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 4–12. 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.
APRIL – JUNE 2024
Flood Control System/Greenway
Arc of Justice Bridge Earns $56.4 Million Federal Grant
Persistence led to a major grant to replace the 1937 8th Avenue Bridge over the Cedar River in the form of a $56.4 million grant from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). The new Arc of Justice Bridge will be 15 feet higher with multi-use trails on both sides. This was the City’s fifth application to the USDOT, and seventh overall attempt to earn Federal funding. The new bridge will enhance flood control, remaining open during a flood of the 2008 magnitude, and allow access for maintenance of the Flood Control System (FCS).
Construction Contract Awarded for First Major Northwest Area Neighborhood Flood Control System Project
Boomerang Corp earned the $5.4 million construction contract for the first phase of a levee project at the northern end of the west side FCS. The project will bring Ellis Blvd NW up and over the levee. The project includes a new levee where Ellis Lane NW sits today, fueling station replacement and relocated parking at Ellis Park, storm sewer improvements to accommodate a future pump station, and conversion of Q Avenue NW from a seal-coat street to a paved street through Paving for Progress funding. Most of the project is funded by $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, which the City Council designated to flood control in the Northwest Neighborhood. As the first major FCS project in
It will be the only downtown bridge, besides I-380, open during floods above a 20-foot river elevation, serving emergency services, transit, and general access for both sides of the river — which will not need to be evacuated once the FCS is complete. The total project cost, including design, right-ofway, and construction, is estimated at $76 million. Design is in review for environmental clearance; historical analysis will begin soon. Review dependent, construction could start in three years.
the Northwest Area Neighborhood, this upgrade brings significant resiliency to the system. This location saw the first temporary-barrier failures during the 2008 Flood. Construction of this first phase will not impact Ellis Blvd NW traffic and is expected to last from Summer 2024–Spring 2026.
Significant FCS Progress Continues
Major ongoing flood control projects include:
` Floodwall and pump station at the Five Seasons Plaza
` Flood gates under I-380 and on 2nd Avenue SE
` Pump station at 12th Avenue SW
` Levee through Cedar Lake and along McLoud Run
The Flood Control System set a new record in FY24 with nearly $70 million in expenditures.
Arc of Justice Bridge
Cedar Lake Levee
Affordable Housing
Affordable Housing Commission Event
The Affordable Housing Commission partnered with the Civil Rights Commission to hold a Fair and Affordable Housing Event at the Cedar Rapids Downtown Public Library in April. Presenters
The Heights
The Heights, formerly known as the Colonial Centre, revitalized a key corner of the historic Wellington Heights neighborhood by turning the formerly vacant office building into 25 affordable housing units. The project boasts three times the number of ADA units required by code (six total) and includes a computer room, storage, onsite laundry, community room, and secured
shared informational boards and resources and the documentary “Lead Me Home” was shown. Approximately 40 community members participated in the event.
entry. After a formal RFP process, Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) was selected to own and operate the building throughout a 15-year affordability period. HACAP will primarily serve individuals under 50% of the Area Median Income and prioritize individuals experiencing homelessness. We officially turned the building over to HACAP in June and leasing has begun.
The Heights Ribbon-Cutting Event
Strengthen & Stabilize Neighborhoods
Improving Our Streets
Paving for Progress
We awarded the 2024 Pavement Milling and Curb Repair Project, which includes:
` Street and curb repairs,
` Curb ramp replacements, and
` Asphalt surfacing on 18 residential streets.
Residential Repairs
Public Works is completing a record number of projects using City staff, including:
` Concrete curb and panel replacement,
` Asphalt mill and overlays, and
` Asphalt overlays over existing concrete.
As of July, we are 31% complete with scheduled work.
Sidewalk & Curb Ramp Repairs
We awarded contracts for:
` Sidewalk repairs at approximately 370 properties, and
` Upgraded accessible curb ramps in the Kennedy High School neighborhood.
We also completed accessibility improvements at several downtown railroad crossings and updated Municipal Code Chapter 9 to clarify property owners’ responsibilities for sidewalk maintenance and repairs.
Bike to Work Week
Each year we partner with community bicycling organizations to celebrate National Bike Month with a week-long celebration encouraging community members to bike to work. This year’s celebrations kicked off on Thursday, 5/9, with Mayor Pro Tem Poe reading an official Proclamation followed by an opening bike ride at the NewBo City Market and activities all week long.
Ride the Districts
Our annual “Ride the Districts!” event attracted approximately 50 bicyclists this year. The 15-mile route began and ended at Prairie Park Fishery where Parks staff shared historical details about the park. Information at other stops, including the Indian Creek Nature Center and Bever Park, covered new and upcoming bicycle infrastructure in Cedar Rapids, such as the Interurban Trail through Bever Park.
Block 'n Roll
The Block 'n Roll community block party trailer made its maiden voyage on 6/22 at the Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association’s Safety and Wellness Fair. Since reservations opened in June, six area neighborhood associations have requested the van to enhance their events and community gatherings. The trailer includes items to bring communities together, with supplies such as tables, chairs, tents, coolers, and more than two dozen lawn games and activities. Neighborhood Associations can reserve the trailer through our Parks and Recreation Department on a first-come, first-served basis. A security deposit is due at reservation.
Water Access for Community Gardens
City Council adopted the Community Gardens in Parks plan last year, providing another sustainability/qualityof-life improvement for residents and promoting healthy lifestyles and connection with nature. We now have five garden sites, including at Gardner, Tuma, Ellis, Sinclair, and Lincolnway parks. All 418 plots leased this year, including eight ADA-accessible, raised beds. This season, water access became available at all garden locations. Additional hydrants will be added at Ellis in the future. The plan can be viewed on the City website. Expansion is planned for six new locations over the next few years.
First Avenue East Micro Area Action Plan
We began the community planning process for development of the First Avenue East Micro Area Action plan. The plan will help us better understand barriers to private development in the area in order to spur reinvestment. We will engage First Avenue business and property owners, nearby higher-education institutions, and adjacent neighborhood associations. Equitable engagement opportunities will help us gather input on the community’s shared vision for the area’s future. We anticipate presenting the plan to City Council for consideration in early 2025.
35th Street NE Improvements
First Avenue Hy-Vee Closure
With Hy-Vee’s unexpected announcement of the First Avenue store closure, we are addressing immediate needs and seeking solutions to replace affected services in the neighborhood, including:
Permanent Solution
We engaged two national, price-impact grocers to potentially open a store at the vacant location. We are keeping open lines of communication with the property owner and Hy-Vee leadership and exploring the concept for a non-profit consortium with local stakeholders should we not secure a private grocer. We will continue to pursue all options simultaneously until we achieve a final solution.
Immediate Needs Analysis
We met with local stakeholders — including neighborhood association representatives, nonprofits serving impacted residents, and Linn County — to identify immediate needs
Street Murals at Popular Intersections
In June, we installed two crosswalk murals. One, a rainbow celebrating Pride Month, is located in Czech Village along Inspiration Place SW. The other, a patriotic red, white, and blue theme to coincide with the Freedom Festival parade, is located on 3rd Avenue SE downtown. The crosswalks are visually striking and have drawn a great deal of positive comments. They will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
Resident Appreciation Day
We hosted our annual Resident Appreciation Day at the first Downtown Farmers’ Market in June. The event is a fun opportunity for the community to meet City
stemming from the store’s closure. Hy-Vee services, like check cashing, mail, and specific pharmacy capabilities, were noted, along with other service needs and resources. After our meeting with Hy-Vee, the store committed to providing free transportation, grocery and pharmacy delivery, lease flexibility, and increased food-bank assistance through partnerships with local organizations.
Neighborhood Resources
We are also compiling a list of available resources to share door-to-door with residents via informational brochures. The information will include Hy-Vee services and those provided by HACAP and other nonprofits. One-on-one outreach will help staff identify any further barriers to accessing necessities. We will continue to coordinate with non-profit partners, neighborhood associations, and Linn County on this community effort.
staff and learn more about our programs and services. This year’s event featured the Parks and Recreation Department’s brand-new Block ’n Roll block party trailer, City vehicles, giveaways, child fingerprinting by Police Department volunteers, and more.
Neighborhood Safety & Wellness Fair
City staff joined the Cleveland Area Neighborhood Association (CANA)’s Community Safety and Wellness Fair. More than 200 neighbors and community members visited this year’s annual event. Staff provided information on the SAFE-CR program and ATE programs. Staff also offered background checks, and education on how to use the City’s app, Mobile CR, and submit My CR requests.
Staff engage community members at Resident Appreciation Day
Quality of Life Enhancements
Sound Music Cities
We partnered with the Cedar Rapids Tourism Office, Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, and VenuWorks on an initiative to bolster Cedar Rapids’ position as a thriving music community and hub. The Tourism Office engaged consulting firm Sound Music Cities from Austin, Texas, known for their experience in assessing and identifying opportunities to enhance nationwide music ecosystems. Sound Music Cities will produce a study delving into our local music scene and exploring the needs of musicians, supportive infrastructure, and economic impact and opportunity. The
study will map the local ecosystem, outline demographics and the professional profiles of creatives and venue operators, and assess economic contributions and support systems. It will also evaluate government policies, workforcedevelopment opportunities, livability for music professionals, and inclusivity within the scene. This work aligns with similar efforts in cities like Madison, Cleveland, Austin, Toronto, and New York City, which prioritize the “entertainment economy” within their downtownentertainment focused Economic Development efforts.
Art Projects
Songbird Art
The Public Art Commission installed a Songbird Art Project at Ellis, Bever, and Manhattan Parks in collaboration with the University of Iowa Arts Share Program, the Parks and Recreation Department, and GreenCR. Grant Wood Art Colony artist Shea Hembrey painted a circle with natural pigments in each location. The art was observable for 3–4 weeks and trees were planted in the locations after the pigment dissolved.
Rain Art
We installed rain art again this year, using an environmentally friendly, rain-activated, invisible spray which becomes visible when the pavement gets wet. United Way Day of Caring volunteers sprayed local-artistcontributed stencils near bus stops and trails throughout the community. The art can last up to four months.
Traffic Signal Cabinet Murals
We installed our first vinyl-art-wrapped traffic signal cabinets this quarter. Designs by local artist Jonathan Sims were selected for five traffic signal cabinets in the Westdale Area. They are located at the following intersections:
` Wiley Boulevard SW at 16th Avenue, 20th Avenue, Wilson Avenue, and Williams Boulevard
` Williams Boulevard SW at 16th Avenue
The project was a collaboration with the Westdale Neighborhood Association, Public Works, and the Public Art Commission. Two more art-wrapped boxes, designed by high school artist Anna Bennett, will be installed at the intersections of First Avenue East with 19th and 21st Streets SE.
Greenway Parks Plan Update
City Council adopted the Greenway Parks Plan in May. The plan provides an updated vision for more than 100 acres of riverfront greenway within the Time Check, Kingston Village, and Czech Village neighborhoods, building upon public input received in 2014 and confirming park amenities and features previously prioritized. The update incorporated:
` The proposed FCS alignment,
` Ongoing planning and design efforts along the riverfront, such as the River Recreation Feasibility Study,
` Community feedback obtained through various inperson and online engagement opportunities,
` Meetings with and recommendations by City departments, and
` Best practice and design recommendations from the consulting team.
The 2024 Greenway Parks Plan includes conceptual designs, a phasing and implementation plan, and potential economic impact data. When fully implemented, the Plan estimates visits to Cedar Rapids will increase by 40%, adding $20 million in positive economic impact. Planning and design for implementation is now underway.
Riverfront Park Concept
LightLine Loop
We submitted final plans for the Lightline Loop, comprised of a rebuilt roundhouse, promenade, gateways, and festival street in the Czech Village. Temporary easement acquisitions are now underway for the project, anticipated to bid this Fall.
Rollin’ Recmobile Rolls into Neighborhoods for its Fifth Year
Rollin’ Recmobiles took to streets and parks for the program’s fifth summer, starting in June. This year’s schedule includes 20 weekly stops at 17 parks and the continuation of a free lunch distribution to community youth at midday stops in partnership with the Cedar Rapids Community School District. The program will also make appearances at nearly two dozen free community events this year.
Pools & Splash Pads Open for Summer
All five outdoor pools opened for the summer season in early June. All part-time staff positions were filled by late March, one of the earliest times we have achieved this milestone in recent years. Our 11 splash pads opened for the season on Memorial Day weekend and will remain open daily from 9 AM–9 PM through Labor Day.
ADA Improvements
Our commitment to make all our facilities accessible for community members of all ages and abilities continues this construction season.
McGrath Amphitheatre
We completed several ADA improvements at McGrath Amphitheatre, ensuring our facilities are safe and accessible to all. Highlights include:
` Improved and color-coded walkways, identifying ADA routes throughout the facility,
` Added switchbacks for improved ADA seating,
` Improved access to the food court area, and
` Improved access to street parking spaces.
Ellis Golf Course
ADA improvements began in June at Ellis Golf Course, the second City course to be brought into compliance, following Twin Pines. Work will consist of:
` Phase 1: Accessibility to the #1 Tee
` Phase 2: Accessibility to the #10 Tee from the Clubhouse area
` Phase 3: Access to the Driving Range from the #10 Tee
` Phase 4: Accessibility to the #1 and #10 Tees and Driving Range from the lower parking lot, including a path from the Clubhouse area to the new, accessible parking lot.
Farmers’ Market Finds New Home at Old MacDonald’s Farm
Old MacDonald’s Farm at Bever Park opened a new Farmers’ Market this year. The Noelridge Farmers’ Market was relocated to the Farm after the location struggled to gain momentum. This move brings the farm-to-table concept to life, adding to the Farm’s already robust programming. Since the market opened in June, staff counted more than 300 people at each market, with around 15 vendors each week in the program’s inaugural year. The market operates each Wednesday from 4–6 PM, June–September.
Jones Lodge Opens for Rentals
We began taking reservations for events at the newly renovated Jones Lodge (formerly Jones Golf Clubhouse) in April, already securing 15 private graduation and birthday parties and wedding and baby showers. The facility has also added useful space for hosting internal staff meetings and Parks & Recreation programming.
Jones Lodge
Lightline Loop
Czech Village Roundhouse
Homelessness
Homeless Systems Manager
By recommendation of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, we partnered with Linn County to fund a Homeless Systems Manager position over a three-year term. Supported by an Oversight Board and Advisory Committee, the Homeless
Systems Manager will align local service providers to address homelessness more effectively and maximize resources. The position, filled in June, is housed at the Housing Fund for Linn County.
Clean & Safe City
City Manager’s 1-Bag Challenge Program Breaks Litter-Collection Record
The City Manager’s 1-Bag Challenge litter-collection program has again broken the record of bags of litter collected in one year. Volunteers, paid staff, and contractors collected a total of 9,074 bags of litter in FY24. The previous record, from last year, was 7,192 bags; this year’s tally increased the record by more than 1,800 bags!
Water Division Achieves Safety Milestone
Our Water Treatment Plant staff achieved a milestone of one year with no OSHA recordable incidents in June. This is a testament to the City team making it a priority to put safety first in their work environment. The success of the program can be attributed to the efforts of the members of the Safety Committee who developed a “Take 2 for Safety” campaign, in which they take two minutes before completing tasks to assess hazards, create a safe work plan, brief the entire team on the plan, and execute it safely.
J Avenue Water Treatment Plant
We successfully restored a solids-contact unit at the J Avenue Treatment Plant, returning the plant to maximum capacity after the critical failure of a 12 MGD treatment basin in December 2021. Plant staff have diligently optimized remaining processes for efficient operation during reduced capacity while replacing the failed softener.
Staff Earn IAWEA Safety Award
Water Pollution Control (WPC) staff earned the 2024 Iowa Water Environment Association’s (IAWEA) George W. Burke Jr. Safety Award, recognizing the facility’s documented and proven safety program and record for the preceding calendar year. WPC is a very complex facility which treats wastewater coming from all of Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha, Robins, Palo, and a portion of Linn County. In addition to residential sewage, eight large industrial facilities contribute high-strength organics to the facility, treating an organic load equivalent of 1.8 million people, ten times the actual population served.
Medians in Bloom
Over the past few years, we have increased efforts to beautify roadways when reconstructing major corridors. The practice of beautifying medians started only in the past decade. Previously, enhancing the appearance of our medians was considered costly and unnecessary. However, this strategy has proven highly beneficial at minimal cost, boosting community pride, enhancing resident satisfaction, and leaving a positive impression on visitors. We have incorporated
plantings, brick pavers, and colored concrete as part of several capital improvement projects, including segments of 1st Avenue, Edgewood Road, 6th Street SW, Williams Boulevard SW, Diagonal Drive SW, and others. The Cedar Rapids ROW Planning and Specifications Manual offers a catalogue of median design options, including ideal planting types, and brick size and color, among other elements. The Public Works Department oversees maintenance, with 21 planted medians under managed contracts and 50 concrete or grass boulevards maintained by City staff.
New Line-Striping Truck
We acquired a new long-line-striping truck, trained employees in May, and put the truck into service in June. It is already improving City roads and enhancing the appearance of key corridors.
Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) Updates
Automated Traffic Enforcement continues to improve roadway safety, changing driver behavior and reducing the number and severity of crashes at known, high-risk, and high-crash locations in Cedar Rapids. In May, Governor Kim Reynolds signed Iowa HF 2681, regulating Automated Traffic Enforcement, into law. In June, City Council amended Chapter 61.138 — Automated Traffic Enforcement to align with new State requirements. HF 2681 requires cities using ATE systems to apply to the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) for a permit to continue their use. Staff from multiple City Departments teamed up to collect data, compile statistics, and submit our application to the DOT by the July 1 deadline. DOT will issue a decision on our application no later than October 1.
New Line-Striping Truck
Collins Road NE Median
First Avenue East at the Cedar Rapids Convention Center
Business Friendly
Stormwater Education
We provided stormwater best-management-practice education to Hawkeye Ready Mix drivers this quarter. Topics included concrete-washout procedures, environmental concerns, and ways to help. Sharing this information is key to regulatory compliance and ensuring our waterways remain safe and healthy.
60th Avenue SW Standpipe
The 60th Avenue SW standpipe is a water-storage tank serving the industrial area near Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) and PMX Industries. We recently reconditioned and recoated the tank to extend its lifespan, enhance appearance, and improve water quality with a new submersible mixer. The refurbishment did not cause water service interruptions or pressure impacts. It was refilled and placed back in service in June.
As an added touch, we used the opportunity to display the City’s name and logo on the unit, a practice initiated in the past decade to promote community pride. This water-storage branding initiative has been beneficial and cost-effective, proudly displaying “Cedar Rapids” to residents and visitors. Our brand is now visible in this new location — and can be seen from both US-30 and I-380.
Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Program
Staff conducted 13 retention calls with interstate-commerce businesses this quarter and provided technical assistance on retention issues to a total of seven companies following these calls, for a 50% follow-up rate. Our Economic Development strategy in 2024 has emphasized corporate headquarters visits in collaboration with Alliant Energy and the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance to share outreach responsibilities. This adds to our existing industry program which has been successful in routine, focused outreach to local business and industry. In one recent example, the Economic Development division and Utilities Department staff collaborated to scope demand for green hydrogen among Cedar Rapids’ industrial operations.
Lodging Analysis
We selected Hospitality and Leisure Associates to conduct a Cedar Rapids hotel market analysis. This study will identify needs and opportunities in the hospitality sector, engaging local tourism and hospitality organizations and communitywide employers to determine how growth in this sector can support specific business objectives. This is the first lodging analysis since a 2016 study by the former Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. We expect the study to be available by the end of August.
ISU-Cedar Rapids Partnership for Food Manufacturing & Bioprocessing
The ISU-Cedar Rapids Partnership hired a new liaison who began working in April after completing a 2023 strategic-planning process which pivoted the partnership toward workforce development efforts. Looking ahead, the partnership will help increase links between Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) talent pipeline and local Cedar Rapids employers.
The partnership has already achieved several notable milestones:
` Outreach to 27 food manufacturing and bioprocessing companies,
` 250+ high school students reached in school districts within Cedar Rapids,
` 38 Cedar Rapids students received CALS scholarships, and
` Work began on a new program website.
Collaborative Growth Initiative
Our proactive work with the cities of Marion and Hiawatha as well as the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance on a collaborative, workforce- and population-growth initiative has seen much progress. Development Counselors International (DCI, Inc.) completed initial market research in March, informing efforts to create joint capabilities in talent attraction and retention marketing. Our focus has since moved to implementation, with the Economic Alliance now working to hire a Regional Talent Director. The Director will manage all implementation activities, including program launch. The City of Cedar Rapids will continue to play a guiding role in this community-driven initiative.
Economic Development Partner Activities
In 2021, we launched a competitive RFP process to fund economic development partner services on a two-year cycle. This fund allowed for the expansion of specialized, measurable economic development services offered by local nonprofit partners in alignment with City Council goals. The end of this quarter marks the halfway point in the current funding cycle. All partner organizations remain in good standing with their Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) for City funding.
Highlights include:
` 25 new jobs created, with 251 jobs retained,
` $6 million in new capital invested in Cedar Rapids businesses, and ` 464 students and young adults assisted through City-supported programming.
A CLOSER LOOK
By The Numbers
3,096trees pl anted