Articles Tagged: Cedar Rapids City Council

Development of the greenway along the Cedar River is among a handful or so of the Cedar Rapids City Council’s top priorities as an influx of funding helps accelerate construction of permanent flood protection.

Cedar Rapids’ budget for fiscal 2023 includes infrastructure investment in flood protection, streets and utilities capital improvement projects. The budget allocates $1.4 million in federal funds to offset lost revenue from COVID-19 and another $1 million for tree planting

The timeline is uncertain for when Cedar Rapids will restart contributions of hotel-motel tax revenue to nonprofits in the 2023 budget year, but the City Council is beginning to allocate federal ARPA funds to restore some of the lost funds.

The urban reforestation plan, which aims to be a model for other communities, envisions trees as a tool to remedy social inequities, advance climate adaptation goals, enhance city design and strengthen community bonds through replanting and policy changes.

The city of Cedar Rapids has secured a estimated $8.4 million in federal funding to help clear 2020 derecho debris from local watersheds. Initial work will begin on Willow Creek and Prairie Creek.

Cedar Rapids will allocate $500,000 of its federal American Rescue Plan Act funds toward the College Career Connection program, a new workforce partnership with Kirkwood Community College that will be the first “college promise” initiative among Iowa cities.

Changes to the city’s nuisance abatement policy make it easier to crack down on absentee landlords for failing to show up for inspections or otherwise neglecting their properties.

O’Donnell confirmed Friday she has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms. She said she’s been vaccinated but had not yet received a booster.

After early plans for redevelopment faltered, work is beginning on a $49 million mixed-use, multifamily development at 515 Fourth Ave. SE. The project will bring commercial space and over 200 mixed-income residential units.

When Tiffany O’Donnell’s four-year term as Cedar Rapids mayor starts Jan. 1, she will be the only newcomer on the nine-member City Council, but she sees her fresh perspective as an asset.

Women Lead Change Chief Executive Officer Tiffany O’Donnell staved off competition from TrueNorth employee Amara Andrews to win the runoff election and become the next Cedar Rapids mayor, only the third woman to serve in the role.

Eyeing options to boost housing stock, Cedar Rapids is considering expanding standards for accessory dwelling units -- commonly known as granny flats, backyard bungalows, garage apartments and in-law suites.

The appeals court ordered Rompot neighborhood residents have a chance to be heard in district court in the lawsuit against the city of Cedar Rapids over the Cargill rail yard, which began to be built this summer.

The Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board is investigating complaints that three write-in campaigns for uncontested Cedar Rapids City Council seats failed to file paperwork after seemingly spending over $1,000.

The Cedar Rapids City Council on Tuesday agreed to $1.9 million in public incentives for a $20 million Alro Steel Corp. regional distribution facility, which is expected to create 40 jobs. The council also approved development agreements for the nearly $109.5 million FedEx warehouse and for the $32.6 million Terex site redevelopment.