
• Peterson St. storm Sewer improvements
• Landfill Equipment building replacement
• Court Street reconstruction
• Dubuque Street reconstruction
Streets, Bridges, and Traffic Engineering, 45%
Water/Wastewater/Stormwater, 21%
Landfill, 4%Transit & Parking, 12%
Culture & Rec, 12%
Public Safety, 2%
Government Buildings, 2%
Airport, 2%
Community & Economic
Development, 0%
Capital Improvement Projects by Category 2023-2027
24
2025
• City Park pool replacement
• Senior Center interior improvements
• Dodge Street reconstruction
• Westside Park Land Acquisition
• North Gilbert Street reconstruction
• Bradford Dr water main replacement
• Transit Facility Relocation
• Wastewater Return Activated Sludge
Pump replacement
• Library carpet and furnishings
• College Green Park playground
• Upper City Park improvements
• Airport Terminal Building remodel and
reconstruction
2026
• Highway 6 trail extension
• Taft Avenue reconstruction
• Napoleon Park softball field renovation
• River Street Storm Sewer improvements
• N. Market Square playground
• Reno Street Park renovations
• Carson Lake Park
• Water Plant roof replacement
• Airport apron expansion
• Recreation Center Improvements
2027
• Airport runway extension
• Fire Station #5 and #3 construction
• Iowa River Trail extension
• Dog Park improvements
• Market & Jefferson two-way conversion
• Burlington Street bridge replacement
• Wastewater Lift Station improvements
• Water GSR upgrade and repairs
Debt Service
Staff is projecting general obligation bond issues of $9.7 million in Fiscal Year 2023 and $14.8
million in Fiscal Year 2024, including 2% for bond issuance costs. The use of G.O. bonds is
required to carry out the projects that are being recommended. This level of bonding projected is
well below the thresholds established by the State and is consistent with Iowa City’s debt policies.
The State of Iowa limits city debt to no more than 5% of the total assessed value of taxable
property within the corporate limits as established by the City Assessor. The City Council’s Debt
Management policy follows best practices for Aaa rated communities and aims to limit outstanding
general obligation and tax increment revenue bonded debt to no more than 0.75% of total
assessed property valuations. The budget anticipates outstanding debt of $68 million at Fiscal
Year 2024 year-end, which is approximately 0.92% of total valuations and equal to roughly 18.3%
of the allowable debt level established by the State. Iowa City's internal fiscal policy also specifies
that the debt service levy shall not exceed 30% of the total property tax levy. The debt service
levy included in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget remains unchanged from the prior fiscal year and
accounts for approximately 16% of the City’s total levy. The following depicts outstanding general
obligation and TIF revenue debt as a percentage of total valuations.
25
The budget continues to reflect prudent borrowing practices, which help preserve financial
flexibility and ultimately lower the cost of borrowing. Over the last several years, Iowa City has
worked to reduce its debt load. Recent early general obligation bond redemptions include $2.1
million in Fiscal Year 2016, $2.2 million in Fiscal Year 2017, $5.5 million in Fiscal Year 2018, and
$3.9 million in Fiscal Year 2019. These early redemptions saved the City a significant amount in
interest expenses, which means money is spent on service delivery rather than debt payments.
Internal Service Fund Highlights
Internal Service Funds serve needs that are internal to the City as an organization. These are
non-budgetary funds and are an internal financing mechanism for operations such as vehicle
replacement and information technology services. Expenditures made from these funds are
charged back to departments. All funds are in good condition with healthy balances. Strong
balances create reserves that can provide flexibility to deal with unexpected costs.
Looking Ahead
In summary, although this year’s budget is built on a strong foundation of several years of prudent
financial decision-making, the City has entered some of the most challenging budgetary years in
recent history. State level property tax reforms, a sharp decline in taxability of multi-family
properties, plateauing taxable property values, and high costs due to labor shortages, supply
chain issues, and general inflation are putting significant strains on City finances. The statewide
reforms have disproportionately affected growing communities with large multi-residential
residential markets like Iowa City and threats of new property tax reform measures through the
upcoming legislative session could worsen conditions.
FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 *FY23 *FY24 *FY25
Debt (millions)67 62 58 67 67 67 $68.2 67 66 64 68 70
% of Val 1.44%1.28%1.17%1.25%1.22%1.14%1.11%0.97%0.94%0.89%0.91%0.92%
0.00%
0.20%
0.40%
0.60%
0.80%
1.00%
1.20%
1.40%
1.60%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Mi
l
l
i
o
n
s
o
f
D
o
l
l
a
r
s
(
$
)
General Bonded Debt Outstandingand Percent of Total Valuation
26
27
Transportation Services
Department
Contact information
Transportation Services Director: Darian Nagle-Gamm
Website: www.icgov.org/transit; www.icareatransit.org
Telephone: 319-356-5151
Address: 410 E. Washington Street
254
Transportation Services Department
Department Mission
The Iowa City Transportation Services Department is committed to providing convenient, safe,
affordable and courteous service to the citizens and visitors of Iowa City.
Department Description
The Transportation Services Department manages the City’s Parking and Public Transportation
divisions. All divisions are self-supporting enterprise funds with the exception of the Administration
Division that is located in the General Fund.
“We should always be seeking ways
improve transit service for those that
rely on it most, and make it an easier
choice for others”
- Darian Nagle-Gamm
255
Funds/Divisions
General Fund:
Transportation Services Administration
Parking Fund:
Parking Operations
Transit Fund:
Transit Operations
Transportation
Services
Administration
*Administration
*CBD Maintenance Operations
Parking
Operations
*Parking Administration
*On Street Operations
*Ramp Operations
*Parking Debt Service
*Parking Impact Fee
*Capital Reserves
Public
Transportation
*Transit Administration
*Transit Operations
*Fleet Operations
*Court Street Transpotation Center
*Replacement Reserves
256
Department Staffing
The Transportation Services Department has 77.51 FTE across 3 divisions and 13 activities.
Senior Management
Associate Director of Transportation
Mark Rummel
3.00
22.88
51.63
Transportation Services Department
FTE by Division
Transportation Services Administration Parking Transit
257
Transportation Services Administration
$684,881
Parking
$4,359,209
Transit
$10,144,009
4%
29%
67%
Transportation Services -
FY24 Budget - $15,188,099
Transportation Services
Administration
Parking
Transit
258
Transportation Services Administration
The Transportation Services Administration Division manages the activities of the two
enterprise divisions, Parking and Transit, and it oversees the Central Business District (CBD)
maintenance operations.
General Fund Activities:
Transportation Services Administration personnel include the Transportation
Services Director and Associate Director.
Central Business District Maintenance Operations provides daily grounds
maintenance in the Downtown, Northside Marketplace, and City Plaza (Pedestrian
Mall). CBD provides cleanup, ambassador duties, and assistance for 120+ events a
year.
Recent Accomplishments:
Assisted Downtown District with waste management initiatives
Developing strategies to improve supply and access to short-term commercial parking
in the Downtown
Assisted Downtown District, Summer of the Arts, and other community organizations
with an increasing number of festivals and events
Upcoming Challenges:
Snow removal in CBD
Tile and drainage issues at the Downtown fountain
259
Rehabilitating refuse and recycling containers in the CBD
Maintenance of downtown alleys
Budget highlights
Service Level Change Summary
There are no service level changes in the fiscal year 2024 budget.
Financial Highlights
CBD Maintenance Operations Services expenditures decreased by 12.85% in fiscal year
2024 largely due to a decrease in the budget for other building repairs and maintenance.
Staffing Level Change Summary
There are no staffing level changes in the fiscal year 2024 budget.
71%
28%
1%0%
Transportation Services Admin
FY24 Expenditures - $684,881
Personnel
Services
Supplies
Capital Outlay
260
Parking Operations
The Parking Division of the Transportation Services Department is a self-supporting
enterprise fund responsible for providing safe and convenient parking options in downtown
Iowa City.
The Division oversees the operation of six ramps, five surface lots, downtown loading zones,
on-street (metered) parking, and on-street parking in the near downtown areas. Parking
Services enforces parking regulations in the central business district and surrounding areas.
Parking Fund Activities:
Parking Administration oversees the operation of City’s parking system including
staffing, equipment, and infrastructure.
On Street Operations is responsible for the maintenance and operations of the City’s
downtown parking meter system as well as the downtown metered and un-metered
street parking lots:
o Schumann Lot (near Market & Dubuque)
o Market Street Lot (Blue Bird Cafe)
o Recreation Center Lot (Robert A. Lee Recreation Center)
o Burlington Street Lot (near Mill Restaurant)
o Maiden Lane Parking Lot (west of Gilbert Street)
Parking Ramp Operations is responsible for the maintenance and operations of the
City’s parking garages in the downtown and near-downtown areas:
o Dubuque Street Garage (Burlington Street & Dubuque Street) - One block south
of the Public Library
o Capitol Street Garage (Burlington Street & Capitol Street) - Adjoins Old Capitol
Town Center
o Chauncey Swan Garage (Washington Street - across from City Hall)
o Tower Place & Parking (Iowa Avenue & Gilbert Street) - mixed-use
commercial/parking facility
o Harrison Street Garage (Harrison Street & Dubuque Street) - mixed-use
residential/public parking facility opened April of 2017
Parking Debt Service consists of principal and interest payments on parking revenue
bonds and the Harrison Street lease-purchase agreement (retired in 2020), which are
repaid with parking revenue.
Parking Impact Fee activity is derived from fees generated from downtown
developments that pay a parking impact fee to the City in lieu of providing a minimum
level of parking spaces as required by the zoning code. The fees from these fees
must be used within the impacted area.
261
Recent Accomplishments:
Completed ninth year of First Hour Free resulting in 816,281 hours of free vehicle
parking
286,487 total digital parking transactions using the Passport app
Transition from Passport to ParkMobile app for digital parking payments
Replace electronic parking meter equipment
Upcoming Challenges:
Replace automated parking and enforcement systems
Accommodating commercial delivery growth in an evolving downtown environment
Rehabilitation and expansion of bike parking downtown
Bringing bikeshare/micromobilty share online
Rehabilitate refuse equipment in downtown
262
Budget highlights
Service Level Change Summary
In the Parking fiscal year 2024 budget, a $5 increase per month in permit fee is budgeted.
Financial Highlights
In Parking Administration, Services expenditures increased by 3.3% in fiscal year 2024
primarily due to an increase in supplies for meetings and employee support.
On Street Operations Services expenditures increased by 35.1% in fiscal year 2024 primarily
due to financial services for meter fees, mobile app, web payment, etc.
In Parking Ramp Operations, supplies expenditures increased 65.3% or $5,846 in the fiscal
year 2024 budget. This is primarily for the purchase of new office furniture.
Staffing Level Change Summary
1.00 FTE Parking Enforcement Attendant was added for fiscal year 2024.
45%
54%
1%0%
Parking
FY24 Expenditures - $4,359,209
Personnel
Services
Supplies
Capital Outlay
263
Goals, objectives, and performance measures
Strategic Plan Goal: Enhance Community Mobility for All Residents
Department Goal: Provide convenient parking options.
Department Objective: Increase transient hours parked in downtown on-street and off-
street spaces.
Performance Measures: FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023
Projected
FY 2024
Estimate
Transient Hours Parked 3,621,758 2,152,048 3,487,624 4,500,000 4,500,000
Percent Change -29.6% -40.6% 62.1% 29.0% 0.0%
Strategic Plan Goal: Strengthen Community Engagement and Intergovernmental
Relations
Department Goal: Increase convenience and access for parking customers.
Department Objective: Increase credit card usage as a payment mechanism to 85%.
Performance Measures: FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023
Projected
FY 2024
Estimate
Credit Card Usage –
Access Controlled Facilities 81% 85% 83% 85% 90%
3,621,758
2,152,048
3,487,624
4,500,000 4,500,000
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023
Projected
FY 2024
Estimate
264
Transit Operations
The Transit Operations Division provides fixed-route and paratransit bus services as well as
operating the Court Street Transportation Center. The division is committed to providing
safe, courteous, affordable and quality transportation to the citizens and visitors of Iowa City
as well as the City of University Heights.
Transit Fund Activities:
Transit Administration personnel consists of a 45% cost share of the Transportation
Services Administration budget, an Operations Supervisor, Customer Service
Representatives, and a Data Analyst.
Transit operations include 13 routes within the corporate limits of Iowa City and
University Heights. Fixed route bus service is operated with a 27 bus fleet, Monday -
Friday from 6:00 am – 11:00 pm and Saturday from 7:00 am - 7:30 pm. During peak
hours, all routes operate on 30 minute or better headways while providing hourly
service evenings and Saturdays. During the weekday mid-day, 7 routes have 30
minutes or better headways, while 5 routes have hourly service. Complimentary
paratransit service is provided mirroring the hours of operation of the fixed route
service. These services are contracted through an agreement with Johnson County
SEATS with vehicles provided by the City of Iowa City
Fleet Maintenance maintains a fleet of 27 heavy duty buses and 13 para-transit
buses, all of which are ADA accessible.
Court Street Transportation Center is a multi-use facility houses a 600-space
parking facility and four commercial properties. This facility was FTA funded resulting
in all revenues being directed to the transit fund.
The Replacement Reserve holds fund for the replacement of buses and facilities.
Funds equal to 20% of the accumulated depreciation of the City’s bus fleet and
maintenance facility are maintained in this reserve to be used as a match for state or
federal grants. This reserve also accounts for the replacement grants and purchases
activity.
265
Recent Accomplishments:
Iowa City Transit awarded the Federal Transit Administration’s Climate Challenge
award for “Most Collaborative” agency nationwide for efforts in partnering with the
State of Iowa and MidAmerican Energy to bring sustainable electric bus technology to
Iowa City
Revolutionized transit service by launching (4) battery electric buses into revenue
service
Maintained the transit service schedule despite persistent staffing challenges
Upcoming Challenges:
Commissioning final electric bus charging equipment
Ensuring adequate staffing levels to maintain operations
Implementing transit service level adjustments to improve on-time performance
Plan for transit service enhancements
Building transit ridership post-COVID
Finalize Federal Transit Administration planning and environmental review for a
replacement transit facility
Commencing design for new transit facility
Continue to pursue grant funding opportunities for a replacement transit facility
266
Budget highlights
Service Level Change Summary
In the Transit fiscal year 2024 budget, a $5 increase per month in permit fees at Court Street
Transportation Center is budgeted.
Financial Highlights
Transportation Operations saw an increase of 16.45% in expenditures for fiscal year 2024
primarily due to the purchase of a new farebox system.
Services expenditures within Fleet Maintenance increased 143.0% in the fiscal year 2024
due to a large engine transmission repair.
Staffing Level Change Summary
There are no staffing level changes in the fiscal year 2024 budget
48%
31%
13%
8%
Transit
FY24 Expenditures - $10,144,009
Personnel
Services
Supplies
Capital Outlay
267
Goals, objectives, and performance measures
Strategic Plan Goal: Foster Healthy Neighborhoods and Affordable Housing
Throughout the City
Department Goal: Provide safe, courteous, and quality transportation services.
Department Objective: Increase Rides per Revenue Hour to 35
Performance Measures: FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023
Projected
FY 2024
Estimate
Riders per Revenue Vehicle
Hour 21.30 9.58 16.72 18.00 22.00
Strategic Plan Goal: Invest in Public Infrastructure, Facilities, and Fiscal Reserves
Department Goal: Increase fare-box/expense ratio.
Department Objective: Fare-box revenues to cover 30% of operating costs.
Performance Measures: FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023
Projected
FY 2024
Estimate
Fare-box/Expense Ratio 16% 11% 14% 16% 20%
21.30
9.58
16.72 18.00
22.00
FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2023
Projected
FY 2024
Estimate
Riders per Revenue Vehicle Hour
268
TRANSIT FUND
The Transit Fund accounts for the operations of the City’s public transportation operations. The
Transit enterprise fund utilizes user fees, property taxes, and State and Federal funding to
provide transportation services throughout the City including para-transit services.
In fiscal year 2022, the unassigned fund balance decreased by $197,831 or 8.6% over fiscal
year 2021 primarily due to transfers to the replacement reserve. The fiscal year 2023 projected
unassigned fund balance is estimated to increase by $60,890 or 2.9% from fiscal year 2022.
This increase is also primarily due to the expected receipt of COVID-19 relief grant funding.
The COVID-19 relief grant funds will continue to be used for the next few years to help fund
operations.
Unassigned fund balance is budgeted to decrease by $435,229 or 20.2% in fiscal year 2024.
This decrease is primarily due to transfers to the replacement reserve.
(1) FY23 - FY25 figures are estimates
The Transit Fund has assigned fund balance for replacement reserves. For fiscal year 2024,
the assigned fund balance is estimated at $11,065,245. Funds are transferred from the Transit
operations to the replacement reserve to cover 20% of depreciation expense for buses and
facilities. Grants typically cover about 80% of the cost of replacement, and the replacement
reserves are expected to cover the remaining 20%. In fiscal year 2024, the replacement
reserve is projected to have a balance of $1,565,245 for the replacement of buses. The reserve
also has an additional $9,500,000 that is being held for the replacement of the transit equipment
facility, which is being planned for fiscal year 2025
446
Revenues:
The Transit fund is funded through several revenue sources:
Federal Operating Assistance: Based on an MPOJC formula, these funds are
distributed annually between Cambus, Coralville Transit, and Iowa City Transit.
State Operating Assistance: Job Access and Reverse Commute Program (JARC),
is a Federally funded, application-based grant program, with annual allocations.
This is 15.5% of fiscal year 2024 budgeted revenue and transfers in.
Transit Property Tax Levy: Iowa State Code chapter 384.12.10 provides the legal
authority for municipalities to levy additional taxes, including “a tax for the
operation and maintenance of a municipal transit system…” Iowa City transit
property tax levy is $.95 per thousand of valuation. These property tax funds are
collected in the General fund and transferred to the Transit fund.
Bus Fares: Fares amount to 7.9% of the Transit fund revenue and transfers in.
No fare increases are being proposed for fiscal year 2024.
Court Street Transportation Parking and Rent Revenues: These revenues include
all hourly ($1.00 per hour after the first hour) and permit ($90 per month) parking
as well as rent from the commercial properties.
Other Revenue: The Transit fund also receives revenue from advertising and
other miscellaneous sources.
Fiscal year 2024 revenue is projected to decrease from the fiscal year 2023 revised revenue
estimates by $467,286 or 6.7%. The decrease is due to the COVID-19 relief grant funding
budgeted in fiscal year 2024.
447
The Transit Property Tax Levy (including State backfill funds), estimated at $4,221,512, will
be transferred into the Transit fund from the General fund in fiscal year 2024. Combined
with funding from other governments, $8,816,259 of the $10,783,780 in revenues and
transfers in (not including reserve transfers) or 81.8% is from sources of revenue not
generated by transit operations. This is lower than fiscal year 2023 funding due to the
COVID-19 relief and electric bus grant revenue.
Expenditures:
Fiscal year 2024 budgeted expenditures represent a 1.3% increase from the fiscal year
2023 revised expenditure budget. The increase is due to capital outlay expenses to replace
the fare box system in the buses. This is offset by a decrease in the amount transferred to
the replacement reserves.
448
Long-term Projections:
The Transit Fund revenues in fiscal year 2023 are high due to receipt of COVID-19 relief grant
funding. Transit Fund revenues are projected flat for future years with any increases coming
from growth in the Transit Property Tax Levy transfer in. Transit Property Taxes are projected
with 3% taxable valuation growth in fiscal years 2025 through 2028. The final drop in the
Multi-Residential rollback rates to match the Residential rollback rates occurs in fiscal year
2024.
Future expenditures were projected with the assumptions that personnel related expenditures
would grow at a 3% rate annually and services and supplies would grow at a 2% rate
annually. Expenditures in fiscal year 2025 are higher due to Capital Projects Fund transfers
out for a new Transit Facility.
449
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Actual Actual Actual Revised Budget Projected
Fund Balance, July 1 6,576,920$ 6,914,357$ 8,519,509$ 10,389,249$ 12,466,464$ 12,781,235$
Revenues:
Use Of Money And Property
Interest Revenues 103,672$ 29,829$ 24,131$ 50,000$ 55,502$ 55,502$
Rents 152,123 89,102 149,660 165,000 171,000 171,000
Intergovernmental
Federal Ingergovernmental Revenue 2,562,895 2,542,456 7,873,968 4,377,864 3,975,486 3,975,486
State 28E Agreements 52,611 3,805 40,682 40,270 - -
Disaster Assistance - - 3,356 - - -
Other State Grants 531,641 562,529 634,298 562,530 578,579 578,579
Local 28E Agreements 60,186 41,787 - - 40,682 40,682
Charges For Fees And Services
Transit Fees 968,974 668,695 919,435 1,012,890 927,000 927,000
Miscellaneous Charges For Services - 700 32 700 100 100
Refuse Charges - - 719 - 719 719
Parking Charges 621,013 584,545 683,747 751,300 744,200 744,200
Miscellaneous
Printed Materials 15 - - - - -
Other Miscellaneous Revenue 61,468 74,903 67,555 69,000 69,000 69,000
Other Financial Sources
Sale Of Assets 9 16,245 - - - -
Sub-Total Revenues 5,114,607 4,614,597 10,397,584 7,029,554 6,562,268 6,562,268
Transfers In:
Transit Property Tax Levy 3,660,631 4,076,795 4,122,880 4,106,177 4,221,512 4,126,944
Capital Reserves 1,380,922 1,178,397 3,208,799 2,266,325 1,000,000 1,000,000
Sub-Total Transfers In 5,041,553 5,255,192 7,331,679 6,372,502 5,221,512 5,126,944
Total Revenues & Transfers In 10,156,160$ 9,869,789$ 17,729,263$ 13,402,056$ 11,783,780$ 11,689,212$
Expenditures:
Transit Admin 501,285$ 559,645$ 559,999$ 684,875$ 693,622$ 709,944$
Transit Operations 5,881,294 4,751,461 5,418,725 6,038,368 7,031,781 6,338,309
Fleet Maintenance 1,372,252 1,286,622 1,792,512 1,632,464 2,203,757 2,254,764
Court St Transportation Center 218,120 216,728 229,585 227,809 214,849 219,597
Replacement Reserve 312,957 21,785 4,557,328 - - -
Sub-Total Expenditures 8,285,908 6,836,241 12,558,148 8,583,516 10,144,009 9,522,614
Transfers Out:
Capital Project Fund 151,894 250,000 92,575 475,000 325,000 7,575,000
Capital Reserves 1,380,922 1,178,397 3,208,799 2,266,325 1,000,000 1,000,000
Sub-Total Transfers Out 1,532,815 1,428,397 3,301,374 2,741,325 1,325,000 8,575,000
Total Expenditures & Transfers Out 9,818,723$ 8,264,638$ 15,859,522$ 11,324,841$ 11,469,009$ 18,097,614$
Fund Balance, June 30 6,914,357$ 8,519,509$ 10,389,249$ 12,466,464$ 12,781,235$ 6,372,833$
Restricted / Committed /Assigned 4,997,537 6,231,349 8,298,920 10,315,245 11,065,245 4,565,245
Unassigned Balance 1,916,820$ 2,288,160$ 2,090,329$ 2,151,219$ 1,715,990$ 1,807,588$
% of Revenues & Transfers In 19%23%12%16%15%15%
Transit (7150 - 7151)
Fund Summary
450
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Actual Actual Actual Revised Budget Projected
Revenues:
Use Of Money And Property
Interest Revenues 103,672$ 29,829$ 24,131$ 50,000$ 55,502$ 55,502$
Intergovernmental
Federal Ingergovernmental Revenue 700,000 - - - - -
Miscellaneous
Printed Materials 15 - - - - -
Other Miscellaneous Revenue 2,547 - - - - -
Transfers In:
Transfer In - Transit Property Tax Levy 3,660,631 4,076,795 4,122,880 4,106,177 4,221,512 4,348,157
Total Revenues & Transfers In 4,466,865$ 4,106,625$ 4,147,011$ 4,156,177$ 4,277,014$ 4,403,659$
Expenditures:
Personnel 117,800$ 126,793$ 138,276$ 229,069$ 244,922$ 252,270$
Services 382,920 432,201 421,423 455,406 447,700 456,654
Supplies 564 651 300 400 1,000 1,020
Total Expenditures 501,285$ 559,645$ 559,999$ 684,875$ 693,622$ 709,944$
Personnel Services - FTE 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Customer Service Rep - Trans Services 0.75 0.88 0.88 0.88 0.88
Data Analyst - 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Operations Supv - Trans Services 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Program Assistant - Trans Services - - - 0.50 0.50
Total Personnel 1.25 1.88 1.88 2.38 2.38
Transportation Services Department
Division: Public Transportation
Activity: Transit Admin (810210)
451
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Actual Actual Actual Revised Budget Projected
Revenues:
Intergovernmental
Federal Ingergovernmental Revenue 1,862,895$ 2,463,515$ 4,446,320$ 4,377,864$ 3,975,486$ 3,975,486$
Disaster Assistance - - 1,479 - - -
State 28E Agreements 52,611 3,805 40,682 40,270 - -
Other State Grants 531,641 562,529 634,298 562,530 578,579 578,579
Local 28E Agreements 60,186 41,787 - - 40,682 40,682
Charges For Fees And Services
Transit Fees 968,974 668,695 919,435 1,012,890 927,000 927,000
Miscellaneous Charges For Services - 700 32 700 100 100
Miscellaneous
Sale Of Assets 9 16,245 - - - -
Total Revenues 3,476,316$ 3,757,276$ 6,042,246$ 5,994,254$ 5,521,847$ 5,521,847$
Expenditures:
Personnel 3,492,005$ 3,576,718$ 3,659,379$ 3,789,977$ 3,901,271$ 4,018,309$
Services 2,355,392 1,160,259 1,703,105 2,232,694 2,266,010 2,311,330
Supplies 33,897 14,484 56,240 15,697 8,500 8,670
Capital Outlay - - - - 856,000 -
Total Expenditures 5,881,294$ 4,751,461$ 5,418,725$ 6,038,368$ 7,031,781$ 6,338,309$
Personnel Services - FTE 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
M.W. I - Transit 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
Transit Operator 37.75 37.75 37.75 37.75 37.75
M.W. II - Transit 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Operations Supervisor - Trans Services 1.00 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50
Operations Specialist - Trans Services 0.38 - - - -
Sr. M.W. - Parking & Transit 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Total Personnel 42.63 42.75 42.75 42.75 42.75
Capital Outlay 2023 2024
Farebox -$ 840,000$
Building Improvements - 16,000
Total Capital Outlay -$ 856,000$
Division: Public Transportation
Activity: Transit Operations (810220)
452
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Actual Actual Actual Revised Budget Projected
Revenues:
Intergovernmental
Federal Ingergovernmental Revenue -$ 1,737$ 3,879$ -$ -$ -$
Disaster Assistance - - 1,872 - - -
Charges For Fees And Services
Refuse Charges - - 719 - 719 719
Miscellaneous
Other Miscellaneous Revenue 6,537 2,121 - - - -
Total Revenues 6,537$ 3,858$ 6,470$ -$ 719$ 719$
Expenditures:
Personnel 561,310$ 540,556$ 641,768$ 671,148$ 693,226$ 714,023$
Services 44,830 57,002 79,832 106,034 257,692 262,846
Supplies 766,112 689,064 1,070,913 855,282 1,252,839 1,277,896
Total Expenditures 1,372,252$ 1,286,622$ 1,792,512$ 1,632,464$ 2,203,757$ 2,254,764$
Personnel Services - FTE 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Mechanic II - Transit 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
Mechanic III - Transit 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
Operations Supv - Trans Services 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Parts/Data Entry Clk - Transit 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total Personnel 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Actual Actual Actual Revised Budget Projected
Revenues:
Intergovernmental
Federal Ingergovernmental Revenue -$ 4$ 7,670$ -$ -$ -$
Disaster Assistance - - 5 - - -
Use Of Money And Property
Rents 152,123 89,102 149,660 165,000 171,000 171,000
Charges For Fees And Services
Parking Charges 621,013 584,545 683,747 751,300 744,200 744,200
Miscellaneous
Other Miscellaneous Revenue 52,384 72,782 67,555 69,000 69,000 69,000
Total Revenues 825,520$ 746,433$ 908,637$ 985,300$ 984,200$ 984,200$
Expenditures:
Personnel 36,904$ 37,372$ 40,887$ 36,054$ 45,081$ 46,433$
Services 179,912 174,967 183,246 189,805 167,818 171,174
Supplies 1,305 4,389 5,452 1,950 1,950 1,989
Total Expenditures 218,120$ 216,728$ 229,585$ 227,809$ 214,849$ 219,597$
Personnel Services - FTE 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
M.W. I - Parking Systems 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Total Personnel 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Division: Public Transportation
Activity: Fleet Maintenance (810230)
Division: Public Transportation
Activity: Court St Transportation Center (810240)
453
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Actual Actual Actual Revised Budget Projected
Revenues & Transfers In:
Intergovernmental
Federal Ingergovernmental Revenue -$ 77,200$ 3,416,100$ -$ -$ -$
Other Financial Sources
Transfer In from Transit Operations 1,380,922 1,178,397 3,208,799 2,266,325 1,000,000 1,000,000
Total Revenues & Transfers In 1,380,922$ 1,255,597$ 6,624,899$ 2,266,325$ 1,000,000$ 1,000,000$
Expenditures:
Services -$ 21,785$ 14,081$ -$ -$ -$
Capital Outlay 312,957 - 4,543,247 - - -
Total Expenditures 312,957$ 21,785$ 4,557,328$ -$ -$ -$
Division: PublicTransportation
Activity: Replacement Reserve (810280/810290)
454
EQUIPMENT FUND
The Equipment Fund is an internal service fund created to account for the City’s fuel facility,
maintenance of the City’s vehicle and equipment fleet, and the accumulation of funds for the
replacement of vehicles and equipment.
Internal customers and departments and other local governments are charged labor and parts
for the cost to repair vehicles and equipment by the City’s fleet maintenance division. Those
charges are designed to cover the division’s actual cost of service. Fuel has also been charged
at actual cost, however, starting in fiscal year 2015 a fuel surcharge was added to accumulate
savings for the future replacement of the new fuel facility. These funds are reported in the
replacement reserve assigned fund balance.
The Equipment Fund also charges departments for the replacement cost of their vehicles and
equipment. These charges are calculated at the estimated replacement cost less the estimated
resale value of the piece of equipment. Purchases of new vehicles and equipment are
budgeted in the departmental budgets. When new equipment is added, the departments are
then charged by the reserve for their future replacement.
The graph below represents the Equipment Fund’s actual and projected fund balances.
(1) FY23 – FY25 are estimates.
FY2020 FY2021 FY2022 FY2023 FY2024 FY2025
Designated for Equip $14,197,392 $14,488,920 $17,005,178 $15,235,660 $9,301,249 10,477,303
Unassigned $3,049,340 $3,543,223 $3,147,611 $3,886,073 $4,509,143 $5,137,040
$0
$5,000,000
$10,000,000
$15,000,000
$20,000,000
$25,000,000
Fund Balance (1)
664
The Equipment Fund’s unassigned fund balance is budgeted to increase in fiscal year 2023 by
$738,462 or 19% from fiscal year 2022 to $3,886,073. This budgeted increase is due to
chargebacks expected to be higher than expenses. Unassigned fund balance is projected to
start increasing in future years as well to $4,509,143 in fiscal year 2024 and $5,137,040 in fiscal
year 2025. This increase is due to the transfers to the Capital Projects fund for the replacement
of the Equipment Maintenance Facility are budgeted to come from the Replacement Reserve
restricted fund balance rather than normal operational funds.
Total fund balance is projected to be $19,121,733 in fiscal year 2023, a decrease of $1,031,056
or 5.12% over the previous fiscal year. The decrease in fund balance is due to an increase in
vehicle replacements. In fiscal year 2024, the total fund balance is expected to decrease by
$5,311,341 or 27.78% which is due to capital projects. Fund balance growth is expected to
increase in fiscal year 2025 due to the previously mentioned capital project transfers being
completed.
665
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Actual Actual Actual Revised Budget Projected
Fund Balance, July 1 15,667,564$ 17,246,732$ 18,032,143$ 20,152,789$ 19,121,733$ 13,810,392$
Revenues:
Use Of Money And Property
Interest Revenues 341,513$ 101,198$ 75,486$ 165,000$ 173,616$ 173,616$
Intergovernmental
Fed Intergovnt Revenue - 10,676 2,550 - - -
Disaster Assistance - - 207 - - -
Local 28E Agreements 426,916 397,725 630,484 569,500 655,000 655,000
Charges For Fees And Services
Refuse Charges 989 885 953 890 953 953
Miscellaneous
Intra-City Charges 6,244,618 6,697,951 6,787,748 7,230,878 7,768,410 7,857,125
Other Financial Sources
Sale Of Assets 95,438 309,316 87,625 135,000 145,000 145,000
Sub-Total Revenues 7,109,474 7,517,750 7,585,052 8,101,268 8,742,979 8,831,694
Transfers In:
Miscellaneous Transfers In - 218,257 483,287 - - -
Sub-Total Transfers In - 218,257 483,287 - - -
Total Revenues 7,109,474$ 7,736,007$ 8,068,339$ 8,101,268$ 8,742,979$ 8,831,694$
Expenditures:
General Fleet Maintenance 3,210,295$ 3,848,795$ 3,942,650$ 3,971,030$ 4,501,098$ 4,584,987$
Non-Public Safety Radio System 31,912 32,788 26,437 - - -
Equipment Replacement Reserves 2,544,653 2,769,293 670,319 4,161,294 2,053,222 2,442,756
Sub-Total Expenditures 5,786,860 6,650,876 4,639,406 8,132,324 6,554,320 7,027,743
Transfers Out:
Capital Project Fund (256,554) 81,463 825,000 1,000,000 7,500,000 -
Miscellaneous Transfers Out - 218,257 483,287 - - -
Sub-Total Transfers Out (256,554) 299,719 1,308,287 1,000,000 7,500,000 -
Total Expenditures & Transfers Out 5,530,306$ 6,950,596$ 5,947,693$ 9,132,324$ 14,054,320$ 7,027,743$
Fund Balance, June 30 17,246,732$ 18,032,143$ 20,152,789$ 19,121,733$ 13,810,392$ 15,614,343$
Adjusted Fund Balance, June 30 17,246,732 18,032,143 20,152,789 19,121,733 13,810,392 15,614,343
Restricted / Committed /Assigned 14,197,392 14,488,920 17,005,178 15,235,660 9,301,249 10,477,303
Unassigned Balance 3,049,340$ 3,543,223$ 3,147,611$ 3,886,073$ 4,509,143$ 5,137,040$
% of Revenues 43%46%39%48%52%58%
Equipment (8100 - 8101)
Fund Summary
666
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Actual Actual Actual Revised Budget Projected
Revenues:
Use Of Money ald Property
Interest Revenues 44,795$ 14,819$ 14,106$ 15,000$ 32,442$ 32,442$
Intergovernmental
Fed Intergovnt Revenue - 10,676 2,550 - - -
Disaster Assistalce - - 207 - - -
Local 28E Agreements 426,916 397,725 630,484 569,500 655,000 655,000
Charges For Fees ald Services
Refuse Charges 989 885 953 890 953 953
Miscellaleous
Miscellaleous Merchaldise - - -
Intra-City Charges 3,590,487 3,786,281 3,723,689 4,124,102 4,435,773 4,524,488
Other Finalcial Sources
Sale Of Assets - 1,496 - - - -
Total Revenues 4,063,187$ 4,211,882$ 4,371,989$ 4,709,492$ 5,124,168$ 5,212,883$
Expenditures:
Personnel 1,091,450$ 1,099,218$ 1,147,201$ 1,192,970$ 1,222,695$ 1,259,376$
Services 574,799 496,447 495,995 586,233 554,735 565,830
Supplies 1,540,921 1,608,590 2,231,148 2,191,827 2,705,668 2,759,781
Capital Outlay 3,125 644,540 68,305 - 18,000 -
Total Expenditures 3,210,295$ 3,848,795$ 3,942,650$ 3,971,030$ 4,501,098$ 4,584,987$
Personnel Services - FTE 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Buyer I - Equipment 0.75 0.75 0.75 1.00 1.00
Equipment Shop Supervisor 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Equipment Superintendent 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Mechalic I - Equipment 2.00 3.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
Mechalic II - Equipment 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00
Mechalic III - Equipment (Day) 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Mechalic III - Equipment (Eve) 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Parts/Inventory Clerk - Equip 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Total Personnel 10.75 11.75 10.75 11.00 11.00
Capital Outlay 2023 2024
Above Ground Hoist -$ 18,000$
Total Capital Outlay -$ 18,000$
Division: Equipment Services
Activity: General Fleet Maintenalce (710510)
667
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Actual Actual Actual Revised Budget Projected
Revenues:
Miscellaleous
Intra-City Charges 17,713$ 26,790$ 26,487$ -$ -$ -$
Total Revenues 17,713$ 26,790$ 26,487$ -$ -$ -$
Expenditures:
Services 31,912$ 32,788$ 26,437$ -$ -$ -$
Total Expenditures 31,912$ 32,788$ 26,437$ -$ -$ -$
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Actual Actual Actual Revised Budget Projected
Revenues:
Use Of Money ald Property
Interest Revenues 296,718$ 86,378$ 61,380$ 150,000$ 141,174$ 141,174$
Miscellaleous
Intra-City Charges 2,636,419 2,884,880 3,037,571 3,106,776 3,332,637 3,332,637
Other Finalcial Sources
Sale of Assets 95,438 307,820 87,625 135,000 145,000 145,000
Total Revenues 3,028,574$ 3,279,078$ 3,186,576$ 3,391,776$ 3,618,811$ 3,618,811$
Expenditures:
Services 39,958$ 56,554$ 21,267$ 58,887$ 51,722$ 52,756$
Supplies 324 - - - - -
Capital Outlay 2,504,371 2,712,739 649,052 4,102,407 2,001,500 2,390,000
Total Expenditures 2,544,653$ 2,769,293$ 670,319$ 4,161,294$ 2,053,222$ 2,442,756$
Capital Outlay 2023 2024
Automobiles 75,100$ 52,000$
Other Vehicular Equipment 1,211,911 268,500
Snow Removal Equipment 56,800 -
Tractors 110,309 71,000
Other Vals & Trucks 2,648,287 1,610,000
Total Capital Outlay 4,102,407$ 2,001,500$
Division: Equipment Services
Activity: Non-Public Safety Radio System (710540)
Division: Equipment Services
Activity: Equipment Replacement Reserves (710520)
668
DOT FTA
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration
Application
Federal Award Identification
Number (FAIN) 1833-2023-1
Temporary Application
Number 1833-2023-1
Award Name FY2022 Community Project Funding (CMPJ) for New Iowa City
Transit Operations and Maintenance Facility
Application Status Transmitted / Ready for FTA Review
Application Budget Number 0
Period of Performance Start Date N/A
Original Period of Performance End Date 2/1/2025
Current Period of Performance End Date N/A Revision #: N/A
Part 1: Recipient Information
Name: IOWA CITY, CITY OF
Recipient ID Recipient OST Type Recipient Alias UEI DUNS
1833 City IOWA CITY TRANSIT QVT6MGVUK3L3 107358368
Location Type Address City State Zip
Headquarters 410 E WASHINGTON ST IOWA CITY IA 52240
Physical Address 410 E WASHINGTON ST IOWA CITY IA 52240
Mailing Address 410 E WASHINGTON ST IOWA CITY IA 52240
Union Information
Union Name AFSCME - Local 183
Address 1 410 East Washington Street
Address 2
City Iowa City
State IA
Zipcode 52240
Contact Name Terri Byers
Telephone (319) 887-6021
Fax
E-mail terri-byers@icpl.org
Website
Part 2: Application Information
Title: FY2022 Community Project Funding (CMPJ) for New Iowa City
Transit Operations and Maintenance Facility
FAIN Application Status Award
Type
Date
Created
Last Updated
Date
From
TEAM?
1833-
2023-1
Transmitted / Ready for FTA
Review Grant 1/23/2023 1/23/2023 No
Application Executive Summary
: Iowa City Transit has been awarded $750,000 in Community Project Funding by Congress for design
of a replacement transit operations and maintenance facility. The funding source for this project is 22-
CPF-1 Transit Infrastructure Grants (Community Project Funding). The program ID reference is (CMPJ)
Community Project Funding (2022-CMPJ-036). These funds are available until expended and can be
up to a 100% federal share and do not require a local match.
Frequency of Milestone Progress Reports (MPR)
No Selection Made
Frequency of Federal Financial Reports (FFR)
No Selection Made
Does this application include funds for research and/or development activities?
This award does not include research and development activities.
Pre-Award Authority
This award is using Pre-Award Authority.
Does this application include suballocation funds?
Recipient organization is directly allocated these funds and is eligible to apply for and receive these
funds directly.
Will this Grant be using Lapsing Funds?
No Selection Made
Will indirect costs be applied to this application?
This award does not include an indirect cost rate.
Indirect Rate Details: N/A
Requires E.O. 12372 Review
No, this application does not require E.O. 12372 Review.
Delinquent Federal Debt
No, my organization does not have delinquent federal debt.
Award Description
Purpose
Capital Project Design
Activities to be performed:
Design of the new Iowa City Transit operations and maintenance facility.
Expected outcomes:
Design of new transit operations and maintenance facility to replace old facility
Intended beneficiaries:
The current and future traveling public who rely on transit service in the Iowa City metropolitan area.
Iowa City Transit employees and users and all who work at or visit the Iowa City Transit facility.
Subrecipient Activities:
None. As the direct recipient of these funds, there are no subrecipient activities.
Application Point of Contact Information
First
Name Last Name Title E-mail Address Phone
jeremiah.shuler@dot.gov Transportation Program
Specialist
Hannah Neel Associate Transportation
Planner
hannah-neel@iowa-
city.org
(319) 356-
5235
Application Budget Control Totals
Funding Source Section of Statute CFDA Number Amount
Community Project Funding 22-CMPJ-1 20534 $750,000
Local $0
Local/In-Kind $0
State $0
State/In-Kind $0
Other Federal $0
Transportation Development Credit $0
Adjustment $0
Total Eligible Cost $750,000
Application Budget
Project Number Budget Item FTA
Amount
Non-
FTA
Amount
Total
Eligible
Amount
Quantity
1833-2023-1-P1
114-
00
(114-)
BUS: SUPPORT EQUIP
AND FACILITIES $750,000.00 $0.00 $750,000.00 0
1833-2023-1-P1 11.41.03
ENG/DESIGN -
ADMIN/
MAINTENANCE
FACILITY
$750,000.00 $0.00 $750,000.00 0
Discretionary Allocations
This application does not contain discretionary allocations.
Sources of Federal Financial Assistance
This application does not contain any sources of federal financial assistance.
Part 3: Project Information
Project Title: FY2022 Community Project Funding (CMPJ) for New
Iowa City Transit Operations and Maintenance Facility
Project Number Temporary Project Number Date Created Start Date End Date
1833-2023-1-P1 1833-2023-1-P1 1/24/2023 2/14/2023 2/1/2025
Project Description
Iowa City Transit has been awarded $750,000 in Community Project Funding by Congress for design of
a replacement transit operations and maintenance facility. The funding source for this project is 22-CPF-
1 Transit Infrastructure Grants (Community Project Funding). The program ID reference is (CMPJ)
Community Project Funding (2022-CMPJ-036). These funds are available until expended and can be up
to a 100% federal share and do not require a local match.
Project Benefits
These funds will be used to design the new Iowa City Transit operations and maintenance facility. The
current and future traveling public who rely on transit service in the Iowa City metropolitan area and
Iowa City Transit employees and users and all who work at or visit the Iowa City Transit facility will
benefit.
Additional Information
None provided.
Location Description
Iowa City's current public works campus on South Gilbert Street and McCollister Boulevard in southeast
Iowa City, Iowa is the preferred and top scoring transit facility location for this project.
Project Location (Urbanized Areas)
UZA Code Area Name
190000 Iowa
193420 Iowa City, IA
Congressional District Information
State District Representative
Iowa 2 Mariannette Miller-Meeks
Program Plan Information
STIP/TIP
Date: Not Provided
Description: Amended MPOJC FY2023-2026 TIP
UPWP
Date: Not Provided
Description: MPOJC FY2023 Work Program
Long Range Plan
Date: Not Provided
Description: MPOJC 2050 Long Range Plan
Project Control Totals
Funding Source Section of Statute CFDA Number Amount
Community Project Funding 22-CMPJ-1 20534 $750,000
Local $0
Local/In-Kind $0
State $0
State/In-Kind $0
Other Federal $0
Transportation Development Credit $0
Adjustment $0
Total Eligible Cost $750,000
Project Budget
Project
Number Budget Item FTA
Amount
Non-
FTA
Amount
Total
Eligible
Amount
Quantity
1833-2023-1-P1
114-
00
(114-)
BUS: SUPPORT EQUIP
AND FACILITIES $750,000.00 $0.00 $750,000.00 0
1833-2023-1-P1 11.41.03
ENG/DESIGN -
ADMIN/
MAINTENANCE
FACILITY
$750,000.00 $0.00 $750,000.00 0
Project Budget Activity Line Items
Budget Activity Line Item: 11.41.03 - ENG/DESIGN - ADMIN/MAINTENANCE FACILITY
Scope Name / Code Line
Item # Line Item Name Activity Quantity
BUS: SUPPORT
EQUIP AND
FACILITIES (114-00)
11.41.03
ENG/DESIGN - ADMIN/
MAINTENANCE
FACILITY
ENGINEERING & DESIGN -
BUS SUPPORT
EQUIP/FACIL
0
Extended Budget Description
Iowa City Transit has been awarded $750,000 in Community Project Funding by Congress for design of
a replacement transit operations and maintenance facility. The funding source for this project is 22-CPF-
1 Transit Infrastructure Grants (Community Project Funding). The program ID reference is (CMPJ)
Community Project Funding (2022-CMPJ-036). These funds are available until expended and can be up
to a 100% federal share and do not require a local match. A third-party contractor will be used for the
design of the facility.
Will 3rd Party contractors be used to fulfill this activity line item?
Yes, 3rd Party Contractors will be used for this line item.
Funding Source Section of Statute CFDA Number Amount
Community Project Funding 22-CMPJ-1 20534 $750,000
Local $0
Local/In-Kind $0
State $0
State/In-Kind $0
Other Federal $0
Transportation Development Credit $0
Adjustment $0
Total Eligible Cost $750,000
Milestone Name Est. Completion
Date Description
Start Date 2/14/2023 Project funds available
End Date 2/1/2025 Use funds by
Project Environmental Findings
Finding: Class II(d) - Categorical Exclusions (D-List)
Class Level Description
Class II(d) consists of projects that do not have a significant environmental impact on the human or
natural environment and are therefore categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an
environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement. Class II(d) requires documentation.
Categorical Exclusion Description
Type 04: Acquisition of right-of-way. No project development on the acquired right-of-way may
proceed until the NEPA process for such project development, including the consideration of
alternatives, has been completed.
Date Description Date
Class IId CE Approved
Part 4: Fleet Details
No fleet data exists for this application.
Part 5: FTA Review Comments
There are no review comments to display at this time.
2 February 28th, 2023
Project Costs
Building 1 is designated for Transit use only for Operations, Charging, and Bus Storage. Building 2 is designated as a shared Maintenance Facility for the Transit and Equipment Divisions. The total cost of the two-building project is $35,000,000. The opinion of probable cost was derived from the Transit Needs Assessment (p 25-26) as part of the Public Works Master Plan process in 2015 and was adjusted for inflation
and contingencies for a 2025 build year.
The costs associated with Transit operations is $26,000,000 which is 100% of the costs associated with Building 1 and 51% of the costs associated with Building 2, based on designated use by square footage as shown in Table 1. The square footage was derived from the Scheme H in the Public Works Master Planning
Process and are reflected in the draft plan and layout of the proposed facilities located in Appendix A - D.
Table 1: Building 2 –Square Footage by Designated Use
Phase 1 Phase 2 Total
Building 2 - Shared Transit & Maintenance Facility
Sq Footage % Sq Footage % Sq Footage %
Transit 25,885 46% 8,908 72% 34,793 51%
Equipment 30,194 54% 3,446 28% 33,640 49%
Total 56,079 100% 12,353 100% 68,432 100%
Only the Transit components of this project are eligible for RAISE funding, therefore the City is requesting funds solely for costs associated with providing Transit service. The City proposes a total contribution of
49% of the project, or $8,000,00 in local matching Transit funds out of the $26,000,000 in federally eligible Transit costs plus an additional $9,000,000 for the expenses associated with the Equipment Division. The City is requesting $17,250,000 in RAISE grant funding (49% of the overall project) for the remaining Transit
costs (Table 2). The remaining 2% or $750,000 in funding comes from a FY22 Congressionally Designated Community Project Funding which was awarded in FY22 for design.
All expenses related to the project will occur at the Public Works Campus which is located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Gilbert Street and McCollister Boulevard (Table 3) in Census Tract 001802.
Table 2: Total Project Funding Source Breakout
Funding Source Funding %
RAISE Funds 17,250,000$ 49%
Other Federal Funds (FY22 Community Project Funding)750,000$ 2%
Local Match (Transit Funds)8,000,000$ 23%
Other Local Funds (Equipment Funds)9,000,000$ 26%
Total 35,000,000$ 100%
Table 3: Expenses by Census Tract
Census Tracts Project Expenses %
001802 35,000,000$ 100%
Total 35,000,000$ 100%
3 February 28th, 2023
Figure 2: Proposed Two-Building Transit Facility Concept
Detailed Expense Breakdown
Building 1 is designed to solely support Transit operations, therefore 100% of expenses related to this facility
are federally eligible for grant funding. Building 1 is estimated to cost $17,000,000. The federally eligible
Transit expenses for Building 2 were calculated by determining the square footage designated for exclusive
use by the Transit or Equipment Divisions. The remaining square footage, common or shared spaces, was
divided in half and assigned to each division (Table 1). Building 2 is expected to cost approximately
$18,000,000 with federally eligible Transit expenses of $9,150,000. The Equipment Division will contribute
the remaining $9,000,000 to complete Building 2.
Building 1 – Transit
Ops & Bus Storage
and Charging
Building 2 – Shared
Transit & Equipment
Maintenance
4 February 28th, 2023
Table 2: Detailed Project Costs
Project Expense Item Total Project Expenses Transit Division Expenses
Equipment Division Expenses
Building 1 - Transit Operations & Storage Facility
Design $ 1,588,413 $ 1,588,413 $ -
Survey/Testing/Reports $ 132,368 $ 132,368 $ -
Environmental Reports $ 10,000 $ 10,000 $ -
Rooftop Solar $ 650,000 $ 650,000 $ -
Electric Vehicle Chargers $ 825,000 $ 825,000 $ -
Installation $ 500,000 $ 500,000 $ -
Construction $ 3,236,778 $ 13,236,778 $ -
Totals $ 16,942,560 $ 16,942,560 $ -
Building 2 - Shared Transit and Equipment Maintenance
Design $ 1,533,635 $ 781,050 $ 752,585
Survey/Testing/Reports $ 163,578 $ 82,820 $ 80,758
Environmental Reports $ 10,000 $ 4,616 $ 5,384
Construction $ 16,357,761 $ 8,281,966 $ 8,075,795
Totals $ 18,064,974 $ 9,150,452 $ 8,914,522
Total Project - Building 1 & Building 2
Total Design $ 3,122,048 $ 2,369,463 $ 752,585
Survey/Testing/Reports $ 295,945 $ 215,187 $ 80,758
Environmental Reports $ 20,000 $ 14,616 $ 5,384
Rooftop Solar $ 650,000 $ 650,000 $ -
Electric Vehicle Chargers $ 825,000 $ 825,000 $ -
Charger Installation $ 500,000 $ 500,000 $ -
Total Construction $ 29,594,540 $ 21,518,744 $ 8,075,795
Total Project Expenses $ 35,007,533 $ 26,090,000 $ 8,914,522
5 February 28th, 2023
Local Sources of Funds
The Iowa City Transit System has funding available to support project construction and operations. Please
refer to the Letter of Financial Commitment and associated FY23 Budget Documents from the Iowa City
Finance Director Nicole Davis found in the Funding Commitments file. This letter documents the Transit
Fund revenues from which the local match will be drawn and the Equipment Division revenues from which
the building expenses related to Equipment services will be drawn. The Funding Commitments file shows
the City has funding available to cover the match required for a replacement Transit Facility. The local match
will be derived from the City’s Transit fund which includes the following revenue:
• Federal Operating Assistance
• Court Street Transportation Center (a multi-modal/mixed-use facility from which all proceeds are designated for transit use)
• Fare Revenue
• Transit Property Tax Levy
• Other Revenue: Advertising and other miscellaneous sources
This fund also has an assigned fund balance for replacement reserves and to ensure financial stability for
long-term capital planning and maintenance. Funds equal to 20% of the accumulated depreciation of the
City’s bus fleet and maintenance facility are maintained in this reserve to be used as a match for state or
federal grants.
Local Financial Commitment
The City of Iowa City demonstrates local financial commitment to this project in five important ways:
1. 30% Local Match of Federally Eligible Funds, 49% overall Local Contribution to the project: Iowa City is increasing the local match from the minimum requirement of 20% to 30% ($8,000,000) of the $26,000,000 in federally eligible expenses related to Transit. Not only is the City committed to the Transit
local match, but the City is also committed to contributing another $9,000,000 in Equipment Division funds to ensure that shared Building 2 can be completed and that future cost-savings and efficiencies are captured for both Transit and Equipment operations. This demonstrates that the City is ready, willing, and able to take on $17,000,000 of the overall project costs (49%) to ensure the City’s facilities remain in a State of Good Repair.
2. Iowa City Area Transit Study / Comprehensive Operations Analysis: The City demonstrated
commitment to the future of the transit system by investing $237,000 in the 2019-2020 Iowa City Area Transit Study led by a consultant team from Nelson-Nygaard. The City took special care to engage disadvantaged communities in analysis of how the current resources can be optimized and add-on services that would address gaps, inequities, and systemic barriers in the Iowa City transit system. This included an
analysis of the potential costs, benefits, and best practices for funding and an analysis of a zero-fare system, which has the potential to be transformative for the community. The City Council has indicated willingness to consider further investment in the transit system, such as transitioning to a zero-fare system or introducing a late-night/overnight on-demand transportation option. The 2019-2020 Transit Study was a
watershed moment for regional transportation improvements, clearly indicating the City’s investment in identifying community mobility priorities, developing solutions, and finding a way to support them financially.
6 February 28th, 2023
3. Iowa City Climate Action Plan: Iowa City funded the development of a Climate Action Plan in 2017
and a follow-up Accelerating Iowa City's Climate Actions Report in 2020. This report calls for accelerated implementation of actions to address the climate crisis, including increased transit ridership and a transition
to electric, low/no-emission technologies for City fleets. Following adoption of the Climate Action Plan, the City Council has designated $1 million in emergency climate action funds each year to help fund these and other emission reduction initiatives.
4. Invested $1.6 million in Zero-Emission Fleet Transition: Both the Iowa City Climate Action Plan and the Iowa City Area Transit Study call for a transition to electric buses to meet Iowa City’s emission
reduction goals. In 2020, Iowa City received a $3 million 5339(c) Low/No Emissions Grant to replace four diesel buses with battery electric buses. Iowa City contributed $1.6 million in local match to purchase the buses and necessary charging equipment and infrastructure upgrades. While the current facility can support this small-scale (4 bus) transition to electric vehicles, a larger conversion would not be possible at the
current facility, which is over capacity and unable to support the infrastructure needed to power an all-electric fleet.
5. Bus Stop Improvements: Since 2017, the City has begun designating funds each year to make transit
stops more comfortable and accessible for passengers, totaling $500,000 worth of recent investments to the Bus Stop Improvement CIP fund. In 2023, the City will publish a request for consultant services to develop a comprehensive plan to evaluate and proposed improvements for all our 500+ bus stops, including the
main Transit Interchange. Improvements to be evaluated include ADA accessible paths, infill sidewalks, bus shelters, benches, trash cans, lighting, bike racks, pedestrian crosswalks and signage, and concrete pads.
2 February 14, 2023
MERIT CRITERIA
Primary Criteria:
a) Safety
The primary factors related to safety concerns addressed with a transit facility designed to support a healthy
transit system are reducing auto-related collisions, non-ADA-compliance, improving indoor air quality, and eliminating pest invasions.
Traveling by public transportation is 10 times safer per mile than traveling by car, reducing a person’s chance of being in an accident by more than 90%1. Encouraging more public transit use is an effective strategy for the Iowa City region to reduce collisions, serious injuries, and auto-related fatalities, in support
of the Iowa’s Vision Zero campaign. Communities with the highest per-capita ridership have the lowest transportation fatality rates2, therefore investing in a new Transit Facility that will enable Iowa City to expand public transportation services will improve the safety of the traveling public.
A new Transit Facility at the intersection of Gilbert Street and McCollister Boulevard will vastly improve
bicycle and pedestrian access to the building. The existing facility has no sidewalk/trail access to the building and is located at one of the highest traffic volume intersections in the county, therefore there is no safe route for walking or bicycling to the facility. Walkability on-site is also a concern. At one time, the approaches to the existing facility were level and accessible. Over the years the pedestrian approaches have become significantly sloped (p. 5) due to ground subsidence issues and are no longer ADA compliant. The parking
lot also has considerable asphalt cracking and unevenness, which is a safety hazard for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. Persistent pooling of water in the parking lot makes traversing the lot difficult by vehicle or on foot. Annual investments in asphalt overlays and patching only mitigate the issues temporarily and must be annually repeated, at significant cost.
A new Transit Facility will also create a safer environment for employees and for the public. In addition to the extensive trip hazards around the building, methane emissions related to ground settlement created a serious indoor air quality issue. As a result, a methane abatement system was installed in 1997 at a cost of over $524,000 ($977,800 in 2023 dollars). Since installation, over $90,000 have been spent to maintain the
methane monitoring system, including replacing the four sensors every five years at $5,000 per sensor. Significant annual investments in staff time are also required to maintain and monitor the system. The methane abatement system has contributed to the development of animal infestations underneath the building
(p. 6). Each year staff must remove woodchucks, racoons, rabbits and cats from in and around the building. The facility has also experienced periodic flea and pest invasions from the woodland creatures
that live under the facility.
1 American Public Transit Association (2016) The Hidden Transportation Safety Solution: Public Transportation.
https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/Resources/resources/reportsandpublications/Documents/APTA-Hidden-Traffic-Safety-
Solution-Public-Transportation.pdf
2 American Public Transit Association (2018), Public Transit is Key Strategy in Advancing Vision Zero, Eliminating Fatalities.
https://www.apta.com/wp-
content/uploads/Resources/resources/hottopics/Documents/APTA%20VZN%20Transit%20Safety%20Brief%208.2018.pdf
3 February 14, 2023
b) Environmental Sustainability
The City of Iowa City is on the forefront of sustainability, adopting a Climate Action and
Adaption Plan with aggressive emission reduction goals in accordance with those set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): reduce carbon emissions by 45% from 2010 levels by 2030 and achieve net
zero carbon emissions by 2050. After declaring a climate crisis and establishing a Climate Action Commission, an Accelerated Climate Action Plan was developed with aggressive
implementation strategies outlined to meet the crisis. Sustainable transportation plays a key role in the Climate Action Plan. As indicated in the Iowa City Community Greenhouse Gas
Emission Inventory (2017), a significant
amount of Iowa City’s emissions are attributed to the transportation sector. A replacement Transit Facility is necessary to grow the transit system in support the City’s vision to double transit ridership and shift 55% of vehicle trips to more sustainable modes by providing safe, affordable, and sustainable transit services.
Transportation is the United States greatest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Transit service is
perhaps the best tool communities have to reduce carbon emissions and simultaneously ensure equitable access to transportation for all – two of the most complex issues of our time.
In planning for transportation climate actions, analysis was conducted through an equity lens to secure environmental justice and spur economic opportunity for disadvantaged communities that have been
historically marginalized and overburdened by pollution and under-investment in housing, transportation, water and wastewater infrastructure, and health care. The three primary equity considerations identified for Transportation initiatives in the Climate Action Plan include:
1. Some neighborhoods in Iowa City are not as well-connected as others, putting a strain on households
that need to walk longer distances to access public transit and other public services.
2. Affordable and reliable mobility choices should be made available for people with special transportation needs, including persons with disabilities, persons with reduced mobility, and low-income populations.
3. Increased opportunities and connectivity for active transportation can help address health disparities for some populations.
4 February 14, 2023
Climate action and environmental justice were also placed at the forefront of the Iowa City Area Transit Study and planning
for the new Transit Facility.
The Iowa City Climate Action Plan calls for replacing 55% of vehicle trips with sustainable transportation options such as walking, biking, or transit to improve air quality and reduce
GHG emissions. To work towards this modal shift, one strategy in the Accelerated Climate Action Plan that was adopted by the City Council in 2020 as part of that year’s strategic plan was the completion of a comprehensive Transit Study and implementation of recommendations that will
bolster service and increase ridership. The Transit Study was completed in June of 2021 with resulting recommendations designed to make public transit more convenient, accessible, comfortable, and cost-effective for those who rely on it, and
make it a more attractive option for others.
The first two phases of transit system improvements were implemented in the summer of 2021 including a complete route redesign, improved service schedules with increased frequency, and better fare policies – all to provide faster, more frequent,
and more reliable service more affordably. The third phase was the implementation of electric bus operations in January 2022, which is an extraordinary leap forward for sustainable transportation for the community.
For the next phases of Transit Study implementation, the City considering transitioning to a zero-fare system, adding a late-night on-demand transportation option, and a full-scale bus stop improvement project. Pre-
pandemic estimates indicate we could see a 40-60% increase in ridership if a zero-fare system which could require an expansion of the fleet. Unfortunately, because we are already over capacity in the existing facility, for the City to maximize the use of the Transit system and continue to serve the region in bold new ways, a new Transit Facility is necessary.
Last, there are numerous other sustainable co-benefits of improved ridership and transit operations include
reduced traffic congestion, parking demand, and the relative health benefits of using transit, which is a more active form of transportation compared with personal automobile use.
Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles
Following Iowa City’s Climate Action Plan’s clear call for a transition to more sustainable electric technology in 2017, a zero-emission vehicle analysis was completed as part of the Transit Study. In 2022, an Iowa City Transit Fleet Electrification Plan was developed to further guide efforts towards electrification.
Iowa City was thrilled to receive a US DOT 5339(c) Low/No Emissions Grant to replace four diesel buses
with electric buses in 2020. The electric buses were launched into service in January 2022, followed by special festivities to celebrate the launch called the Electric Bus Bash on Earth Day 2022. The excitement at the well-attended event was palpable, as the music played and the community came together to celebrate this incredible milestone and partnership with the Federal Transit Administration, MidAmerican Energy, the
State of Iowa, and Proterra (bus manufacturer) to make the dream of clean, sustainable, affordable and reliable transportation become a reality for Iowa City.
This small-scale transition to electric technology has been an important first step to reducing emissions as the transportation sector accounts for 15% of all emissions in Iowa City. The Transit Study outlines
5 February 14, 2023
considerations for medium- to large-scale deployment of electric buses, including planned charging, parking, and shifting of buses inside a depot. Additional requirements, such as heated bays and well-ventilated battery
storage and charging locations will also be required. These storage, charging, and technology considerations will be incorporated into the design and construction of the new Transit Facility to ensure the City can continue to phase out diesel buses in favor of zero-emission vehicles.
Powered by Renewable Energy (mostly wind)
One of the most exciting partnerships the City of Iowa City has is with MidAmerican Energy, our energy provider. What makes it so exciting is that our
community is powered by 88% renewable energy, mostly wind, from MidAmerican Energy. Iowa ranks 1st in the nation in terms of the share of all electricity produced that comes from wind, solar, and energy
storage power planks. Wind is one of the most efficient, safe, and environmentally sustainable forms of energy. Iowa City seeks to capitalize on this partnership and clean energy source to further expand the electric bus fleet, with a goal of creating one of the
most sustainable transit systems in the United States – a demonstration project that shows what can be achieved with strong partnerships and a vision for a more sustainable future.
These extensive planning efforts established the
foundation for a replacement Transit Facility project that will not only make transit service more environmentally just but will also incorporate sustainable and energy-efficient design elements in the
construction of the facility itself. As noted, the new Transit Facility will be constructed to support zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. Additionally, in accordance with the Climate Action Plan, when City facilities are improved or built, green building design elements including electrification infrastructure, high energy efficiency, LED lighting, resilience, and EV
chargers are prioritized. The 2019 construction of the award-winning 85,257 sq. foot Public Works Facility demonstrated the City’s commitment to reducing energy consumption in City facilities and supporting structures that withstand adaptation to increasingly volatile temperatures and extreme weather patterns. This facility, which is located on the City’s Public Works Campus where the Transit Facility is proposed to co-locate, received an Excellence in Energy Efficiency Design award, achieving 52% kBTU energy savings
when compared to the local electric utility company’s Commercial New Construction Baseline. Beyond these benefits, co-locating the Transit Facility on this Public Works Campus will add location efficiencies for City operations, reducing travel and streamlining maintenance and equipment operations as envisioned in the Public Works Master Plan.
c) Quality of Life
According to the 2021 American Public Transportation Fact Book (p. 34), Iowa City’s transit system has the
21st highest ridership per capita in the United States, which is extraordinary considering the metro area
population is only 178,900. This ranking indicates the strength of the system, the demand for transit services,
and the local economy’s dependence on transit.
6 February 14, 2023
Table 3: 2021 Top 50 Urbanized Areas ranked by Transit Ridership per-capita
The ease with which people can move throughout our community is a major quality of life indicator and one
of the reasons Iowa City is consistently ranked one of the most livable communities in the United States. The
transit system not only benefits transit riders, but the entire community by helping to reduce roadway
congestion and keep the area’s average commute times low. Transit provides a safe, reliable, and low-cost
alternative to the automobile and helps riders get to their employment, shopping, or recreation destinations.
The Project Description file provides a substantive description of how the replacement Transit Facility will
support and enable more robust and expansive transit service. A new facility would allow us to consider such significant changes to our service, such as a zero-fare system, which was evaluated as part of the Iowa City Area Transit Study and estimated to increase ridership between 40-60% (p. 4-1). Improving service levels and frequency of service would reduce dwell time and travel time for passengers and reduce congestion on
the roadway network for all users. A full transition to electric or other low/no emission vehicles, a stated community goal, would provide further benefits such as reducing emissions, improving air quality, reducing ambient noise, reducing life-cycle costs, creating a heathier and more sustainable transportation option for the community. These indicators all contribute to community livability, which is a major economic driver.
These service levels will require a new Transit Facility with the capacity to support an expansion of service
to address the historic failure to invest equitably in underserved communities. Racial equity and social justice
were proactively addressed throughout planning stages that led up to the present Transit Facility project
readiness. A racial equity impact analysis was conducted in conjunction with the Accelerating Climate
Action Plan (p. 26) and Iowa City Area Transit Study Market Study. Low-income, student, senior, and
disabled riders account for most Iowa City transit rides and a replacement Transit Facility will ensure reliable
service levels for these populations alongside future service expansion and improvements to further reverse
disproportional barriers to opportunity.
d) Improves Mobility and Community Connectivity
Iowa City Transit’s mission is to facilitate mobility and community connectivity, and the primary focus of
the Transit Facility project is to maintain and expand these community services for greater urbanized area.
7 February 14, 2023
Iowa City Transit provided nearly 851,383 rides in FY22 and operated over 732,465 revenue miles of
service, and is still building back ridership from pandemic losses. Iowa City Transit works in coordination
with Coralville Transit and the University of Iowa’s CAMBUS to provide safe, efficient, low-cost, and
sustainable transportation for over 5.5 million metro area residents and visitors each year.
To help improve regional mobility and connectivity, the Iowa City Area Transit Study was completed in
tandem with the University of Iowa CAMBUS system and Coralville Transit to benefit to the mobility of all
metro area residents, remove barriers to transit use, and strengthen the regional economy. The
recommendations in the study were based on a robust public outreach campaign, which included on-bus
surveys, digital surveys, in-person open-house meetings, an “info-booth” at the transit interchange, and a
comprehensive outreach program for social service organizations, the local business community, and the
unhoused or housing insecure and residents. Iowa City is the largest community in the metro area and
recognizes that having a healthy regional transit system is essential to the continued economic development
of Iowa City and the region. Iowa City is the major employment destination in the metro area, employing
44% of Coralville workers, 40.3% of North Liberty workers, and 37.4% of Tiffin workers as shown in
Figure 3.
Iowa City is experiencing a 0.9% annual
population growth rate since 2012, adding
over 9,000 residents. Iowa City has grown
52% since the existing Transit Facility was
built in 1984. A healthy transit system and the
increasing population requires continuous
investment in capital infrastructure to support
and expand operations.
Transit is the greatest tool communities have
for ensuring transportation access is available
for all. A recent of Iowa City Transit riders
shows that nearly 50% of trips are work
related while 37% are related to school. These
trips are vitally important for ensuring access
to economic opportunities today and in the
future. Each trip to school is an investment in
an individual’s future, which is how transit
helps transform lives every day in our
University community. Transportation equity
is the foundation for all transit service in the
past, present, and future.
Approximately 53% of riders are Caucasian,
with African-American riders the second
largest group at 20%. Asian riders make up
15% of ridership while 7% of riders are
Latino. 34% of riders reported less than
$15,000 in annual household income, while 19% reported income between $15,000 - $25,000. Iowa City also
has a significant number of higher-earning riders. Over 16% of ridership reported more than $75,000 in
Figure 3: Iowa City is a major employment destination
for metro area employees
8 February 14, 2023
annual household income (Figures 4). 28% of riders indicate they live in a zero-vehicle household. Iowa
City Transit is a critical resource for ensuring the community has equitable access to safe, reliable,
affordable, and efficient transportation.
Figures 4: Iowa City Transit Rider Household Income and Access to Vehicles
Census data and local surveys indicate that Millennials in Johnson County are embracing transit and active
transportation (p. 22) and seek alternatives to a personal automobile for their daily trips at greater rates than
other generations. The number of residents without personal vehicles is also increasing. With a significant
number of college-aged and young persons in the Iowa City area, investing in the Transit System
significantly enhances mobility and livability and provides a critical link for those who must rely on transit to
make their daily trips, and makes transit a more attractive choice for others.
Without reinvestment in a new Transit Facility, the City is unable to adequately maintain or expand transit
services to meet our growing community’s mobility needs. Subsequently, the current facility will require
continuous operations and maintenance investments which the time and funding could be better allocated
towards service level improvements to help support regional mobility and community connectivity. It is
estimated that the current facility needs a staggering $1.6 million in immediate repairs over the next five
years in order to maintain service.
e) Economic Competitiveness and Opportunity
The Iowa City transit system activates the local economy, provides access to good paying jobs, creates jobs,
boosts commerce, reduces congestion, and provides a sustainable, convenient, and affordable alternative to
the automobile. Iowa City Transit is in the 5th largest city in Iowa and is the "Home of the Hawkeyes" and
the University of Iowa and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The City is ideally situated at the
crossroads of major national routes of Interstate 80, Interstate 380, and Highway 218, in addition to the
Highway 1 and Highway 6 state routes and is a regional hub for education, healthcare, and advanced
manufacturing, including bio-medical and consumer goods. Having a robust multi-modal transportation
system makes the Iowa City region an attractive place for economic investment.
The Iowa City area is the second fastest growing region in the state, a testament to the health of the economy,
low-unemployment rate and plentiful employment opportunities, local quality of life amenities, robust
transportation system, and the presence of the University of Iowa and the University of Iowa Hospitals and
9 February 14, 2023
Clinics. The metro area is regional employment center because of the wide variety of good paying jobs, as
shown in Figure 5. The metro area enjoys low-commute times and a high-functioning transportation
network, including the transit system, which has the 21st highest transit ridership per-capita in the country.
According to a recent survey of riders as part of a transit study, nearly 50% of trips are work related which
helps the local economy remains competitive while connecting area residents to good jobs across the metro
area.
Figure 5: Iowa City Metro Area Employment and Mean Salary by Occupation
Source: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/iowa-wage-report
Iowa City Transit routes interchange with the University of Iowa system and the City of Coralville’s transit
system to create one of the strongest transit regional transit systems in the United States. Iowa City Transit
itself is an economic generator, providing over 60 good paying union-jobs with robust benefits.
Nearly 30% of all commute trips in Iowa City are made by walking, biking or transit compared to the state
average of 6% (Table 4, p. 10), which shows that the community places a high value on transit and active
transportation to get to work each day.
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Table 4: Iowa City Commuting Statistics by Mode
Iowa City’s vision for transit involves service enhancements and expansion that will continue to spur
economic development and job creation, including good-paying union jobs to support those expanded service
offerings, such as transit operators, mechanics, and other Iowa City transit staff. In 2023, the City Council is
considering a variety of transit service enhancements resulting from the Transit Study including zero-fare
fixed route service, implementing a full-scale bus stop enhancement program, and developing an on-demand
transportation service to support mobility when transit is not in operation.
(f) State of Good Repair
Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County performed a Transit Facility Condition Assessment
in September of 2022 using the Federal Transit Administration’s Transit Economic Requirements Model
(Appendix E). The existing facility scored 2.4 on a 5-point scale, indicating its marginal and declining
condition since 2018 when the last formal assessment was completed. Some aspects of the facility, such as
ground conditions, were rated in poor condition. The report indicates that the facility is no longer considered
to be in a State of Good Repair. The primary concerns about maintaining a State of Good Repair are:
Building Structure
• The building has significant wear, is outdated, and does not meet the needs of today’s fleet.
• Methane abatement is required to ensure safe and healthy building air quality for employees at a significant annual operations and maintenance cost.
11 February 14, 2023
• Aging bus wash and vehicle hoists, original to the building, require more frequent repair and are increasingly difficult to find replacement parts for.
• The storage and wash bay doors require frequent service calls, which at times prevent buses from entering or exiting the building resulting in service interruptions.
• The brick façade requires periodic maintenance and tuck-pointing work.
• Roof leaks are occurring multiple times per year. The leaks require immediate attention which diverts staff from service-related priorities, further compounds existing age and condition issues, and impacts our ability to provide timely services. A new roof will be required within the next five years, and those funds would be better invested into a new Transit Facility.
• Distressed conditions due to age of major systems, heating, a/c, electrical services. Two of the six
heating systems needed to be replaced in 2022. We expect the remaining four to fail within the next 3-4 years.
• The methane abatement system coupled with soil settlement has created animal habitat underneath the facility, resulting in multiple pest infestations in the building including racoons, cats, and the fleas and ticks that come with them.
Parking Lot + Entrance Approaches
There is no pedestrian or bicycle access to the current facility, and on-site pedestrian access is non-compliant
on-site due to ground subsidence issues and poor condition of pedestrian approaches (See photos, Appendix
F, p 5). The substantial ground subsidence and sinking requires significant annual expenditures in asphalt
overlays and patching to ensure buses can safely enter and exit the building (See photos, Appendix F, p 1-2).
Without the annual repaving program, buses would not be able to enter the facility without significant damage to the undercarriage due to the severity of the breakover angle resulting from sinking asphalt. Even with persisting patching efforts, there is constant shifting of the pavement due to ground settlement. The uneven surfaces and crater-sized potholes create hazards for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. Due to the
high-water table, some of the larger potholes are permanently filled with water and wetland features like tall grass and cattails creating habitat for migrating ducks and waterfowl.
Long-Term Management + Cost Structures
This project is consistent with relevant plans to maintain the facility in a State of Good Repair and address
current and projected vulnerabilities. If left unimproved, the poor condition of our existing Transit Facility
will further threaten future transportation network efficiency, mobility of the travelling public, and stymie
economic growth. A new transit maintenance and bus storage facility for Iowa City is indicated as a priority
and programmed in:
• 2023 – 2026 Iowa DOT State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) (p. 323)
• 2023 – 2026 Regional MPO of Johnson County (MPOJC) TIP (p 8)
• 2050 MPOJC Long-Range Transportation Plan (p 164,166)
• 2022 Iowa City Transit Asset Management Plan (Appendix G, p 6)
• 2022 – 2027 MPOJC Passenger Transportation Plan (p 25)
• Iowa City’s 2022 – 2026 Capital Improvement Plan (p 526)
The project is appropriately capitalized up front and uses asset management approaches that optimize its
long-term utility and usage. A sustainable source of revenue is available for operations and maintenance of
the project (see Funding Commitments file).
12 February 14, 2023
The facility regularly experiences failures such as jammed bus bay doors and roof leaks which ultimately
impacts the long-term efficiency, reliability, and affordability for riders who depend upon the bus to get to
work. With a new Transit Facility, Iowa City will be able to reduce operating and maintenance costs for the
bus fleet and will be able to expand services to better meet the needs of the entire community. Iowa City has
a stated goal of transitioning 55% of vehicle trips to more sustainable modes such as walking, biking, or
taking transit to meet 2050 emissions reductions goals. Fully transitioning to electric buses or other low/no
emission vehicles at a new Transit Facility will allow us to modernize and better serve residents by providing
cleaner, quieter, service with less air pollution and emissions. Life-cycle costs of electric buses are now
reportedly less than their diesel counterparts (due to the lack of combustion engines) which will further allow
Iowa City Transit to invest the savings in service enhancements.
g) Partnership
The replacement Transit Facility project and broader vision for Iowa City transit has engaged in partnership
in the following ways:
• The City’s energy supplier, Mid-American Energy, produced 88% of energy from renewable sources
(mostly wind) in 2022 and has a goal to achieve 100% renewable energy within a few years. This
means that a new Transit Facility and the electric fleet would be served by 100% renewable, clean
energy making Iowa City Transit one of the most sustainable public transportation systems in the
United States. Iowa City has partnered with MidAmerican Energy to promote the electric buses and
the renewable energy used to keep them moving. More information about this partnership is included
in h) Innovative Financing.
• The Iowa City Area Transit Study was completed in collaboration with the two other major area
transit systems, the University of Iowa’s CAMBUS system and the City of Coralville Transit. This
collaborative approach recognized the benefits to riders when connectivity, fare consistency, and
reduced redundancy across the systems. Partnering with local transit agencies in the planning and
provisioning of transit service across the metro area ensures we are providing high-value regional
transit services.
• Equity-focused community outreach was conducted in the creation of the Transit Study and resulting
recommendations (Iowa City Area Transit Study, Chapter 8). Iowa City Transit partnered with the
business community, social and community service organizations, and the unhoused or housing
insecure populations to receive feedback from a broad cross-section of the community.
• We continue to leverage strong partnerships with the Federal Transit Administration, the United
States Department of Transportation, and the State of Iowa to assist the City with funding capital
improvements to the transit system that would otherwise be infeasible for this community to take on.
h) Innovation
Innovative technologies
• In 2022, Iowa City Transit was the first agency in the metro area to transition to battery electric bus
technology. This extraordinary leap-forward in sustainable transportation was the result of
partnerships with the Iowa Department of Transportation, MidAmerican Energy, Proterra and the
dedicated staff of Iowa City Transit. Replacing diesel fleet with electric vehicles is a stated objective
13 February 14, 2023
in Iowa City’s Climate Action Plan and the subsequent Accelerating Iowa City’s Climate Actions
Plan, therefore we plan to fully expand to an all-electric vehicle fleet when a new Transit Facility is
constructed. A new Transit Facility is the foundation for the system’s growth and continued success.
Without a new facility, we will be unable to expand and innovate services or make a full transition to
electric buses.
• Innovative and sustainable design standards will also be incorporated into the design of the new
Transit Facility, including electric bus technologies, improvements to security to protect assets, and
reduced energy consumption (e.g. rooftop solar) and improved energy efficiency components.
• Through the Iowa City Area Transit Study, the City is exploring the use of autonomous technologies,
and app based on-demand services to complement traditional fixed-route services, micro transit
services, and leveraging micro mobility and other emerging technologies as first-mile and last-mile
solutions or to fill gaps in service.
Innovative financing
• Much of the local match Iowa City commits to this project was derived from the development of an
innovative mixed-use, multi-modal development, the Court Street Transportation Center, constructed
in 2006. The development contains a parking garage, a daycare, a restaurant, and inter-city bus
service in the heart of downtown Iowa City. Proceeds from the multi-use facility, including parking
fees and rent from commercial properties, are designated solely for use by the transit system. These
funds represent a significant portion of those set aside for use as a local match for state and federal
grants and help support daily operations.
• In 2021, the City of Iowa City partnered with a private high-density student housing development to
supplant their private shared transportation service for $190,080 in annual revenue which is
earmarked for supporting daily operations and transit service level improvements.
• In 2021, the City entered a marketing partnership with MidAmerican Energy which established a
new annual revenue source for Iowa City Transit, bringing in $75,000 revenue for three years with options to renew. The marketing agreement was in exchange for MidAmerican Energy branding on exterior graphic wraps for the City's new electric buses. The bus wraps are a powerful reminder to the community that the buses are powered by 88% clean, renewable energy (mostly wind) which will help reinforce MidAmerican’s strategic plans to achieve 100% renewable, and also reinforce Iowa
City’s Climate Action initiatives.
2 February 14, 2023
PROJECT READINESS
Required Approvals
Environmental Permits and Reviews
In February 2017, the existing and proposed Transit Facility locations were visited by Federal Transit Administration Region 7 staff including Mark Bechtel (Deputy Regional Administrator), Cathy Monroe
(Planning and Programming Development Director), and Beth Held (Environmental Protection Specialist) to commence preliminary environmental review. In April 2022, FTA Region 7 Administrator Mokhtee Ahmad, Cathy Monroe, Gerri Doyle (Environmental Protection Specialist), Jason Pollock (Regional Counsel), and Daniel Nguyen (Community Planner) visited the existing and proposed Transit Facility sites
in Iowa City. During that visit, FTA staff acknowledged the poor condition of our existing Transit Facility and concluded that the proposed site on the existing Public Works Campus was adequate, in terms of the size of the parcel, for the proposed facilities. Concluding remarks were that staff did not see any substantial issues with the project moving forward and they encouraged us to seek grant funding for this important project. In August 2022, FTA Planning and
Environmental review was formally commenced with monthly meetings attended by FTA Region 7 staff including Cathy Monroe, Daniel Nguyen, Gerri Doyle. Iowa City is hiring a
consultant to facilitate the necessary environmental review of the property in March 2023. Given the fact that the proposed site is a part of an existing City Public Works campus, it is expected that the NEPA review will be
completed in July 2023.
Land Acquisition
Much of the 31.7-acre Iowa City Public Works
Campus was established with the City’s purchase of the property in 1998. A final 2-acre parcel on the northwest corner of the intersection of intersection of Gilbert Street and
McCollister Boulevard was acquired and added to the Public Works Campus in February 2021.
No additional land acquisition is necessary to complete the project.
Project Schedule
The City will publish an RFP in March 2023
for a consultant to begin preliminary design for a new Transit Facility that will enable expansion of the 27-
vehicle heavy-duty and 13 vehicle paratransit fleet, allow for a full conversion to electric buses, modernize
the facility for employees and the public, and allow the City to maintain and improve the level of service to
the community. The facility design will be informed by the Transit Facility Needs Assessment (p 25-26)
Proposed Transit
Facility Site 7.9 acres
Public Works Campus
31.7 acres
Figure 6: Proposed Transit Facility site on existing
Public Works Campus
3 February 14, 2023
excerpted from the Public Works Master Plan process. The Needs Assessment will help guide the design
process and ensure future staffing needs, desired service level improvements, operational enhancements, and
operational efficiencies are achieved (Tables 7).
Tables 7: Needs Assessment: Transit Division Staff and Vehicle Needs forecast
Actions Completed To-Date:
•The property for the proposed location of the new Transit Facility, the recently established Public
Works campus, was procured in by the City in 1998. An additional 2-acre parcel on the northwest
corner of the Gilbert Street and McCollister Avenue intersection was added to the campus in 2021.
No additional property acquisition is required.
•In 1999, a Phase 1 Archaeological Study was completed. In 2011, a Phase 1A Archaeological Survey
was completed for the Public Works Campus.
4 February 14, 2023
•In 2014, the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County drafted a Location and
Feasibility Study for a new Iowa City Transit Facility, reviewing 20 potential sites. The proposed
location on the new Public Works campus ranked highest. The City is updating the study in 2023.
•In 2015, the City undertook a Public Works Master Plan process which included a Transit Facility
Needs Assessment. The Needs Assessment considered both current and future needs and was the
foundation for the subsequent development of the proposed Transit Facility concept.
•In February of 2017, the existing and proposed Transit Facility locations were visited by Federal
Transit Administration Region 7 staff including Mark Bechtel (Deputy Regional Administrator),
Cathy Monroe (Planning and Programming Development Director), and Beth Held (Environmental
Protection Specialist) to review the current facility and proposed site.
•In February 2022, the United States Congress recognized the Iowa City Zero-Emission Transit
Operations and Maintenance Facility as a regional transportation priority and awarded the
community $750,000 in Congressionally Designated Funds (FY22 Community Project Funding) to
help fund facility design.
•In April 2022, FTA Region 7 Administrator Mokhtee Ahmad, Cathy Monroe, Gerri Doyle
(Environmental Protection Specialist), Jason Pollock (Regional Counsel), and Daniel Nguyen
(Community Planner) visited the current facility and proposed site.
•In August 2022, the FTA Planning and Environmental review process began in earnest. Monthly
meetings commenced with Cathy Monroe, Daniel Nguyen, and Gerri Doyle and have continued into
2023.
•Considerable progress has been made in terms of submission of documents for review and
completion of the Facility Basis Form (95% complete) and we expect to progress with NEPA
findings in July 2023.
•The City will publish an RFP for a consultant to assist with finalizing the NEPA process in March
2023.
•The City is finalizing development of an RFP for design services and expects to have a consultant on board by May 2023.
Table 8 is the schedule by which the City of Iowa City proposes the timely completion the project. If Iowa
City were to receive a RAISE award, we expect the new facilities to be operational by April 2026. Having
completed conceptual feasibility design for the project and with no right-of-way to be acquired, the City is
confident that obligation can occur well in advance of September 30th, 2027, and that the project can be
completed with a complete liquidation of funds prior to September 30th, 2032. All necessary activities will
be complete to allow RAISE Transportation funds to be obligated sufficiently in advance of the statutory
deadlines, and that any unexpected delays will not put the funds at risk of expiring before they are obligated.
Table 8: Project Schedule
Project Schedule Milestone Date
Acquired real estate for the project December 1998 and February
2021
Phase 1 Archaeological Study 1999
5 February 14, 2023
Phase 2 Archaeological Study 2011
MPOJC Feasibility and Site Selection Study March 2014
Preliminary Planning and Environmental Review visit from FTA Region 7 staff February 2017
Iowa City Public Works Master Plan completed including Needs Analysis and Facility Concepts 2015
Awarded $750,000 in Congressionally Designated Community Project Funding for facility design February 2022
Planning and Environmental Review visit from FTA Region 7 staff April 2022
FTA Planning & Environmental Analysis - NEPA Commenced April 2022, expected completion July 2023
MPOJC Transportation Improvement Program Approval July 2023
State of Iowa Transportation Improvement Program Approval October 2023
Hire Consultant for NEPA March 2023
Hire Architectural & Engineering for Design May 2023
RAISE Grant Award Announcement June 2023
FTA Environmental Finding Issued (expected) July 2023
Preliminary Design Complete (30%) November 2023
Final Design Complete (100%) June 2024
Bid Opening August 2024
Contract Award August 2024
Notice to Proceed August 2024
Groundbreaking September 2024
Building Occupied and Operational - Commence revenue service April 2026
6 February 14, 2023
Review or Approvals by Other Agencies
The facility will fall solely under the purview of the City of Iowa City therefore no review or approvals
from other agencies, outside of a grant-awarding Federal agency, are necessary.
State and Local Planning Approvals
A replacement Transit Facility has been expressed as a priority in each of the following state, local, and
federal planning documents for the last decade:
• 2023 – 2026 Iowa DOT State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) (p. 323)
• 2023 – 2026 Regional MPO of Johnson County (MPOJC) TIP (p 8)
• 2050 MPOJC Long-Range Transportation Plan (p 164,166)
• 2022 Iowa City Transit Asset Management Plan (Appendix X)
• 2022 – 2027 MPOJC Passenger Transportation Plan (p 25)
• Iowa City’s 2022 – 2026 Capital Improvement Plan (p 526)
Assessment of Project Risks and Mitigation Strategies
This project has been preceded by several planning studies that solidified the scope, and the breadth of
approval from local organizations and the City of Iowa City. The studies have allowed for the vetting of
the project elements for significant environmental or social impacts, of which none of significance have
been identified. Rather, the environmental and social impacts are positive and pronounced. This project
has the backing of many prominent local officials and local agencies (see Letters of Support file),
requires no right-of-way to be acquired for completion of the project, and local funding is secured for
the match.
Technical Capacity
Through the Public Works Master Plan process in 2015, the initial needs assessment, planning and
conceptual designs for the proposed Transit Facility have already been completed. Detailed engineering
drawings have not yet been completed but the City will commence formal design in 2023 funded by
$750,000 in Congressionally Designated Community Project dollars. The cost estimates were derived
through the Public Works Master Plan process. The City of Iowa City has adequate staff with the
technical expertise necessary to facilitate the development of a new Transit Facility and continue the
transition to a full electric fleet.
The Iowa City Transportation Services Department and Public Works Department have demonstrable
experience in delivering on projects of this scope and timeline including the 2006 Court Street
Transportation Center and the award-winning energy-efficient LEED certified 2019 Public Works
Facility. Additionally, Iowa City Transit has been a demonstrated reliable partner with State and Federal
agencies. Iowa City had zero findings in the most recent FTA Triennial Review completed in 2021.
CITY OF IOWA CITY TRANSIT
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
FACILITY REPLACEMENT PROJECT
BENEFIT-COST ANALYSIS SUPPLEMENTARY DOCUMENTATION
FY2023 RAISE DISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAM
PREPARED FOR: CITY OF IOWA CITY
FEBRUARY 28, 2023
1 Executive Summary
A benefit-cost analysis (BCA) was conducted for the City of Iowa City Transit Operations and
Maintenance Facility Replacement Project (Project) for submission to the U.S. Department of
Transportation (U.S. DOT) as a requirement of a discretionary grant application for the 2023 Rebuilding
American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program. The analysis was conducted in
accordance with the benefit-cost methodology as outlined by U.S. DOT in the Benefit-Cost Analysis
Guidance for Discretionary Grant Programs, released in January 2023. The period of analysis corresponds
to 20 years and includes 2 years of construction and 18 years of benefits after operations begin in 2027.
The Project will provide improved transportation access and equitable mobility to the Iowa City area, one
of the fastest growing regions in the state, and enable a full transition to zero-emission bus technologies.
The current transit facility was constructed in 1984 upon a former, unregulated dump site. As the waste
decomposes, the land the facility sits upon settles and releases methane gas which becomes trapped in the
site’s foundation above. These substantial ground subsidence issues require significant annual asphalt
patching and overlay in addition to methane abatement to ensure adequate air quality is maintained within
the building. The facility has also reached capacity and is unable to serve additional buses or be further
retrofitted with zero-emission technologies, which restricts expansion of the agency’s fleet and thereby
restricts expansion of transit service in the area. These ground subsidence and air quality issues thus
preclude the City from expanding or further investing in the existing facility.
The replacement Transit Facility is proposed to be constructed on a previously procured site at the City’s
existing Public Works campus, which will streamline operations and efficiency. The new Transit Facility
will be able to support the current size of fleet and handle future expansion, including zero emission buses
and the technological infrastructure necessary to continue the City’s transition to a fully electric fleet.
COSTS
The capital cost for this Project is expected to be $70.17 million in undiscounted 2021 dollars through
2038.1 At a seven percent real discount rate, these costs are $47.28 million. Table ES-1 shows how these
costs are allocated across time and major expense category.
Table ES-1: Project Costs by Category and Year, in Undiscounted Millions of 2021 Dollars
Cost
Category 2021 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2030 2032 2037 2038 Total
Preliminary
Design $0.00 $0.71 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.71
Remaining
Design $0.00 $0.95 $0.93 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1.88
Construction $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $10.22 $9.92 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $20.14
Rooftop
Solar $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.29 $0.28 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.57
Capital Cost
(New Fleet) $4.80 $3.60 $2.40 $4.80 $0.00 $7.20 $12.00 $2.40 $4.80 $3.60 $45.60
Bus Charger $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.66 $0.07 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.73
Bus Charger
Installation $0.10 $0.00 $0.00 $0.40 $0.04 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.54
Total $4.90 $5.26 $3.33 $16.37 $10.31 $7.20 $12.00 $2.40 $4.80 $3.60 $70.17
1 Note that these costs differ from those reported in the Project Narrative due to the use of 2019 dollars
rather than year-of-expenditure dollars.
3
Cost
Category 2021 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2030 2032 2037 2038 Total
Total, 7%
Discounted $4.90 $4.60 $2.72 $12.49 $7.35 $4.80 $6.53 $1.14 $1.63 1.14 $47.28
Source: City of Iowa City
In addition to the upfront capital cost, net operations and maintenance (O&M) costs are projected to
average $4,336 per year in the long term. The net operations and maintenance costs represent the
difference in O&M costs between the Build and No Build scenarios.
Rehabilitation and replacement (R&R) costs are expected to occur only in the No-Build scenario to
continuously maintain the functionality of the existing facility. Over the analysis period, these costs
accumulate to $1.39 million in undiscounted 2021 dollars, or $0.96 million when discounted at 7 percent.
Note that these O&M and R&R costs are included as a disbenefit in the numerator of the benefit-cost ratio
calculation.
BENEFITS
In 2021 dollars, the Project is expected to generate $37.15 million in discounted benefits using a seven
percent discount rate. These benefits are attributed to the reduction in vehicle miles travelled (VMT) and
passenger hours travelled (PHT) attributed to increased transit service made possible by the larger vehicle
capacity of the new transit facility. This leads to an overall project Net Present Value of $10.02 million
and a Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of $1.37 2. The overall project benefit matrix can be seen in Table ES-2.
Table ES-2: Project Impacts and Benefits Summary, Monetary Values in Millions of 2021 Dollars
Current Status & Problem
to be Addressed
Change to
Baseline/Alternatives
RAISE Merit
Criteria
Economic
Benefit
Summary of
Results
(at 7% discount
rate)*
Existing facility was
constructed on a historic
landfill site and has reached
the end of its useful life. The
grounds beneath and
surrounding the facility are
sinking and releasing methane,
necessitating expensive
ongoing maintenance
procedures including frequent
repaving and methane-
abatement. Additionally, the
facility has reached capacity
and is unable to serve
additional buses, restricting
expansion of the transit
agency’s fleet and therefore
restricting expansion of transit
service in the municipality.
With a goal of doubling
A new transit
maintenance facility
will be built in a
different location
which will have a
capacity of 40 buses,
which will enable
Iowa City Transit to
improve service on
major corridors and
extend service hours
during nights and
weekends. In addition,
the new facility will
incorporate charging
stations for Iowa City
Transit to transition to
an electric bus fleet.
Safety Crash
Reduction $6.25
Environmental
Sustainability
Emissions
Reduction $1.14
Quality of Life Noise
Reduction $0.05
Economic
Competitiveness
and Opportunity
Travel
Time
Savings
$10.68
Vehicle
Operating
Cost
Savings
$13.87
2 Per USDOT guidance, operations and maintenance costs are included in the numerator along with
other project benefits when calculating the benefit-cost ratio.
4
Current Status & Problem
to be Addressed
Change to
Baseline/Alternatives
RAISE Merit
Criteria
Economic
Benefit
Summary of
Results
(at 7% discount
rate)*
ridership in the coming decade
and moving towards a fully
battery-electric bus fleet,
additional vehicle maintenance
and storage capacity is critical,
and the ongoing challenges of
the existing facility make it
unsuitable for expansion or
long-term investment.
State of Good
Repair
Pavement
Damage
Reduction
$0.05
Agency
Cost
Savings
$0.71
Residual
Value $2.70
*CO2 emissions are discounted at 3 percent in accordance with the USDOT BCA Guidance 2023.
Source: WSP Analysis
The overall Project impacts can be seen in Table ES-3, which shows the magnitude of change and
direction of the various impact categories.
Table ES-3: Project Impacts for Project, Cumulative 2023-2045
Category Unit Quantity Direction
Vehicle-Miles Traveled VMT 74,272,819.81 ▼
Person-Hours Traveled PHT 1,344,420.98 ▼
Fuel Consumed gallons 4,425,249.69 ▼
CO2 Emissions tons 41,790.83 ▼
NOX Emissions tons 2.92 ▼
PM10 tons 0.10 ▼
SOX tons 0.66 ▼
Source: WSP, 2023
In addition to the monetized benefits presented in Table ES-2, the Project would create the following
qualitative benefits:
QUALITY OF LIFE AND SAFETY
— Increased transit service will provide residents of Iowa City with improved mobility options;
— The transition from diesel to electric will benefit surrounding communities by reducing
emissions and ambient noise. Iowa City Transit intends to purchase electricity from fully
renewable, zero-emission power sources; and,
— Reducing private auto VMTs is expected to reduce the number of vehicle crashes in Iowa City.
While reduced crashes are a monetizable benefit, without a mechanism for accurately estimating
the reduction in crashes, this benefit has been treated as qualitative.
FACILITY STAFF HEALTH AND SAFETY
— The ongoing challenges with methane leakage from the landfill material below the existing
facility have created concerns regarding air quality. Beyond the need for a methane-abatement
program, the project will provide facility workers and bus drivers who frequently visit the
facility with better indoor air quality.
While these benefits are not easily quantifiable, they do provide real advantages and improvements that
will be experienced by individuals and businesses in the region.
CONTENTS
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
LIST OF TABLES
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BCA Framework
1.2 Report Contents
2 PROJECT OVERVIEW
2.1 Description
2.2 General Assumptions
2.3 Base Case and Build Case
3 PROJECT COSTS
3.1 Capital Costs
3.2 Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and Repair And Rehabilitation (R&R) Costs
4 PROJECT BENEFITS
4.1 Transit Ridership Projections
4.2 Safety
4.3 Environmental Sustainability
4.4 Quality of Life
4.5 Economic Competitiveness and Opportunity
4.6 State of Good Repair
5 SUMMARY OF RESULTS
5.1 Evaluation Measures
5.2 BCA Results
6
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE ES-1: PROJECT COSTS BY CATEGORY AND YEAR, IN UNDISCOUNTED MILLIONS
OF 2021 DOLLARS
TABLE ES-2: PROJECT IMPACTS AND BENEFITS SUMMARY, MONETARY VALUES IN
MILLIONS OF 2021 DOLLARS
TABLE ES-3: PROJECT IMPACTS FOR PROJECT, CUMULATIVE 2023-2045
TABLE 1: PROJECT COSTS BY CATEGORY AND YEAR, IN UNDISCOUNTED MILLIONS OF
2021 DOLLARS
TABLE 2: SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE AND
REPAIR/REHABILITATION/REPLACEMENT COSTS (IN UNDISCOUNTED 2021
DOLLARS)
TABLE 3: PROJECT BENEFITS
TABLE 4: DEMAND PROJECTION ASSUMPTIONS AND SOURCES
TABLE 5: NO BUILD AND BUILD DEMAND PROJECTIONS
TABLE 6: SAFETY BENEFITS ASSUMPTIONS AND SOURCES
TABLE 7: SAFETY BENEFITS, MILLIONS OF 2021 DOLLARS
TABLE 8: CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE BENEFITS ASSUMPTIONS
AND SOURCES
TABLE 9: CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE BENEFITS, MILLIONS OF
2021 DOLLARS
TABLE 10: QUALITY OF LIFE ASSUMPTIONS AND SOURCES
TABLE 11: QUALITY OF LIFE BENEFITS, MILLIONS OF 2021 DOLLARS
TABLE 12: TRAVEL TIME SAVINGS ASSUMPTIONS AND SOURCES
TABLE 13: TRAVEL TIME SAVINGS, MILLIONS OF 2021 DOLLARS
TABLE 14: VMT SAVINGS ASSUMPTIONS AND SOURCES
TABLE 15: OPERATING COST SAVINGS ASSUMPTIONS AND SOURCES
TABLE 16: VEHICLE OPERATING COST SAVINGS, MILLIONS OF 2021 DOLLARS
TABLE 17: STATE OF GOOD REPAIR BENEFITS ASSUMPTIONS AND SOURCES
TABLE 18: STATE OF GOOD REPAIR BENEFITS, MILLIONS OF 2021 DOLLARS
TABLE 19: BENEFIT COST ANALYSIS RESULTS, MILLIONS OF 2021 DOLLARS
1 INTRODUCTION
A benefit-cost analysis (BCA) was conducted for the City of Iowa City Transit Operations and
Maintenance Facility Replacement Project (Project) for submission to the U.S. Department of
Transportation (U.S. DOT) as a requirement of a discretionary grant application for the RAISE 2023
program. The following section describes the BCA framework, evaluation metrics, and report contents.
1.1 BCA FRAMEWORK
A BCA is an evaluation framework to assess the economic advantages (benefits) and disadvantages
(costs) of an investment alternative. Benefits and costs are broadly defined and are quantified in monetary
terms to the extent possible. The overall goal of a BCA is to assess whether the expected benefits of a
project justify the costs from a national perspective. A BCA framework attempts to capture the net
welfare change created by a project, including cost savings and increases in welfare (benefits), as well as
disbenefits where costs can be identified (e.g., project capital costs), and welfare reductions where some
groups are expected to be made worse off as a result of the proposed project.
The BCA framework involves defining a Base Case or “No Build” Case, which is compared to the
“Build” Case, where the grant request is awarded, and the project is built as proposed. The BCA assesses
the incremental difference between the Base Case and the Build Case, which represents the net change in
welfare. BCAs are forward-looking exercises which seek to assess the incremental change in welfare over
a project life cycle. The importance of future welfare changes is determined through discounting, which is
meant to reflect both the opportunity cost of capital as well as the societal preference for the present.
The analysis was conducted in accordance with the benefit-cost methodology as recommended by the
U.S. DOT in the 2023 Benefit-Cost Analysis Guidance for Discretionary Grant Programs.3 This
methodology includes the following analytical assumptions:
— Defining existing and future conditions under a No Build base case as well as under the Build Case;
— Estimating benefits and costs during project construction and operation, including 20 years of
operations beyond the Project completion when benefits accrue;
— Using U.S. DOT recommended monetized values for reduced fatalities, injuries, property damage,
travel time savings, and emissions, while relying on best practices for monetization of other benefits;
— Presenting dollar values in real 2021 dollars. In instances where cost estimates and benefits valuations
are expressed in historical or future dollar years, using an appropriate inflation factor to adjust the
values;
— Discounting future benefits and costs with a real discount rate of seven percent consistent with U.S.
DOT guidance.
1.2 REPORT CONTENTS
Section 2 of this report contains a description of the City of Iowa City Transit Operations and
Maintenance Facility Replacement Project (Project), information on the general assumptions made in the
analysis, and a description of the base case compared to the build case. Section 3 provides a summary of
the anticipated project costs. Section 4 reviews the expected economic benefits the Project would
3 U.S. Department of Transportation, Benefit-Cost Analysis Guidance for Discretionary Grant
Applications, January 2023. https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2023-
01/Benefit%20Cost%20Analysis%20Guidance%202023%20Update.pdf Access January 18, 2023.
8
generate, including a review of the assumptions and methodology used to calculate the benefits. Finally,
Section 0 reports the high-level results of the benefit-cost analysis.
9
2 PROJECT OVERVIEW
2.1 DESCRIPTION
The primary function of City of Iowa City Transit Operations and Maintenance Facility is to provide
storage and maintenance to the Iowa Transit fleet to ensure safe and reliable transit to the citizens of Iowa
City. The facility is located by Riverside with a current fleet size of 27 conventional transit buses (40-
foot). The facility was built in 1984 on a historic landfill and has reached the end of its useful life. The
grounds beneath and surrounding the facility are sinking and releasing methane, necessitating expensive
ongoing maintenance procedures including frequent repaving and methane-abatement; asphaltic driving
surfaces have needed as much as nine feet of asphalt in some locations where grounds are sinking fastest.
Additionally, the facility has reached capacity and is unable to serve additional buses, restricting
expansion of the transit agency’s fleet and therefore restricting expansion of transit service in the
municipality. With a goal of doubling ridership in the coming decade and moving towards an all-electric
bus fleet, additional vehicle maintenance and storage capacity is critical, and the ongoing challenges of
the existing facility make it unsuitable for expansion or long-term investment.
A new 2.43-acre transit maintenance and storage facility located at 3800 Napoleon Lane was proposed as
part of the Public Works Master Plan in 2016. The new facility will be able to support a fleet of 40
battery-electric buses (‘electric buses’), which will enable Iowa City to fully transition to electric buses,
reducing emissions and maintenance costs. With a larger capacity facility, Iowa City will be able to
purchase additional buses to increase transit service on major routes during weekdays, weeknights, and
Saturdays, as well as introduce Sunday service to attract new riders. The City is considering eliminating
transit fares altogether to spur transit ridership and minimize private auto use. The City intends to
decommission the existing facility upon completion of the new facility.
As a result of increasing both frequency of transit service and extending the hours of transit service, this
project would facilitate a reduction in Passenger Hours Traveled (PHTs) by reducing passenger wait-
times, a reduction in auto Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) by attracting new transit ridership due to
improved service, and a reduction in diesel bus emissions by transitioning to electric buses. The new
Transit Maintenance facility would also provide a safe and healthy working environment for the bus
maintenance staff and will reduce many ongoing expenses associated with operations and maintenance
(O&M) of the existing landfill site and associated facility challenges.
This project would also generate indoor air quality benefits for the staff working in the facility, addressing
concerns previously voiced by workers that air quality in the existing facility is inadequate. Given the
challenge of accurately quantifying these benefits, this BCA discusses air quality / health and safety
benefits of workers qualitatively, noting that the true economic benefit (and Benefit-Cost Ratio) is likely
higher than the value presented herein.
2.2 GENERAL ASSUMPTIONS
The evaluation period for this project includes a 4-year design and construction period, from 2023-2026,
during which capital expenditures are undertaken, plus 20 years of operations beyond Project completion
within which to accrue benefits, through 2044.
Dollar figures in this analysis are expressed in constant 2021 dollars (2021$). In instances where cost
estimates or benefit valuations were expressed in historical year dollar values, the U.S. Bureau of
Economic Analysis’s National Income and Product Accounts’ Implicit Price Deflators for Gross
10
Domestic Product was used to adjust the values to 2021 dollars.4 Constant 2021 dollars were used
because the majority of cost figures were provided in 2022 dollars. All present value cost and benefit
streams are discounted to 2021, consistent with RAISE program guidance.
The real discount rate used for this analysis was 7.0 percent, consistent with USDOT guidance for 2022
RAISE grants and OMB Circular A-94.5
2.3 BASE CASE AND BUILD CASE
The Base Case is in most respects a ‘do nothing’ option. The Base Case does not include the construction
of the new transit facility, and as a result, it does not include expansion of bus service or transition to a
fully electric bus fleet. However, the Base Case does include the four electric buses that have already
been purchased in 2021 to replace two existing diesel buses and add two additional buses to the current
fleet as the existing facility could be retrofitted to provide charging capacity for a small number of buses.
The fleet size is expected to remain at 27 buses throughout the analysis period. The ridership for the base
case assumes that there will only be an increase each year due to population growth, assumed to continue
at 0.91% (as observed from Iowa City’s most recent population growth rate6).
The Build Case defined for this analysis includes the construction of the new transit facility, which
enables the increase in fleet size from 27 to 38 buses by 2030. Moreover, the new facility will be able to
support the number of charging stations required for a full fleet of electric buses. The induced ridership
forecast was projected linearly from the project opening year 2027 to the horizon year 2030, based on
periodic increases in bus service hours in keeping with new bus purchases up to 2030. After the year
2030, ridership growth follows the same rate as the No Build case at 0.91% each year.
This RAISE application is seeking funding for construction of the proposed transit facility. RAISE
funding is not being sought for operation of transit services or future transit vehicles. However, the
majority of quantifiable benefits associated with construction of the new, larger transit operations and
maintenance facility are attributable to the expansion of transit services, which is made possible only by
the new facility’s incremental bus capacity relative to the existing facility. As a result, both costs and
benefits associated with expanded transit service are considered in this BCA.
4 U.S. DOT Office of the Secretary: Benefit-Cost Analysis Guidance for Discretionary Grant Programs.
June 2018. Page 33.
5 White House Office of Management and Budget, Circular A-94, Guidelines and Discount Rates for
Benefit-Cost Analysis of Federal Programs. October 29, 1992.
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/a94/a094.pdf. Accessed January
18, 2022.
6 Source: https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/iowa-city-ia-population
11
3 PROJECT COSTS
3.1 CAPITAL COSTS
The following capital costs were included in the BCA and are quantified in Table 1. Costs were provided
by the City of Iowa City.
— Transit Operations and Maintenance Facility: includes the design costs, construction, and a
solar rooftop that will be included in the new facility.
— New Fleet Diesel Buses: includes the new diesel buses purchased for replacement in the No
Build case and the new electric buses purchased for replacement and for added services in the
Build Case.
— Charging Station: includes the cost of purchasing and installing bus chargers within the facility
for the new electric buses in both the Build case and No Build case. A greater number of
chargers are anticipated in the Build Case.
Table 1: Project Costs by Category and Year, in Undiscounted Millions of 2021 Dollars
Cost
Category 2021 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2030 2032 2037 2038 Total
Preliminary
Design $0.00 $0.71 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.71
Remaining
Design $0.00 $0.95 $0.93 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1.88
Construction $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $10.22 $9.92 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $20.14
Rooftop
Solar $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.29 $0.28 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.57
Capital Cost
(New Fleet) $4.80 $3.60 $2.40 $4.80 $0.00 $7.20 $12.00 $2.40 $4.80 $3.60 $45.60
Bus Charger $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.66 $0.07 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.73
Bus Charger
Installation $0.10 $0.00 $0.00 $0.40 $0.04 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.54
Total $4.90 $5.26 $3.33 $16.37 $10.31 $7.20 $12.00 $2.40 $4.80 $3.60 $70.17
Total, 7%
Discounted $4.90 $4.60 $2.72 $12.49 $7.35 $4.80 $6.53 $1.14 $1.63 1.14 $47.28
Source: City of Iowa City
3.2 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE (O&M) AND REPAIR
AND REHABILITATION (R&R) COSTS
The existing facility Operations and Maintenance (O&M) costs were provided by the City of Iowa City.
Base Case transit O&M costs were estimated based on the 2018-2019 City of Iowa City Year-to-Date
Budget Report and the Iowa City Transit 2021 Annual Agency Profile7.
For the proposed facility and improved bus services, O&M costs were estimated based on the existing
City of Iowa City Year-to-Date Budget Report, prorating fleet maintenance costs based on the number of
diesel buses and extrapolating transit administration and operations by the increase in total number of
7 Iowa City Transit. 2021. FTA Annual Agency Profile.
https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/transit_agency_profile_doc/2021/70018.pdf
12
buses. All new buses are assumed to be utilized at the same rate as existing buses in terms of service
hours and VMT per year. In addition, the O&M cost for electric buses in both the No Build and Build
Cases was estimated based on typical costs observed by other transit agencies across North America.8
The Base Case assumed no increase in bus service-hours / vehicle-miles traveled beyond existing service
during the evaluation period.
The Build Case incorporates a doubling of bus frequencies relative to the Base Case during weekdays;
extension of operation by two hours on weekday evenings and Saturdays; and introduction of Sunday
service following the same operating schedule as the proposed Saturday service. For weekdays, service
hours / bus VMT were assumed to be double those of the Base Case by 2030 as the frequency doubled.
For weeknights, service hours / bus VMT were assumed to increase by a factor of 1.4 relative to the Base
Case by 2030, as the number of service hours increased from 5 to 7 hours per day. For Saturdays, service
hours / bus VMT were assumed to increase by a factor of 1.14 as the number of service hours per day
increased from 14 to 16 hours.
As a result of the above service hour changes, the proposed improved transit service requires 150% of the
current service hours/bus VMT by the year 2030. Between the project opening year (2027) and 2030,
service hours/bus VMT are assumed to increase linearly on an annual basis. Beyond 2030, service
hours/bus VMT are projected to hold constant.
The new facility is expected to have lower facility-related O&M costs than the existing facility, as many
of the expensive maintenance activities at the current facility are specific to the challenges associated with
the site. O&M and R&R expenditures are shown in Table 2 below.
Table 2: Schedule of Operations and Maintenance and Repair/Rehabilitation/Replacement Costs
(in Undiscounted 2021 Dollars)
Year Build No Build
O&M R&R O&M R&R
2025 to 2026 $5,600,388 - $5,600,388 $348,148
2027 to 2029 $5,570,618 - $5,600,388 $348,148
2030 to 2031 $5,859,278 - $5,600,388 -
2032 to 2036 $5,765,202 - $5,600,388 -
2037 $5,577,050 - $5,600,388 -
2038 to 2044 $5,435,936 - $5,600,388 -
Source: City of Iowa City
8 Based on cost averages produced by WSP for 8-10 transit agencies across North America since 2016.
13
4 PROJECT BENEFITS
The Project would allow for a number of economic, safety, environmental, quality of life, and state-of-
good-repair benefits for the City of Iowa City.
Economic Competitiveness
— The Project will provide enough bus storage and maintenance capacity to enable Iowa City
Transit to double the frequency for major bus routes during weekdays, extend the service hours
on weeknights and Saturdays, and add Sunday service. The increase in frequency for major
routes will reduce wait times and attract new passengers. The City is also considering
eliminating transit fares altogether in an effort to spur transit ridership and minimize private auto
use.
— The anticipated reduction of auto VMTs caused by the mode shift to transit will translate to fuel
savings and reduced vehicle operating costs.
— The transition to electric bus service will translate to bus fuel cost savings given the relative cost
of diesel fuel to electricity.
Safety
— By attracting new passengers to transit and reducing reliance on private autos, auto VMTs will
be reduced, reducing the incidence of auto crashes within Iowa City.
Quality of Life
— By attracting new passengers to transit and reducing reliance on private autos, auto VMTs will
be reduced, benefitting surrounding communities by reducing ambient noise.
State-of-Good-Repair
— The anticipated reduction of auto VMTs will result in less wear and tear on existing road
infrastructure, lowering the burden on taxpayers.
— The new facility would eliminate repair costs of the existing facility and decrease the agency’s
operations and maintenance costs.
— The remaining capital value of the new facility after the end of the analysis period will yield a
significant amount of residual value adding to the benefits of the Project.
Environmental Sustainability
— The anticipated reduction of auto VMTs will translate to fuel savings, reduced road damage,
reduced wear and tear for vehicles, as well as a reduction in emissions.
— The transition to all electric will also translate to a reduction of diesel bus VMTs which will
result in fuel savings and a reduction in emissions.
The above benefits are monetizable and would begin to accrue upon completion of the new transit
facility, continuing to accrue throughout the lifespan (or evaluation period) of the new facility.
In addition to the above benefits, this project would also be expected to generate significant benefits in
terms of mobility options, environmental benefits, and improvement of air quality for individuals working
in the transit facility. However, given the challenge of accurately quantifying these benefits, this analysis
14
only considers these benefits qualitatively, noting that the true economic benefit (and Benefit-Cost Ratio)
is likely higher than the value presented herein.
Quality of Life and Safety
— Increased transit service will provide residents of Iowa City with improved accessibility and
mobility options.
— The transition from diesel to electric will benefit surrounding communities by reducing
emissions and ambient noise. Iowa City Transit intends to purchase electricity from fully
renewable, zero-emission power sources.
Facility Staff Health and Safety
— The ongoing challenges with methane leakage from the landfill material below the existing
facility have created concerns regarding air quality. Beyond the need for a methane-abatement
program, the Project will provide facility workers and bus drivers who frequently visit the
facility with better indoor air quality.
Table 3 below summarizes and categories each of the benefits described in this section.
Table 3: Project Benefits
Benefit (Disbenefit) Category Description Monetized Qualitative
Travel Time Savings
Improved frequency will reduce average
wait time per trip, reducing PHTs for all
transit users.
√
Vehicle Operating Costs Reduced auto VMTs will lead to lower costs
for auto O&M expenses. √
Fuel Savings Reduced auto VMTs will result in reduced
fuel costs. √
Safety
Reduced auto VMTs due to modal switch
from auto to transit expected to reduce
crashes.
√
Reduced Road Damage
Reduced auto VMTs would result in less
wear-and-tear on local roads, reducing
maintenance costs.
√
Reduced Emissions
Decreased auto VMTs will lead to a
decrease in auto emissions. The transition
from diesel to electric buses is also expected
to reduce emissions.
√
Reduced Noise
Reduced VMTs and transitioning to electric
buses will lead to a reduction in noise
pollution.
√
Reduced Agency Costs
The new facility would eliminate repair
costs of the existing facility and defray
transit operations costs
√
15
Benefit (Disbenefit) Category Description Monetized Qualitative
Health Benefits Facility staff and bus drivers that frequent
the facility will have improved air quality. √
Commuter Mobility Benefits
Extending service hours of transit service
will improve community accessibility and
mobility options.
√
Potential for Zero Fares Iowa City is considering eliminating transit
fares to attract increased transit ridership. √
Source: WSP
4.1 TRANSIT RIDERSHIP PROJECTIONS
Transit ridership projections were estimated using existing bus service passenger counts provided by Iowa
City Transit. Projections were based on current ridership for the existing lines, new ridership expected
due to population growth (incorporated into each of the Base and Build Cases) and anticipated induced
ridership from the proposed bus service increase (based on the extent of increased service in the Build
Case).
Ridership was assumed to grow at the same rate as bus service hours, with an adjustment in keeping with
projected Iowa City population growth. Since ridership growth is in line with the incremental bus service
(capacity), it is not anticipated that bus service capacity would be exceeded within the BCA evaluation
period. Ridership projections can be described as follows:
Base Case Ridership in Year Y:
Where:
— P = Population Growth Rate (0.91%)
— Existing Ridership = observed ridership in 2022
Build Case Ridership in Year Y:
Where:
— P = Population Growth Rate (0.91%)
— Base Case Ridership = Projected ridership in year Y
— (Service Hours)Y = Number of bus service hours in year Y
— (Service Hours)2022 = Number of bus service hours in 2022
Annualization factors were used to annualize weekly ridership projections. Weekday, weeknight, and
weekend ridership were annualized separately and summed together for each year.
The number of weekdays was calculated as follows:
—
The number of Saturdays was calculated as follows:
16
—
The number of Sundays & Holidays was calculated as follows:
—
Table 4: Demand Projection Assumptions and Sources
Variable Unit Value Source
Weekday Peak Ridership Split percent 80% Distribution of ridership during
peak periods was assumed
Weekday Non- Peak Ridership Split percent 20% Distribution of ridership during
non- peak periods was assumed
Weekday Trip Increase Factor factor 2.00
Ratio between bus service for the
Build Case and Base Case in the
Horizon Year
Weeknight Trip Increase Factor factor 1.40
Ratio between bus service for the
Build Case and Base Case in the
Horizon Year
Saturday Trip Increase Factor factor 1.14
Ratio between bus service for the
Build Case and Base Case in the
Horizon Year
2022 Annual Weekday Ridership for
Major Corridors passengers 713,342 Ridership data provided by Iowa
City
Ridership Horizon Year year 2030 Iowa City Transportation
Department
Build Year Annual Weekday Ridership
for Major Corridors passengers 732,994 Interpolated between 2022 and
Horizon Year (2030)
Horizon Year Annual Weekday
Ridership for Major Corridors passengers 1,533,916
Assumed ridership will increase
by the Weekday Trip Increase
Factor at Horizon Year (2030)
2022 Annual Saturday Ridership for
Major Corridors passengers 55,328 Ridership data provided by Iowa
City
Build Year Annual Saturday Ridership
for Major Corridors passengers 56,852 Interpolated between 2022 and
Horizon Year.
Horizon Year Annual Saturday
Ridership for Major Corridors passengers 63,232
Assumed ridership will increase
by the Saturday Trip Increase
Factor at Horizon Year (2030)
Source: WSP, 2023
The resulting demand projections are presented in the following table.
Table 5: No Build and Build Demand Projections
17
Variable
Project Opening Year Final Year of Analysis
No Build Build No Build Build
Weekday Trips 746,395 933,224 870,663 1,637,621
Saturday Trips 57,892 58,447 67,530 71,276
Total Trips 804,287 991,671 938,193 1,708,897
Source: WSP, 2023
4.2 SAFETY
The safety benefits assessed in the analysis include a reduction in fatalities and injuries, as well as a
reduction in other property damage crash costs resulting directly from the Project. As the proposed
facility would reduce auto trips in the Iowa City area, the reduction in total vehicle-miles results in
statistically fewer crashes. The assumptions used in the estimation of safety benefits are presented in the
following table.
Table 6: Safety Benefits Assumptions and Sources
Variable Unit Value Source
Value of Fatality Crash 2021$ $13,046,800 U.S. DOT BCA Guidance,
January 2023
Value of Injury Crash 2021$ $307,800 U.S. DOT BCA Guidance,
January 2023
Value of Property Damage Only Crash 2021$ $4,800 U.S. DOT BCA Guidance,
January 2023
Iowa City, IA Accident Rate - Fatal
Accident
crashes per
100 million
VMTs
0.005 Iowa DOT Traffic and Safety
Analysis Tool (Iowa City, IA)
Iowa City, IA Accident Rate - Injury
Accident
crashes per
100 million
VMTs
0.960 Iowa DOT Traffic and Safety
Analysis Tool (Iowa City, IA)
Iowa City, IA Accident Rate - Property
Damage Only Accident
crashes per
100 million
VMTs
3.039 Iowa DOT Traffic and Safety
Analysis Tool (Iowa City, IA)
Using the average vehicle crash rates per 100 million vehicle-miles traveled in the Iowa City area and the
net decrease in vehicle-miles traveled, the Project avoids an estimated 297 crashes over the 20-year
analysis period. The prevention of these crash incidents is expected to result in benefits of $6.25 million
in discounted 2021 dollars.
Table 7: Safety Benefits, Millions of 2021 Dollars
18
Benefit
Project Opening Year Project Lifecycle
Undiscounted Discounted (7%) Undiscounted Discounted
(7%)
Fatality Reduction $0.19 $0.13 $4.11 $1.73
Injury Reduction $0.46 $0.31 $9.72 $4.08
Property Damage Reduction $0.05 $0.03 $1.05 $0.44
Total Safety Benefits $0.70 $0.47 $14.88 $6.25
Source: WSP, 2023
4.3 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
The Project will cr eate environmental and sustainability benefits relating to reduction in air
pollution associated with decreased automobile travel as auto users shift to using transit. Five forms of
emissions were identified, measured and monetized, including: nitrous oxide, particulate matter, sulfur
dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and carbon dioxide. A reduction in emissions was calculated based
on rates quotes in the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Resources Board EMFAC2017
Emissions Database together with vehicle miles travelled (VMT) savings. The total emissions reduction
was then monetized using the social cost of carbon values referenced in the RAISE 2023 Guide. The
assumptions used in the estimation of emissions reduction benefits are summarized in Table 8.
Table 8: Climate Change and Environmental Justice Benefits Assumptions and Sources
Variable Unit Value Source
Cost of CO2 Emissions 2021$ per metric ton $56 (in 2022) -
$88 (in 2050)
US DOT Guidance, January
2023
Cost of NOX Emissions 2021$ per metric ton $16,600 (in 2022) - $18,900
(in 2050)
US DOT Guidance, January
2023
Cost of PM10 Emissions 2021$ per metric ton $796,700 (in 2022) -
$907,600 (in 2050)
US DOT Guidance, January
2023
Cost of SOX Emissions 2021$ per metric ton $44,300 (in 2022) - $51,300
(in 2050)
US DOT Guidance, January
2023
Emissions per VMT Grams per VMT Varies by year, vehicle type,
speed, and emission type
California Air Resources Board
EMFAC Database, 2017
Emissions Speed
Adjustment Factors Factor Varies by year, fuel type,
emission type, and speed
California Air Resources Board
EMFAC Database, 2017
The Project is thus estimated to yield emissions reduction benefits of $1.14 millions in discounted 2021
dollars.
Table 9: Climate Change and Environmental Justice Benefits, Millions of 2021 Dollars
Benefit Project Opening Year Project Lifecycle
Undiscounted Discounted (7%) Undiscounted Discounted (7%)
CO2 Emissions Reduction $0.10 $0.07 $2.76 $1.07
NOx Emissions Reduction $0.00 $0.00 $0.05 $0.02
SOx Emissions Reduction $0.00 $0.00 $0.03 $0.01
PM Emissions Reduction $0.00 $0.00 $0.09 $0.03
Total Emissions
Reduction $0.11 $0.07 $2.93 $1.14
19
Source: WSP, 2023
4.4 QUALITY OF LIFE
This project will create quality of life / livability benefits which include improved health for the facility
staff and bus drivers, improved mobility, and reduced noise levels. The first two benefits listed are
qualitative, and the last benefit is an outcome of reduced VMTs. Noise reduction benefits are monetized
based on the annual reduction in VMTs and noise monetization factors, estimated by the Federal Highway
Administration.9
Table 10: Quality of Life Assumptions and Sources
Variable Unit Value Source
Auto Average Noise Cost 2021$ / VMT 0.002 Derived from FHWA, Cost Allocation Study, 2000
The following table outlines the benefits associated with quality of life.
Table 11: Quality of Life Benefits, Millions of 2021 Dollars
Benefit Project Opening Year Project Lifecycle
Undiscounted Discounted (7%) Undiscounted Discounted (7%)
Noise Reduction - Auto $0.01 $0.00 $0.13 $0.05
Source: WSP, 2023
4.5 ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS AND OPPORTUNITY
This Project would contribute to increasing the economic vitality of the country through travel time
savings, vehicle operating savings, and fuel savings that will be realized by users of Iowa City transit
services. Build Case transit ridership projections were used to estimate savings of Passenger Hours
Travelled (PHTs) and Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMTs), upon which quantification of the
abovementioned benefits were based.
4.5.1 TRAVEL TIME SAVINGS
Travel time savings includes transit wait-time savings for new and existing transit users. Travel time is
considered a cost to users, and its value depends on the disutility that travelers attribute to time spent
traveling. A reduction in travel time translates into more time available for work, leisure, or other
activities. The assumptions used in the estimation of travel time savings are presented in Table 12.
Table 12: Travel Time Savings Assumptions and Sources
Variable Unit Value Source
Travel Time Savings – All
Purposes, Local 2021$ per person-hour $18.80 USDOT BCA Guidance January 2023
Table A-3
9 Federal Highway Administration. (2000). Addendum to the 1997 Federal Highway Cost Allocation Study
Final Report. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policy/hcas/addendum.cfm
20
Existing weekday transit passengers are assumed to experience wait-time savings due to increased
frequency of transit service. The wait-time was assumed to be 25% of the headway, to a maximum of 10
minutes, and was calculated individually for each route in the system for both the Base Case and the
Build Case. Wait-time savings was calculated as the difference between Base Case and Build Case wait-
times. A weighted average wait-time savings was calculated using ridership counts by route as the
weighting factor.
Weighted average wait-time savings were calculated as following: 3.1 minutes during the AM Peak
Period; 3.1 minutes during the PM Peak Period; and 3.2 minutes between the peak periods. These wait-
time savings are assumed for each existing weekday passenger trip. Daily weekday ridership was
distributed based on a time of day, with an assumed 80% of ridership during peak periods (40% AM, 40%
PM) and 20% during the midday period. Total PHT savings were calculated by multiplying anticipated
daily ridership by weighted average wait-time savings, and then annualized to obtain the time savings per
year.
Build Case incremental ridership – induced passenger trips due to shorter wait-times and increased transit
service hours – was assumed to experience half the benefit of existing riders (on a per-passenger basis) by
applying the “rule of half”10 to the wait-time savings per existing passenger trip.
The travel time savings resulting from reduced passenger hours traveled equate to $1.2 million in
undiscounted 2021 dollars in the project opening year (2027) and $25.3 million in undiscounted 2021
dollars throughout the project lifecycle.
Table 13: Travel Time Savings, Millions of 2021 Dollars
Benefit
Project Opening Year Project Lifecycle
Undiscounted Discounted (7%) Undiscounted Discounted (7%)
Travel Time Savings –
Bus Passengers $1.2 $0.8 $25.3 10.68
Source: WSP, 2023
4.5.2 VEHICLE OPERATING COST SAVINGS
Vehicle operating cost savings includes the cost of fuel, as well as maintenance and repair, replacement of
tires, and the depreciation of the vehicle over time. Consumption rates per vehicle mile traveled (VMT)
are used to calculate the vehicle operating cost savings. Estimates of VMT and unit costs for each
component of vehicle operating cost are applied to the consumption rates to calculate the total vehicle
operating cost.
Iowa DOT’s Commuter Transportation Survey in 201411 estimated that 78% of commuters in Iowa City
traveling by non-transit modes commuted by single-occupancy or shared auto.12 It was therefore assumed
that 78% of induced transit users would switch from auto use. The number of auto trips precluded by
10 The “rule of half” is an economic tool for estimating benefits from trips that are induced, or diverted
from other corridors, relative to existing trips within the study corridor, as a result of reduced
generalized costs. (http://www.vtpi.org/tca/tca07.pdf)
11 Iowa DOT Commuter Transportation Survey. Dec 2014.
https://iowadot.gov/transit/publications/20141210_ICTS_Report.pdf
12 Incremental transit ridership assumed 78% of new riders came from auto use: 78% = (57% auto + 10%
carpool) / (57% carpool + 10% carpool +19% cycle/walk + 1% other).
21
users switching to transit service was estimated using an average vehicle occupancy of 1.67
occupants/vehicle.13
An estimated 9.3 average-miles-traveled per auto trip for commuters was calculated based on the Iowa
Commuter Transportation Study.14 This estimate assumes that no auto users will switch to transit if
traveling further than 25 miles per trip. VMT savings were then calculated as a function of the number of
increased transit trips, modal split / shift from auto to transit, average occupancy, and average auto trip
length.
Auto VMT Savings:
Where:
— Auto modal split = 78%
— Avg. auto occupancy = 1.67 occupants/vehicle
— Avg. miles per auto trip = 9.3 miles
The assumptions used in the estimation of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) are presented in Table 14.
Table 14: VMT Savings Assumptions and Sources
Variable Unit Value Source
Number of Buses 2022 vehicles 27 Iowa City Transportation Department
Bus Service Life years 20 Iowa City Transportation Department
Average Commute Miles – Auto miles 9.3 Calculation based on Iowa City Commuter
Transportation Study 2014, pg 27
Average Vehicle Occupancy – Auto persons 1.67 BCA Guidance January 2023
Modal Split Excluding Transit
Drove Alone 66%
Iowa City Commuter Transportation Study
2014 Carpooled 12%
Bicycle/Walked 22%
Using the assumptions outlined in Table 14, VMT and PHT savings were calculated for both the Build
and Base Cases, which were then used as inputs to quantify the Project’s vehicle operating cost savings
benefits.
Table 15: Operating Cost Savings Assumptions and Sources
Variable Unit Value Source
13 Based on USDOT BCA Guidance January 2023
14 Iowa DOT Commuter Transportation Survey, p.27. Dec 2014.
https://iowadot.gov/transit/publications/20141210_ICTS_Report.pdf
22
Auto Vehicle Operating Costs -
Light Duty Vehicles 2021$ / VMT $0.46 USDOT BCA Guidance January
2023
Vehicle Operating Costs -
Commercial Trucks 2021$ / VMT $1.01 USDOT BCA Guidance January
2023
Gasoline Costs 2021$ / gal,
incl. taxes
range from $3.11 in 2020
to $3.18 in 2050
US EIA Annual Energy Outlook
2021
The Build Case incorporates replacement of existing diesel buses with electric buses progressively
throughout the duration of the evaluation period. As a result, noise, diesel consumption, and emissions
associated with operation of diesel buses is expected to decline as buses are replaced. Average VMT per
bus was estimated by dividing the Iowa City Transit’s existing annual vehicle revenue miles by the total
number of buses available to estimate annual vehicle revenue miles per bus. In reality, each bus will drive
roughly 8 to 12 percent more VMT per year as a result of non-revenue travel; however, without specific
figures available, to be conservative, this analysis did not consider non-revenue bus VMT.
The difference in the number of diesel buses between the Base Case and the Build Case was multiplied by
the average number of revenue vehicle miles per year to estimate diesel bus VMT savings per year. Costs
associated with electric bus VMTs, including electricity, maintenance, and operations, were all accounted
for in O&M costs discussed above.
Diesel Bus VMT Savings:
Table 16 shows summarized monetized values of vehicle operating cost savings calculated using PHT
and VMT savings.
Table 16: Vehicle Operating Cost Savings, Millions of 2021 Dollars
Benefit
Project Opening Year Project Lifecycle
Undiscounted Discounted (7%) Undiscounted Discounted (7%)
Fuel Savings – Bus $0.15 $0.10 $4.56 $1.68
Vehicle O&M Costs – Auto $1.56 $1.04 $33.02 $13.87
Total Vehicle Operating Cost
Savings $1.7 $1.1 $37.6 $15.5
Source: WSP, 2023
The Vehicle Operating Cost savings resulting from this Project total $1.1 million in discounted 2021
dollars in the project opening year (2027) and $15.5 million throughout the project lifecycle.
4.6 STATE OF GOOD REPAIR
The state of good repair condition benefits assessed in this analysis include maintenance and repair
savings, deferral of replacement cost savings, reduced VMT which leads to less road and pavement
damage.
Given that the facilities anticipated to experience reduced VMTs are publicly owned and paid for, the
benefits of reduced state-of-good-repair expenditures are expected to accrue to taxpayers (society) as a
23
whole. However, the magnitude of state-of-good-repair benefits is expected to be minimal in comparison
to monetized VMT and PHT savings.
4.6.1 PAVEMENT DAMAGE REDUCTION
The assumptions used in the estimation of pavement damage reduction benefits are presented in the
following table.
Table 17: Pavement Damage Reduction Benefits Assumptions and Sources
Variable Unit Value Source
Auto Average Pavement Cost 2021$ / VMT $0.002 Derived from FHWA, Cost Allocation Study, 2000
The pavement damage reduction benefits of the Project are thus calculated as follows.
Table 18: Pavement Damage Reduction Benefits, Millions of 2021 Dollars
Benefit
Project Opening Year Project Lifecycle
Undiscounted Discounted (7%) Undiscounted Discounted (7%)
Pavement Damage Reduction –
Auto $0.01 $0.00 $0.13 $0.05
Source: WSP, 2023
4.6.2 AGENCY COST SAVINGS
Since the existing facility is at the end of its useful life and given the location of the facility on a landfill
site, the agency has to bear regular costs for operating / maintaining and repairing the facility. In the Build
Case, a completely new facility will be constructed at a different location which will eliminate the facility
operating and maintaining (O&M) and repair and rehabilitation (R&R) costs, thus resulting in agency cost
savings benefits.
The assumptions and sources used for calculating the agency cost savings are shown in Table 19.
Table 19: Agency Cost Reduction Benefits Assumtions and Sources
Variable Unit Value Source
Overhead Doors 2021$ $9,000 City of Iowa City
Walkthrough doors 2021$ $1,600 City of Iowa City
HVAC system 2021$ $11,400 City of Iowa City
Floor Drain repairs 2021$ $800 City of Iowa City
Pest Control 2021$ $2,000 City of Iowa City
Air compressor 2021$ $10,000 City of Iowa City
Bus Lift 2021$ $2,500 City of Iowa City
Furnace Replacements 2021$ $11,663 City of Iowa City
Condensing Units 2021$ $19,438 City of Iowa City
Tube Heaters in Storage And Shop Area 2021$ $21,597 City of Iowa City
Roof Replacement 2021$ $53,993 City of Iowa City
Garage Door Replacement 2021$ $64,792 City of Iowa City
Walk Through Door Replacement 2021$ $10,799 City of Iowa City
Lighting In Office Areas 2021$ $3,240 City of Iowa City
Air Compressor in Shop 2021$ $10,799 City of Iowa City
Generator 2021$ $25,917 City of Iowa City
24
Variable Unit Value Source
Asphalt For Drive Access 2021$ $21,597 City of Iowa City
Parking Lot Repairs And Asphalt 2021$ $21,597 City of Iowa City
Exhaust Fans 2021$ $32,396 City of Iowa City
Drains 2021$ $21,597 City of Iowa City
Hose Reels 2021$ $16,198 City of Iowa City
Hose Reel Pumps 2021$ $2,160 City of Iowa City
Back Flow Pipe Replacement 2021$ $3,240 City of Iowa City
Fire Sprinkler Pipeline Replacement 2021$ $3,240 City of Iowa City
Restroom Upgrades 2021$ $864 City of Iowa City
Locker Room Upgrades 2021$ $864 City of Iowa City
Methane Monitoring Heads 2021$ $2,160 City of Iowa City
The resulting Agency Cost Savings benefits are presented in Table 20.
Table 20: Agency Cost Reduction Benefits Assumptions and Sources, Millions of 2021 Dollars
Benefit Project Opening Year Project Lifecycle
Undiscounted Discounted (7%) Undiscounted Discounted (7%)
Net O&M Costs $0.03 $0.02 ($0.08) ($0.25)
Net R&R Costs $0.35 $0.23 $1.39 $0.96
Total $0.38 $0.25 $1.31 $0.71
4.6.3 RESIDUAL VALUE
The expected life of a transit facility is 40 years.15 However, the period of analysis of this BCA is 20
years which means that there will be significant remaining residual value of the asset even after the end of
the analysis period. Hence, the residual value benefits of the new facility was calculated in this BCA as
shown in Table 21.
Table 21: Residual Value Benefits, Millions of 2021 Dollars
Benefit Final Analysis Year
Undiscounted Discounted (7%)
City of Iowa City Transit Operations and
Maintenance Facility $12.81 $2.70
15 Source: FTA Circular 5010.1D
25
5 SUMMARY OF RESULTS
5.1 EVALUATION MEASURES
The benefit-cost analysis converts potential gains (benefits) and losses (costs) from the Project into
monetary units and compares them. The following common benefit-cost evaluation measures are included
in this BCA:
— Net Present Value (NPV): NPV compares the net benefits (benefits minus costs) after being
discounted to present values using the real discount rate assumption. The NPV provides a perspective
on the overall dollar magnitude of cash flows over time in today’s dollar terms.
— Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR): The evaluation also estimates the benefit-cost ratio; the present value of
incremental benefits is divided by the present value of incremental costs to yield the benefit-cost
ratio. The BCR expresses the relation of discounted benefits to discounted costs as a measure of the
extent to which a project’s benefits either exceed or fall short of the costs.
— Internal Rate of Return (IRR): The IRR is the discount rate which makes the NPV from the Project
equal to zero. In other words, it is the discount rate at which the Project breaks even. Generally, the
greater the IRR, the more desirable the Project.
— Payback Period: The payback period refers to the period of time required to recover the funds
expended on a Project. When calculating the payback period, the time value of money (discounting)
is not taken into account.
5.2 BCA RESULTS
The table below presents the evaluation results for the project. Results are presented in undiscounted,
discounted at 7 percent as prescribed by the U.S. DOT. All benefits and costs were estimated in constant
2021 dollars over an evaluation period extending 20 years beyond system completion in 2026.
The BCA includes the net capital costs of $27.12 million16 in discounted 2021 dollars expended through
2026. The project benefits total $37.15 million in discounted 2021 dollars with travel time savings,
vehicle O&M cost savings and safety benefits generating the greatest share of value. The benefits and
costs result in a BCR of 1.37 and a Net Present Value of $10.02 million. These results indicate that the
benefits of the Project quite significantly outweigh its costs.
Table 22: Benefit Cost Analysis Results, Millions of 2021 Dollars
BCA Metric Undiscounted Discounted (7%)
Total Benefits $95.06 $37.15
Travel Time Savings $25.28 $10.68
Vehicle Operating Costs $33.02 $13.87
Safety Benefits $14.88 $6.25
Reduced Pavement Damage $0.13 $0.05
Reduced Auto Noise $0.13 $0.05
Emissions Reduction $2.93 $1.14
Agency Cost Savings $1.31 $0.71
16 These are net capital costs which have been derived from the difference between the Base Case and
Build Case capital costs. Since in both cases, new vehicles will be purchased for the fleet, fleet capital
costs exist in both the Base and Build Cases. Hence while computing the Benefit-Cost Ratio and the Net
Present Value, the net capital cost (difference between the Base Case and the Build Case capital cost)
has been used.
26
BCA Metric Undiscounted Discounted (7%)
Residual Value $12.81 $2.70
Total Costs $39.81 $27.12
Net Present Value (NPV) $55.24 $10.02
Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) 2.39 1.37
Source: WSP, 2023
Letters of Support
The City of Iowa City has received wide support for this project, including from the United States Congress
with their award of $750,000 in FY22 to go towards design of the facility.
Others who have offered letters of support for the project include
•Chuck Grassley – Senator, U.S. Senate, Iowa
•Joni Ernst – Senator, U.S. Senate, Iowa
•Miller-Meeks Hold –U.S. House Representative, Iowa, 1st District
•Bruce Teague – Mayor, City of Iowa City
•Scott Marler – Director, Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT)
•Rod Sullivan – Vice Chairperson, Johnson County Board of Supervisors
•Cady Gerlach – Executive Director, Better Together 2030 A Shared Future for Johnson Co.
•Erin Shane – Associate Director of Parking and Transportation, University of Iowa
•Michal Eynon-Lynch – Chair, Iowa City Climate Action Commission
•Roger Lusala – Chair, Iowa City Human Rights Commission
•Kim Casko – President and CEO Iowa City Area Business Partnership (Chamber)
•Karen Kurt – Executive Director, East Central Iowa Council of Governments
•Tom Banta – Interim President, Iowa City Area Development Group
•Andy Roberts – President, Iowa State Building and Construction Trades Council
•Mike Sadler – President, Cedar Rapids & Iowa City Building Trades Council
•Kent Ralston – Executive Director, Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson
County
•Rachel Kilburg – Assistant Manager & ADA Coordinator, City of Iowa City
•Nancy Bird – Executive Director, Iowa City Downtown District
•Richie Schmidt – Director, Iowa Laborers-Employers Cooperation & Education Trust
•Michael McCleary – Proctor and Gamble
Iowa City Downtown District 103 E. College Street, Suite 200, Iowa City, IA 52240 319-354-0863
February 20, 2023 The Honorable Pete Buttigieg
Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E.
Washington, DC 20590 RE: Support of the City of Iowa City’s RAISE grant funding request for a replacement transit
facility
Dear Mr. Secretary:
On behalf of the Iowa City Downtown District, I am writing to express support for the City of
Iowa City’s grant application for a replacement transit facility, which would enable full transition
to a zero-emission bus fleet and expanded service offerings to complement our strong, local economy.
The Iowa City Transit system provides a critical link between our residents, employment
centers, shopping destinations, and social and recreational opportunities. Iowa City has one of the highest ridership rates per capita in the United States and has a growing population. It is
expected that by 2045, Iowa City will have grown by 90% since the existing transit facility was
built in 1984. The City recently completed a comprehensive transit study and proposed changes that will enhance service and further economic opportunity in our community. In order to meet the transportation needs of our growing community, it is critical that capital infrastructure investments keep pace.
Part of what makes the Iowa City Downtown District a strong hub for the growth of the local economy is the presence of the multi-system transit interchange located in the Downtown District. This central transit hub provides access to work and shopping opportunities in the Downtown and helps to address parking capacity concerns. Iowa City’s vision for fully
transitioning to zero-emission bus technologies will also improve air quality and reduce noise
pollution from the current diesel buses in the Downtown and throughout the community. However, a full transition to electric buses and the ability to support increased service offerings in the future is not possible at the current transit facility, which is reaching the end of its useful
life, has been rated in poor condition by the Iowa Department of Transportation and has
substantial ground subsidence issues which requires costly annual methane abatement and repaving. This is a barrier to meeting the growing demand for service and the City’s continued
Iowa City Downtown District 103 E. College Street, Suite 200, Iowa City, IA 52240 319-354-0863
growth. The Iowa City Downtown District supports the City of Iowa City’s application for funding for a
replacement transit facility to enable the transition to zero-emission buses and to support the
economy, provide a sustainable and cleaner alternative to traditional buses, reduce road congestion and address parking capacity issues, and continue to provide safe, reliable, and equitable transportation options for the community.
Sincerely,
Nancy Bird, Executive Director
Iowa City Downtown District
Iowa City