Local Government

Veo, the Chicago vendor that owns and operates Cedar Rapids’ bike and scooter rental program, has worked with the city

Cities and nonprofits around Iowa have invested in repairs to a substantial number of homes in older core neighborhoods. As a result, they’re seeing neighbors fix their own properties or band together to spearhead more improvements like creating a park. Could more state funding help?

After lobbying for years, Cedar Rapids has secured $56.4 million in federal funding to replace the Eighth Avenue Bridge — a key segment of the city’s permanent flood control system that has long been awaiting funding.

The Higley Mansion, which used to operate as a senior-living facility in southeast Cedar Rapids, could be turned into a residential rehab house to offer voluntary treatment to those struggling with substance use issues.

A preliminary plat that will guide redevelopment of the former Transamerica site in northeast Cedar Rapids got the green light from the City Planning Commission. Neighbors still want more details about what will take shape at the site that haven’t yet emerged while in its early stages.

Owner opposes move, saying it would make it harder to sell building

The proposal by Procter & Gamble has been met with resistance from neighbors, who said they are concerned about the company’s planned expansion.

Waypoint is looking to convert its now-closed emergency shelter, the Madge Phillips Center, in southeast Cedar Rapids into a “housing first” facility. It is planned to add new affordable rental units with community services in an effort to move toward ending homelessness.

The North Liberty police chief has been put on paid leave while the city investigates grievances expressed by the North Liberty Officers Union and Sergeants Union in a public letter last week.

Also, Iowa City is asking for residents’ input on the future of a downtown property

The Gazette talked with two leaders of the board to check in on what the panel has been up to since it was created: Chair Arthur Kim, 46, a development officer for the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, and Vice Chair Aaron Eddy, 33, a staff attorney for Linn County Advocate Inc.

Neither city of Cedar Rapids nor Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance officials will have a vote in recommending potential changes to downtown’s management structure, seemingly putting to rest disagreement over how much say either entity would have in the decision.