Cedar Rapids Councilman Kris Gulick to run for mayor

CEDAR RAPIDS - In the wake of Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett's decision not to seek another term, Councilman Kris Gulick has announced he will run for the open seat in 2017.

'So much has been accomplished since the 2008 flood,” Gulick said Monday. 'I've served this city since 2006, and understand the momentum we have, how we got here, and how to continue the trajectory that has put Cedar Rapids on a path to success.”

Gulick touted the accomplishments of flood recovery, but also strong fiscal oversight of the City and focus on economic development, which has put the city in an enviable position in the state and elsewhere around the country.

'I plan to focus my energies on maintaining the progress achieved by Mayor Corbett, City Manager Jeff Pomeranz and the council,” he said. 'I'll rely on my years of experience on City Council and my understanding of the city's challenges to keep Cedar Rapids moving in the right direction.”

Economic development initiatives top the list of priorities Gulick plans to focus on as Mayor. Specifically, Gulick plans to maintain the business-friendly environment that has been established and help to grow existing businesses throughout the entire city and assisting with expansion of the entrepreneurial community, leading to new headquartered businesses locating in Cedar Rapids and the attraction of new businesses. Recruiting and retaining a strong workforce to support new and existing business in the area and grow the population will be an important component of economic development efforts.

Collaboration remains an important priority - with an emphasis on teamwork with neighboring communities to help the region thrive. Quality of life initiatives that make Cedar Rapids a great place to live and work remain high on the list of priorities as well.

Gulick's professional experience has assisted with long-term planning and forecasting to address future fiscal changes, which will remain a priority, as well as finding and addressing operational efficiencies within city government, while providing the best customer service to residents and business alike.