From the City Manager

Cedar Rapids has experienced the profound impacts of our changing climate — heavier rainfalls, hotter days, and increased flooding. Extreme weather events continue to impact every corner of our world. For this reason, it is more important than ever that we take urgent and meaningful action to address these challenges.

The Cedar Rapids Community Climate Action Plan is a blueprint, charting specific objectives and practical steps that can guide our community toward a brighter, more resilient, and carbon-free future. We are proud of how the plan builds on our community’s strong legacy of sustainability, representing the best of our shared strengths and dedication.

The plan was created under the guidance and leadership of our Mayor and City Council, who continue to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to addressing these urgent challenges. While adopted in September 2021, the City has been working diligently to put several of its recommendations into practice for many years longer than that. This issue details how we have invested in infrastructure and social structures to combat anticipated floods, revive our urban forest, protect against the impacts of rising temperatures, and more.

Perhaps the most remarkable fact about the Community Climate Action Plan is how it is a product of our community’s input and collaboration. City staff made extensive efforts to ensure the voices of all our community members were heard and are reflected in its objectives. With equity at the forefront of the plan, we are confident that the actions we take today will create a safer, healthier, and more attractive Cedar Rapids for current and future generations.

None of this work would be possible without the collaboration, participation and support of the community we serve. The City of Cedar Rapids is eager to build on this momentum — and I invite each one of you to join us in our efforts to build a more sustainable future for all.

Jeffrey Pomeranz

Cedar Rapids City Manager