Research
The League research provides local leaders information and data resources to help them address current issues and most effectively lead their communities forward.
Resources
HF 2552, passed during the 2022 Legislative Session, converted the previous BPTC into a permanent and automatic rollback reduction on the first…
Property taxes play a significant role in municipal government as the primary funding source for city budgets. Check out a variety of special reports regarding this topic.
Senate File 2442 (SF 2442) was passed by the Iowa Legislature in 2024. It made changes to property tax law in Iowa,…
HF 718 and SF 2442 Analysis *Important Disclaimer: the HF 718 and SF 2442 analysis on this page is our current “unofficial”…
What is the census data used for? Census data is used annually to distribute more than $1.5 trillion in federal funds. Nearly…
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a tool cities can use to enhance a wide range of development efforts. After establishing a TIF…
Cities that have active Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts must do a range of filings or reports each year, and below are various…
City employees receive retirement benefits from one of two state-sponsored systems. Most city employees (and elected officials that receive coverage) are covered…
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 established the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) which provided $350 billion…
Iowa State University Outreach & Extension Partnership
The League partners with the Iowa State University Extension & Outreach’s Community & Economic Development Program (CED). Staff member shares responsibilities between the League and CED, and this partnership brings an abundance of mutual benefits. Some of the collaborative projects are featured below.
Surveys
Are you curious about public utility rates for water, wastewater and stormwater utilities? Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) recently funded a project to…
We asked our members about the League’s services, check out their responses in our membership survey.
In November 2022, the League surveyed mayors to learn about their perspectives and observations on economic conditions. Many survey questions were open-ended;…
In August 2022, the League conducted a Civility Survey, to help us understand and communicate the current environment and related civility strategies…
Grants
The League received a four-year grant sub-award as a part of the Rural Shrink Smart project, led by Iowa State University and funded by the National Science Foundation. This grant explores small and shrinking rural communities in Iowa that have been able to protect the quality of life and community services for their residents even as they lose population. The League serves as the grant’s “Community Partner.”
Latest Publications
Check out what’s new.
Fostering community pride and connection is important to your citizens—and we know it matters to your city, too. Yet, with limited time…
This index includes links to Code of Iowa citations that apply to city government operations. Please understand that there is a large…
This publication is designed to assist cities begin their annual budget process. Learn about revenues, expenditures, legislation and other budget issues.