City Council Priorities Quarterly Report
City Council Priorities
The Cedar Rapids City Council meets annually to establish goals for the City’s overall direction. City staff track progress in the resulting key priority areas listed below on pages 5–15. The following report provides public transparency with an emphasis on communication; ensures alignment with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Envision CR; and assists in the effective prioritization of resources.
JULY – SEPT. 2025
Q1 Report Data
Flood Control System
Celebrating Flood Control Progress
McLoud Run
We completed a major east side Flood Control System project, featuring new flood walls, a restored McLoud Run streambank, a bridge over Shaver Road NE, and Cedar Valley Nature Trail upgrades. The trail segment, closed for nearly four years, is now open. Newly stocked trout were visible at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Additional landscaping and a new trailhead are planned in 2026.
Czech Village Pump Station
In August, we celebrated the opening of the largest pump station in the Flood Control System. Located next to the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library, the station can pump up to 70,000 gallons of stormwater per minute, expandable to 140,000 if needed. We designed the building to complement the museum site and included a detention basin as part of a rebuilt Riverside Park, allowing reduction of the station’s footprint by 30%. The structure enhances flood protection with a gate that blocks river water from the storm sewer system and can pump neighborhood stormwater from a 5-year rainfall event up and over the flood wall when the gate is closed.
McLoud Run Project Earns Innovation Award
In July, the National Association of Flood & Stormwater Management Agencies (NAFSMA) recognized our McLoud Run Flood Control Project with the Innovative Water Project Award. The award honors the creative ways the project enhanced the environmental and recreational aspects of McLoud Run west of I-380. The award is on display at City Hall.
City Earns $25 Million Federal BUILD Grant
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded the City a $25 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant for a Flood Control System project in the Northwest Neighborhood. This marks the largest federal investment to date in the west-side system. Project components include a levee, floodwall, railroad closure gate, storm sewer gatewell, pump station accommodations, an improved I-380 off-ramp with a 1st Street roundabout, trail upgrades, and a new trail bridge. Construction is planned for 2029–2031, with some advance work scheduled ahead of the Cedar Crossing Casino opening.
USACE, City leaders, and project partners cut the ribbon at McLoud Run
Czech Village Pump Station at 12th Avenue SW
Housing Options & Affordability
Workforce Housing Incentives
Bullet Capital B LLC (Josh Bass)
` $1.6 million investment
` Two market-rate four-plexes
` Disposition of four City-owned properties in NW neighborhood, along Ellis Boulevard NW
` Vacant since 2008 flood
ROOTs & Multi-Family New Construction Updates
Rose Cottage 2 (Darryl High)
` $8.7 million investment
` Awarded Iowa Economic Development
Authority Workforce Housing credits
` 58 units
During Q1, Abode’s Foxtail development closed on two homes. TW Home’s Green Acres development saw five closings, with $245,000 in downpayment assistance. JPAC Investments’
Northwest Infill rental project is fully leased, with three of the project’s four units reserved for those living at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Prairie Rose (Sandy Locke)
` $1.4 million investment
` Awarded Iowa Economic Development
Authority Workforce Housing credits
` 6 units
Providing Drinking Water
The Utilities Department connected eight property owners on Lawrence Drive SW to the City’s drinking water system. The properties were previously connected to a failing community well and were facing water-use restrictions. Our engineering and distribution teams developed a plan to design and construct a water main extension, keeping costs for the property owners affordable. The process took about four months.
JPAC Investments’ development at 8th Avenue NW
Crews lay new water main near Lawrence Drive SW
Strengthen & Stabilize Neighborhoods
Greater Cedar Rapids “Make My Move” Initiative
We signed an MOU with the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance to join the Greater Cedar Rapids Make My Move initiative in August. The program is a partnership between Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Hiawatha. It aims to attract remote workers to the region by offering relocation incentives and community connections. Eligible applicants must be employed fulltime, or self-employed, as remote employees; earn at least $55,000 annually; and relocate their primary residence to one of the
Community Events Serve All Ages & Abilities
participating communities within six months. The incentive package includes a $5,000 relocation bonus, membership to the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, Parks & Recreation program perks, Kernels tickets, a welcome pack from Big Grove Brewery, and various other local benefits. The first participant relocated to Cedar Rapids in late August.
Cedar Rapids continues to strengthen community connections through engaging events.
Summer in the Square
Taking place June–August, this year saw the launch of Summer in the Square. The series of events welcomed more than 5,100 visitors to Greene Square through 116 programs across 11 weeks. Highlights included the Weekend Rehearsal concert series, Game On: Greene Square youth programming, and community events like the Ice Cream Social and Picnic in the Park. The initiative was supported through a partnership with Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.
Statewide Special Olympics Participation
More than 120 Special Olympic athletes representing Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation participated in the 2025 Special Olympic Summer Games. Athletes competed in softball, volleyball, flag football, and pickleball.
National Night Out
We continued our long-standing tradition of hosting National Night Out events with neighborhood groups, promoting familiarity and camaraderie with public safety teams and elevating crime-prevention awareness.
Pickleball Paddle Battle Tournament
We partnered with the Linn County Pickleball Association to host the inaugural Fall Paddle Battle tournament at the Jones Park pickleball courts. Fifty-three teams competed in men’s, women’s, and co-ed divisions at both intermediate and advanced levels.
Derecho: Five-Year Anniversary Commemoration
City leaders, community partners, and residents marked the fiveyear anniversary of the 2020 Derecho with an event in Jones Park reflecting on our community’s resilience and continued ReLeaf progress. As part of the ceremony, we planted a tree symbolizing our community’s spirit and long-term investment in a greener, stronger future.
Trees Forever ReLeaf Party
About 150 residents attended an evening of tree education, music, and family-friendly fun, marking the successful launch of this new community engagement series.
E Avenue NW Detention Basin
Construction started on the E Avenue NW Stormwater Detention Basin. The project aims to reduce flash flooding in the E Avenue Watershed with wetland plantings and constructed oxbows that also improve water quality. The City earned grants from FEMA and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) to cover the majority of project costs.
5th Avenue SE Project Completed from 5th–14th Street
Crews completed the first of a two-year project to upgrade the aging roadway and storm sewer system along 5th Avenue SE from 5th–19th Streets, adding ADA-accessible parking and improved pedestrian access. Work from 5th–14th Streets finished this year, requiring close coordination with Mercy Hospital, the Cedar Rapids Community School District, and the MedQuarter to maintain access to medical facilities and McKinley Middle School.
SAFE-CR Collaboration
Since 2024, SAFE-CR has partnered with local company C4 Operations to provide a Citysupported, tenant-screening service. This quarter, the partnership identified landlords not yet using the SAFE-CR Tenant Screening package and encouraged participation through targeted outreach. The service supports responsible property management practices while promoting neighborhood safety and community wellbeing.
Plans show constructed oxbows and drainage features that capture and slow stormwater runoff for the E Avenue NW Detention Basin
5th Avenue SE, shown before (600 block) and after (800 block) improvements
Recreational & Cultural Amenities
Parks & Golf Facility Improvements
Gardner Golf Course
Construction began July 1 to upgrade walkways and renovate the clubhouse, enhancing accessibility for all visitors.
Tokheim Park
Reopened with ADA-accessible playground equipment, new sidewalks, and parking lot improvements.
Lincolnway Park
Upgrades include a new central shelter with ADA-accessible walkways and space for a future garden storage shed, enhancing accessibility and usability.
Tuma Sports Complex
ADA improvements expanded inclusive access throughout the facility.
Ellis Harbor
Sidewalks are being upgraded with concrete and railings; completion is expected in mid-October.
Riverfront 1 Park
Construction of grading, concrete, landscaping, and furnishings began. Work in the park, located between I-380 and the Kingston Yard Development, is expected to be complete by December.
Safety Walkthroughs
Completed at Jones Lodge, Northwest Recreation Center, and Old MacDonald’s Farm, safety walkthroughs ensure safe, accessible, and welcoming environments.
Therapeutic Rec Open House
The Parks & Recreation and Community Development Departments teamed up to host a Therapeutic Recreation open house in July. More than 50 attendees shared feedback, asked questions, and helped guide the future of City offerings.
LightLine Loop Groundbreaking
City officials, residents, and business owners celebrated the LightLine Loop groundbreaking, featuring the new Czech Village Roundhouse. The project includes an event space with a catering kitchen and restrooms for year-round programs, an outdoor festival space, a promenade, gateways, and expanded parking.
Self-Guided Art Tour in Czech Village & New Bohemia
In 2022, the City launched its first self-guided art tour, highlighting public art in the downtown area. In the last year alone, more than 3,100 viewers accessed the online tour, sparking community interest in expanding the program. In response, we developed a second tour for The District: Czech Village & New Bohemia — another area rich in public art. The tour is accessible on the City’s website and from the maps section in Mobile CR. Promotion of public art is vital for creating a vibrant community, generating economic benefits, and fostering social cohesion.
Downtown History Tour
In partnership with the History Center and Downtown SSMID, we created a 1.5-mile Self-Guided Downtown History Tour featuring 20 historic sites. Available on the Historic Preservation Commission webpage and the Mobile CR “maps” section, the tour complements existing “History Happened Here” markers and highlights downtown’s architectural and cultural heritage. Accessible on any mobile device, it lets residents and visitors explore at their own pace, supporting historic preservation, civic pride, and downtown engagement. Staff will track use and consider expanding the format to other districts.
Ground Transportation Center Mural
In September, we unveiled a new mural at the Ground Transportation Center (150 Transit Way SE) during a public open house. Visitors met local artist Paxton Williams (“EBISU”), cocreative director of the 237 Collective gallery in Cedar Rapids. The project was created in partnership with Murals & More, sponsored by David Maier and Matt McGrane.
Homelessness
Margaret Bock Housing Collaborative
The City is collaborating with local partners on a program to help individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and who need help with medical and legal services. The program is a joint effort with the City, led by ECICOG Homeless Systems Manager J’nae Peterman and the Community Care Team (HACAP, ASAC, CRUSH, Waypoint, Housing Fund for Linn County, and the Eastern Iowa Health Clinic). It will transition Margaret Bock resources into a supportive-housing program, with the Community Care Team providing wraparound services to stabilize housing needs. The goal is for participants to move into market-rate housing and receive medications, health services, and other needed resources. We are funding a full-time management position, housed under HACAP, to coordinate the services — using dollars allocated to homelessness-management services.
Winter Weather Shelter Update
We are again partnering with the Housing Fund for Linn County (HFfLC) to provide the Linn County Winter Weather Shelter. This shelter protects the health and safety of people experiencing homelessness during the coldest months. The shelter began as a collaborative effort among several agencies. In recent years, Willis Dady managed operations. As they will not continue in that role this year, HFfLC issued an RFP for a new service provider. A review panel of local homelessness experts — including representatives from the City, Linn County, United Way, HFfLC, and Homeless Systems Manager J’nae Peterman — will evaluate the proposals.
Clean & Safe City
Nuisance- & Debris-Abatement Activities
The Forestry and Solid Waste & Recycling Divisions partnered on several nuisance and debris abatements during the quarter, helping maintain clean and safe neighborhoods and public spaces. Crews assisted with tree and brush removal at multiple properties, supporting code-enforcement efforts and contributing to a cleaner community.
City Manager’s 1-Bag Challenge Breaks Annual Collection Record
The City Manager’s 1-Bag Challenge litter-collection program once again broke the record of bags of litter collected in one year, with a total of 10,015 bags collected in FY25. The previous record was 9,074 bags of litter collected in FY24; this year’s number shattered that record by more than 900 bags.
Roundabout Completion Improves MedQ Gateway
The roundabout connecting Mount Vernon Road SE to 8th Avenue and 10th Street opened to traffic — improving traffic flow, enhancing safety, and supporting future growth. The project featured upgraded street lighting and placemaking aesthetics, supported by the MedQuarter SSMID. Roundabouts have improved traveling safety in Cedar Rapids: the Iowa DOT’s Crash Analysis Tool shows a 31% decrease in overall crashes and a 73% decrease in injury crashes at roundabouts installed within the city. This trend is consistent with national studies. Roundabouts also reduce delay, lower fuel consumption, and require lower maintenance costs compared to signalized intersections. harm water quality or human health.
Accessible Street Crossings
We upgraded eight pedestrian pushbuttons at the 42nd Street NE and Wenig Road intersection to meet ADA standards. We made this improvement ahead of this intersection’s planned signal-maintenance schedule in support of a student with a visual impairment who regularly uses the crossing. We continue to replace pushbuttons citywide to ensure ADA compliance during regular signal upgrades or intersection modifications — and address additional accessibility requests based on demonstrated need.
MedQ Roundabout
New Pedestrian Pushbutton at 42nd Street NE & Wenig Road
Disaster-Preparedness Month
We recognized National Disaster-Preparedness Month in September. Police and Fire teams helped residents prepare for emergencies through community outreach, including distributing “P.A.C.T. Packs” at neighborhood meetings. The backpacks, part of the City’s Neighborhood P.A.C.T. (Prepare, Act, Communicate, Train) program, included guides on surviving the first 24–48 hours after a disaster, teaching residents essential preparedness steps.
Officer Kevin Lukan prepares one of 150 backpacks for distribution during National Preparedness Month.
Downtown Stop Signs
Recent development near 4th Avenue SE’s intersections with 5th & 6th Streets has increased pedestrian activity, creating a need for new all-way stops. Traffic engineers follow national safety standards, installing these controls when conditions justify in order to slow vehicles, improve pedestrian safety, and enhance crossings without significantly affecting traffic flow or travel time.
Improved Navigation at US-100/Edgewood Road NE Interchange
As part of our partnership with the Iowa DOT to prevent wrongway driving on high-speed, controlled-access highways, we added yellow lane striping to the turning lanes at US-100 and Edgewood Road NE. At complex intersections with multiple turning lanes or medians, drivers can become disoriented. Yellow lane markings provide a visual cue that may help drivers recognize oncoming traffic and avoid wrong-way turns. This change is part of an ongoing, phased approach to test and analyze similar safetyimprovement efforts across Iowa. Results will help identify effective strategies for reducing wrong-way incidents at urban interchanges, which may then be applied at other locations across the state.
Corridor MPO Adopts 2050 LRTP
The Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization adopted its 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), setting the course for multimodal transportation investments across the Cedar Rapids metro area. This federally required plan outlines strategies to enhance mobility, safety, and sustainability through 2050, incorporating public input, regional growth forecasts, and revenue forecasts. The LRTP will guide how public funds are allocated to improve roads, transit, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
Glass Road NE Standpipe Reconditioning
We reconditioned and repainted the Glass Road NE standpipe, located near Wenig Road, and brought it back online in August. This work extends the tank’s lifespan, improves water quality, and enhances its appearance. We also added the City’s name and logo, continuing our practice of showcasing community pride through water-storage branding. This cost-effective initiative promotes Cedar Rapids’ identity and visibility for residents and visitors along Glass Road NE.
The reconditioned Glass Road NE Standpipe now displays the City of Five Seasons logo.
Environmental Compliance Award
Our Water Pollution Control (WPC) Facility received the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA)’s 2024 Peak Performance Silver Award. The award recognizes wastewater treatment facilities which reflect nearly perfect (five or fewer infractions) environmental-permit compliance in a calendar year. A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit is required for facilities to discharge into waters of the United States. Our NPDES outlines requirements that ensure we do not harm water quality or human health.
Yellow Lane Markings Help Drivers Recognize Oncoming Traffic
Business-Friendly
Business Outreach & Education
Q1 Existing Industry Program
After conducting eight Business Retention & Expansion calls this quarter, six of the companies (75%) requested technical assistance or help with a business-retention matter where City staff provided follow up. Companies called include:
` 7/11 | Quaker (PepsiCo)
` 7/23 | Skyworks
` 7/30 | Ovation Networks
` 8/12 | In Tolerance
` 8/18 | Pactiv Evergreen
` 8/18 | International Flavors & Fragrances
` 8/26 | MSI Mold Builders
` 9/10 | General Mills
City-Iowa State University Partnership for Food Manufacturing & Bioprocessing
` Launched virtual internship program for Cedar Rapids employers.
Economic Development Grants & Awards
` $357,000 | Cedar Rapids schools received 70 Dolezal scholarships during the 25-26 academic award cycle; five more scholarships were awarded to Cedar Rapids students than the previous year.
Promotion & Outreach
` Economic Development Services staff held two focus groups with multifamily developers as part of updates to the 2025 Housing Market Analysis, which will be available by early November.
` We sponsored the CBJ Manufacturing Conference and Iowa Ideas Conference, highlighting how our Economic Development efforts are positively impacting the community and conference attendees.
` We assisted the Federal Reserve with its Small Business Credit Survey, reaching out directly to small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) and working with partners to raise awareness about the opportunity to share feedback on small-business credit access.
Cedar Crossing Casino Coordination
To support the Cedar Crossing Casino’s planned 2026 opening, City staff worked with the Iowa Economic Development Authority to remove deed restrictions on former City-owned land in the 2008 Flood zone, enabling its sale to the Casino developer. The land transfer at the end of Q1 allowed the developer to secure financing. The City, Casino, and U.S. Department of Transportation coordinated phased traffic improvements with the federal BUILD grant, aligning responsibilities to ensure timely completion ahead of the scheduled opening.
Cedar Crossing Casino
Better Roads Ahead Launches
City staff met with local business owners near 2025 City construction projects, gathering feedback on how to reduce impacts to their businesses during construction. This was the first meeting under our new Better Roads Ahead campaign, focused on improving our collaboration with businesses during construction. By the end of the quarter, staff identified all business owners affected by 2026 projects. These business owners will be invited to a public meeting in November to discuss how the City can partner with them to minimize construction impacts in the year ahead.
Staff Training
Key members of the Utilities and Finance Departments and the City Attorney’s Office participated in a two-day, Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) training. CMAR is a step in the NW Water Treatment Plant expansion planning process, important for overall project design and execution. The methodology makes our team more agile, allowing execution to proceed efficiently while supporting the City’s “Open for Business” mindset.
Water System Inspections
Divers inspected the Water Division’s horizontal collector wells, assessing flow capacity and repair needs. These wells pump a substantial amount of the City’s drinking water to our treatment plants from alluvial aquifers under the influence of the Cedar River. Inspections play an important role in planning for well reconditioning in support of the community’s increasing water-supply needs.
Strategic Parking Plan
Public engagement on the Strategic Parking Plan for Downtown, Kingston Village, New Bohemia, and Czech Village saw a significant amount of public input from more than 1,400 engaged respondents. The survey measured feedback on the current parking system. Combined with observations and analysis of future parking demand, the survey data will help guide Strategic Parking Plan recommendations — scheduled for completion by the end of this year. A summary of the public input will be available as part of the plan document.
Record-Breaking Permit Valuations
The total reported valuation of all building permits for FY25 reached a record $2.6 billion — the highest ever recorded in the City of Cedar Rapids in a single year. The valuation includes various public and private projects throughout our community across the residential, educational, industrial, retail, and commercial sectors. permits issued
7,379
126 Trade permits Issued
New Single-family permits issued
94