4 C's warns of lost momentum without continued city funding as childcare startups and provider support grow

Missy Forbes, executive director of 4 C's of Johnson County, told the council during the community comment period May 6 that the organization needs an increased city funding allocation for fiscal year 2026 to maintain expanded services assisting childcare providers and startups.

Forbes said a new staff member has allowed 4 C's to provide five times as many startup assists in Iowa City since January and to triple engagement with low‑income providers in the county. She told the council that three Iowa City providers were saved from losing state registration after staff intervention and that in April seven providers sought help with grant-writing, policies and marketing. Forbes warned that an ARPA contract and CDBG funding that currently support those functions will end in FY26 and that without city funding the organization’s local work will be curtailed.

Forbes asked the council to consider additional funding to sustain the startup assistance, wage‑enhancement supports and other programs that 4 C's runs in partnership with area providers. Councilors acknowledged the request and thanked Forbes for the update; no formal action was taken at the meeting. Council members noted the childcare workforce wage‑enhancement program is funded in part by the city and said staff would consider funding requests as part of the FY26 budget process.

Also during proclamations the council recognized Provider Appreciation Day (May 9) and noted the city’s participation in wage‑enhancement and other support efforts for early-childhood educators.