On November 4, voters from Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty resoundingly said “yes” to the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST). This vote affirms our community’s commitment to making smart investments, working collaboratively, and finding local solutions to our most urgent needs.
At Greater Iowa City, Inc., we view this vote as a milestone for our regional economy and are proud to have led a coalition to pass this tax. By choosing to invest locally, residents have helped our communities have the needed resources to grow and provide opportunities for current and future residents to thrive.
A Communitywide Effort
The passage of the Local Option Sales Tax gives our communities a new revenue stream that supports local priorities and leverages our significant visitor spending. Half of the funds will go toward property tax relief, while the other half will be directed to essential community projects like affordable housing, public safety, community amenities, and infrastructure.
The Local Option Sales Tax campaign exemplifies how local partnerships can make a difference. When confronted with tight budgets and funding uncertainty at the state and federal level, our communities came together — city leaders, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and residents — to find new ways to fund what matters locally.
The success of this initiative reflects months of outreach, collaboration, and hard work. More than 50 volunteers stepped forward to advocate for the Local Option Sales Tax. Together, they hosted over 80 public presentations and outreach events, installed over 600 yard signs, and had numerous conversations with voters about the identified community projects.
The campaign also drew impressive community backing with 75+ endorsements from elected officials and local leaders, and 19 nonprofit organizations publicly voicing their support.
This coalition of residents, businesses, and nonprofits proved what’s possible when we look locally for solutions and unite around a shared goal of building more resilient communities.
Building a Stronger Future Together
Economic development is about more than business growth; it’s about creating great places to live, work, and belong. The new revenue made possible through the Local Option Sales Tax will help strengthen the foundations of our communities by improving infrastructure, expanding housing options, and enhancing the quality of life that makes this region so attractive to families, employers, and visitors alike.
These investments are not just for today. They position our region for long-term stability and competitiveness.
Looking Ahead
The work ahead will be just as important as the vote itself. Based on a strong foundation of trust with our community partners on the campaign, Greater Iowa City, Inc. will facilitate conversations and advocate that this new revenue is invested strategically to achieve the greatest positive impact for our cities.
To everyone who supported the Local Option Sales Tax campaign and voted “yes,” thank you. Your investment will allow us to build a stronger, more vibrant region for everyone.
Thank you to these organizations for their participation on the campaign committee:
Think Iowa City
Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition
Better Together 2030
Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County
Iowa City Area Association of Realtors
Shelter House
The Housing Fellowship
Thank you to these organizations for their public support of the campaign:
Bike Iowa City
CommUnity Crisis Services
DVIP & RVAP
FilmScene
Iowa City Area Sports Commission
Iowa City Downtown District
Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity
South of 6 Business District
Table to Table
United Action for Youth
