C.R. is a community of choice

Last March, the City formally kicked-off its new comprehensive plan - EnvisionCR, a plan to engage residents hands-on and inspire them to create a vision for Cedar Rapids' future.

As comprehensive planning consultants, we worried the post-flood planning required of Cedar Rapids residents would leave the community survey-weary and reluctant to move forward. We've never been so wrong. You turned up by the hundreds at public open houses and responded in droves online.

Nearly everywhere we turned, residents welcomed the chance to partner with city officials to build a dynamic future. You've shared your vision for neighborhoods, downtown retail, entrepreneurship and industry, active riverfront opportunities and more.

We work across the country, but rarely do we get to enjoy a community this involved and empowered to shape its future. As we work toward formally presenting the next draft of the document, we wanted to share a snapshot of what you've been telling us - what you envision for the city of Cedar Rapids.

A Community of Choice: Whether transit or recreation, jobs or housing, parks or education, residents of Cedar Rapids ask for options.

Regionalism: Many recognize the need for improved regional collaboration - building on themes like the 'Cultural Corridor,” and the trails network.

Creative Hub to the Cultural Corridor: Cedar Rapids residents want to see smaller hubs like NewBo, the Czech-Slovak District, and the Amphitheater coalesce into a cultural mass with traction.

Skilled workers: Industry and economic development experts want Cedar Rapids to better integrate education and specific work force needs in the community.

Downtown vitality: A desire for an interactive downtown is alive and well.

Neighborhood hubs/community character: Neighbors speak to a need for greater empowerment, identity and a resulting strengthening of character and community.

An evergreen CR: Residents and leaders ask to promote public health in daily living - multifamily housing, energy conservation and alternative fuels, complete streets, walkable neighborhoods, easy-access trails and more.

Streamlined government, effective partnerships: Many see the public-private partnership as one of the paths to Cedar Rapids' future success, partnerships that foster collaboration and coordination.

Please join us as we present the next phase of the comprehensive plan. There will be an opportunity to view the main elements of the plan in greater detail, and provide feedback on the direction and scope. The next open houses will be Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Cedar Rapids Public Library; and 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.

Thank you, Cedar Rapids - for your vision, your passion, and your faith in the future.

Questions on the Comprehensive Plan can be directed to City of Cedar Rapids Community Development, 319-286-5041.

' Pat Boddy is a consultant with RDG Planning & Design working with the City of Cedar Rapids on the Comprehensive Plan. Comments: pboddy@rdgusa.com.