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 5–15. 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.
JULY – SEPT. 2024
Flood Control System
NW Area Neighborhood Work Begins
Construction began on the first major FCS project in the NW Area Neighborhood. Project work includes the Ellis Lane NW Levee, Storm Sewer and Detention Basin, and a new Ellis Park Fueling Station. Starting this work is a major accomplishment for multiple reasons. This area of the West Side saw the first failures of temporary flood protection measures in 2008. The project brings significant environmental health improvements by removing underground fuel tanks that are beyond their useable life — before they begin leaking. It is also one of the City Council’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding priorities.
12th Avenue SW/Czech Village Pump Station
Construction continued on this $25+ million project. In Q1, we achieved a significant milestone, operationalizing the flood gates on the two storm sewer outfalls to the Cedar River. This will prevent river flooding from backing into the storm sewer systems in the Czech Village.
CRANDIC Railroad Flood Gate
Construction completed on the CRANDIC Railroad Flood Gate near the future Arc of Justic Bridge. The
new gate also passed necessary certification tests. This marks substantial completion of the Flood Control System in the New Bohemia area, with some remaining work near the future bridge.
System Maintenance
Ongoing maintenance of completed segments is critical to the long-term integrity of our permanent Flood Control System. In Q1, our teams inspected earthen berms and storm sewer segments, kept the system mowed, and repaired rodent burrows.
Grant Submitted
We applied for a $5 million construction grant toward the Union Pacific Railroad Yard project, north of Quaker Oats. The railyard must be re-configured to accommodate a floodgate across the railroad tracks.
Presentation at Fall Meeting of American Public Works Association—Iowa
Keeping the FCS at the forefront is vital because it is a high priority, and funding is needed to complete the system.
Housing Options & Affordability
Inaugural SPARC Program Property Acquisitions
City Council established the Saving Properties and Revitalizing Communities (SPARC) program last summer. The program will help address abandoned or vacant tax-delinquent properties that negatively impact neighborhoods. Here’s how it works: the program strategically acquires properties, facilitating their disposition through a Request for Qualification (RFQ) process, and makes them available to affordable-housing developers or adjacent neighbors — depending on redevelopment feasibility. In Q1, we acquired three properties, which together had accumulated 30 code cases and criminal complaints over the past ten years. Disposal of two of these properties to non-profit affordable housing developers will be made in October. We anticipate similar action with the third either late this year or in early 2025.
Home Acquisition Bid Process
Public Works has implemented a new practice of seeking bids for home relocation before considering demolition for homes acquired for public improvement projects. Previously, relocation was rarely prioritized due to its complexity, but now demolition is no longer the default option. This approach aims to preserve affordable and workforce housing within our neighborhoods. In Q1, two homes were offered for relocation bids through this new process; although no responsive bids were received, this shift opens new opportunities to support housing affordability in Cedar Rapids.
Strengthen & Stabilize Neighborhoods
Paving for Progress Continues in its Tenth Year
We awarded the 2024 Pavement Milling and Curb Repair Project construction contract. This year’s work includes street repairs, curb repairs, curb ramp replacements, and asphalt surfacing on 18 local residential streets throughout the city. We also received updated pavement-condition data. In 2023, the overall condition of our pavement increased significantly.
This is thanks in large part to the Paving for Progress program’s efforts to prioritize replacements of some of our most deteriorated. As more of these streets come into good repair, our Operations Division can shift their focus to long-term maintenance projects rather than short-term patches and pothole fixes, further decreasing the deterioration rates of our streets.
Recorded Average CityPCI Score
6th Street SW
This Paving for Progress project underwent a “road diet,” reducing a former four-lane road section to a three-lane section (with a center turn lane). As part of our Complete Streets Policy, road diets are only considered when traffic volumes can be managed within a reduced lane setup, ensuring the road can still handle projected traffic demand without introducing major congestion.
National studies indicate road diets can reduce total crashes by 19–47%*, with significant reductions in rear-end and left-turn collisions. Center turn lanes separate turning vehicles from through traffic, minimizing abrupt stops and rear-end collisions. Road diets can also improve sightlines and simplify pedestrian crossings, enhancing safety for all users.
The new three-lane section transitions to the existing five-lane section south of Hawkeye Downs Road. A second segment of the project, between Ingleside Drive SW and the overpass, will complete the transition from the four-lane section to the three-lane section.
Neighborhood Get-Togethers
We held two Neighborhood Get-Togethers in August, in the Mound View and Wellington Heights neighborhoods. The events provided residents with information related to food and prescription resources related to the First Avenue Hy-Vee closure. City staff, HACAP, Linn County Public Health, New Pioneer Food Co-op, Mission of Hope, and Foundation 2 were all in attendance.
We also used the gatherings to collect public input for the First Avenue East Micro-Area Action Plan. The input gathered at both events generated many positive comments from the community regarding the City’s efforts to address the store’s closure. Residents also emphasized the need for a grocery store and pharmacy in the area in addition to an interest in efforts to increase walkability along First Avenue.
*(CMF ID: 5554,2841) Evaluation of Lane Reduction “Road Diet” Measures on Crashes, FHWA-HRT-10-053, (2010)
Historic Rehab Program
This program helps fund exterior projects that align with the City’s historic preservation design guidelines set in two local historic districts and for seven local landmarks. The total allocation is $100,000. Projects are eligible to receive reimbursement for up to 75% of total project costs with a $10,000 maximum.
This year, applicants submitted in record numbers, continuing growing interest in the program and surpassing last year’s record. The 29 projects sought more than $246,000 in funding. Because funding
Public Events
12th Avenue Dog Park Ribbon Cutting
We held a ribbon cutting opening the 12th Avenue Dog Park. The nearly half-acre facility is positioned with entrances on 12th and 16th Avenues SE in the New Bohemia commercial district. Amenities include necessary fencing, concrete pad, benches, drinking fountain, and jug filler. We will plant four new trees in the park in Q2.
Back 2 School Bash
This annual event at Old MacDonald’s Farm saw 325 children attendees, each of whom received a healthy portion of essential school supplies while enjoying games, activities, and lunch. Following the Bash, we distributed around 175 remaining school supply kits at Rollin’ Recmobile stops.
requests surpassed the allocation, the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed applications and recommended funding for 15 projects — targeting historic district areas that have received lower investment over the program’s lifetime.
Building Permits
In FY24, we recorded a total permit valuation of $435 million. While under construction, projects are inspected by the Building Services Department’s trade inspectors for building code compliance in the interest of public safety.
Farmers’ Market at Old MacDonald’s Farm
This summer saw the relocation of the Noelridge Park Farmers’ Market to Old MacDonald’s Farm, reinforcing the farm-themed nature of our educational programming. From June–September, the market brought in more than 4,000 visitors — a dramatic increase over the previous location. The market will return to Old MacDonald’s Farm next summer.
K9Splash!
This annual event, held at Bever Park Pool, brings in proceeds for Cedar Rapids’ dog parks. More than 670 dogs and their 865 companions participated in the two-day event.
12th Avenue Dog Park Ribbon Cutting
Recreational & Cultural Amenities
Downtown Vision & Action Plan
The Downtown SSMID and City staff shared a first report on the Vision Plan Implementation Team’s progress to City Council on Sept. 25. The implementation team consists of the cross-sector partners identified in the plan’s action items. The team meets monthly to discuss activity updates and identify opportunities to maximize efforts.
Key accomplishments in Q1 include supporting the plan’s goal to Ensure Downtown is Active & Vibrant:
` Live music at Kingston Yard & Blocktoberfest
` Collaboration with Five Seasons Lights festival at McGrath Amphitheatre
` Music Census underway to identify music scene enhancement opportunities
` Two building uplighting projects awarded Façade Improvements Grants
` Mural installation at Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation
` Interactive and iconic “Cedar Rapids” sculpture on May’s Island
Public Art
Fist Bump, Delaney Park
An artist installed our largest-yet mural on the Delaney Park basketball court in July. Titled “Fist Bump,” the design was informed by extensive neighborhood engagement, including from Van Buren Elementary
School students. Basketball court murals are part of our commitment to celebrate creativity while bringing vibrancy to neighborhoods through public art.
Painted Curb Bump Outs, 15th Street SE & 2nd Avenue
We partnered with the Wellington Heights Neighborhood to create a temporary artistic curb extension at 15th Street SE & 2nd Avenue. These curb extensions improve pedestrian safety and visibility by narrowing the roadway, encouraging drivers to slow down. The art installation will remain for several months, allowing the community to assess its impact on the pedestrian experience. The temporary setup allows us to test ideas before committing substantial funds to future, permanent infrastructure enhancements. This project, funded by a donation from AARP Iowa, supports our Pedestrian Plan and the Wellington Heights Neighborhood Action Plan.
Honoring Three Ecosystems Mural
Minneapolis artist Jordyn Brennan, who installed Phase 1 of the mural, “Natives – Beautiful and Beneficial,” at Noelridge Greenhouse in 2022, returned to install Phase 2 of the mural, “Honoring Three Ecosystems,” in July. The Public Arts Commission approved the concept in January, and a generous donation from Clark McLeod launched fundraising, with several additional donations made by community members. This is the culmination of three years of hard work by the Friends of Noelridge to pay for the mural, which began in celebration of the Greenhouse’s 50th anniversary.
Regional Trail & Bikeway Wayfinding & Branding Plan
We are partnering with the Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and other member communities on a Regional Trail & Bikeway Wayfinding & Branding Plan. The Plan will include design and location recommendations for a family of wayfinding signs, complete with construction documents. Signage will alert trail users to nearby destinations and provide navigational assistance along regional
routes. The MPO is seeking input from trail users and community members to inform wayfinding and branding options through an online survey. We expect the Plan’s completion in June 2025.
Public Art Maintenance
Works in our public art collection are community assets. Like buildings and roads, these pieces require ongoing care to prevent and repair damage caused by weather, aging materials, public interaction, and even vandalism. We guided three pieces through maintenance this quarter through collaboration with the University of Northern Iowa’s Art Incubator Program. The pieces and their locations are:
` Ascent , Chandler Park
` Between Friends , 3rd Avenue SE at 3rd Street
` Leaping Frog , Sac & Fox Trailhead at East Post Road
Healthiest State Walk & Week Without Driving
Nearly a third of Americans live without personal vehicles, highlighting the importance of connected and accessible public transit and transportation alternatives. We also know that if everyone reduced their driving by just 2% annually, we could easily meet the transportation pollution-reduction targets in our Community Climate Action Plan.
This year, the City was proud to observe the National Week Without Driving, which kicked off on Sept. 30 with the #WeekWithoutDriving Challenge. The challenge encouraged residents to try alternatives like walking, biking, and public transit, experiencing a day in the life of those who, by choice or necessity, do not drive. We promoted the week through our communication channels, highlighting our efforts to improve bike safety, walkability, and provide reliable public transportation. Cedar Rapids Transit offered free rides and Veo offered free scooter rentals during the week. The week coincided with the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative’s annual walk, which kicked off at McGrath Amphitheatre and ended with complimentary lunch at Greene Square.
LightLine Loop
We submitted final plans for the LightLine Loop project, consisting of a rebuilt Czech Village Roundhouse, promenade, gateways, and multiuse roadway in the Czech Village. Temporary easement acquisitions are underway for the project, which will open for bids this fall.
Painted Curb at 15th Street SE & 2nd Avenue
Homelessness
HousingIowa Awards
Each year, the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) honors exceptional programs, projects, and professionals for their leadership in advancing housing opportunities in Iowa through the HousingIowa Awards. This year, we received a HousingIowa Award for Special Needs Development through The Heights housing project. The project transformed a former office building in the Wellington Heights neighborhood into 25 affordablehousing units. We turned the facility over to HACAP to own and operate with a 15-year affordability period.
Homelessness Systems Manager J’nae Peterman also received recognition at the event. She earned the Kay Anderson Friend of Iowa Award for her dedication to homelessness and housing services over the past
Homelessness Point-in-Time Count
decade. Peterman previously served as the Director of Housing Services at Waypoint and now works in a role jointly funded by the City and Linn County. Also at IFA’s annual conference, as a finalist in the Homelessness Incubator Pitch competition, Peterman won a $100K grant to establish an advisory council made up of individuals with lived homelessness experience. This is an incredible accomplishments only two months into her new role. The grant will reimburse participants for their time and input as they review community programs and services. Judges praised Cedar Rapids’ efforts to improve resource collaboration, a key factor in securing the grant. Governor Kim Reynolds also highlighted Cedar Rapids’ efforts in housing development and affordability during the conference.
Homelessness Diversion Training
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires communities receiving federal funding to complete a Point-inTime (PIT) Count each January. Non-profit staff in Linn County also complete a PIT Count every July. This is a count of those with and without shelter experiencing homelessness on a single night. On the last day of July this year, 111 individuals were counted sleeping without shelter in Linn County. This is a 10% decrease from last July’s count of 123 individuals. Numbers may vary due to weather conditions and other factors; statistics are used to identify trends and better understand system performance and outcomes.
We provided community organizations the opportunity to participate in a two-day training on homelessness diversion this quarter. The National Alliance to End Homelessness led the training, procured through City contract. Diverting individuals with alternative housing options away from the shelter allows for shelter staff to focus on those who have no other options. This gives those most in need priority access to limited resources, while assisting others in identifying plans that can keep them out of a shelter. The first day of training included a highlevel overview of homelessness diversion for agency leadership, while the second day offered intensive training for agency front-line staff. Approximately 60 people attended. We will make follow-up conversations and training available quarterly.
HousingIowa Awards
Clean & Safe City
SAFE-CR
Secure and Friendly Environments in Cedar Rapids (SAFE-CR) staff update Neighborhood Associations on citywide and quadrant-based nuisance calls at monthly association meetings. They also use the opportunity to promote the Mobile CR application and My CR online reporting tool. SAFE-CR has built strong community connections, helping neighbors feel comfortable directly contacting their team to report community concerns and request drivethroughs for neighborhood checkups. In Q1, SAFECR completed five proactive neighborhood drivethroughs, submitting identified concerns via My CR for City staff follow-up. We also encourage City employees to report any concerns they observe, like overgrown weeds, obstructed road signs, and dead streetlamps, while walking, driving, and bicycling through our community, as such issues can negatively impact neighborhood safety and appearance.
Detention Basin Project Receives FEMA Grant
We earned a $2.85 million grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for our Hagan’s Detention Basin project. The project will expand the existing stormwater detention basin at E Avenue NW and install a box culvert along 10th Street NW, from B to D Avenue. It will reduce flooding risks within the watershed. A grant from the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship (IDALS) will add resiliency to the project through wetlands at the bottom of the basin, improving water quality and retention. The State is topping these grants with another $480,000 in matching funds. These combined efforts between the City of Cedar Rapids, FEMA, IDALS, and the State of Iowa exemplify our commitment to enhancing our community’s water management and environmental resilience.
Enhancing Crosswalk Safety
We installed two sets of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at the intersections of E Avenue NW at Lewellen Drive and Forest Drive SE at Hillcrest Drive. The crosswalk-safety signals provide additional visible warnings to oncoming traffic that pedestrians are entering the crosswalk. Funding for the beacons came from unused adult crossing guard funds with a specific goal of aiding nearby schoolchildren in safely using the crossings. We are planning additional RRFB installations next summer with the help of a $55,000 Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Grant.
Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan
We are partnering with the Corridor MPO to build a Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan with grant funding through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This quarter, the MPO issued an RFP for the plan, which will identify safety issues and provide recommendations to address them. Identified projects will be eligible for additional construction grant funding through the Safe Streets for All Implementation Plan.
Safe Routes to School
We awarded a construction contract for sidewalk and trail extensions in neighborhoods served by Taft and West Willow schools. The projects are part of our Pedestrian Plan, which identified opportunities to fulfill access needs in this highdemand area. The trail, combined with a flashing signal, provides a safe road crossing at F Avenue NW.
Sidewalk & Curb Ramp Repairs
We awarded construction contracts for sidewalk repairs at approximately 370 properties, upgrading accessible curb ramps in the Kennedy High School neighborhood, and completing accessibility around downtown railroad crossings. We also updated Municipal Code Chapter 9 — Streets, Alleys, and Sidewalks — to further clarify property owners’ sidewalk maintenance and repair responsibilities.
Middle Cedar Watershed Partnerships
In 2022, we launched a “Batch and Build” program to enhance Cedar River water quality and support Iowa’s Nutrient-Reduction Strategy. This initiative aims to improve the safety and quality of our drinking water while reducing nitrate pollution from tile drains on farmland. The program partners with conservation staff to help landowners build bioreactors and saturated buffers on farmland upstream of Cedar Rapids. Preliminary water quality testing of bioreactors at the Tuma Soccer Fields has shown promising results in nitrate reduction.
From Fall 2023–Summer 2024, 23 saturated buffers and 13 bioreactors were constructed on 14 farm fields in Linn County, treating approximately 1,200 acres and achieving an estimated 50% reduction in annual nutrient load at each treated tile outlet. By grouping 10 or more projects into a single construction batch, the program increases efficiency and encourages the implementation of additional water-quality-improvement initiatives. We closed out the first batch of projects in late August and look forward to expanding with an additional 47 structures across two more upcoming batches.
Ride-On Striping Machine
We obtained a new, ride-on street striping machine that will help staff more efficiently apply paint in tight areas. The machine will also assist staff in maintaining lane lines through roundabouts with smaller radii, as these areas can pose difficulties for our larger paint-striping trucks. FY24 Housing Inspections
Business Friendly
First & First West (Kingston Yard) Parking Ramp
We awarded the construction contract for a structured parking ramp to add 463 parking spaces to serve the Kingston Yard and nearby developments. The ramp
Big Cedar Industrial Park
We continued to support development in the Big Cedar Industrial Park this quarter. Public Works processed easement and right-of-way vacations to accommodate electrical infrastructure construction. This will support the upcoming Google Data Center project. We also completed a dust-control project on 76th Avenue SW, west of Edgewood Road, to accommodate increasing construction traffic.
Old Bridge Road Sanitary Sewer Extension
We bid a sewer extension project to serve the Big Cedar Industrial Park and CID SuperPark. A grant from Alliant Energy was the primary funding source. We are coordinating construction with Google and other developers in the area. Our readiness to provide sanitary and potable water service has made Cedar Rapids a top choice for businesses that want to establish new facilities and invest in our community.
Hotel Market Study
Hospitality and Leisure Associates completed a lodging analysis for the Cedar Rapids hotel market. We shared the study’s findings with key hospitality industry stakeholders, commercial real estate professionals, and developers. We have also used the study’s data in meetings with four qualified leads since publication.
is part of the Reinvestment District funding program, which also includes future development of Cedar River Recreational Amenities and the Festival Grounds.
Business Outreach & Education
Q1 Existing Industry Program
` After conducting the 12 Business Retention & Expansion calls noted below, staff provided technical assistance to nine of the companies, achieving a 75% follow-up rate.
» 7/8 | Collins Aerospace
» 7/9 | Skyworks
» 7/11 | Cedar Valley Steel
» 7/19 | Ingredion
» 8/12 | IFF
» 8/14 | Cedar Crest Manufacturing
» 8/15 | Performance Food Service
» 8/22 | Treehouse
» 8/27 | Ovation Networks
» 9/23 | Terracon
» 9/27 | MSI Mold Builders
» 9/30 | Dental Prosthetic Services (DPS)
` We conducted a survey to assess local industries’ future demand for green hydrogen, a potential coproduct from our wastewater treatment process.
` We assisted NewBoCo with an NSF Engines grant application aimed at supporting aerospace and defense cluster growth in Cedar Rapids.
` We conducted outreach with Class I Railroad on industrial land development opportunities in Cedar Rapids.
Kingston Yard Parking Ramp
Partnerships & Grant Administration
City-Iowa State University Partnership
Staff initiated outreach with food and bioprocessing employers to discuss the partnership’s shift to workforce services and gather business stakeholder feedback. Partnership meetings focused on strengthening connections between local industries and the ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences talent pipeline. Key meetings occurred on:
` 8/29 | Red Star Yeast
` 9/6 | Industrial Flavors & Fragrances
` 9/18 | Cargill Soy Processing
The partnership also launched a new website, developed a marketing communications plan, and began work on an annual outcomes report.
Collaborative Growth Initiative
In partnership with Collaborative Growth Initiative partners and the Economic Alliance, the Regional Talent Director job position description was finalized and hiring process launched. We took the opportunity to highlight the initiative through various business-attraction outreach activities.
Other Collaborations & Surveys
` Potential sites identified for the East Central Iowa Council of Governments’ Regional Brownfields Survey.
` 2024 Cedar Rapids Housing Market Analysis by Maxfield Research & Consulting completed.
` Annual Report for the Cedar Rapids Reinvestment District submitted to the Iowa Economic Development Authority.