Megan Woolard

Also in this week’s Government Notes, the Cedar Rapids school board approved a calendar for the 2026-27 academic year

The journey to leading the Agudas Achim congregation in Coralville was not a linear one for Rabbi Esther Hugenholtz. The Amsterdam native was raised by staunch atheists and began her journey with Judaism as a pre-teen by reading about it in encyclopedias.

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors will consider adopting a resolution next week to affirm the county’s commitment to upholding protections outlined in the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The state’s non-partisan Legislative Services Agency has released its proposed Johnson County Supervisor District plan, which separates the county into five equal population districts ahead of the November 2026 election.

The Iowa City Council has approved an initial design concept to replace the Burlington Street Bridge and develop other infrastructure under and around the structure, which serves as a major connector between the west side of Iowa City and downtown.

Also in this week’s roundup of local government news, a Cedar Rapids trails project has received $200K in state grant funding.

Iowa City’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission is now memorialized in a final report that outlines a list of policy and program recommendations including stricter enforcement of antidiscrimination laws, ongoing funding to support racial equity efforts, research focused on housing discrimination and additional programs for community healing.

The Johnson County Compensation Board is recommending a 2.6 percent cost of living increase and no merit raises for the county’s elected officials in an attempt to account for upcoming budgetary pressures.

Awards are part of IEDA’s program to restore abandoned buildings

Members of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors and representatives of Utah-based Havenpark Communities, owner of mobile home parks across the county, are looking to move forward with a private meeting to discuss resident concerns.

The Iowa City Downtown District is one step closer to renewing its Self-Supported Municipal District after the Iowa City Council unanimously approved the petition for renewal of the SSMID last month.

Also in this week’s roundup of government news, Cedar Rapids gathers input from 700 residents about adding green spaces to the community

Community members across Johnson County are coming together to visualize the economic future of three hyper-local districts in Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty.

The credit union that acquired a group of downtown Iowa City high-rise buildings — including the Chauncey — when a sheriff’s sale failed to produce any bids, is working on a plan to sell the properties.

Also in this week’s Government Notes roundup, the Cedar Rapids City Council has given its OK for historic landmark designation of a former school site.