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 Jan. 6, 2023 8:44 pm29d ago
Among a wave of U.S. cities redesigning their municipal flags, Cedar Rapids’ recently revamped flag was deemed one of the 25 best new designs in the nation. The previous flag was considered one of the worst in the nation before its 2021 redesign.
Business News Jan. 5, 2023 3:27 pm30d ago
“We thought we had a deal,” local union president told The Gazette on Thursday.
Crime and Courts Jan. 3, 2023 4:52 pm32d ago
Devonna Walker, 29, died from her stab wound. Two individuals were detained, transported to the Cedar Rapids Police Department and interviewed, but were released pending further investigation.
Local Government Jan. 2, 2023 5:00 am36d ago
Cedar Rapids and Iowa City earned perfect scores on the Human Rights Campaign’s annual rating of U.S. cities for their inclusion of LGBTQ people, against a backdrop of anti-LGBTQ state legislation.
Local Government Jan. 1, 2023 6:00 am36d ago
There’s no crystal ball to predict what headwinds may threaten Iowa’s economy in 2023, but state economists forewarn of a great deal of uncertainty next year — though perhaps not as dramatic of a downturn as some are projecting.
Community Dec. 27, 2022 6:00 am44d ago
More than two years after the 2020 derecho destroyed much of the Brucemore historic estate, the attraction’s gates and two statues have been restored — marking a key step in the nonprofit’s recovery from the storm.
Local Government Dec. 21, 2022 6:32 pm45d ago
The Cedar Rapids City Council has signed off on resolutions of support for multifamily and single-family housing projects that are seeking a slice of federal disaster recovery funds to add a combined 300 housing units in the community.
Local Government Dec. 18, 2022 5:00 am51d ago
Colleagues say that Sandi Fowler, the deputy city manager who has worked for the city of Cedar Rapids for more than 30 years, is a true public servant who always kept citizens at the center of decision-making.
Local Government Dec. 16, 2022 6:30 pm50d ago
Starting June 1, American Airlines will begin nonstop service from the Eastern Iowa Airport to Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., adding a route that’s been years in the making for Cedar Rapids.
Local Government Dec. 16, 2022 8:52 am51d ago
Local officials in Linn and Johnson counties are exploring solutions to potentially relocate jail facilities, as one county’s facility nears the end of its life while the other has years left, but sits in a less-than-ideal spot.
Local Government Dec. 13, 2022 4:19 pm53d ago
“You don’t often get the chance to reprogram 130 acres in the middle of your city,” council member Tyler Olson said of the effort to craft a greenway plan to transform the 130-acre space along the west side of the Cedar River.
Local Government Dec. 9, 2022 6:00 am58d ago
Cedar Rapids is putting public funds toward a new SSMID incubator program that aims to spur underdeveloped business districts to invest in projects that drive their own growth.
Local Government Dec. 7, 2022 9:50 pm59d ago
Watts Group to build a $10.7 million multifamily housing facility and two four-plex buildings at 705 16th Ave. SE. A commercial facility also is in the works at 2738 Edgewood Rd. SW.
Local Government Dec. 7, 2022 9:14 am60d ago
Two high-ranking officials in Cedar Rapids City Hall who have served Iowa’s second-largest city for decades will leave their positions this month, prompting an organizational restructuring.
Local Government Dec. 6, 2022 6:45 pm60d ago
The city of Cedar Rapids is negotiating a deal to purchase land from Rick and Marsha Stickle for no more than $10 million to build the flood control levee around Cedar Lake.