2022 saw great progress in Cedar Rapids, with best days still ahead

What a year, Cedar Rapids!

As we turn the page on a year of progress, it is exciting to think about what’s next for Cedar Rapids. In Year One as Mayor, I am proud to say that this city doesn’t just talk about our future. We have a growth mindset that is turning vision into reality.

Economic development efforts brought unprecedented growth in 2022: more than $643 million in new and existing business. New additions like Sub Zero Group, and FedEx join proud homegrown companies like Altorfer, Inc., and Worley Warehousing expansion projects, with more on the way.

The City’s commitment to housing fostered $147 million in investment in 2022 resulting in more than 600 new units and more to come. New affordable and market rate housing projects under construction like Annex on the Square, The Hub, First and First West, and many others, are getting us to our goal of 7,000 new units by 2030.

While focused on the future, we have also made tremendous progress on challenges of the past. From derecho to flood protection and the pandemic, our city is leveraging local, state and federal support to move past these disasters as quickly as possible.

A few impressive statistics: This year, crews worked hard to tackle lingering tree stumps along city streets, with nearly 90 percent of that work now complete. More than 4,100 newly planted trees stand ready to provide shade for future generations as part of the ReLeaf Plan.

A record number of flood protection projects are complete or underway. To date, nearly two miles of permanent flood protection are in place -- approximately 25 percent of the walls, levees and underground protection that will keep Cedar Rapids safe from future floods. These projects not only protect us from flooding -- they make our city a better place to live by adding new green spaces and amenities that people of all ages can enjoy. We can be proud and confident that these investments will benefit Cedar Rapids for many years to come.

This year we also made significant road improvements through Paving for Progress. Crews completed major projects like O Avenue NW, Oakland Road NE, C Street SW and 12th Avenue SE. I want to express my admiration and gratitude for the community’s patience and commitment in supporting all this work.

With the help of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the city was also able to make important investments to help nonprofits serving our community. These organizations played a vital role in supporting those most impacted by the pandemic. We are fortunate to have a strong network of nonprofits in our community -- and partnerships with organizations like Kirkwood Community College, which are already leveraging these investments to accelerate our community’s growth.

ARPA funds were also dedicated to organizations supporting our growing immigrant community, arts and culture, social services agencies lifting up those experiencing homelessness, mental health support, among others.

Now, we focus on our next great chapter. We are in a position -- uninterrupted by disaster -- to prove how incredible Cedar Rapids can be. I am confident we will rise to the occasion.

In the year ahead, we’ll be moving several high-caliber, quality-of-life projects forward. This includes new amenities in every quadrant, like ConnectCR (improvements at Cedar Lake and the Alliant Energy LightLine bridge over the Cedar River), downtown entertainment at First and First West, a new westside library and resource center, Cedar River recreation, and an updated Greenway Plan.

We will also be asking for your input as we update the Downtown vision and plans for a multi-generational recreation complex. State tuned for ways to be a part of the plan!

None of this would be possible without a talented team working on behalf of our community. You have a smart, strategic and collaborative City Council in place. We work alongside the incomparable City Manager Jeff Pomeranz. His tireless commitment to the city and the amazing staff he and his teams have assembled, give us every confidence that our best days are in front of us.

It is truly an honor to serve as Mayor. Every day. Thank you. We are writing an incredible story together. It’s time for the next chapter. Happy New Year!

Tiffany O’Donnell is mayor of the City of Cedar Rapids. She is serving her first term which began in 2022 and runs through 2025.