Local Government

Linn County Supervisor Chair Louie Zumbach will deliver the State of the County address May 18. Here’s how to attend or tune in.

Gutschmidt Properties will receive city financial support to build single-family homes with accessory dwelling units in Oak Hill Jackson, and transform a block of blighted houses in the southwest quadrant into “Rainbow Road” as a symbol of LGBTQ inclusion.

The new Cedar Rapids location is taking shape at First Avenue and 19th Street NE — the site of the former Western Fraternal Life Association building — after the City Planning Commission advanced plans last week.

Also, Cedar Rapids featured in retail recovery report and Iowa City schools foundation announces new executive director.

Johnson County’s smaller towns, like Lone Tree, Hills and Swisher, are working on community-led downtown revitalization efforts. The themes of building trust and authentic communities falls into the broader work of Better Together 2030, a visioning plan for Johnson County’s future.

Four electric buses have been rolling through Iowa City for nearly a year and a half — and there are efforts to hopefully expand the fleet. It’s been a learning experience for the city, and the transit department is pleased with the roll out, according to the city’s transportation director.

By June 1, Feed Iowa First will no longer farm on a portion of Linn County’s Dows Farm “agri-community” site after a faulty water well pushed the nonprofit off the land earlier than planned, prompting the developer to re-imagine the farm elements of the project.

City of Cedar Rapids officials are gearing up to launch a nationwide search for a new police chief to succeed retired Chief Wayne Jerman, who retired from his role at the helm of the Cedar Rapids Police Department last month after turning 66 years old and aging out of his certification.

The City of Marion has filed a petition asking the court to deem a dilapidated building on Seventh Avenue, which has become an “eyesore” to the recently-completed $6.9 million streetscape and plaza project, as abandoned property and grant the property title to the city.

Hours of emotional and passionate comment from the community, commissioners and council members showed there is a desire and interest to get this work done even if there is disagreement on the path forward. Concerns were again raised Tuesday that there still hasn’t been enough community input.

The proposal would limit local government spending that results from increases in property assessments

In her State of the City address, Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell said it’s key for the city to work with private partners to spur growth while being the economic driver of the region as the city leans into business attraction.