Marissa Payne

In Linn County, the trickle-down effect of state and national politics seems to have swayed campaign donors in some Cedar Rapids and Linn-Mar school board races that are on the ballot Nov. 7, with right-leaning candidates out-raising some incumbents.

The group leading the charge to pass Cedar Rapids’ $220 million school bond referendum on Nov. 7 is relying on voter outreach and trying to combat public confusion over what’s part of the bond issue.

Three candidates will compete for two at-large seats on the Cedar Rapids City Council in Nov. 7 city and school elections. Here’s where they are on fundraising.

Tamara Marcus is resigning as Linn County’s first sustainability director to launch a new sustainability and equity consulting service serving Corridor local governments, businesses and nonprofits. The majority-Democrat Board of Supervisors is unlikely to restructure the sustainability department.

The Noelridge Park gardens were recently honored with a landscape design award for its winning entry in a nationwide contest.

Growing the workforce and transforming an office-heavy downtown post-pandemic with small businesses and new amenities will be key to Cedar Rapids’ success, said several candidates vying for seats on the Cedar Rapids City Council in Nov. 7 elections.

The city of Iowa City has tapped Rachel Kilburg Varley to serve as the next economic development coordinator, filling the vacancy created by Wendy Ford’s retirement from the role in August.

Linn County and the city of Cedar Rapids are looking to jointly fund a homeless systems manager for up to three years who will collaborate with service providers to streamline gaps in services for the growing population of those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Linn County may fine property owners who fail to reduce lead hazards to protect vulnerable residents, including those in older owner-occupied homes or those in substandard rental housing where landlords may lack incentives to address these health risks.

As Nov. 7 city and school elections approach, there are eight Corridor communities with more seats on the ballot than there are candidates who’ve filed papers to run for the seat. Leadership programs and promoting volunteer efforts may help build a base of future council members.

Affordable housing and homelessness, economic development and continued progress on infrastructure including street improvements and flood control are among the top priorities for candidates seeking seats on Cedar Rapids City Council.

City kicks in $1 million in ARPA funds to help 249 students

After state and local public officials in April reported safety and potential child labor violations at the mixed-use “Banjo Block” project downtown, the city this summer implemented new language in its standardized development agreement.

Marion is asking for proposals from private developers to transform its old public library site into a mixed-use facility that anchors the city’s Uptown District, complete with commercial and residential space that honors the historic character of the community.

Jim Miller, a Cedar Rapids native who has held numerous roles leading community organizations, has been tapped to serve as the next executive director of The District: Czech Village and New Bohemia, succeeding Monica Vernon.