Our CR - March 2024

MARCH 2024

FROM THE CITY MANAGER • 2

EQUITABLE ENGAGEMENT • 4

INCLUSIVE PROJECTS • 10

PARTICIPATE & THRIVE • 16

NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW • 22

DIRECTORIES • 24

SUMMER PLAY! GUIDE • 25

CFROM THE C I TY MANAGER

ommunity engagement is at the heart of a thriving Cedar Rapids. Informed and engaged residents drive positive change, which is why we prioritize incorporating all voices and experiences into our City’s work.

The result of this involvement can be seen through a number of our initiatives, including equitable neighborhood planning and vision casting, incorporating accessibility into all projects, addressing the needs of populations vulnerable to climate hazards, and much more.

Interested in Advertising with Us?

Contact the Our CR Communications Specialist at communications@cedar-rapids.org

In this issue, learn about the many ways you can get involved with these and other initiatives and opportunities. You can also find more information about programs and services that support our community on our website at Cedar-Rapids.org.

While City efforts are significant, everyone has a role to play in fostering a healthy community. We welcome everyone to engage in our government — learning how it works and how to participate. When we include all voices, the impact ripples into positive change for our community through improved decision-making and outcomes.

Your ideas matter, and we’re dedicated to facilitating your involvement. By staying informed and engaged, you contribute to Cedar Rapids’ strength and pride.

Let us collaborate to build a brighter, more inclusive future for Cedar Rapids — one where everybody feels that Welcome is Our Language. Thank you for being a part of our City’s progress.

Jeffrey Pomeranz Cedar Rapids City Manager

For 175 years, Cedar Rapids has been shaped by the unique voices of its diverse community. Cities thrive when community members are active and engaged in creating their future.

The City of Cedar Rapids is here for you. This issue explores how your City government works to increase public engagement and outreach, listen and respond to community needs, and enhance participation in government processes.

In Cedar Rapids, your voice matters. You can play an important role in creating the best-possible Cedar Rapids today — and for the future. Join us by exploring community, connection, and shared aspirations while we work to build a more welcoming, inclusive, and equitable city.

of Shaping Cedar Rapids, Together Celebrating 175 Years

As we celebrate Cedar Rapids’ 175th anniversary of incorporation, marked this year on January 15, we reflect on our rich history of resilience and growth. Cedar Rapids has evolved through various forms of governance over that time. Our City’s leaders have continually revised and adapted important guiding documents to address evolving needs, challenges, and opportunities — while keeping an eye on the future.

Comprehensive plans serve as a roadmap for the growth of cities. Such plans play an important role in our continual evolution and ability to withstand the test of time. Today, our City’s work is guided by a comprehensive plan called EnvisionCR . This plan, first adopted in 2015, is more than a set of goals; it is a collective effort involving hundreds of residents.

Community engagement is key to its effectiveness, with active community participation a priority throughout the plan’s development and evolution. This inclusive approach ensures our City’s future is shaped by the very people who call it home. EnvisionCR is not a static document; it is updated

every year to reflect present-day needs. In the ten years since development, the plan has provided foundational direction to lead us through recovery from floods, the Derecho, and a global pandemic. Through it all, Cedar Rapids has made strides in major projects — from the Flood Control System, to Paving for Progress, placemaking initiatives, and environmentally conscious urban development — staying true to the goals set by EnvisionCR.

Incorporating Council priorities into the daily work of the City is another key aspect of our ongoing commitment to progress and the work of EnvisionCR. The Cedar Rapids City Council meets annually to establish priorities for the City’s overall workplans. Staff track progress in the resulting key priority areas, providing transparency and ensuring alignment with EnvisionCR. This process assists in the effective prioritization of resources, and emphasizes communication and accountability.

As we look back on Cedar Rapids’ history and celebrate 175 years, we recognize that shaping Cedar Rapids is an ongoing, collaborative effort. Every resident can play a part in shaping our City’s narrative. EnvisionCR links our past to our future, emphasizing sustainability, health, placemaking, and efficiency. It is a testament to our commitment to building an ever-better Cedar Rapids, united in our shared vision for a thriving community.

Diagram showing the original plats of Cedar Rapids

The west area of the Cedar River was originally known as “Kingston City.”

CIRCA 1850’S

City “Kick-Off” Event

Community members are invited to attend an open house to learn more about EnvisionCR and provide input on the City’s future direction. Ten years after the plan’s initial development, this milestone event celebrates a decade of collaborative planning and community involvement — and highlights work underway across the City. Your input is invaluable as we look ahead to our City’s future!

WHERE: NewBo City Market, 1100 3rd Street SE

WHEN: Thursday, April 11, 2024 | 4–6:30 PM

CHANGING Forms of Government

Since the first election of a Mayor/Alderperson governing body in 1856, the City of Cedar Rapids has had three different forms of government structure. Each mark our ongoing commitment to exploring governance that meets our community’s present needs.

Until 1908, Cedar Rapids operated under the nationally popular “Ward” form of government. In this model, the mayor wielded strong powers, collaborating with alders representing different sections of the city known as wards. While effective for its era, the model received criticism nationally for its potential to foster political division.

By 1908, Cedar Rapids voters were looking for a new way to run their growing city. They approved the “Commission” form of government, a growing trend nationally. Elected commissioners oversaw specific City areas: Streets, Parks, Public Safety, and Finance, working with a Mayor overseeing Public Affairs. Under this form, any member of the public could be elected as the director of a department like Public Works. In contrast, today, the Public Works Director has a very specific job description, requiring engineering experience among other highly technical skills.

The Commission form was not without its challenges. Cedar Rapids voters attempted twice to switch to a new form of government — in 1965 and again in 1996 — without success. The turning point came in 2006, when voters adopted a Home Rule Charter using the “Council-Manager” form of government.

The Council-Manager model benefits from the emphasis on professional city management and minimized influence of changing politics over the administrative process. This system fosters an effective relationship between the Mayor, Council, and City Manager — ensuring responsive and efficient governance.

Language Barriers Breaking Through

We have a saying in Cedar Rapids: “Welcome is Our Language.” Welcome is more than an open door. Welcome is an invitation for all our community members to come together and be a part of building our great city. As Cedar Rapids grows and welcomes residents from various corners of the world, enhancing the City government’s multilingual communication has become a key focus in our efforts to include more residents in City processes.

“Community members deserve the opportunity to have their needs understood. The tools we implemented eliminate barriers to communication, demonstrating the City welcomes everyone to be a part of the community. We share the language of Inclusion.”

Greg Buelow HOUSING & NUISANCE MANAGER

Interpret Manager App

The most common languages spoken in Cedar Rapids are English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Swahili (or other languages of Central, Eastern, or Southern Africa). This linguistic diversity is a testament to the wide range of voices that call Cedar Rapids home.

We are dedicated to overcoming language barriers in our programs and services. Acknowledging the challenge of providing effective customer service to those who may not be fluent in English, the City adopted valuable, welcoming, and certified technology to enhance these efforts.

One example is the use of a smart phone application that provides instant, person-to-person translation services. The “Hands Up” service offers audio and video options, with certified and fluent speakers of various languages. Staff carry simple cards with them while out in the community. The cards let residents quickly identify their primary language so staff can engage a translator when needed.

Staff across the City use this technology, with frequent use by the Police, Fire, Utilities, and Building Services Departments.

The service has assisted Firefighter Ted Wieland several times in his work. “The app has helped us communicate with patients on Emergency Medical Services calls, which in turn improved our ability to properly treat those in need,” said Wieland. “It allows us to quickly connect with interpreters who speak the language we need, such as Kirundi, Swahili, or French. It has been a valuable resource and we will continue to use it in the future.”

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager Elizabeth Buch explains, “Providing City staff with a certified language tool removes barriers. Language tools ensure residents have equitable access to City services, contributing to an inclusive experience for all.”

The Interpret Manager app from Hands Up Communications is used for on-demand access to interpreters via audio or video.

isCaring our specialty

Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa Pediatricians are board-certified and have extensive training and experience in caring for children of all ages, from newborns to adolescents.

We prioritize compassionate, patient-centered care that focuses on your child’s unique needs and concerns. We take the time to listen to your child and address any questions or concerns you may have as a parent.

PCI offers a wide range of pediatric services, including routine check-ups, immunizations, well child visits and management of chronic conditions. Our pediatricians work closely with other specialists and healthcare professionals to ensure that your child receives the best possible care.

We are accepting new patients and appointments are available! (319) 247-3820.

As we foster our growing community, City staff prioritize making public engagement a vital element in our decision-making processes. We employ a human-centered, equity-focused approach to grow as an inclusive city government that celebrates diverse voices, ensuring no one group is favored over another.

We work to help those who might face challenges when using services or sharing their opinions. This is an important aspect of equitable engagement in city government. The examples shared here illustrate the City’s journey toward a more connected and engaged community, where all residents can feel a sense of belonging.

All VoicesEmbracing

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts

The City of Cedar Rapids has advanced diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DE&I) efforts for many years. We took a significant step in this work by appointing a dedicated DE&I manager in 2021. Initiatives target four key action areas intending to create a sense of belonging for everyone in Cedar Rapids. All City departments actively contribute, fostering a teamwork culture focused on growing as a community where all can feel that “Welcome is Our Language.”

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY

Recruiting and retaining a workforce that reflects our community’s diversity and meets its needs across all organizational levels.

INCLUSIVE CULTURE

Fostering organizational inclusion and collaboration by purposefully integrating DE&I values in our Organizational Health culture.

EQUITABLE SYSTEMS

Building structures that support and sustain fair and equal opportunities to guide public and organizational policies and practices.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Creating meaningful opportunities for informed resident involvement in City decision making and increased understanding of City operations.

Elizabeth Buch

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager

Equitable Engagement Toolkit

Building an “Equitable Engagement Toolkit” is one of the action items identified in the Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP). To achieve the CCAP’s 2030 vision of empowering community members to play an active role in plan implementation, the toolkit will align with specific CCAP principles to ensure a focused and equitable approach.

Recognizing the historical absence and exclusion of marginalized community members in government discourse, decision-making, and implementation, the toolkit will address these disparities head-on. Currently under development, the toolkit will enhance targeted and meaningful engagement with under-resourced residents, providing City staff essential information to plan for effective participation.

THE TOOLKIT INCLUDES:

Checklists for Meaningful & Equitable Community Engagement

Guide for Effectively Communicating with Residents About City Work in Neighborhoods

Community Analyst Mapping Tool to identify community resources and demographics

Language Access Policies and Procedures

Standardized Demographic Survey to collect accurate diversity data and review in our outreach planning

Equitable Engagement Examples and Case Studies

Climate Action Plan

Approved by the City Council in 2021, the Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) addresses climate challenges while prioritizing community needs. The City emphasized equitable and inclusive engagement and outreach while building the plan. The planning process included a series of surveys, focus groups, and direct outreach to populations which may otherwise be underrepresented in plans — and who are likely to suffer greater climate-related hardships. This outreach prioritized input from populations classified as vulnerable by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The equitable process aligned with the goals of the Council’s Climate Resolution to engage residents in determining climate challenges and solutions in their neighborhoods. The resulting CCAP centers equity and community strengths across 24 actions meant to reduce greenhouse gases, build resilience to climate hazards, and support access to basic needs for all residents.

for All Infrastructure

An act as simple as pushing a stroller through Cedar Rapids is easier today than it was ten years ago. While it may seem like a simple concept, this result is the outcome of years of dedicated efforts to seamlessly connect our growing population with new and improved destinations — while ensuring a smooth, inclusive experience for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or chosen mode of transportation.

Initiatives like the City’s Complete Streets Policy, Project Civic Access, Pedestrian Master Plan, and Age-Friendly Action Plan all reflect deliberate efforts to build an accessible community that fosters equity, inclusivity, and joy. These initiatives have provided opportunities to redefine accessibility in the spaces that make our community special.

With one in nine Cedar Rapids residents having a disability, accessibility is a civic responsibility. Several recent projects included a focus on ADA improvements, with strategically designed modifications made for enhanced usability, safety, and comfort. Sidewalks, parks, pools, playgrounds, sports complexes, fire stations, and various other public spaces have all undergone targeted improvements to become more welcoming to all members of our community.

Pedestrian Signals

Improved, accessible pedestrian signals have been installed throughout the community, making it easier for everybody to cross at busy intersections. The signals are equipped with locator tones, audible “walk” messages, textured push buttons, and Braille signage to help those with visual impairments cross the street.

Curb Ramps

More than 4,000 curb ramps were upgraded with ADA accommodations, making it easier for wheelchairs, strollers, and more to roll along sidewalks.

Downtown Parking Spots

Even more downtown parking spots are now ADA compliant, including curb ramp access, providing a more comfortable experience for visitors.

Fire Station #7

Recent upgrades focused on bringing the facility to full ADA compliance. Now there is seamless access from parking through the entire building. Central Fire and Fire Station #3 are slated for ADA improvements in the coming years.

Bender Pool

Updates, including new pool deck tiling, accessible drinking fountains, and a revamped entrance route, brought the facility to full ADA compliance.

Mini Pines

Mini Pines was built to accommodate wheelchairs at every hole, making it one of the few courses in the country to boast such inclusive access

Noelridge Park

The ADA-accessible playground and restrooms located at Noelridge Park have made it a popular attraction on the Northeast side.

Tait Cummins Sports Complex

Accessible features include paved routes, accessible parking, and enhanced facilities for both spectators and players.

Transit Stops

Several Transit stop locations are now fully ADA compliant, with amenities like shelters and benches added based on use and customer need.

Westside Library Expands

Beyond Books

The Cedar Rapids Public Library connects people to information, experiences, and services that enhance their quality of life. This helps community members learn, enjoy, and thrive here. Among the most important library resources is the Library’s physical locations.

For the past ten years, the Ladd Library has served the west side of Cedar Rapids — and beyond. It has welcomed thousands of people to programs, connected many thousands more to services and educational resources, and circulated more than 2.3 million books.

In 2020, the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation received a large estate gift that started the planning process for a new, permanent Westside Library. In 2022, the Library Foundation secured 27 acres at the corner of Wiley Boulevard SW and 20th Avenue SW. This location is a walkable distance from the current Ladd Library, preserving easy access for patrons living in the surrounding area. The new location will support the Library Board of Trustees’ ongoing commitment to equity, access, and walkability in the region.

The new library will be built alongside a new city park, creating a unique opportunity for collaboration and community engagement. The Westside Library will be designed to take advantage of the new park, including clear views of green spaces, easy access to courtyards, and connections to the citywide trail network.

The new library will also have more books for children and adults, more meeting rooms for celebrations and programs, small study rooms for private use, and a much-needed new teen area. It will incorporate spaces designed intentionally for engagement and early literacy — as well as teen programming and computer use.

The library will also be home to the Opportunity Center, which provides pathways to employment and personal success. The new building will offer a safe and welcoming environment for people to access job searches, résumé help, and service navigation.

The new Westside Library is more than a library. It is a community hub, and with the inclusion of a new city park, a destination for people from across the region.

A PARK IN A LIBRARY and a Library in a Park

Analysis of parks across Cedar Rapids identified some neighborhoods in southwest Cedar Rapids that had limited access to green spaces and places to exercise and play. The area near the new Westside Library Park location was among those. The Library Park project ties into the needs identified in the Westdale Area Action Plan and Community Gardens in Parks plan, providing needed park amenities in areas with limited opportunities.

The Westside Library Park project created an exciting opportunity for the Parks and Recreation Department to partner with the Cedar Rapids Library, co-creating a space for gathering, learning, playing, and growing.

The Westside Library Park will complement the library and promote learning, exploration, and discovery. It will provide inclusive and accessible opportunities for all ages and abilities and include an inclusive playground. The park will support culturally relevant and responsive programming along with community gardens.

Public input on the project was significant and encompassed people who live near the site and throughout the city. Last fall, the City gathered feedback in various ways to ensure equitable input, including at public events, neighborhood association meetings, open houses, and an online survey. A multiuse sports court, pavilions, and water play were some of the priorities. People wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to extend the library outdoors with flexible spaces that focus on nature, cozy reading areas within gardens, and an educational discovery garden.

“We appreciate the Library Foundation for their vision to include a park in their planning for the library branch,” said Hashim Taylor, Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Director. “Through this project, we can remedy inequities in park access and provide new and exciting park and recreation programs for the community.”

FUTURE WESTSIDE LIBRARY

SMITHFIELD TENNIS & PICKLEBALL CENTER

MULTI-USE SPORT COURT

NATIVE PLANTS/DISCOVERY GARDEN

FLEX LAWN

WATER PLAYGROUND

CIVIC LAWN

LIBRARY LAWN

COMMUNITY GARDENS

for Trees Uniting

The City’s ReLeaf Cedar Rapids Plan recently earned two Federal grant awards totaling $9.5 million. The grants will help us plant trees along City streets and remove stumps in some public parks. The plan’s emphasis on equity in replanting following the 2020 Derecho was critical to obtaining funding. Both grants require that projects concentrate on disadvantaged neighborhoods, closely aligning with the plan’s priorities. Nearly 12,000 trees will be planted with funding from the Federal grants, prioritizing trees in neighborhoods most needing the benefits trees provide.

Deep Rooted Benefits

Trees are amazing! They clean water, reduce flooding, absorb and store carbon dioxide, and clean the air. They are critical in reducing energy costs, decreasing crime, and eliminating heat islands. Trees are known to increase home values and create habitats for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. Research has demonstrated that trees create environments that improve learning, accelerate healing, and inspire outdoor physical activity.

Making an Impact

While the benefits of trees matter everywhere, they are especially impactful in historically underserved neighborhoods where a robust tree canopy can balance out other disparities. In determining the ReLeaf planting schedule, planners consulted the Tree Equity Score tool developed by American Forests. The tool measures factors like existing tree canopy, population density, income levels, employment status, heat-island impacts, public health, and the presence of children, seniors, and people of color. A resulting, weighted score helped the City plant trees first in areas with the lowest Tree Equity Score, where they could have the greatest immediate impact.

Maps of Cedar Rapids created following the Derecho indicated some of the most vulnerable areas in the city lost the most tree canopy. “Following the Derecho, we found that poor tree canopy and corresponding heat-island impacts affected those more socially vulnerable than before the storm,” said Carole Teator, ReLeaf Program Manager. For this reason, as Cedar Rapids replants, the neighborhoods affected the most by the Derecho’s negative impacts from lost trees will be replanted first.

“Equity is a key component of our mission,” said Hashim Taylor, Director of Parks and Recreation. “It is our responsibility to make sure that our tree-planting program prioritizes areas where trees will have the most significant impact.”

ReLeaf Cedar Rapids Disadvantaged Communities Map

Disadvantaged Communities as Identified by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool

City of Cedar Rapids Boundary

Disadvantaged Communities as Identified by the Environmental Justice Screening Tool

City Services

at Your Fingertips

We have all faced everyday concerns, like stop signs obscured by low-hanging branches, seasonal potholes, long lines at service counters, and more. In the past, resolving these issues may have seemed difficult and time consuming, with residents often unsure which City department to contact. Times have changed, and Cedar Rapids has innovated to make it easier than ever to participate in improving our community!

Enter My CR, the City’s online reporting tool. No longer constrained by traditional business hours, My CR allows residents to report concerns, ask questions, file applications, and more — 24/7 — online or in the City’s app, Mobile CR. It is a dramatic departure from the old ways, simplifying the process of addressing common problems.

Here’s how it works: You spot an issue, drop a pin on a map, take a quick photo, and submit it through My CR. You don’t even need to know which City department to contact. The My CR dashboard gives you a consolidated place to file and track concerns and receive updates on

your requests. The City, armed with real-time data, quickly routes reports to the appropriate teams, making resolution fast and painless. Since its introduction in 2020, My CR has become a hub for positive change — connecting residents like you to our City government.

My CR is a tool for residents to actively participate in and improve our community. With City Hall at your fingertips, you can take an active role in shaping Cedar Rapids. Join the hundreds of community members using My CR to connect and collaborate with City staff, making Cedar Rapids a place we can all be proud to call home.

My CR Data Since Program Launch

56,521 REQUESTS RECEIVED

56,109 REQUESTS CLOSED OUT

99.3% REQUESTS RESOLVED

COMMON REQUEST TYPES:

• Missed Garbage Collection

• Weeds/Tall Grass

• Litter & Illegal Dumping

• Building Exterior Concerns

• Street Damage

• Snow on Sidewalks

• Vehicles/Boats/RVs/Trailers

Incorrectly Parked

• Street Storage

Introducing My CR

My CR makes City Hall available 24/7—so you can file reports, submit questions, and receive follow-up on issues you’re tracking.

Available via the Mobile CR app or at CityofCR.com/MyCR

GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS

A sense of community begins with communication. Make an effort to meet your neighbors and exchange basic contact information. It’s a great conversation starter and can come in handy during tough times, such as disasters like the 2020 Derecho, needing a last-minute babysitter or petsitter, or asking for help if you’re sick or injured.

If your home comes with a sidewalk, do your part to keep it clear, safe, and accessible for all residents. Sidewalks, including any sidewalk ramps, must be cleared within 24 hours of snow events. Property owners are required to repair sidewalks damaged by things like cracks, buckling, and uneven panels.

a Good Neighbor The Art of Being

Cities need healthy neighborhoods to survive. Neighborhoods are where people feel the strongest sense of community, creating an environment that improves quality of life and supports building friendships, tackling problems, and finding solutions to challenges. Cedar Rapids is fortunate to have many strong neighborhoods with distinct personalities and opportunities. We all play a role in making our neighborhoods, and Cedar Rapids, a great place to live.

KEEP SIDEWALKS SAFE

BE ACTIVE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Try hosting a block party, book club, or cleanup day. Participating in events around your community can alleviate tension and solve problems.

A FEW TIPS On Being a Good Neighbor

In Cedar Rapids, every resident is entitled to the quiet enjoyment of their home. We encourage all residents to do their part to support vibrant and attractive neighborhoods, and form neighborly relationships. Neighbors who know one another and talk with each other create a more helpful, safe, and caring community.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR LAWN

A well-maintained lawn adds to the beauty of the entire neighborhood. Cedar Rapids’ ordinance requires property owners to keep their grass and weeds mowed below 12 inches. Ensuring your grass clippings do not end up in the street keeps our storm sewers clean and provides for safe travel!

BE COURTEOUS WITH PARKING

Vehicles should not be parked on lawns. Vehicles using on-street parking need to be moved every 48 hours to rotate parking throughout the year and to help with snow-removal efforts in winter.

CLEAN UP YARDS AND NEIGHBORHOODS

When property owners take pride in their homes, the entire neighborhood benefits! Avoid letting trash, debris, or junk overtake your yard. Address peeling paint and other maintenance tasks that detract from your home’s beauty. Well-maintained homes help keep property values high and give the entire neighborhood a sense of pride.

Make your voice heard! Visit CityofCR.com/Engage to learn about current and upcoming public input opportunities.

Need ideas to help you dive into community participation? We all benefit when more residents connect with their neighbors and get involved in City efforts. Cedar Rapids offers many ways to get involved and make an impact in our community. You are welcome to join us!

Involvement can look as simple as becoming more familiar with our community’s hidden gems — inspiring pride in Cedar Rapids. It can also look like participating in public events and input opportunities. Check off some activities on this citywide scavenger hunt as you explore different ways to participate in building community. Together, we can create a stronger, more inclusive city.

Start anywhere you would like!

Attend a council, board, or commission meeting or City event: CityofCR.com/Calendar

Connect with neighbors by joining an existing — or forming a new — Neighborhood Association: CityofCR.com/Neighborhoods

Submit a question, request, or concern through My CR: CityofCR.com/MyCR

Play a game of pickleball at Jones Park

Visit Noelridge Greenhouse

Follow @CityofCR or @CityofCRIowa on social media: Facebook, NextDoor, Instagram & Twitter/X

Complete the Self-Guided Mobile Art Tour: CityofCR.com/ArtTour

Stay up-to-date on the latest City news! Text and Email Blasts: CRNewsNow.com

Mobile CR: CityofCR.com/App eNewsletters: CityofCR.com/Subscribe

Check out a book from the Cedar Rapids Public Library

Play a round of mini golf at Mini Pines

Take a ride on the City bus RideCRT.com

Zoom to a local restaurant on a scooter or bike through our Micromobility program with Veo

Discover community events: TourismCedarRapids.com/events-calendar

Catch a ball game and enjoy live entertainment at a City-owned venue: CREventsLive.com

David Dostal Appointed New Police Chief

On February 13, the Cedar Rapids City Council confirmed the appointment of David L. Dostal as the next City of Cedar Rapids Police Chief. A community-involved, nationwide search was conducted, with 17 applicants vying for the position of Police Chief. City Manager Pomeranz announced his selection from the Certified List on February 12, following a community-involved interview process.

“Selecting a candidate with the necessary leadership, teamwork, and subject-matter expertise to ensure effective oversight of the Department was crucial,” said Pomeranz.

“I am confident that he will do a phenomenal job as Chief.”

“I am looking forward to working with the Police Department, City staff, and the Cedar Rapids community to build on the Police Department’s strong reputation of upholding public safety while meeting community needs,” said Chief Dostal.

Chief Dostal is the 28th Police Chief in Department history. Before his appointment as Police Chief, he served with the Cedar Rapids Police Department (CRPD) in the rank of Captain,

Save the Date!

EcoFest

APRIL 20 | 10 AM–3 PM | NEWBO CITY MARKET

Join the City of Cedar Rapids in celebrating Earth Month and our GreenCR initiative at EcoFest. The annual festival will be held this year at the NewBo City Market on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Enjoy family-friendly activities, educational information, and news on how small changes add up to big differences for our environment. The day focuses on how we can connect our personal choices to individual, community, and planetary sustainability.

Hands-on experiences will include the National Mississippi River Museum’s mobile ocean animal tank, face painting, Monarch habitat creation, raptor demonstrations from Iowa City’s Raptor Advocacy Rehabilitation and Education (RARE) group — and so much more. City staff will also be on hand to share information about our Community Climate Action Plan.

managing the Administrative Operations Division since 2023. Chief Dostal started as a Patrol Officer in 1991. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2006; and Lieutenant in 2016.

The Chief of Police is the highestranking law enforcement officer in the City of Cedar Rapids, responsible for managing and leading the Police Department while ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. The Chief oversees all employees in the Police Department, including the hiring and training process, and works with other law enforcement agencies and community organizations to maintain public safety.

Bike to Work Week

11–17 |

Each year, the Cedar Rapids community recognizes National Bike Month with a week-long celebration encouraging community members to bike to work.

Whether riding for fun, fitness, with family, or taking essential trips to work or to run errands — Bike-to-Work Week promotes biking for recreation, transportation, health, and well-being!

The City is partnering with multiple local small businesses and organizations to plan a week of fun-filled cycling related events — starting with the Corridor MPO’s Annual Bike Ride on Saturday, May 11, at 10 a.m. Kickstands up at Bever Park!

Chief David Dostal Police Department

Apply for Boards & Commissions

The City of Cedar Rapids strives to receive diverse input to guide decisions. Representation from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences is critical in creating a community that serves all. One of the best ways to have a voice in the future of Cedar Rapids is to serve on one of the many City boards, commissions, or advisory committees. We encourage individuals who reflect our community’s diverse backgrounds to apply. Applications are due by April 30, 2024. Any person who anticipates needing modifications for any part of the application process or for general questions, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 319-286-5060 or email city-clerk@cedar-rapids.org.

A SAMPLE OF CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES

ADA Advisory Committee

Board of Ethics

City Planning Commission

Civil Service Commission

Design Review Technical Advisory Committees

Downtown SSMID Commission

Electrical Board of Appeals

Historic Preservation Commission

Housing Board of Appeals

Library Board of Trustees

Parks, Waterways & Recreation Commission

Veterans Memorial Commission

Public Art Commission

Wellbeing Advisory Committee

CITY SERVICES DIRECTORY

Assessor

Building

Buses

Garbage,

Potholes and Street City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW 319-286-5826 Street@Cedar-Rapids.org

Maintenance

Recreation Programs

Northwest Recreation Center, 319-286-5566 Recreation@Cedar-Rapids.org 1340 11th Street NW

Sewer Backup or Problems City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW 319-286-5815 Sewer@Cedar-Rapids.org

Traffic Signals, Signs and City Services Center, 500 15th Avenue SW 319-286-5176 Traffic@Cedar-Rapids.org

Markings

Utility Billing City Hall, 101 1st Street SE 319-286-5900 WaterMail@Cedar-Rapids.org

For more information about the City of Cedar Rapids and its services, call 319-286-5080 or visit CityofCR.com

CITY COUNCIL

MAYOR

To leave a message for a City Council member, call 319-286-5051. Find your district at LinnCountyElections.org.

Tiffany O’Donnell t.odonnell@cedar-rapids.org

DISTRICT 1

Martin Hoeger m.hoeger@cedar-rapids.org

DISTRICT 2

Scott Overland s.overland@cedar-rapids.org

DISTRICT 3

Dale Todd dalet@cedar-rapids.org

DISTRICT 4

Scott Olson scott.olson@cedar-rapids.org

DISTRICT 5

Ashley Vanorny a.vanorny@cedar-rapids.org

AT LARGE

David Maier d.maier@cedar-rapids.org

AT LARGE

Tyler Olson t.olson@cedar-rapids.org

AT LARGE

Ann Poe ann.poe@cedar-rapids.org