Celebrating 175 Years of Shaping Cedar Rapids, Together

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.