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…

COVID-19 Impacts on Local Finance Amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, considering impacts to local finances and budgets is a challenge. This page was…

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.

What is the census data used for?   Census data is used annually to distribute more than $1.5 trillion in federal funds. Nearly…

The U.S. Census has announced a delay in its planned release of redistricting data​ to states. The Census has indicated that this data will…

Cities that have active Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts must do a range of filings or reports each year, and below are various…

​2021 MFPRSI Update now available. City employees receive retirement benefits from one of two state-sponsored systems. Most city employees (and elected officials…

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). Two staff members share responsibilities between the League and CED, and this partnership brings an abundance of mutual benefits. Some of the collaborative projects are featured below.

City Outstanding Debt Obligation Report

Each city with recorded debt obligation has its own report, and in each report there is a breakdown of their local debt, comparison to a peer group of by population range, and comparison to the statewide average. Once you land on ISU’s webpage, it’s the fourth item on the page.

FY 2020 City Annual Fiscal Conditions Reports

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has released its updated City Annual Fiscal Conditions Reports for FY 2020​ through its Iowa Government Finance Initiative. An important aspect of this program is to provide Iowa cities with the annual fiscal condition and trends reports that track their financial performance over time.

Surveys

The League recently conducted its biennial Utility Rate Survey, concluding in winter 2020. With 365 cities and local government organizations participating, we hope this information…

We asked our members about the League’s services, check out their responses in our membership survey.

Grants

The League received a three-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.

Published November 7, 2023

This publication is designed to assist cities begin their annual budget process. Learn about revenues, expenditures, legislation and other budget issues.

Published February 13, 2023

The Iowa League of Cities has focused on the topic of local option sales and service tax (LOSST), the mechanics of how it works and the importance to the communities.

Published November 1, 2022

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.

IOWA League