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Prepared by: Simon Andrew, Assistant to the City Manager, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 35&5014
Resolution No. 19-294
Resolution Establishing The City Of Iowa City's
2020 Legislative Priorities
Whereas, the Iowa City City Council seeks to encourage legislation that enhances the quality oflifeforresidentsinIowaCityaswellastheStateofIowa; and
Whereas, the City of Iowa City and other cities play a critical role in the future of the State; and
Whereas, it is in the interest of the residents of Iowa City that the City Council establish legislative
priorities and convey said priorities to our State delegation and other relevant stakeholders.
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Iowa City City Council hereby outlines its legislative
proposals to the Iowa City area legislative delegation for the 2020 Iowa State legislative session
as follows:
Support for Climate Action Initiatives
Support initiatives and legislation that further the goals contained in Iowa City's Climate Crisis
Declaration, Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, and Strategic Plan. Iowa City encourages the
State to take steps to meet International Panel on Climate Change emission targets and allow
for greater flexibility for local government in terms of building and energy codes, water quality
measures, and funding mechanisms.
Support University of Iowa Student Government (UISG) proposal regarding rental
property move -in checklists
UISG has provided to the City their policy recommendation for State legislation regarding
itemized move -in checklists for rental properties. UISG recommends legislation requiring the
use of checklists by landlords and tenants and an associated process for implementation. City
staff have reviewed this recommendation and are supportive. UISG's proposal is included in
Council's packet.
Support legislation protecting the rights of manufactured housing residents
Recent sales of manufactured housing communities statewide and the resulting impact on
those communities has led to discussions at both the state and local levels regarding how best
to protect the rights of the families living in these communities. A recent report issued by the
Johnson County Mobile Home Task Force includes a number of recommendations for state
legislation.
Ensure the continued funding of commercial & industrial property tax replacement
payments
Resolution No. 19-294
Page 2
2013 property tax reform measures are placing significant financial pressures on cities across
the state. Over the next several years, cities will be challenged to maintain basic service levels,
even with State of Iowa property tax backfill reimbursements. The magnitude of backfill
payments for many cities is such that in addition to basic service cuts, property tax rates will
likely be raised to compensate for the lost revenue. Raising tax rates to compensate for
reduced taxable value negates the intention of property tax reform. Backfilling a portion of
property tax revenue lost to local jurisdictions was an important component of the 2013
legislation and recognized the necessity of this revenue for local government operations.
Protect Home Rule authority for local governments
Local governments are uniquely positioned to respond to the needs and priorities of our
residents and taxpayers. Cities innovate in response to local conditions and implement new
ideas that can benefit the State as a whole and more closely reflect the priorities of the public
we serve. This includes local flexibility in local building codes, revenue options, and land use
decisions.
Support the continued excellence of the State's primary, secondary, and higher
education institutions and advocate for additional education funding
Iowa's primary and secondary schools are fundamental drivers of the State's economic growth,
standard of living, and future prosperity. It is essential for the success of the State and our local
communities that support for our schools is a top priority in the State's budget.
The University of Iowa plays a critical role in supporting statewide economic, social, and cultural
growth. It is important the State of Iowa provides the university the needed resources to ensure
the university's continued ability to facilitate growth opportunities in varied sectors of the
business community. Likewise, community colleges play an important role in ensuring the
continued competitiveness and inclusivity of the state's economy. The City encourages the
State to carefully consider and support the legislative and financial priorities of the University of
Iowa and Kirkwood Community College.
Support the legislative efforts of the Iowa League of Cities and the Metro Coalition
Iowa City, as a member city of both organizations, supports the legislative priorities set forth by
the Iowa League of Cities and by the Metropolitan Coalition for the 2020 legislative session.
Passed and approved this 3rd day of December 20 19
MA OR
ATTEST:
CI CLERK
ro ra.py J
City Attorney's Office
Resolution No. 19-294
Page 3
It was moved by Mims and seconded by Cole
Resolution be adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS ABSENT:
Cole
Mims
Salih
Taylor
Teague
Thomas
Tluogmorton
the