Articles Tagged: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance

A returning Cedar Rapids metro area native is the first to receive the upward of $5,000 in relocation incentives being offered through the Collaborative Growth Initiative.

With two data center projects under construction in Cedar Rapids, educators in the College Community School District this week learned how artificial intelligence could shape the future workforce — their students.

U.S. Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler participated in a small business roundtable discussion hosted by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and attended by Iowa Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst and U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson on Monday.

Iowa has the nation’s seventh-highest net out-migration of young, educated people and the highest such figure in the Midwest, according to a report from Common Sense Institute Iowa

Also in this week’s Government Notes, the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance is seeking “community champions” to connect with potential residents as part of its Collaborative Growth Initiative.

How much would someone need to pay you to pack up your life and move across state lines? The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and its partners are hoping the answer is the amount now offered to remote workers willing to relocate to Cedar Rapids, Marion or Hiawatha.

The Collaborative Growth Initiative aims to bolster population and workforce in the greater Cedar Rapids region.

Juliet Abdel will assume the role of president and CEO of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance on July 28, replacing outgoing director Doug Neumann.

Nearly two years after the launch of a regional growth initiative, three area cities are being asked to reaffirm their support. Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance talent attraction director Jodi Schafer this week provided Cedar Rapids City Council members with an update on the Collaborative Growth Initiative’s year-one goals and funding needs. She’s planning similar presentations for the Marion and Hiawatha city councils.

Caleb Knutson began his job with Cedar Rapids’ Downtown Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District. Now he’s helping bring the Downtown Vision Plan to life.

The Saturday market hosts roughly 200 vendors who sell everything from fresh produce and flowers to crafts, baked goods and more.

One business will be selected Aug. 13 to receive six months of free rent, a year of mentorship and other benefits to support growth of small businesses in downtown Cedar Rapids. The contest has returned after a hiatus since its debut in 2022. Applications are due June 30.

City View Community High School is moving this fall from its location in downtown Cedar Rapids to the Linn County Regional Center in Hiawatha. Iowa BIG, a project-based learning program in Cedar Rapids, will move into the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance — where City View is currently located.

Doug Neumann soon will step down this year after 19 years in economic development.

Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance announces Gathered & Grown: A Feast of Five Seasons event celebrating 20 years of the downtown farmers market.