Government & Politics

City of Cedar Rapids officials are gearing up to launch a nationwide search for a new police chief to succeed retired Chief Wayne Jerman, who retired from his role at the helm of the Cedar Rapids Police Department last month after turning 66 years old and aging out of his certification.

The City of Marion has filed a petition asking the court to deem a dilapidated building on Seventh Avenue, which has become an “eyesore” to the recently-completed $6.9 million streetscape and plaza project, as abandoned property and grant the property title to the city.

Iowa lawmakers gave final passage to a bill that will open more jobs to teenagers in the state, sending the bill to Gov. Kim Reynolds’ desk to be signed into law.

Hours of emotional and passionate comment from the community, commissioners and council members showed there is a desire and interest to get this work done even if there is disagreement on the path forward. Concerns were again raised Tuesday that there still hasn’t been enough community input.

Iowa House lawmakers approved bipartisan changes to a controversial bill to relax some of Iowa’s child labor laws. The amended bill is now headed to the Senate for final approval.

The bill expands eligibility for state assistance for child care, but increases work requirements for the program.

The proposal would limit local government spending that results from increases in property assessments

In her State of the City address, Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell said it’s key for the city to work with private partners to spur growth while being the economic driver of the region as the city leans into business attraction.