Q & A: Mayor Matt Hayek on Iowa City After the 21-Ordinance

This article was updated at 9:25 a.m.

Iowa City Patch: Can you describe what the impact has been of 21-only restrictions downtown?

Matt Hayek: The ordinance itself is fairly measured: It only applies for four hours a day and contains exceptions for music venues and restaurants. But in just 12 months, it has had a beneficial impact. The out-of-control scene has calmed down, crime and safety have improved, the neighborhoods have not imploded, and more people now regard downtown as an attractive option. A number of former skeptics now publicly support the ordinance.
 
With time I believe downtown will shift to a more balanced landscape.  The trend is already underway.  Look at Basta in the old 808 space.  Look at the Moen project in the old Vito’s space.  Look at Baroncini.  Numerous other projects are underway.
 
There is a lot of excitement about downtown at present.  Some of this relates to 21-only, some to development opportunities, some to other factors.  In the long run, I think we will see a more sustainable, vibrant downtown, and I think the university’s reputation will improve.

Iowa City Patch: What development plans are in motion in downtown Iowa City?

Hayek: Numerous development plans are in motion. The private sector has expressed considerable interest in opportunities and has already made several moves with more on the way. The business community is exploring a Self Sustaining Municipal Improvement District, a common arrangement in larger Iowa communities that would benefit our downtown. The city is looking to encourage redevelopment within the central business district and is planning substantial redevelopment within the Riverfront Crossings area as part of its post-flood planning. The university continues to plan for its music school facilities and is making other investments downtown. In addition to the respective initiatives of these stakeholders, a number of joint initiatives are in play. The university and the city are jointly commissioning a market study for downtown and are exploring co-working space options with the Iowa City Area Development Group. The city, university and private sector are working on a public-private partnership to combine the music school facilities with taxable projects such as commercial and residential condominiums. I am impressed by the quantity and quality of development initiatives in and near downtown.

Iowa City Patch: What do you envision the downtown will look like down the road?

Matt Hayek: I see more niche retail offerings. I see more office space and owner-occupied housing, which we believe there is a market for and which will boost daily foot traffic. I see a continued expansion of restaurant and arts/culture venues.  All of this would create a more balanced – and therefore sustainable – landscape downtown.

Iowa City Patch: What is being done to better integrate diversity on the southeast side of Iowa City?

Hayek: The city and other stakeholders – employers, neighborhood groups, schools and non-profits – have made progress over the last several years. Our goal is to maintain safety, promote growth, strengthen neighborhood groups and encourage stronger relationships between residents. So many things go into addressing the challenges: resource dedication, programming, communicating expectations, engaging citizens, and so forth.

Iowa City Patch: What issues do you think will be the dominant ones in this fall's elections?

Hayek: It’s too early to say. I think the biggest challenge facing Iowa City is the weakening of revenues relative to expenses. The economic malaise is seriously impacting our tax coffers, yet our operational costs only expand. Aid from the state will continue to fall and we have lost a considerable portion of our tax base to neighboring communities. The trend is disturbing and will, absent a change in direction, result in a steady contraction of services over time. Over time this will leave the city less able to provide what its citizens want. The city can and should take a number of steps to counter this trend, but inaction will prove devastating in the long run.

Iowa City Patch: What are you most pleased about accomplishing during your tenure as mayor so far?

 Hayek: Three things: the 21-only ordinance, promoting economic development, and hiring a fantastic city manager. The current council has worked well together and has accomplished quite a bit.