Marissa Payne

A new master plan for the MedQuarter Regional Medical District envisions transforming empty properties, improving placemaking and strengthening the district’s identity to lure patients, healthcare providers and businesses. That means exploring development of a hotel, creating pocket parks and more.

Cities and nonprofits around Iowa have invested in repairs to a substantial number of homes in older core neighborhoods. As a result, they’re seeing neighbors fix their own properties or band together to spearhead more improvements like creating a park. Could more state funding help?

After lobbying for years, Cedar Rapids has secured $56.4 million in federal funding to replace the Eighth Avenue Bridge — a key segment of the city’s permanent flood control system that has long been awaiting funding.

The Higley Mansion, which used to operate as a senior-living facility in southeast Cedar Rapids, could be turned into a residential rehab house to offer voluntary treatment to those struggling with substance use issues.

A preliminary plat that will guide redevelopment of the former Transamerica site in northeast Cedar Rapids got the green light from the City Planning Commission. Neighbors still want more details about what will take shape at the site that haven’t yet emerged while in its early stages.

Waypoint is looking to convert its now-closed emergency shelter, the Madge Phillips Center, in southeast Cedar Rapids into a “housing first” facility. It is planned to add new affordable rental units with community services in an effort to move toward ending homelessness.

Also, Iowa City is asking for residents’ input on the future of a downtown property

Neither city of Cedar Rapids nor Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance officials will have a vote in recommending potential changes to downtown’s management structure, seemingly putting to rest disagreement over how much say either entity would have in the decision.

Federal and city of Cedar Rapids officials celebrated the completion of floodgate at 12th Avenue SE as a “milestone” in efforts to fortify the city against rising Cedar River waters as part of its approximately $750 million permanent flood protection system.

Individuals experiencing homelessness in the Cedar Rapids area may more quickly receive vouchers to help them pay for housing costs under a rule change implemented this week by the city of Cedar Rapids, allowing low-income families to better access support as they become unhoused and reducing lengthy waits for assistance.

In Cedar Rapids’ delayed quest to establish “quiet zones” to reduce the number of train horns sounding throughout downtown and NewBo, city staff anticipate the first phase will be complete within approximately the next year. Some City Council members were skeptical of the completion.

Preliminary site plans are taking shape for a mixed-use development at the former Transamerica site on Edgewood Road and 42nd Street NE, where more than two years ago some neighbors organized in opposition of a local developer’s proposal and prompted the property’s sale to another developer.

Also, Iowa Economic Development Authority board awards incentives to Danisco expansion in southwest Cedar Rapids.

Friday was the deadline for candidates to file to appear in the June 4 primary. Here’s who’s running in Linn and Johnson counties.

It’s estimated Iowa needs another 24,617 homes to support a growing population, and a statewide coalition is encouraging state lawmakers to act on six priorities it says would expand affordable housing in the state.