116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401

Marissa Payne
Growing up, I loved to read stories featuring the fictional teen mystery-solver Nancy Drew. She taught me girls could be sleuths, too, so it makes sense that I decided to become a journalist. Being a reporter allows me to chase down interesting leads, ask questions, and learn something new every day. I cover the city of Cedar Rapids for The Gazette. My beat encompasses many facets of life in Iowa’s second-largest (but best) city – housing, economic development, public safety, infrastructure, and sometimes casinos as the city keeps dreaming of getting one. I love the people here and care deeply about sharing the facts residents need to stay informed about their community.
In my spare time, I coach young journalists to report on government and politics at The Daily Iowan, the University of Iowa’s independent student-run newspaper. That’s where I got my start in journalism and navigated being the first in my family to graduate from college. I’m also a board member for CR Pride, helping to increase visibility of the local LGBTQ community. When I’m off the clock, I can typically be found cuddling with my cat Scout, re-watching The West Wing, or grabbing a cup of coffee or hazy IPA from somewhere local. Stay informed with our Daily News newsletter.
Latest Articles by Marissa Payne
Local Government 90m ago2d ago
After a Cedar Rapids policy change, more Iowa cities have looked at how to spur development of ADUs to create housing and boost density. ADUs are seen as “part of the puzzle” to sustainable, affordable, age-friendly housing development.
Weather Apr. 1, 2023 7:11 am23h ago
There have been reports of damage in several Eastern Iowa counties as the storms cut their way northeast through the state.
Local Government Mar. 30, 2023 6:11 pm2d ago
Cedar Lake revitalization as part of ConnectCR and the African American Museum of Iowa’s renovation project are among 34 seeking Community Attraction and Tourism grant funding.
Crime and Courts Mar. 30, 2023 9:30 am2d ago
Unions representing Cedar Rapids law enforcement officials shared with City Manager Jeff Pomeranz that they oppose having a civilian police department head as the city assesses whether Chief Wayne Jerman aged out of being a certified officer when he turned 66.
Local Government Mar. 29, 2023 3:43 pm3d ago
The Linn County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to extend its pause on new large-scale solar projects. The renewable energy review committees have final meetings this week to assess the county ordinance governing the solar projects.
Local Government Mar. 29, 2023 2:43 pm3d ago
The supervisors backed a 4.92 percent pay bump for the county attorney, sheriff and their deputies, and a 4.1 percent increase for other elected officials and their deputies. The compensation board suggested 12 percent and 10 percent raises for those officials, respectively.
Local Government Mar. 29, 2023 11:54 am3d ago
Residents are pushing back as more homes were referred Tuesday to a Linn County panel to initiate eminent domain proceedings as the city of Cedar Rapids looks to finalize home acquisitions for flood control in the Northwest Neighborhood.
Local Government Mar. 29, 2023 5:00 am4d ago
Local skaters will now be able to use temporary equipment at Time Check Park while the city’s only permanent skate park remains closed for flood control work.
Local Government Mar. 27, 2023 3:07 pm5d ago
Linn County supervisors will vote Wednesday on likely extending a moratorium on new large-scale solar projects as Renewable Energy Review committees study the county ordinance governing the solar projects. The moratorium does not affect the already-approved solar projects near Palo and Coggon, which remain underway.
Local Government Mar. 26, 2023 11:35 am6d ago
Here’s what to know about this year’s notices and how to appeal.
Local Government Mar. 24, 2023 12:47 pm8d ago
The regional board that manages mental health funding passed a budget allocating $2.9 million for the Linn and Johnson County access centers after supervisors in those counties pushed for sufficient funding.
Local Government Mar. 21, 2023 6:00 am12d ago
Local nonprofits are hosting a homeowner resources workshop on April 1 to help educate residents who are looking to buy or renovate their own home.
Local Government Mar. 21, 2023 5:00 am12d ago
Improvements to Mount Vernon Road are one of more than 40 projects planned this year on Cedar Rapids streets as the 2023 construction season gets underway.
Local Government Mar. 17, 2023 6:07 pm15d ago
Three days after Police Chief Wayne Jerman turned 66 years old on March 4, Iowa Law Enforcement Academy staff emailed Jerman about reaching the maximum age for officers and asked whether he would continue working as a civilian employee.
Local Government Mar. 17, 2023 10:04 am15d ago
Collins Aerospace was awarded $1.85 million in state financial incentives toward its proposed $22 million expansion of its northeast Cedar Rapids campus to begin the production of microchips.