Q&A with Cedar Rapids City Council candidate Patrick Loeffler

Patrick Loeffler is running as an at-large candidate for the Cedar Rapids City Council. He is an incumbent. Here are his answers to a survey we sent to all of the candidates.

Occupation & Employer: Retired Carpenter, Corner Store Apothecary & Wellness

Why are you seeking a seat on city council?

I’m running for reelection to continue to help Cedar Rapids move forward. We’ve had great progress with more to come. Working with this community is one of the most gratifying and humbling things I’ve ever done. I want to see things continue in the right direction.

What are the three largest issues facing the community and what will you do to address them?

Homelessness, flood protection, economic growth .

I will continue to work with the community and resources to improve and ensure we take care of the ones who need it the most.Cedar Rapids is in the process of flood protection and serving on the Board, I’m excited to see things through to make sure both sides of the river, people are going to be protected from. I myself was escorted out of my house by the National Guard during the flood. Economic growth is key for Cedar Rapids. I’ll continue to work with Staff to promote Cedar Rapids as the Welcoming City that we are. We continue to grow in population and business opportunities. SE and SW areas are poised for great growth for more Family opportunities. I will continue to work with our Staff and Small Businesses in Beautifying our City with more murals and art throughout CR.

What do you see as the greatest affordable housing needs, and how could the city facilitate more affordable housing options for homeowners and renters?

The greatest need is AFFORDABLE Housing. We currently have Developments in the works. They meet the state and city qualifications. There is still a population that cannot afford the ones being built. Affordable is tough to define. $800-$3000 a month is not possible for everyone. We need to attract more contractors and developers to rehab and infill. Larger developments are great but we still have a great need for neighborhood redevelopment. Houses, duplexes and more! Oh my! Lol

We have some really great developers in Cedar Rapids and working with them and the community, there is opportunities to improve the living quality for all.

As homelessness increases in Linn County, what solutions would you plan to explore to expand or streamline services and housing access for those experiencing homelessness?

It’s tough have a good answer for this. We have resources for people, but it’s not enough. The resources we do have a lot of times rely on volunteers. Tougher now days to find them. States resources need to be utilized to the fullest. Non Profit organizations are overwhelmed. We as the City can try to support as much as we can. Can always do better.

What do you see as priorities when it comes to the city's economic development? In what areas do you think the city has growth potential? What's most at risk and what would you do about it?

Retention and expansion. Cedar Rapids is a great place to raise a family, start a small business or retire after a long career. We are constantly trying to attract businesses to all areas of the City. Small businesses in the Downtown area was a vital area in the 70’s. By bringing in more Family owned businesses and entrepreneurs to the heart of CR would be more of an Attractant. People want to have more Family opportunities. Festivals are becoming huge. We are starting to get there. Biggest risk is to Not develop and encourage growth. Economy health and volatility is always part of growth.

As local partners work to finalize the updated Downtown Vision Plan, what would you say are the greatest needs to revitalize Cedar Rapids' downtown? How would you propose taking action?

Bringing the things that the Citizens are asking for. Restaurants, small businesses and things to do as a Family! I will keep reaching out to whoever seems interested. Being a Small Business owner, I understand the frustration, commitment and endless hours of sacrifice. Finding the RIGHT opportunities is the key. Listening to the people is the beginning of taking action. Then take the actions.

Since passing its community climate action plan, which calls for net zero carbon emissions by 2050, Cedar Rapids has taken steps to implement the plan such as creating community gardens. Are there other things you'd like to see the city do to address climate change?

I myself am a huge advocate for the Pollinators! I would love to see us plant more Fruit trees on the public properties. They do come with more commitment, but that’s where the community comes in. Great example of with Releaf now. We can also engage with the private businesses for Electric charging stations throughout the city.

City Manager Jeff Pomeranz is 65, and has not indicated any plans to retire yet. It seems possible the council members elected this year would be involved in appointing his successor sometime during their term. How would you approach the task of selecting the person who runs day-to-day operations of the city and implements the policy you set on council? What traits are most important to you in the next city manager?

I would approach it no different than any of the other positions. We look for and seek out the most qualified candidates. Cedar Rapids staff is great when it comes to doing there jobs. National or Local. The best person for Cedar Rapids.

Recent state legislation has challenged local governments' budgets. If you had to cut the city's budget or reduce proposed spending, what areas would you look to for savings and why?

Don’t know of a perfect answer. All the departments are essential. We would have to put everyone and department under a microscope and see where they can cutback before eliminating departments or staff. CR staff is great at thinking outside the box.

What options do you think the city could pursue to fill gaps in the transportation network (buses, bikeways/trails, streets), especially to support low-income households, those without easy access to a vehicle, and/or people with mobility issues?

Currently we are improving city streets to make it more accessible for everyone. More routes, Sliding fee schedules, community donations for passes? More partners from the private community. Tough to answer with the State cutbacks.