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 May. 5, 2023 5:00 am24d ago
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.
Local Government May. 4, 2023 6:00 am25d ago
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.
Community May. 3, 2023 6:00 am26d ago
The city’s first folklorico group, Fuerzas Culturales, will showcase Mexican history through dance to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The group takes the stage at 6 p.m. Friday at CSPS Hall where it hopes to share the culture of different Mexican states with the community.
Local Government May. 2, 2023 6:53 pm27d ago
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.
Local Government May. 2, 2023 9:46 am27d ago
International Paper’s Cedar River Mill plant at 4600 C St. SW — the largest 100 percent recycled paper mill in the Americas — broke ground Monday on its expansion project to generate an alternate steam supply and transition off coal-powered steam.
Local Government Apr. 27, 2023 4:40 pm32d ago
City Hall is looking to carve out a greater role in attracting new businesses and workers to Cedar Rapids while supporting those already here.
Local Government Apr. 26, 2023 3:51 pm33d ago
Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell will deliver her second State of the City address next week outlining the 2022 accomplishments and 2023 goals of Iowa’s second-largest city. Here’s how to attend.
Local Government Apr. 26, 2023 4:34 pm33d ago
Another eight Cedar Rapids parks are slated to be revamped with community garden plots over the coming years as a step toward expanding access to healthy food and advancing climate action across the city.
Local Government Apr. 26, 2023 6:00 am33d ago
Linn County is seeking feedback by May 5 on committees’ work to review county code governing utility-scale solar projects before the Board of Supervisors considers any potential new solar applications.
Local Government Apr. 25, 2023 6:00 am34d ago
Cedar Rapids is planning to launch a pilot program later this year to help redevelop vacant properties that city officials say “have fallen through the cracks of a lot of different systems,” posing threats to residents’ health and safety.
Local Government Apr. 23, 2023 6:21 pm36d ago
As Iowa grapples with aging housing stock and a housing shortage, Iowa City’s South District program is among the endeavors cities and the state are undertaking to keep older residential units in good shape.
Local Government Apr. 21, 2023 1:03 pm38d ago
After public officials witnessed possible underage labor and safety hazards last week at the construction site of Cedar Rapids’ $49 million Banjo Block development, state officials are assessing whether the findings jeopardize millions in tax incentives awarded to the project.
Local Government Apr. 27, 2023 1:21 pm32d ago
The new partnership is one step the city’s taking to promote equity in access to the pools and break barriers community members have to safely using the public facilities.
Local Government Apr. 19, 2023 3:14 pm40d ago
The Linn County Board of Supervisors will start from scratch on its consideration of an ordinance governing how close to structures a hazardous pipeline could be built.
Local Government Apr. 14, 2023 5:00 am45d ago
City Council awards $1.4 million tax rebate for 3-story building