Glossary
Anyone wanting to be active in government has a whole new vocabulary to learn.
This list of acronyms and terms isn't exhaustive, but it should get you
started.
# | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W
260E - Iowa Industrial New Jobs Training Program 260F - Iowa Jobs Training Program 28E Agreement - Formed pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 28E
An intergovernmental agreement made with another governmental entity to enter into a joint or cooperative action. "28E" refers to the Code of Iowa, Chapter 28E, Joint Exercise of Governmental Powers. (More details on page 8) 3CMA - City/County Communications Management Association 411 - See MFPRSI A-95 - Grant Review Clearinghouse ABI - Iowa Association of Business and Industry Abstention - A council member’s refusal to vote on a measure. ACIR - Advisory Council of Intergovernmental Relations ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ADC - Aid to Dependent Children AFL-CIO - American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations AFSCME - American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees AG - Attorney General Amendment - A repeal or revision of an existing ordinance or code of ordinances. Iowa Code § 362.2 (2). APA - American Planning Association APA-Iowa - American Planning Association, Iowa Chapter* APWA - American Public Works Association. The Iowa chapter of the American Public Works Association is an organization for professionals involved in the public works area. A broad term, public works encompasses infrastructure design, development and maintenance. In many cities, this encompasses streets, traffic control, and right-of-way maintenance and access, can then extend into utilities, such as water and sewer. The chapter promotes cooperation among all public, quasi-public, and private persons, firms, corporations, bodies, utilities, and agencies which have interest in the field of public works. For more information, visit their website at iowa.apwa.net. ARC - Advanced Research and Commercialization Program (IDED Program) ARPCO - American Risk Pooling Consultants, Inc BC-BS - Blue Cross-Blue Shield BOA - Board of Adjustment
BOD - Biochemical Oxygen Demand Bond - A bond is essentially and insurance measure that involves taking a pledge to reimburse the municipality against costs and other losses resulting from the wrongful or negligent actions of officials when handling public funds. BP1,2,3,4 - Budget Preparations Forms Brownfield - An abandoned, idled, or underutilized industrial or commercial facility where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination. C.D. - Certificate of Deposit Capital Improvements Plan - A long-range plan for construction of large projects or acquisitions of major equipment by the city; the plan includes detailed information for the planning, scheduling and financing of the project. CAT - Community Attraction and Tourism Grant Program CATV - Cable Access Television CDB - City Development Board CDBG - Community Development Block Grant CDC - Centers for Disease Control CEBA - Community Economic Betterment Account CEO - Chief Executive Officer CEPP - Community Economic Preparedness Program CFC - City Finance Committee CFO - Chief Financial Officer CIA - Central Intelligence Agency CIP - Capital Improvement Plan CMC - Certified Municipal Clerk COBRA - Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act COG - Council of Government Council Rules - The council’s policy on how meetings are conducted. CPA - Certified Public Accountant CPI - Consumer Price Index CPR - Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation CRMS - County Risk Management Services DCA - Department of Cultural Affairs DCI - Department of Criminal Investigation DEQ - Department of Environmental Quality DNR - Department of Natural Resources DOB - Date of Birth DOJ - U.S. Department of Justice DOL - U.S. Department of Labor DPS - Department of Public Safety DWAM - Department of Water, Air, and Waste Management ECIA - East Central Intergovernmental Association
East Central Iowa Association (Regional League) EDA - Economic Development Association EDSA - Economic Development Set Aside EIS - Environmental Impact Statement EPA - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPC - Iowa Environmental Protection Commission Errors & omissions insurance policy - An insurance policy covering city officials in cases where actions of the city might harm someone. The insurance policy covers lawsuit penalties rather than having a city official have to pay out of his/her pocket. EVA - Entrepreneurial Ventures Assistance (IDED Programs) FAA - Federal Aviation Administration Fannie Mae - Federal National Mortgage Association FAUS - Federal Aid to Urban Systems FBI - Federal Bureau of Investigation FCC - Federal Communications Commission FDA - Food and Drug Administration FDIC - Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency FERC - Federal Energy Regulatory Commission FHA - Federal Housing Administration FHWA - Federal Highway Administration FICA - Federal Insurance Contributions Act FLSA - Fair Labor Standards Act FmHA - Farmers Home Administration (Now FSA or RD) FOAB - Federal Old Age Benefits FOIA - Freedom of Information Act FONSI - Findings of No Significant Impact FOSI - Findings of Significant Impact Freddie Mae - Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association FRS - Federal Revenue Sharing FSA - Farm Service Agency (Agency of USDA) FSLIC - Federals Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation FTC - Federal Trade Commission FTD - Federal Tax Deposit FUTA - Federal Unemployment Tax Act GAAP - Generally Accepted Accounting Practices GASB - Governmental Accounting Standards Board Gift Law - The Iowa Gift Law, Code of Iowa Chapter 68B specifically applies to officeholders or employees of cities and their immediate families. It prohibits, with only narrow exceptions, city officials from receiving gifts from individuals the law defines as "restricted donors." One of the exceptions is a small item of less than $3 in value. (More details on page 18) Ginnie Mae - Government National Mortgage Association GIS - Geographical Information Systems GO - General Obligation GPS - Global Positioning Systems Grayfield - The property has been developed and has infrastructure in place but the property's current use is outdated or prevents a better or more efficient use of the property. Such property includes vacant, blighted, obsolete, or otherwise underutilized property. See "Brownfield." HAZ-MAT - hazardous materials HCR - House Concurrent Resolution HEW - Health Education and Welfare (Department of Health and Human Services) HF - House File HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 HJR - House Joint Resolution HSB - House Study Bill HUD - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development IaCMA - Iowa City/County Management Association. The Iowa City/County Management Association was established in 1972 with the purpose of increasing the knowledge and ability of the local government managers and administrators, to promote the exchange of information between the members, and support the functions and the aims of the International City Management Association. IAMA - Iowa Association of Municipal Assessors IAMU - Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities IARC - Iowa Association of Regional Councils of Government IASB - Iowa Association of School Boards IaWPCA - Iowa Water Pollution Control Association. The Iowa Water Pollution Control Association, founded in 1915, exists today as an organization of professionals committed to the education and advancement of water quality and water pollution control techniques. The 600 plus members consist of educators, operators, engineers, regulators, municipal officials, manufacturers and equipment suppliers, contractors, and students. The IWPCA is directed by an Executive Board of members from different regions across the State of Iowa. The Executive Board consists of seven members and directs the activities of over seventeen committees. These committees lead the effort of educating its members and the public regarding current water pollution control and water quality topics. The IWPCA's goal is education and improvement in the quality of Iowa waters. For more information, visit their website at www.iawpca.org. IBF - Iowans for a Better Future ICAN - Iowa Citizens Action Network ICAP - Iowa Communities Assurance Pool ICB - Iowa Community Betterment ICMA - International City/County Management Association ICMA-RC - International City/County Management Association Retirement Corporation ICN - Iowa Communications Network IDB - Industrial Development Bonds or IDRB Industrial Development Revenue Bonds IDC - Iowa Development Corporation IDCA - Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs IDED - Iowa Department of Economic Development IDNR - Iowa Department of Natural Resources IDOM - Iowa Department of Management IDOT - Iowa Department of Transportation IDPH - Iowa Department of Public Health IDR - Iowa Department of Revenue IECDB - Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board IFA - Iowa Finance Authority IFB - Iowa Farm Bureau of IFBF Iowa Farm Bureau Federation IFCA - Iowa Fire Chiefs Association ILEA - Iowa Law Enforcement Agency IMAA - Iowa Municipal Attorneys Association. The Iowa Municipal Attorneys Association was formed June 30, 1960 by 30 municipal attorneys attending the annual meeting of the Iowa State Bar Association in Sioux City. The purpose of the association is to keep municipal attorneys in Iowa informed of current laws affecting Iowa municipalities, to hold work shops to discuss mutual municipal legal problems, and to participate in major court cases involving general municipal laws. After 40 years the Association continues to strive to enhance the professional development of and promote information exchange among municipal attorneys in Iowa. For more information, visit their website at www.imaaonline.org. IMFOA - Iowa Municipal Finance Officers Association. The Iowa Municipal Finance Officers Association is an association of city clerks and municipal finance officers in Iowa. The purpose of IMFOA is to conduct regular instructional and informational meetings to educate municipal officers. They conduct at least two training sessions each year, one in the fall and one in the spring. For more information, visit their web site at www.imfoa.org. IMG - Investors Management Group, Ltd. IMWCA - Iowa Municipal Workers' Compensation Association INS - Immigration and Naturalization Service Iowa 2010 Plan - State Strategic Plan IPA - Institute of Public Affairs. The Institute of Public Affairs has been a resource organization to Iowa's local governments since 1949. As an outreach service of the University of Iowa, the Institute provides organizational improvement programs for local government elected officials and staff, including Strategic Planning and Goal Setting, Educational Programs and Information, Professional Development, Public Management Assistance and Information and Publications. For more information, visit their website at www.ipa-uiowa.org. IPAIT - Iowa Public Agency Investment Trust IPEF - Iowa Police Executive Forum. The Iowa Police Executive Forum works with other statewide law enforcement and public safety associations to promote professional standards within the state of Iowa. Their mission is “to foster an exchange of ideas through open discussion, research and evaluation of critical police issues.” The group conducts quarterly business meetings and conducts training events, including the “On Being Chief” seminar held each fall in conjunction with the League Annual Conference & Exhibit. For more information, visit their web site at www.ipef.net. IPERB - Iowa Public Employees Relations Board IPERLA - Iowa Public Employees Labor Relations Association IPERS - Iowa Public Employees Retirement System IPFCA - Iowa Professional Fire Chiefs Association IPRA - Iowa Park and Recreation Association IRA - Individual Retirement Account IRS - Internal Revenue Service ISAC - Iowa State Association of Counties ISOSWO - Iowa Society of Solid Waste Operations ISU Extension - Iowa State University Extension. The Office of State and Local Government Programs (OSLGP) reaches local government officials through various training events throughout the year. In particular to cities, the OSLGP provides the annual Municipal Clerks Institute and Academy and partners with the League on a variety of efforts, including the Municipal Leadership Academy for newly elected officials. For more information, visit their web site at http://www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/oslgp/home.html or contact them at (515) 294-1844. ITA - Iowa Taxpayers Association (Business Group) ITR - Iowans for Tax Relief (Dave Stanley Group) ITS - Intelligent Transportation Systems IWCPA - Iowa Water Pollution Control Association IWD - Iowa Workforce Development JTPA - Job Training Partnership Act LEA - Law Enforcement Agency LEG DAY - League Legislative Day LOST - Local Option Sales Tax LUST - Leaking Underground Storage Tank MAC - Metro Advisory Council (Des Moines Area) Mayor Pro Tem - An elected council person whom the mayor appoints to run the council meetings in the mayor's absence. Measure - An ordinance, amendment, resolution or motion. Iowa Code § 362.2 (13). Each member’s vote on a measure must be recorded. Iowa Code §380.4.
Meeting - A gathering in person or by electronic means of a majority of the members of a governmental body. Iowa Code § 21.2(2). MFPRSI - Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System of Iowa MIALG - Mid-Iowa Association of Local Governments Motion - A council statement of policy or order for action. Iowa Code §362.2 (21). Motions are typically presented orally for council consideration. Motions require a favorable majority vote by a quorum of the council for passage and the vote must be recorded. Effective upon passage by the council. Iowa Code § 380.6. MPO - Metropolitan Planning Organization MSA - Metropolitan Statistical Area NAHRO - National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials NCCI - National Council on Compensation Insurance NCIP - New Capital Investment Program (IDED Program) NEIRL - Northeast Iowa Regional League NEPA - National Environmental Policy Act NFIP - National Flood Insurance Program NIACCA - North Iowa Area City Clerks Association NIACOG - North Iowa Area Council of Governments NJIP - New Jobs and Income Program (IDED Program) NLC - National League of Cities NLC-RISC - National League of Cities-Risk Information Sharing Consortium NWILC - Northwest Iowa League of Cities OASI - Old Age Survivors Insurance ODS - Office of Disaster Services Open Meetings Law - Embodied in the Code of Iowa, Chapter 21, requires meetings of governmental bodies to be open to the public (more details on page 16 and through the League publication Open Meetings, Open Government.) OPP - Office of Planning and Programming Ordinance - A city law of general and permanent nature. Iowa Code §362.2 (16). Ordinances require a favorable majority vote by all members of the council for passage and the vote must be recorded. Iowa Code § 380.4. Effective upon publication or upon subsequent effective date set out in the ordinance; subject to the mayor’s right to veto or take no action. Iowa Code § 380.6. OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration P & Z - Planning and Zoning P.O. - Purchase Order PDI - Professional Developers of Iowa PIAP - Physical Infrastructure Assistance (IDED Program) PILOT - payment in lieu of taxes PSG - Public Strategies Group Quorum - A majority of all council members. Iowa Code § 372.13(1.) A majority of all members. Iowa Code § 380.4.
RACI - Revitalization Assistance for Community Improvement (IDED/Prairie Meadows Program) RC&D - Resource, Conservation and Development RD - Rural Development (Agency of USDA) REAP - Resource Enhancement and Protection REC - Rural Electric Cooperative REID - Real Estate Improvement District Resolution - A council statement of policy or order for action. Iowa Code § 362.2 (21). Resolutions are presented in written form for council consideration. Resolutions require a favorable majority vote by all members of the council for passage and the vote must be recorded. Iowa Code § 380.4. Written resolutions are required by statute for some council actions. Effective upon being signed by the mayor; subject to the mayor’s right to veto or take no action. Iowa Code § 380.6.
REV - Iowa Re-energizing Economic Vitality in Iowa (League Economic Plan) RFP - request for proposals RISE - Revitalize Iowa's Sound Economy RPC - Regional Planning Commission RUT - Road Use Tax RUTF - Road Use Tax Fund RWA - Rural Water Association SCR - Senate Concurrent Resolution SEC - Securities and Exchange Commission SEIML - Southeast Iowa Municipal League SF - Senate File SFB - Staff Fall Back SILO - School Infrastructure Local Option SJR - Senate Joint Resolution SRO - Standing Room Only SSA - Social Security Administration SSB - Senate Study Bill SSMID - Self-Supporting Municipal Improvement District STIR - State Tax Increment Renewal (Farm Bureau Economic Plan) T&A - Trust and Agency T-Bills - Treasury Bills TEFRA - Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act TIAA-CREF - Teachers Insurance Annuity Association and College Retirement Equities Fund TIF - Tax Increment Financing TIME-21 - Transportation Investment Moves the Economy into the 21st Century TIN - Taxpayers Identifying Number TRA - Taxpayers' Rights Amendment TSB - Targeted Small Business (IDED Program) UDAG - Urban Development Action Grant USDA - United States Department of Agriculture USPO - United States Post Office UST - Underground Storage Tank VAAPFAP - Value Added Agricultural Products and Processes Financial Assistance Program (IDED Program) VNI - Venture Network of Iowa (IDED Program) W-2 - Earnings Statement W-3 S&L - State and Local Transmitted Form W-4 - Withholding Statement
| 
