Mayor’s Corner

Contact the Mayor at: City Hall 220 Clay Street Cedar Falls, IA 50613 mayor@cedarfalls.com 319-268-5118

Dear Neighbors,

Summer has shown itself in our rear view mirror far too soon! Despite that, Cedar Falls was fortunate to see the return of the Sturgis Falls Celebration, Artapaloooza, our local farmer’s markets, Municipal Band performances, National Night Out, and concerts in our beautiful new River Place Plaza. These wonderful cultural events made for a memorable summer, didn’t they? In line with the “Year of the Neighborhood” proclamation this year, I was so pleased to see the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center provide a dozen free concerts in neighborhoods all across the Cedar Valley. Thanks to the many sponsors who made this happen! Neighbors hosted at least five other large neighborhood block parties as well, making 2021 the summer of reconnecting and relationship building! While SO many aspects of Cedar Falls are worth celebrating, neighborliness is the most important to me. We help each other in emergencies. We look after each others’ kids and pets. We bring a meal to a neighbor with an illness. We learn and grow by appreciating diverse backgrounds, life experiences, political perspectives, and the personal challenges of our neighbors. We are meant to connect with one another, and we sure did that this summer. Keep it up! Buildings, streets, and parks make a city—but people who care about each other make a community. As Mayor, I’m honored to lead the city as we continually work to pass on the importance of community; it will be our proud, lasting legacy to future generations in Cedar Falls!

Take care, and I’ll see you around town! ~ Mayor Rob Green

Activate Your Neighborhood with a Walking School Bus

Parents or volunteers—take turns leading a group of students living in a neighborhood to and from school. Choose to meet daily or weekly to help young students gain the confidence and knowledge to navigate their route successfully. Students who walk to and from school tend to achieve 60 minutes of recommended daily physical activity. Also, studies show their concentration levels are higher, and their social and emotional health improves from the exercise and conversations happening along the way. It’s a fun and simple way for parents to get to know each other and exercise as well. Avoiding the congested school drop-off line is another great benefit of walking school buses. Please call or email Brenda Vavroch, to start a walking school bus or participate in National Walk to School Day Oct. 6th. Brenda Vavroch, Safe Routes to School Coordinator / Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments; 229 E. Park Ave., Waterloo; 319-235-0311; Email: bvavroch@inrcog.org

Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission consists of nine members, each serving a three-year term. The city and the commission seeks to maintain a diverse commission with consideration to various racial, religious, economic, cultural, sex, age, disability, and social groups in the city. The mission of the Human Rights Commission is to work to promote the goal of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all through outreach, advocacy, and education. Although the commission is no longer investigating discrimination complaints on a local basis, the commission will assist you in filing a non-housing discriminatory complaint, and assist you in completing the Iowa Civil Rights Commission Complaint Form. Email us at: cfhumanrights@cedarfalls.com or call us at 319-268-5112. You are also free to file a complaint directly with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC). To file a discrimination complaint, you can download a complaint form or call 800-457-4416. Filing is the first step in the complaint process. A complaint must be filed within 300 days of the alleged discriminatory practice. If you are interested in following the complaint process, an outline of the complaint process is posted online at the ICRC website at www.icrc.iowa.gov. If you would like to file a housing complaint, you may contact Kerry Hainline, Housing Intake Officer at the ICRC at 515-242-5556 or 800-457-4416 ext. 2-5556.

The commission is available to answer questions and receive comments or suggestions from the community. Find the Human Rights Commission at www.cedarfalls.com/HRC, and follow on Facebook @HumanRightsCF and Twitter @Human_Rights_CF.