Iowa City Council member Kingsley Botchway II, who is currently serving in an at-large seat as mayor pro-tem, is running for re-election in the Nov. 7 election emphasizing the issues of affordability, economic development and mental health in Iowa City. Â
Emma Husar
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‘A better life is something you build’: Iowa City Council candidate Mazahir Salih hopes to create a more inclusive community
Mazahir Salih, a candidate for one of two at-large seats on the Iowa City Council, is focusing on building a more inclusive community in Iowa City by addressing affordable housing, building partnerships with local businesses and improving public transportation.
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More initiatives will kick in to reduce waste going into the Iowa City Landfill
A cardboard ban will kick into effect Jan. 2, 2018 in an effort to keep about 14,500 tons of cardboard waste out of the Iowa City Landfill. The ban is part of a series of waste minimization initiatives, including a streamlined recycling process that will hit Iowa City curbside pickups this fall.
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Construction begins soon on nature-themed play area in Riverfront Crossings Park
Now that first phase of construction on Riverfront Crossings Park is well underway, work on phase two — an extensive nature play area — is projected to begin in September, Juli Seydell Johnson, director of the Iowa City Parks and Recreation department said.
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Home-like art installation coming to Black Hawk Mini Park
The Black Hawk Mini Park in downtown Iowa City will host a temporary art installation called the Prairie Box designed by Hannah Givler, a sculpture and design instructor at the University of Iowa, from August through the end of October. The plan was unanimously approved by the Iowa City Council last week.
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Iowa City bike plan include expanding access to facilities and programming
City officials hope to focus on making biking more accessible to all Iowa City residents as a part of the bicycle master plan — an effort to make the city more bike friendly and up its status from gold to platinum under the League of American Bicyclists.
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With opening of MERGE, development group continues working to foster local entrepreneurs
The Iowa City Area Development Group (ICAD) has come a long way since its inception in 1984. The organization celebrated its latest expansion with the opening of a new co-working space on the Iowa City Ped Mall earlier this month.
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Construction coming to two Iowa City parks
Two construction projects are planned for Iowa City parks: one to renovate the cabins in City Park, and another to replace a shelter and restrooms in Happy Hollow Park.
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Iowa City group works to decrease health disparities in low-income neighborhoods
Asthma and other health issues are disproportionately high in Iowa City’s low-income neighborhoods, an issue the city is working to address through an ongoing grant project.
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Botchway kicks off city council campaign focused on affordable housing, mental health and economic development
Kingsley Botchway kicked off his campaign for reelection to his at-large Iowa City Council seat with an event at Big Grove Brewery and Taproom last Friday. As people gathered in the game room to talk about issues, play ping-pong and share a meal, Botchway discussed three issues he plans to focus on if re-elected: affordable housing, mental health and economic development, including supporting small businesses.
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Iowa City Council passes moratorium on some rental and building permits
New rental and building permits for some areas of Iowa City will be put on hold following the passage of a six-and-a-half-month moratorium during a special meeting Thursday morning. The move comes in response to state legislation that eliminates local governments’ ability to place occupancy limits on the number of non-family members in rental units.
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Iowa City Council rezones Northside property despite concerns about building height, senior housing
Following news during the Tuesday Iowa City Council meeting that designated senior housing would no longer be possible at a planned multi-use building on the corner of Linn and Market streets, city council members nearly denied rezoning the plot. The council ultimately approved the change in a 4 to 3 vote, with Rockne Cole, Pauline Taylor and John Thomas voting no. Mayor Jim Throgmorton changed his previous vote from no to yes, tipping the balance in favor of approval.
