The NNA offers numerous opportunities for you to make a positive difference in our community by pursuing the interests that matter most to you.
From maintaining our parks and trees to creating a welcoming environment, the NNA will be grateful for your time and passion. Scroll down for a list of interest groups and contact information. Or click on the Get Involved box below and we’ll get in touch with you. We also welcome contributions from neighbors who wish to help cover the costs of NNA events, communications, and other projects. You may use our Venmo account (@Northside-IowaCity or search for “Northside Neihborhood”), or send a check to the P.O. box at the bottom of this page. Thank you!
Active NNA Committees and Interest Groups
We encourage you to reach out and join in! See each group’s contact information at the bottom of the page.
Steering Committee (standing committee)
Contact: Jim Throgmorton
Consists of the four elected NNA officers (chair, co-chair, secretary, treasurer; functions as the NNA’s governing body; meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 4:30.
Communications (standing committee)
Contact: Susan Shullaw
Responsible for all NNA communications, including website, social media, newsletter, blast emails, event promotion, etc. Meets as needed.
City Relations (standing committee)
Contact: Shari DeGraw
Serves as NNA representative on the City’s Neighborhood Association Council; monitors the actions of City Council and other governmental bodies that may affect the Northside. Meets as needed.
Gardens/Parks/Pollinators Interest Group
Contact: John Thomas
Works to maintain and improve the Northside’s local parks and other public areas, and to encourage neighbors to “green” their properties in environmentally friendly ways. Meets as needed.
Land Use Interest Group
Contact: Bruce Ayati
Advocates for appropriate infill projects; monitors proposed Northside housing/commercial development and/or zoning changes; works to maintain a healthy balance of rental and owner-occupied homes in keeping with the Northside’s historic character. Meets bimonthly, dates/times TBA.
Public Art/Neighborhood Beautification Interest Group
Contact: Shari DeGraw
Seeks opportunities to beautify the Northside through public art projects such as murals, outdoor sculpture, and other means. Meets when needed.
Trees/Urban Forest Interest Group
Contact: Linda McGuire
Works with neighbors, the City, and other partners to fill the Northside’s tree canopy utilizing native species; educates the neighborhood about the benefits of native trees and shrubs in the urban forest. Meets bimonthly, dates/times TBA.
NNA Committees and Interest Groups to come
Contact info@northsideiowacity.org to help these important groups get started, or click the orange GET INVOLVED button below.
NNA Event Planning Committee
Plans, schedules, and recruits volunteers to assist with annual Northside Picnic, and coordinates with other NNA interest groups that may be planning events (e.g., tours, clean-up days, dedications, etc.)
Neighborliness/Welcoming Interest Group
Develops ways to welcome new neighbors to the Northside, and to regularly touch base with neighbors that may need assistance (e.g., yard maintenance, snow removal, regular wellness checks)
Public Safety/Street Maintenance Interest Group
Monitors the City’s plans for Northside street improvements, explores proposed services such as City snow removal at curb cuts, conveys traffic and safety concerns to the NNA Steering Committee
Solar/Renewables Interest Group
Encourages and assists Northside neighbors in utilizing more forms of renewable energy to power their homes and businesses (solar, geothermal, etc.)
Utilities/Overhead Wires Interest Group
Advocates for buried utility wires and other means of reducing overhead clutter throughout the Northside
