Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What the 10-year renewal means for downtown Iowa City property owners

Coming up on the Iowa City Patch calendar: Project GREEN Second Sunday Garden Forum 2026

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Friday January 9th Patch AM
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Good morning Iowa City! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What the 10-year renewal means for downtown Iowa City property owners
  • Why Iowa City wants sharpshooters back for its growing deer problem
  • How the Seventh Avenue reopening changes your Iowa City commute today

Also on today's calendar: Project GREEN Second Sunday Garden Forum 2026 and 4 more events.

Find out what's happening in Iowa Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the shovel say to the dirt? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Iowa Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Mostly cloudy and cooler, with a high of 42 and low of 29 degrees.
  • Saturday: Colder; morning snow, 1-2", temps: high: 33, low: 19. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Sunday: A blend of sun and clouds, with a high of 32 and low of 24 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Iowa City Downtown District renewed for 10 years (1630kcjj.com) — Downtown Iowa City’s special improvement district has been renewed for another decade, with expanded boundaries that now include parts of the UI Health Care campus and areas south to Court and Gilbert streets. Starting July 1, affected property owners will see assessments up to $2.50 per $1,000 of value, rising slightly in the final three years to support downtown improvements.
   

2. Iowa City to request sharpshooters to cull deer population (1630kcjj.com) — Iowa City officials plan to ask state regulators this spring to again allow sharpshooters for a controlled deer hunt, after surveys found deer densities nearing 100 per square mile on the city’s north side. The move is part of a five-year management plan targeting 25 deer per square mile, alongside non-lethal strategies like fencing guidance, repellents, and safe-driving reminders for residents.
   

3. Seventh Avenue reopens to vehicle and pedestrian traffic (1630kcjj.com) — Seventh Avenue in Iowa City is now fully open to vehicles between Muscatine and Rochester, with temporary sidewalks and curb ramps restoring an accessible route to schools and transit stops. Court Street west of Seventh remains open only to local traffic, and its sidewalks between Muscatine and Seventh are still closed during reconstruction work.
   

4. University of Iowa to expand materials science study with federal grant funds (kcrg.com) — A major new federal grant will upgrade cutting-edge materials science equipment at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, expanding training and research opportunities for students and faculty here and across the state. The nearly $1.5 million Department of Defense award will modernize the MATFab facility, support quantum technology research, and open summer training programs for students from regional colleges.
   

5. Iowa City library book lands safely at home thanks to United Airlines (press-citizen.com) — An Iowa City Public Library book accidentally left on a United Airlines flight made its way safely back to town, complete with a friendly note from airline staff. Library leaders say the gesture highlights community “library kindness,” and remind residents that ICPL is fine-free for overdue items, offers statewide return options, and has robust digital collections for travelers.
   

📸 Around Iowa City

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Iowa City

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📣 Iowa City Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Iowa City PatchAM possible:

  • Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
    Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Good morning my lovelies!
    I currently have garage FULL of furniture, decorations, blankets, toys, clothes. Whatever you need, I got it! I don’t have time to do a garage sale… (Nextdoor Twain)
  • Hello neighbors!
    I am looking to create a list of individuals who might be interested in providing respite and SCL services for high school aged students. Families… (Nextdoor S 1st Ave)
  • Iowa Staffing posted a job opening for Material Handler Forklift in Iowa City. Apply here.
  • University of Iowa posted a job opening for Custodian II in Iowa City. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Iowa City here.

Ok Iowa City! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I really dig you!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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