The Proposed Jail Would Bankrupt Efforts to End Homelessness in Johnson County

Iowa City City Councilor Oliver Weilein in Little Village:

We must see this ballot question as a choice that reflects our priorities. If we borrow this huge sum of money for a new jail, what are we forgoing?

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If this bond passes, it will be much harder to reach functional zero homelessness. To say “we can do both” is a gross simplification. In the internal meetings I attend with affordable housing providers, experts, elected officials, and staff, there has been a recurring theme that “the outcome of the jail bond will drastically change the landscape.” A single bond that takes up such a large portion of the County’s ability to borrow money will mean that our plan will take longer to implement. It will be much harder for our staff to execute. It will be much harder to sell to the public, after seeing their property taxes go up by hundreds of dollars per year.

Saying “yes” to this large bond means people will sleep outside longer. To pretend otherwise is dishonest. One can believe that building a new jail is worth significantly hindering our efforts to house those living in tents in our community, and I’d suggest proponents of the jail try to make that justification so we can have a real conversation. In my view, prioritizing a larger jail is regressive, and contrary to the values of Johnson County residents.