Iowa City is an eclectic and engaged community, full of curious and creative people. Iowa City Matters offers an in-depth platform to inform listeners about civic and community topics that impact their lives. Listen, learn, and engage.

You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify, or SoundCloud.

Mission statement: The mission of the Iowa City Matters podcast is to offer insight into City projects and programs that have a substantial impact on our community and are guided by the City’s Strategic Plan.

Listen

New Episode: Trash Talk

We don’t often think about what happens to our refuse after it’s picked up at the curb. The City’s Resource Management Division offers a wide variety of services and programs that are designed to reduce waste and maximize efficiency while providing a high level of service. Learn how you can help reach our community goals while utilizing these services.

This episode is hosted by Media Production Specialist Jack Brooks. Panel members include Assistant Superintendent of Refuse Patricia Fossum, Resource Management Superintendent Jenn Jordan, and Recycling Coordinator Jane Wilch. Iowa City Matters is recorded at the Iowa City Public Library.

Winter Guide

Winter can be long and grueling, but safety doesn’t take the season off. This episode is a dedicated winter guide for living in Iowa City. We will discuss everything from clearing the streets to the sidewalks, including what role you play in keeping our community safe and accessible during the colder months.

This episode is hosted by Media Production Specialist Jack Brooks. Panel Members include Streets Superintendent Brock Holub, Senior Housing Inspector Stan Laverman, and Assistant City Manager Ashley Monroe. Iowa City Matters is recorded at the Iowa City Public Library.

Housing Rehab Programs

From energy efficiency improvements to making a home more accessible, the City can help cover the cost of home repairs for many of our residents. Listen to learn how the City offers a variety of different programs to assist with owner-occupied housing rehabilitation. Learn how you can apply for zero-interest loans and/or grants to aid in making repairs to your home. Find more information on the programs on the Housing Rehabilitation page.

This episode is hosted by Assistant to the City Manager Simon Andrew. Our guests include Neighborhood and Development Services Director Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood Service Coordinator Erika Kubly, Rehab Specialist David Powers, and housing rehab program recipient Dona Saforek.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

From infrastructure and buildings to programming and activities, when accessibility and inclusivity are considered in all aspects of our community everyone benefits. Listen to this episode to get an in-depth look at the role these play in both the public and private sector. This topic is being discussed as we recognize the anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law on July 26, 1990.

This episode is hosted by Assistant to the City Manager Simon Andrew. Our guests include accessibility advocate Jeffery Ford, City Building Inspector Tim Hennes, Program Coordinator for the Iowa University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, UI Center for Disabilities and Development Mike Hoenig, and Human Resources Director for the Arc of Southeast Iowa Alissa Voss.

Transcripts

• Podcast Transcript 1: Best for Electronic Distribution and Accessibility
• Podcast Transcript 2: Best for Printing

Cycling with Iowa City

The benefits of bicycling range from improved health to reducing carbon emissions. Whatever your reason for cycling, Iowa City is a great place to get around on two wheels. Hear from area experts about how our community is working to make bicycling more comfortable, convenient, and safe for people of all ages and abilities.

This episode is hosted by Assistant Transportation Planner Sarah Walz. Our panelists include biking advocate Anne Duggan, City Engineer Jason Havel, Transportation Planner Kent Ralston, and Iowa City Bike Library Executive Director Audrey Wiedemeier.

Traveling with Transit

Public Transit is an essential service we provide in our community. Offering a safe, accessible, and affordable way to navigate across the corridor is our top priority. Listen to learn about the different services provided, the environmental and economic advantages, and future plans to further improve this vital service.

This episode is hosted by Senior Transportation Planner Emily Bothell. Our panelists include University of Iowa Cambus Manager Brian McClatchey, Iowa City Director of Transportation Services Darian Nagle-Gamm, and Johnson County Mobility Coordinator Kelly Schneider.

Crisis Intervention

Simply put, crisis intervention refers to the methods used to recognize, intervene, and provide appropriate care to an individual suffering from mental distress. Listen to learn how local law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and social service organizations are using these methods to better identify suitable care, rather than placing people into the criminal justice system.

This episode is hosted by Iowa City Police Chief Jody Matherly. Our panelists include Executive Director of the Shelter House Crissy Canganelli, Johnson County Jail Alternatives Coordinator Elley Gould, Project Manager of the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center Matt Miller, and ICPD Data-Driven Justice Coordinator David Schwindt. This program is produced by the City of Iowa City’s City Channel 4.

Historic Preservation

As one of Iowa’s oldest communities, historic preservation is extremely important to Iowa City residents. This discussion sheds light on how historic preservation helps shape our community – from what makes a structure historic to the incentives and responsibilities that accompany a designation.

This episode is hosted by Assistant to the City Manager Simon Andrew. Panelists include Iowa City Downtown District Public Art Director Thomas Agran, City Historic Preservation Planner Jessica Bristow, former City Council person and historic homeowner Connie Champion, and historic architect Josh Moe. This program is produced by the City of Iowa City’s City Channel 4.

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