Local Government

Both the Cedar Rapids school board and City Council have now signed off on changes to the school resource officer program in an effort to reduce arrests and racial disparities.

The city of Cedar Rapids will create a grant program using, at most, $750,000 in federal American Rescue Plan funds to help nonprofits after the city paused payments of hotel-tax revenue.

The city plans to use $10.2 million of its approximately $28 million share of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds on two west side Flood Control System projects, bringing permanent protection to the part of town where Army Corps. of Engineers funding can’t be used.

Differences have emerged in the four Cedar Rapids mayoral candidates’ stances on equity in policing, the city’s use of speed cameras, and support for marijuana decriminalization.

Tiffin has seen its population double decade after decade. Now with more than 4,500 residents, the city could see its population double yet to more than 9,000 residents in 2030.

“We know that 80 percent of our growth in Cedar Rapids comes from existing businesses,” Cedar Rapids mayoral candidate Tiffany O’Donnell said. Is she correct?

Vulgar comments and slurs. Political favoritism in hiring and contracts. Secretly recorded and eavesdropped conversations.

Some urge accountability in city’s use of tax increment financing.

Buch most recently worked at Urban Dreams as the Cedar Rapids site manager, focusing on workforce development initiatives as part of the city’s partnership with the nonprofit.

Candidates discussed recycling, priorities for pandemic relief funds, and pros and cons of tax increment financing.

Construction and installation of the playground are scheduled for spring of 2022.

Vander Sanden, 64, announced his upcoming departure Tuesday to the Linn County Board of Supervisors, saying it seemed like a “practical time to retire” after being the elected county attorney for over 11 years and serving more than 38 years in the office