Local Government

Caleb Knutson began his job with Cedar Rapids’ Downtown Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District. Now he’s helping bring the Downtown Vision Plan to life.

Carrie Mardorf, an Iowa native, most recently served as Superintendent of Vicksburg National Military Park. She starts in Cedar Rapids Monday.

A district judge has affirmed the validity of a state-issued gaming license for the Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center.

The Iowa City Council is continuing to move forward with plans to put a 1 percent local-option sales tax on the general election ballot this fall. Under state law, 50 percent of the revenue must be put toward property tax relief. How the rest of the money is used is up to the city.

Johnson County Residents United, a group that advocates for safe conditions in mobile home parks in the county, in partnership with local elected officials, is advocating for a two-year moratorium on rent increases to allow time for improved park conditions at properties owned by Havenpark Communities.

The Cedar Rapids City Council’s top priorities will remain unchanged for the year ahead, with members signaling their intent to pursue those goals with an eye for population growth through intentional investment.

Also in this week’s Government Notes, Linn County Supervisors award $28K in historic preservation grants

The North Liberty Police Department has seen unusually high turnover in the last year. Since April 2024, more than two-thirds of its officers have resigned. Now, the department is working to rebuild, with emphasis on better communication and officer satisfaction.

The county purchased the 15 unit property at 1102 Hollywood Blvd. in Iowa City, in 2024 for $1.7 million, marking the first time the county has directly owned housing stock. Under a plan proposed by Iowa City, federally funded rental assistance vouchers, combined with VA support services, would be offered to veterans living in the units.

The panel — moderated by Linn County Supervisor Sami Scheetz — will discuss how changes proposed under the federal reconciliation and tax bill could affect area residents with a special focus on potential cuts to SNAP and Medicaid.

The North Liberty City Council will look to put a 1 percent local-option sales tax in front of voters this November, although city officials still are discussing exactly how the tax revenue would be used.

Finalists are set to be interviewed next month. The city is working to fill the position after previous Chief Mike Kitsmiller retired in April.