O’Donnell announces bid for re-election as Cedar Rapids mayor

CEDAR RAPIDS — Tiffany O’Donnell is seeking a second, four-year term as Cedar Rapids mayor, she announced Tuesday.

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First elected in 2021, O’Donnell in a news release said she wants to continue building on “a historic chapter of growth, safety and momentum” in Cedar Rapids.

City elections will be held Nov. 4.

“When we believe in our city, and in each other, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish,” O’Donnell said in the release. “We’ve gone from hopeful to unstoppable and we’re just getting started.”

O’Donnell, 56, is chief executive officer of Women Lead Change. She previously was a news anchor for CBS2/FOX 28, and a NewBo City Market founding board member. She was elected mayor in 2021 after a runoff.

In her re-election announcement, O’Donnell touted Cedar Rapids’ economic growth over the past four years, including capital investments by Sub-Zero, Google, and QTS; expansions by Lil’ Drug Store Products, Altorfer, and IFF; work on the riverfront and downtown revitalization; and the Cedar Crossing casino development.

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O’Donnell also highlighted increased flood protection for the city, supported by more than $236 million in secured federal and state funding, and other infrastructure work.

“Progress doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when leaders stay focused, communities come together, and we never lose sight of who we’re fighting for,” O’Donnell said in the press release. “This isn’t just about what we’ve done. It’s about what we can still do, together.”

O’Donnell said that, if re-elected, she wants to work to expand housing options, activate the river and greenway, grow Cedar Rapids’ population and workforce, and invest in infrastructure and neighborhood services.

No other candidate for mayor has publicly announced.

Comments: (515) 355-1300, erin.murphy@thegazette.com