Local Government

A proposed ordinance intended to control the population of free-roaming cats in Cedar Rapids is causing concern among animal welfare activists over provisions that include setting a threshold for ceasing to feed to animals.

Trains will not need to sound their horns as often while crossing four intersections in Hiawatha now that the city has unveiled the first “quiet zones” in the area, with several more being planned farther south in Cedar Rapids.

A former northwest Iowa city clerk may have made more than $175,000 in personal purchases on a city credit card over two years, according to a report from State Auditor Rob Sand.

Residents of Ely will be asked on the Nov. 7 ballot to consider supporting a $7 million bond referendum for a new Community Center — a facility that would house City Hall, the library and other recreational services.

Also, Iowa City bus use up 53 percent in first month of fare free transit program

City clerks are the one job Iowa’s 940 cities are required to have, but more of them are leaving the profession as resources dwindle and they may lack training support. Especially in small cities, city clerks are the heart of local government — managing finances, answering to citizens and giving city councils the documents they need.

As local officials explore possible shifts to which entities and employees manage downtown, Thoeming resigned from the alliance as its downtown advocate. His departure comes amid a restructuring of downtown management responsibilities before the city considers a new vision plan guiding downtown’s future.

Karen Kawala, a University of Iowa graduate, will build relationships with external entities to strengthen Linn County’s resiliency to disasters, especially the marginalized communities most vulnerable to disasters.

Council considering more duplexes, incentives for higher density

Four years after a Utah company started buying Johnson County mobile home parks, residents say they’ve seen annual rent hikes of 10% or more, reduced services and poor maintenance.

A Linn County committee compared emissions between 2010 and 2019 to track progress.

The city of Cedar Rapids is piloting a program to give vouchers to low-income households toward purchasing a bike or e-bike at local shops. The effort aims to provide them with a low-cost transportation method to help them travel to work, appointments and social services.