Our picks for C.R. City Council

In Cedar Rapids, there are two contested races for City Council. Three candidates, including incumbents Patrick Loeffler and Ann Poe and newcomer David Maier, are vying for two at-large seats. In District 4, incumbent Scott Olson is challenged by Dan Bahan.

The Gazette’s editorial board endorsements go to Poe, Maier and Olson.

Poe and Maier provided us with deep, detailed answers to our candidate questionnaire.

Poe sees homelessness, support for the Community Climate Action Plan, affordable housing, strengthening and stabilizing neighborhoods and continued work on flood protections among the top issues faced by the city. On Housing, Poe wants to identify the city’s “missing middle” housing category and provided a more diverse array of housing in existing neighborhoods.

Maier also focused on the need for affordable housing, citing key actions recommended by the Alliance for Equitable Housing. Those include improving existing housing, increasing the number of affordable units and connecting residents with “less-than-ideal backgrounds” with housing assistance. Maier also wants to address biases and discriminatory practices related to housing.

Regarding economic development efforts, Poe would seek to expand the city’s property tax base, focused particularly on retail generating sales taxes to help pay for flood protection and streets. She also points to a shortage of workers and the need for institutions such as Kirkwood Community College to help bridge the skills gap.

Maier listed recommendations from AngelouEconomics, a consulting firm hired by the city that recommends a “refreshed” economic development strategy targeting agriculture-based life sciences, logistics and distribution, financial services and real estate, and manufacturing.

As the city charts the future of downtown, Poe looks to support more downtown festivals and events, particularly along the river, on the Second Avenue Bridge and along Third Street. She would also support the expansion of bike trails leading to downtown.

In District 4, Olson brings a solid track record of experience and leadership to the council. His expertise regarding retail expansion, economic development and housing is much needed, given the issues in those areas the city must address.

Olson contends the rising cost of construction along with higher interest rates mean the city must seek out local partners to share the cost of necessary incentives. Downtown, Olson more than 1,000 apartment units are coming online in the city’s core and the development of amenities, such as the First and First West development, will be key in reimagining downtown’s future.

Olson’s experience and institutional knowledge after nearly 12 years on the council will be invaluable if the council eventually needs to hire a new city manager.

(319) 398-8262; editorial@thegazette.com