Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice

The Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title VIII, commonly known as the Fair Housing Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3601) states that it is the policy of the
United States to provide fair housing throughout the country. This Act prohibits discrimination in the sale or renting of housing, the financing of
housing, or in the provision of brokerage services, including or otherwise making unavailable or denying a dwelling to any person because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or familial status.

Nationally, fair housing and impediments to fair housing are monitored by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). HUD’s
fundamental fair housing goal is to make fair housing choice a reality through proactive planning and intervention. HUD mandates fair housing
planning through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) requirements. Each
grantee that receives CDBG/HOME funding under Title I of the Housing & Community Development Act is required to further fair housing and fair housing planning by conducting an analysis of impediments to fair housing choice in areas within its jurisdiction. The grantee is also required to take appropriate actions to overcome the effects of any impediments identified and maintain records that record and reflect the analysis and actions taken in this regard.

This report presents the City of Iowa City’s assessment of the nature and extent of fair housing concerns, and the impediments to fair housing
choice that the residents of the city encounter. The city’s last Analysis of Impediments was conducted in 2008 in conjunction with the preparation of the Five-Year Consolidated Plan for the period 2010-2015.