From the Mayor & City Manager
DEAR BUSINESS OWNERS,
Cedar Rapids is experiencing unprecedented growth and momentum, which brings both opportunities and challenges. We understand the frustrations caused by ongoing road and infrastructure projects in our community. Your concerns are valid, and we genuinely appreciate your patience during project work.
INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE AND GROWTH
The infrastructure projects underway are worthy investments that are already enhancing the quality of life for residents and sustaining our city’s growth and momentum. These projects reflect our commitment to enhancing critical systems such as sewer, water, drainage, and road systems to enhance traffic flow and ensure better conditions for residents and businesses alike.
While temporary disruptions may occur, these efforts are vital for our community’s long-term resilience. We believe these enhancements will create a more vibrant and accessible environment and increase opportunities for your business in the future.
NAVIGATING CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS
We aim to collaborate with you to minimize disruptions as much as possible. Our team developed this toolkit to share information about the support available to you and the practical steps you can take to ensure a smooth process.
The City is here to support you during this transformative phase. Your feedback is invaluable as we work together to navigate these temporary challenges and build a stronger community for everyone.
We wish you continued success!
Sincerely,
Tiffany O’Donnell Mayor
Jeff Pomeranz City Manager
Key Contacts
CITY OF CEDAR RAPIDS
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, ENGINEERING DIVISION
` (319) 286-5812
` For questions regarding construction projects, plans, and impacts.
CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
` CityofCR.com/Construction
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT & RESOURCES
CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
` 501 First Street SE | (319) 398-5317
` CedarRapids.org
` Provides economic development, business support programs, workforce recruitment and retention, networking, public policy, and hosts community events.
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
IOWA DISTRICT, CEDAR RAPIDS OFFICE
` 2750 First Avenue NE, Suite 150 | (319) 362-6405
` SBA.gov/District/Iowa
` Offers funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, disaster recovery, and connections to partner organizations, lenders, and community groups that help small businesses succeed.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ZONING DIVISION
` (319) 286-5780
` For questions regarding temporary signage, permits, etc.
IASOURCELINK
` (319) 273-5444
` IASourceLink.com/Resource-Navigator
` Connects entrepreneurs and small businesses to statewide resources.
KIRKWOOD SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (SBDC)
` 101 50th Avenue SW | (319) 377-8256
` IowaSBDC.org
` Offers personalized, confidential, no-cost business services including planning, financing options, market research, loan-proposal assistance, and business disaster counseling.
City & Small Businesses: Working Together
Building a stronger community — one project at a time.
The City and local businesses each have important roles to play in supporting necessary construction activities while minimizing impacts. Staying informed and focusing on future positive outcomes is key to successfully navigating the biggest roadwork challenges.
What resources does the City provide?
Our goal is to communicate early and often. We also want to work closely with you to meet the needs of your business and customers during construction. The following practices are standard during construction projects:
Before construction and design work begins, the City will send direct mail to property owners in the affected area. These mailings include details about the project location and goals, estimated schedule, and contact information. They also invite businesses to participate in community meetings and provide input early in the planning process — before design work begins.
As construction is about to begin, we hold public meetings to inform residents and business owners about the construction plans. These meetings allow businesses to raise concerns, ask questions, and offer suggestions. You can also schedule individual meetings with the project manager to address your business-specific needs.
We set up temporary signs during construction to help guide traffic and pedestrians to businesses and promote the message that All Businesses Are Open! The signs often indicate alternative routes and parking areas.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & ALERTS
We provide updates through project newsletter emails, text messages, the City’s website and mobile app, and social media channels to ensure the community has the latest information to plan accordingly.
` Visit CityofCR.com/Construction for a list of current and future projects and subscription options.
You may request additional accommodations from the project manager listed in our construction communications. Common requests from business owners include:
ALTERNATIVE PARKING
If construction will affect existing parking, we explore options like temporary parking areas. We encourage businesses to inform the project manager early on if our plans look like they will cause parking challenges we did not anticipate during construction. This gives us time to discuss alternative options
CUSTOM PRESENTATIONS & MAPS
Upon request, we offer custom project and construction update presentations at neighborhood, district, association, and other community meetings. Additionally, custom maps are available to assist your customers and vendors in navigating construction areas. Please contact the project manager listed in your construction letter for assistance.
SUPPORT FOR IMPORTANT DATES
Our team may be able to assist with special requests for business days, holidays, and special events, including temporary halting of construction activities, clearing of materials, accommodations for parades, and other needs.
ADA
Everyone affected by construction should be able to access your services. Please inform us of any additional ADA accommodations needed beyond what is included in our construction plans. We are committed to maintaining ADA compliance throughout and after the project. Your feedback is important to building a smooth experience for the entire community.
ACCOMMODATIONS
How can businesses effectively prepare for construction projects and manage their impacts?
A community that works together and supports each other will experience success!
STAY ENGAGED, INFORMED & PROVIDE FEEDBACK
` Attend public meetings, take notes, and share your feedback with City staff.
` Subscribe to project newsletters and the City’s communications channels to stay ahead of construction updates. Visit CityofCR.com/Construction and CityofCR.com/Subscribe for more information.
` Keep our project manager’s contact information handy for questions or improvement ideas during the project. We share this information ahead of each project.
NOTIFY CUSTOMERS & VENDORS
` Use social media, word of mouth, and other marketing channels to communicate that your business is open during construction. Refer to our “Open For Business Marketing Guide” at the back of this toolkit for ideas and inspiration.
` Communicate regularly via email, website updates, and social media about your business hours and special promotions.
` Consider increasing promotional efforts to remind customers of your presence. Positive messaging tends to yield better results on social media platforms.
` Share detour information with customers and vendors ahead of and during a project. Notify them of any adjustments they may need to make deliveries or find parking.
` Consider using temporary yard signs, banners, sandwich boards, or extra window signage during construction to attract attention to your storefront and access routes.
` Thank customers for their patience and consider how you might celebrate and mark their continued support.
COLLABORATE WITH OTHER BUSINESSES
Collaborate with neighboring businesses to share resources, parking, and coordinate joint promotional offers. Partner to create marketing campaigns and community events promoting the area during construction.
Attend neighborhood, organization, business meetings, and other community gatherings to keep your business visible and reinforce your commitment to the community.
PLAN FOR POTENTIAL FINANCIAL IMPACTS
Review and adjust spending, explore alternative revenue sources, and consider creating a cash reserve. Look for opportunities related to insurance, inventory purchasing, and labor requirements. Consider discussing financial restructuring options with lenders.
As soon as you learn upcoming construction may limit customer access, conduct a cash flow analysis to create a plan moving forward. This may involve establishing a dedicated cash reserve for fixed operational expenses. Securing a line of credit during times of strong sales can help ensure readiness for unpredictable emergencies.
Consult the list of small business support and resources at the front of this guide for help in addressing challenges as they arise.
FOSTER POSITIVITY & BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
Maintaining a positive outlook and cultivating strong relationships with your customers, vendors, neighboring businesses, and contractors performing work near you can significantly mitigate the impact of construction on your business.
Remain open to adapting your business operations and exploring new opportunities, such as offering new products or services that meet changing customer demands.
Other Considerations
TEMPORARY SIGNAGE
During road construction, traffic disruptions are inevitable near your business. Using signage creatively can minimize the impact and attract attention to your storefront.
Signs are generally not allowed in the City right-of-way, except for A-frame signs, or “sandwich boards,” which can be used during business hours.
In Cedar Rapids, commercial properties can have one temporary sign up to 32 square feet, which includes yard, banner, and sandwich board signs. A second banner sign can be permitted for up to 75 days. Consider additional window signage as well, but please contact the City’s Development Services Department for details first.
For questions about sign requirements, please contact Development Services at (319) 286-5836 .
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
If parking near your business is temporarily reduced or eliminated due to construction, consider Cedar Rapids Transit as an alternative for employees and customers. Our transit service helps with parking challenges and can assist customers who may not feel confident navigating around detours and active worksites.
During construction, temporary changes to Cedar Rapids Transit stops and routes may occur. If a bus stop in your area is closed, a sign will indicate the nearest available stop.
For bus stop locations, trip planning, and real-time bus tracking, visit CityofCR.com/Transit
For passengers with qualifying disabilities unable to ride regular buses, ADA Paratransit service offers door-todoor demand-response during our standard bus route operating hours. Linn County LIFTS provides paratransit service in the Cedar Rapids area. For details, call (319) 892-5170 or visit LinnCountyIowa.gov/LIFTS
Open for Business Marketing Guide
PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE
IDENTIFY TARGET AUDIENCES
For example:
` Primary: Local residents and regular customers.
` Secondary: Tourists, passersby, and potential new customers.
` Demographics: Age, income level, interests relevant to your business.
BUILD YOUR AUDIENCES
Lean into their communication preferences to develop and grow audiences on your preferred channels like social media, email newsletters, and word of mouth.
CRAFT KEY MESSAGES
` Keep it positive! Your customers will want to support you and they will appreciate the challenges you’re navigating.
` Share construction information well before a project begins to grow support early.
` Emphasize your business’ resilience and commitment to serving customers.
` Highlight routes to your business, adjusted business hours, and any special offers to attract customers during construction.
CONSIDER COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES
Owned, Earned & Paid Media
` Post updates on the media you own (website, social media, eNewsletters, etc.)
` Earn media through positive customer testimonials or local news features.
` Consider paid advertising (digital, broadcast, print) for heightened visibility during peak construction periods.
Budget and Resources Allocation
` Allocate funds for signage, promotional materials, and potential advertising costs.
` Consider staffing needs and how they may shift during construction.
DURING CONSTRUCTION PHASE
SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
` Share regular updates on construction progress.
` Post videos and graphics showing how customers can navigate detour routes and parking.
WEBSITE AND EMAIL UPDATES
` Post construction schedules and alternative access routes on your website.
` Send email newsletters to your customer lists with construction updates and special offers.
TEMPORARY SIGNAGE
` Use A-frame signs and banners to direct foot and vehicle traffic to your business.
` Ensure signage complies with local regulations (contact the City’s Development Services department for details).
CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT
` Consider celebrating customer loyalty by offering rewards or discounts for customers
` Maintain excellent customer service to retain loyalty and positive reviews.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
` Monitor media coverage and respond promptly to any inquiries.
` Respond to customer concerns on social media and share timelines and links to the City’s construction update webpage: CityofCR.com/Construction
EVALUATE AND ADJUST
` Review the effectiveness of marketing efforts during construction.
` Assess customer feedback and adjust business operations if necessary.
` Highlight any improvements or changes made as a result of customer feedback.
POST-CONSTRUCTION PHASE
THANK CUSTOMERS AND CELEBRATE
` Host a reopening event or special promotion to celebrate the end of construction.
` Thank customers for their support during the challenging period.
SAMPLE SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
Construction won't stop us from serving you! We're open regular hours with easy access via [alternative route]. Visit us today for [special deal]!
#OpenDuringConstruction #SupportLocal
CONTINUED MARKETING
` Continue promoting your business’ resilience and community support.
Navigating construction? We're here to help! Check out our updated hours and temporary parking tips on our website. Thank you for supporting local business!
[Business Name] is open during construction! Stop by for a [signature product/service] and see why we're your go-to spot in Cedar Rapids. #BusinessResilience #CityGrowth
