Comprehensive and District Planning

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The character and future of Iowa City is set by the imagination, vision and commitment of the people who live and work here. The Urban Planning office engages the general public in comprehensive and district planning.

Comprehensive Plan

The Comprehensive Plan is often referred to as a roadmap for directing growth and change over time. It describes a broad vision for the kind of community Iowa City should be and the steps necessary to achieve this vision, including policies for the growth and development of specific areas of the City. The Comprehensive Plan also serves as a guide for decisions on planning and development issues as they arise and evolves as amendments are made.

The City of Iowa City adopted an updated Comprehensive Plan in May 2013. The new plan, Iowa City 2030, sets a foundation for moving our community forward on a path to sustainability. A sustainability assessment completed in the summer of 2013 provides baseline data that may be used to set measurable targets and goals in areas such as energy and water conservation, resource management and community wellness.

Read the comprehensive plan online

District Planning

The district planning process involves extensive citizen participation focusing on ten distinct areas of the community. Detailed plans have been developed for eight of the ten planning districts. These plans address the unique issues and opportunities in each district. Once adopted by the City Council, the District Plans become part of the Iowa City's Comprehensive Plan. The most recently adopted plan is the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Master Plan.

The following district plans have been completed.