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Downtown Decorah Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District Commission Administrative agency for the management and operation of the Downtown Decorah SSMID. The commission meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 a.m. in the Decorah Municipal Building. The commission typically does not meet during winter months. Agendas and any changes to the meeting schedule are posted in the Municipal Building lobby.
Established by Ordinance No. 1245: April 20, 2020
- Annual levy: $20,000
- District term: 10 years
- Levy began: July 1, 2020
About the commission
The Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) Commission advised the City Council on the administration, management, and operation of the Downtown Decorah Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District. It plans and oversees the implementation and construction of municipal improvement projects within the district boundaries.
The district was established pursuant to Chapter 386 of the Code of Iowa, which authorizes cities to create self-supported improvement districts funded by a special property tax levy on non-residential property within the district.
Commission Duties
- Manage and operate the Municipal Improvement District on behalf of the city
- Advise the City Council on construction of improvements that enhance the appearance of the district or improve parking
- Plan for pedestrian and traffic movement improvements, including planting trees and hanging planters
- Oversee installation of seasonal and holiday decorations, banners, and lighting fixtures
- Recommend improvements to sidewalks, crosswalks, and signage
- Prepare plans for specific projects and submit recommendations to City Council for approval
- Make written reports to the City Council on commission activities as needed or upon Council request
- Make rules and regulations for the implementation of projects within the district
Committee Members
- Andy Nelson
- Tade Kerndt
- Barb Juve
- Brent Steinhofer
- John Wilmes
- Caleb Ulring
- Brent Parker
- Sean Brown
- Jerita Balik-Burreson
Project Highlights
A selection of completed and ongoing improvements funded through the Downtown Decorah SSMID.
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October 7, 2026
District revenues and tax increment funds shall not be spent by the City Council without approval of the Commission (City Code §2.56.010).
The Commission operates under Chapter 2.56 of the Decorah Municipal Code, as established by Ordinance No. 1246. The District is governed by Chapter 386 of the Code of Iowa. The annual levy, not to exceed $1.00 per $1,000 of taxable value, is distributed among a debt service fund, a capital improvement fund, and an operation fund.