Development of the 2001-2006 Consolidation Plan (CITY STEPS):
The Process

CITY STEPS was developed through citizen participation. The process offered numerous opportunities for public input, comment and review. In particular, opportunities were provided for the exchange of ideas and information with social service agencies, program consumers, interested citizens, elected officials, and City staff. The concerns raised and solutions suggested in these forums became the basis for the needs, strategies, and objectives of CITY STEPS.

During September - November 1999, five CITY STEPS public meetings were held to discuss the needs of low-income residents. Letters of invitation to participate and posters were sent to more than 250 social service agencies, advocacy groups, churches, civic and neighborhood organizations, and local businesses. Posters and press releases were also posted throughout the community to alert the general public and the media. (See Appendix 2)

The public meetings were held in four locations throughout the community, and were well attended by social service agencies, City officials, community residents, and program users. They discussed homeless needs, housing needs, and non-housing community development needs. One general public meeting was held in the Senior Center, by the Housing and Community Development Commission, to facilitate the participation of those citizens who will be reviewing and recommending strategies and projects for CDBG and HOME funding. The forums were well attended by a wide cross section of the community. Summaries of the needs and issues raised at the four public meetings are provided in Appendix 3.

The issues raised at these meetings, in addition to supporting data from the 1995-2000 Consolidated Plan and other sources, were the basis from which a citizen committee developed strategies and priorities for meeting the identified needs. The six member Priorities and Strategies Committee, with the assistance of City staff, developed and recommended a document to serve as a draft of the Needs, Strategies, Objectives and Priorities for CITY STEPS. Draft copies of this document was made available for public comment starting in early November 1999, a public hearing was held on November 23, 1999 and the City Council approved the document on December 7, 1999. This document will serve as a tool to assist in funding allocation decisions during the City of Iowa City's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs allocation hearings.

A final draft of the entire CITY STEPS Consolidated Plan was prepared by City staff and made available for a thirty-day public comment period that began November 5, 1999 and ended December 6, 1999. The final plan, including comments received during the public comment period, was approved by the Iowa City Council on December 7, 1999.

During the public comment period the CITY STEPS plan was made available to other governmental entities, including the Johnson County Council of Governments (JCCOG), the Johnson County Board of Supervisors and other local governmental jurisdictions.

The entire CITY STEPS Consolidated Plan was developed with the assistance, support, and active participation of social service agencies in the community. From review of the Citizen Participation Plan and participation in the information gathering process, to service on the Priorities and Strategies Committee and comment at public hearings, the views, concerns and assessments of social service agencies and the consumers they represent have shaped the creation of CITY STEPS.

City staff also worked closely with the JCCOG Human Services Coordinator and other JCCOG staff to define needs facing the greater Iowa City community. Some discussions were held with JCCOG related to housing and transportation needs.

Upon completion, the CITY STEPS Plan will be distributed to agencies and local units of government including the State of Iowa and the Johnson County Board of Supervisors.