Page 2 | Welcome
Page 3 | CIP Program Summary
Page 4 | CIP by Department
Page 5 | CIP by Project Type
Page 6 | Largest Projects
Page 8 | Other Projects
Page 13 | New to the CIP!
Welcome!
Welcome to the City of Cedar Falls’s 2026 – 2031 Capital Improvements Program Handbook! The handbook is designed to be simple, easy-to-use, and to highlight the projects that will shape Cedar Falls for years to come.
The Capital Improvements Program (CIP) is a five-year guidebook for identifying, financing, and completing projects. The projects included in this program have four main characteristics:
1. They are permanent in nature.
2. They are relatively expensive.
3. They don’t usually recur annually.
4. They result in fixed assets.
Once completed, these projects are usually noticeable public improvements. It is important to note that the CIP itself does not authorize spending. Instead, it is a planning tool that lays out future projects and priorities. Some projects focus on community quality of life, such as trail extensions, park upgrades, or improvements to recreational facilities. Others focus on infrastructure, such as street or sewer improvements that keep Cedar Falls in good condition.
Because the CIP is a large, complex document, it can be difficult to digest. Citizens may wonder: Why does this matter? What’s the impact on me or the community? This handbook provides a clear, easy-to-read summary of the CIP and highlights the projects most relevant to the community. The complete CIP can be found on our website under Services, then Finance, then select Fiscal Year 2027, and clicking: 2027 Capital Improvements Program (CIP).
CIP Program Summary
The CIP revenue sources are shown below. Diverse funding sources allow the City to remain in good financial condition while financing all these projects.
Funding Sources
The information below highlights the City’s priorities in the CIP. Over the next five years, the CIP includes more than $484 million in projects! Some departments, such as Public Works and Community Development, account for larger portions of this total. That’s because they are responsible for major investments in our community, including streets, parks, trails, and other infrastructure and quality-oflife improvements.
Total Expenditures by Department
CIP by Department
Finance & Business Operations
The Finance & Business Operations Department takes pride in being good stewards of public money, emphasizing efficiency and excellence in financial services. In addition, the department strives to protect and further the City’s strong financial reputation, resulting in outstanding achievements including an Aaa bond rating and 35 consecutive years of achieving the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Capital Improvements in this department include financial and human resources software, equipment for Channel 15 and IT, Library improvements, parking lot improvements, and more.
Community Development
The Community Development Department strives to make Cedar Falls an amazing place to live, work, and play by overseeing the planning, development, tourism, cultural, and recreational activities of the City. Capital improvements in this department fund projects like park improvements, planning documents, community signage, maintenance at the Falls, recreation, and art and cultural installations.
Public Works
The Public Works Department is the largest contributor of capital projects and plays a vital role in maintaining our community infrastructure. Public Works is responsible for building and maintaining the infrastructure and services residents rely on every day, like streets, traffic signals, City buildings, vehicles, garbage and recycling, cemeteries, sewers, and more.
Public Safety
The mission of the Cedar Falls Public Safety Department is to enhance the quality of life, safety, and security of the community. Regularly updating and replacing the vehicles, equipment, and gear as needed ensures that the department can continue providing essential public safety services. Items in this department include equipment like bulletproof vests, cameras, fire equipment, and more.
CIP by Project Type
Below are totals organized by project type. In this CIP, sewer projects account for a much larger share of expenditures due to the needed construction of a new Wastewater Treatment Facility.
Streets (20 street projects)
$159,207,000
Sewer (17 sewer projects)
Economic Development (7 economic development projects)
$175,175,000
$41,661,592
Parks & Recreation (37 parks & recreation projects)
$10,030,500
Arts, Culture, & Tourism (17 arts, culture, & tourism projects)
$26,510,000
Sidewalks & Trails (20 sidewalks & trails projects)
$4,037,000
Storm Water (9 storm water projects) $4,143,000
Library & Community Center (7 library & community center projects) $386,500
There are several more projects on the CIP that are administrative or equipment-based and therefore were not called out in a separate category.
Largest Projects
In the coming years, several major projects are planned to update critical facilities and infrastructure, including the wastewater treatment facility as well as key roads and intersections. Please note that some of the project totals shown here may differ from those listed in the CIP. That’s because this handbook shows the entire cost of each project, not just the portion included in the CIP. In addition, some entities like the DOT or Black Hawk County contribute funding for some projects, so project totals do not necessarily reflect the total amount the City will pay.
Joint projects can skew the totals.
The top 4 biggest projects on the CIP are:
Nutrient Reduction Improvements (CIP #210)
This extensive project completely overhauls our wastewater treatment facility. Not only do these updates enhance system efficiency and replace aging infrastructure, but they bring our wastewater treatment into compliance with new regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. This project will enhance the water quality of the treated wastewater we deposit into the Cedar River. To help finance this project, sewer rental bonds will need to be sold, and sewer rates will be impacted. This project began in FY24. It is expected to be completed in FY31.
Funding Sources
Sewer Revenue Bonds
American Rescue Plan Act
Highway 58 & Greenhill Road Interchange Project (CIP #147)
This project re-imagines the intersection at IA 58 & Greenhill Road, one of the most dangerous in Iowa, by constructing a double-teardrop roundabout interchange, like the one at University Avenue. This will increase safety and improve traffic flow, which will reduce backups common to this intersection. The City is partnering with the DOT on the project. The City’s main source of funding will come from local option sales tax. Design began in FY26, with construction expected to start in FY28.
Funding Sources
Annual Street Reconstruction & Resurfacing Program (CIP #142)
Every year, the Engineering Division assesses streets in need of repair and places them on a repair schedule. Understanding that our streets need regular care, this item sets aside funding each year for these necessary improvements. This will not impact the debt service levy since Local Option Sales Tax and Road Use Tax funds are being used.
Indoor Turf Complex (CIP #79)
Following the Sports Tourism Destination Assessment, a public-private partnership for a tourism-driven indoor turf facility would combine municipal support and private investment to create a premier, year-round venue for sports, recreation, and events. This type of facility will fill a gap for our region and be a catalyst for economic growth, driving visitor spending, supporting local businesses, and enhancing Cedar Falls’ position as a regional tourism destination. A feasibility study and conceptual site design is proposed in FY27 (in a separate CIP item) to attract and engage potential private development partners, followed by detailed design and construction in FY30–31.
Funding Sources
Other Projects
While the projects listed above are large projects that result in significant upgrades for the city, there are many other projects of interest to the public. The following are some projects, including quality-of-life projects, that will enhance the health, safety, and desirability of Cedar Falls!
Hearst Center for the Arts Renovation (CIP #35)
The Hearst Center for the Arts has served our community for over 30 years. To ensure it remains a valuable public space for the arts, significant renovations are needed. An effort to revitalize and modernize the Hearst, this project improves accessibility and expands the Center, creating a better facility for the community to enjoy for years to come.
Sources
Main Street Reconstruction (CIP #150)
This project redesigned and reconstructed Main Street from 6th Street to University Avenue. The new roadway includes on-street bike lanes and roundabouts at Seerley Boulevard, 18th Street, and 12th Street. The underground infrastructure was replaced and hundreds of trees were planted along the corridor. While the project primarily relied on Local Option Sales Tax for financing, General Obligation Bonds were necessary to finance the project, impacting the debt service levy. This project began in FY21. It is expected to be completed in FY26.
Funding Sources
Property/Flood Buyouts (CIP #45)
We regularly program funds to support floodplain property buyouts. This ensures that homes and businesses steer clear of flood-prone areas to keep them safe and reduce losses and injuries when major floods occur. This program is voluntary and property owners are not forced to participate.
Funding Sources
Projects $420,000 $420,000
Ulrich Park Lift Station (CIP #217)
A new lift station in the area of Ulrich Park would open up additional areas for development in the northwest portion of the city. It could be designed such that it would replace a smaller, older lift station in Lakewood Hills.
Funding Sources
Highway 57 & Union Road Intersection Improvements (CIP #146)
Safety enhancements are greatly needed at this intersection, with multiple accidents occurring in recent years. The project will reconstruct the intersection at W. 1st Street and Union Road into a roundabout, helping to calm traffic and increase safety for all users.
Funding Sources
Prairie Parkway & Viking Road Intersection Improvements (CIP #153)
The Viking Road corridor has seen a flurry of development throughout the last several years, with a significant increase in traffic. This project improves the intersection’s functionality and safety, with the installation of a roundabout and extension of a raised median west through Andrea Drive.
Ridgeway Avenue Reconstruction (CIP #148)
This project reconstructed portions of Ridgeway Avenue between Highway 58 and Hudson Road, an improvement needed for the growing commercial presence of the area.
West 23rd Street Reconstruction (CIP #157)
West 23rd Street is a key access point to UNI and College Hill. This project will reconstruct the road segment from Hudson Road to Campus Street, improving the function and appearance of the corridor. This project began in FY25. It is expected to be completed in FY27.
Cemetery Columbarium’s (CIP #162)
Funding Sources
This project installed a new interment option at Greenwood Cemetery.
Funding Sources
Big Woods Campground Expansion (CIP #167)
The Big Woods Campground has increased in popularity over the last few years. Added to the CIP in FY24, this expansion doubles the number of campsites and will construct a new restroom and shower facility. In addition, a substantial private donation of $50,000 makes this project possible.
$150,000
Seerley Park Renovation (CIP #175)
Founded in 1893, Seerley Park is the second-oldest park in town and is an important asset of the historic College Hill Neighborhood. Focused on improvements in accessibility and function, this project renovates the entire park, including installation of a new shelter, restroom, turf surface, fencing and signage, and inclusive playground equipment.
Solid Waste Transfer Station (CIP #194)
The City’s solid waste transfer station is located in the 500-year floodplain, which makes it difficult to meet DNR standards. A major flood, like the 2008 flood, poses significant environmental risk and damage to City property. The project will relocate the station to a safer location, which has not yet been determined.
Aerial Truck Replacement (CIP #203)
The operational life of a firetruck is typically around 30 years. Our platform aerial truck will reach that age in 2028. This project will replace the unit with a modern, more compact truck that will retain the same capabilities as the current unit.
Big Woods Maintenance Reserve
Black Hawk County
Cell Tower Lease
New to the CIP!
This year, there were 31 projects added to the CIP, totaling $28,520,500. These projects represent significant investments in our community. Below are some of those new projects of interest in the Capital Improvements Program.
ADA Upgrades (CIP #181)
There are many ADA upgrades needed throughout city facilities. This item is intended to create a funding source to facilitate bringing facilities into compliance on a priority basis. This project has annual funding of $25,000.
Funding Sources
Parks Master Plan – Other Park Improvements: Specialty Park Design Assessment (CIP #69)
The adopted Parks Master Plan recommends a skate & action sports park, splash pad, and another dog park. These specialty uses have unique considerations to each of them. In addition, two playgrounds are recommended for decommissioning. The locations of which may be suitable for the specialty uses. It is recommended a city-wide assessment of these items occur, with public engagement, to identify the best locations for each type of park and their priority, along with identifying the amenities to include with costs and a concept plan for each use. This will aid in planning for implementation.
CASTUS Streaming (CIP #12)
In 2025, Cedar Falls Utilities (CFU) made an announcement that they will be discontinuing their cable TV services. Fees from these services were used to support the City’s Channel 15 public access channel. The City is now looking at providing a streaming app to view City Council meetings, School Board meetings, and other community programming. The City is working with CFU and the Cedar Falls School District to help fund and sponsor the continued programming on the Channel 15 app. The CIP includes annual streaming fees, including initial setup fees.
