Government & Politics

Politics reporters from across the state recap this week in Iowa politics

Federal and city of Cedar Rapids officials celebrated the completion of floodgate at 12th Avenue SE as a “milestone” in efforts to fortify the city against rising Cedar River waters as part of its approximately $750 million permanent flood protection system.

Supporters said it would expand the rights of landowners and clear up constitutional questions about the eminent domain authority for hazardous liquid pipelines.

Individuals experiencing homelessness in the Cedar Rapids area may more quickly receive vouchers to help them pay for housing costs under a rule change implemented this week by the city of Cedar Rapids, allowing low-income families to better access support as they become unhoused and reducing lengthy waits for assistance.

For the first time in 27 years, the U.S. government is changing how it categorizes people by race and ethnicity, an effort that federal officials believe will more accurately count residents who identify as Hispanic and of Middle Eastern and North African heritage.

It is the biggest fish kill in Iowa in at least a decade and the fifth-largest on record, according to state data.

The city approved nearly $2 million in settlement agreements with city staff without a public vote in 2023.

In Cedar Rapids’ delayed quest to establish “quiet zones” to reduce the number of train horns sounding throughout downtown and NewBo, city staff anticipate the first phase will be complete within approximately the next year. Some City Council members were skeptical of the completion.