Cedar Rapids’ economy is a model of resilience

In the 1970s, manufacturing accounted for about a third of the United States' workforce, with many manufacturing hubs located in the Midwest. Since then, manufacturing has been in decline – by 2010 it accounted for around one tenth of all workers. For communities that have relied on manufacturing jobs, this steady decline has been a fundamental test in economic resilience.

Despite being located in a part of the country marked by a decline in manufacturing, Cedar Rapids has consistently proven to be resilient. Recently, we were recognized in a study conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta for being a small city with a dynamic economy. As a result, the Small Cities Revitalization Project learning group visited Cedar Rapids earlier this year.

In part because of our relationship with The Funder's Network, the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation was able to host the group as they met with key stakeholders in an effort to learn more about what has allowed our community to buck the trend of small, Midwest cities. They noted three particular strengths that have allowed Cedar Rapids to thrive while other communities have not.

First, our strong entrepreneurial tradition has fostered economic diversity. Successful business recruitment and the development of health care and nonprofit sectors have given Cedar Rapids a robust economic base in the face of a rapidly changing global economy. Second, both private and public leaders tend to be accessible and engaged in our community. And third, we tend to come together in crisis. We have the ability to put aside our differences and work for the common good.

While we should certainly be proud of our strengths, we must also recognize that we will need to continue to innovate and change as we move forward. What got us to this point will not necessarily be what keeps us here. Upon leaving Cedar Rapids, the learning-group had a few suggestions. They noted that in a fast-paced global economy, an educated and skilled workforce is key. To that end, I think that our city is on solid footing thanks in part to our local schools, colleges and universities. But we need to ensure that all of our students are successful academically and have the skills and knowledge they need to participate in the economy that awaits them.

Additionally, the group emphasized the importance of having a plan for the future that will serve the best interests of all citizens. These issues are among the reasons that the Community Foundation is serving as a sponsor of Creative Corridor Rising, the current regional planning initiative.

We all know the stories of the communities that failed – abandoned buildings, declining industry and social friction. But the stories we are less likely to hear are the ones that, for Cedar Rapidians, are closer to home. For all of our challenges, Cedar Rapids is being held up as a model of resilience. We should acknowledge what we have done right, recognize where the future challenges are likely to be, and continue to move forward with confidence.

' Les Garner is president and CEO of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.