Corridor got moving; no time to let up

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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A year ago today, we wrote an editorial acknowledging the great difficulties of 2009, while also urging the Corridor region to “get moving in 2010.”

By virtually all measures, the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City region did.

For 2011, the challenge is to build on last year's accomplishments. Keep projects moving ahead, on time and within budget. Push our response to the 2008 flood disaster and national recession ahead of expectations.

On Jan. 1, 2010, our editorial concluded:

“In many ways, our table is set for much more visible progress in 2010. As a community, a region, we need to see many more of those flood homes repaired, replaced or removed ... decisions on where to rebuild the Cedar Rapids Public Library and the University of Iowa's Hancher Auditorium and arts complex ... whether Cedar Rapids city government will return to May's Island ... what Linn County government will do about the administrative office building ... regionalism advancing and producing results.

“Will Corridor leadership, including a newly elected Cedar Rapids mayor who promised to push for quicker decisions, make it happen? Will the community pull together in support? Let's keep the bar high in 2010.”

As it turned out, our call for action was essentially achieved, along with other big decisions. New Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett proved to be a public leader who gets things done. Though we didn't agree with all the decisions he and the new-look City Council made, they assisted many residents and small businesses still struggling to rebuild their lives and livelihoods while also forging ahead on big public projects that will change the face of our community.

In Iowa City, the City Council also was active. Perhaps most impressively, councilors buckled down on the downtown areas and passed a 21-only bar ordinance that withstood the voter test. The City and the University of Iowa worked more closely than ever on the severe binge drinking problem and other opportunities. The UI made big strides toward the rebuilding and relocation of several facilities.

Of course, much remains to be done in 2011. Finish buyouts and demolitions. Fill funding gaps for several big projects, such as the convention center complex, and get going on construction. Secure more federal commitment to build the best possible flood-protection system in Cedar Rapids. Curb power struggles that hinder progress for the community.

The pace will quicken if more of us are entrepreneurial. Take some risk and trust that the Corridor's economy and quality of life are only going to get better. Already, we are ahead of the national recovery because our base is solid and we're willing to do the work.

We have much to celebrate and to anticipate. The gloom of 2008 and 2009 is lifting. Don't let up now.