Q2 | FY26 City Council Priorities Report

City Council Priorities Quarterly Report

City Council Priorities

The Cedar Rapids City Council meets annually to establish goals for the City’s overall direction. City staff track progress in the resulting key priority areas listed below on pages 5–15. The following report provides public transparency with an emphasis on communication; ensures alignment with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Envision CR; and assists in the effective prioritization of resources.

OCT – DEC 2025

Q2 Report Data

Flood Control System

Levee Completed Through Cedar Lake

The Cedar Lake Levee project reached substantial completion, representing one of our more challenging levee projects to date. The project spanned three construction seasons and required the dewatering of a section of Cedar Lake to make room for construction. This project protects nearby properties — and the lake itself — preventing the deposition of sediments during Cedar River flooding.

Shaver Road NE & McLoud Run Project Recognized

In October, this project received the American Public Works Association (APWA) — Iowa Chapter’s award for Transportation Project of the Year. This is the project’s second award, with the other celebrating its stormwater management. This achievement advances the project to compete for recognition at the APWA national level.

Housing Options & Affordability

Family Self-Sufficiency Conference

The Housing Choice Voucher Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) team hosted their third-annual FSS Conference at City Services Center. The event invites FSS coordinators from across Iowa to share best practices and resources that help participant families reduce their reliance on assistance programs. Sessions covered Iowa Works employment resources; Chains Interrupted sharing how to spot and help combat human trafficking; and a session on The Power of the Pause. Our HCV program currently has 84 FSS participant families working to reduce their reliance on assistance programs.

1842 Ellis Boulevard NW

The City purchased this property in 2022, when a substantial part of the interior had been torn out for future renovation. Flood Control System design work is now complete in this area, requiring only a minor strip of right-of-way be taken off the front of the parcel. This allows the remainder of the property to be renovated and reoccupied. Having unsuccessfully made several attempts to sell the home, demolition had been proposed but is not the preferred solution. With successful solicitation of nonprofit assistance, the goal to retain housing stock in this neighborhood could still be achieved.

Housing Projects

$730,000 investment for the construction of three market-rate units (including one attached and one detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) to be completed in June.

$8.73 million investment for the construction of 58 market-rate townhome units to be completed in August 2028.

$1.4 million investment for the construction of six new marketrate rental units (two duplexes with Accessory Dwelling Units) to be completed in June.

Strengthen & Stabilize Neighborhoods

First Avenue East Redevelopment Plan

We held a design studio for the First Avenue East Redevelopment Plan in October, convening key stakeholders to refine our vision for a safer, more walkable and economically vibrant area. Sessions built on our work from the Micro-Area Action Plan, adopted by Council in February, producing two draft redevelopment concepts. Both concepts integrate community priorities identified through stakeholder interviews and Task Force conversations. Walkable urbanism, mixed-use infill, and corridor identity were all emphasized. Stakeholders expressed broad alignment around transforming the area into a connected, people-focused urban district linking Downtown, Coe College, and the MedQ. HDR will refine the draft concepts into full final renderings ahead of a January open house at Coe College, where we will showcase the draft plan and solicit public feedback.

50 Paving for Progress Projects Completed in 2025

Having completed its 12th year of construction, Paving for Progress continues to transform Cedar Rapids streets. City crews and contractors combined forces, completing more than 50 projects in 2025. Statistics to date include:

35th Street NE from Oakland Road to F Avenue

This two-year project wrapped up in 2025 and included pavement reconstruction, sidewalk extensions, driveway replacements, and new storm and sanitary sewers. The project also added new street lighting and pavement markings, including a centerline and on-street parking/“urban shoulder” striping for use by those running, walking, and rolling.

5th Avenue SE

Some of 2025’s more noticeable projects included:

42nd Street NE from Edgewood Road to Pine View Drive

This two-year project started in 2025. The first phase, from Edgewood Road NE to Pine View Drive, is substantially complete. The next phase, from Pine View Drive NE to Wenig Road NE, will continue in 2026. Improvements include pavement patching or complete replacement; new sanitary and storm sewer and water main; replacement of all sidewalks within the project limits; and upgrades to ADA curb ramps and pedestrian crossings at connecting roads.

3rd Street SW from 3rd Avenue to Diagonal Drive

This project finished in November and improved a key gateway to downtown and Kingston Village. The project featured pavement improvements; new sanitary and storm sewer and water main; and replacement of all sidewalks within the project limits, including ADA curb ramps and pedestrian crossings added at connecting roads.

Resurfacing this corridor in 2025 as the first phase of a two-year project allowed us to extend the life of a downtown roadway and avoid full removal and replacement — reducing costs. This year’s project ran from 5th to 12th Street; in 2026, work will continue to 19th Street. A unique element of the project was our coordination with the Office of the State Archaeologist to monitor for potential artifacts related to a historical cemetery previously located beneath 5th Avenue SE’s intersection with 8th Street. No artifacts were found during the project.

8th Street NE from 1st Avenue to A Avenue

This 30-day project extended the life of 8th Street NE through pavement milling and asphalt overlay, new curb and gutter, and minor utility improvements.

1st

Avenue W/I-380 Southbound Ramp Intersection

We completed this project in October, improving safety and traffic flow at a key community entry from I-380. The intersection was realigned to create a dedicated right-turn lane from the southbound off-ramp, allowing vehicles to flow west onto 1st Avenue without merging conflicts. Improvements also included traffic signal modifications; ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps and pushbuttons; new sidewalk construction; and landscaping enhancements. The project was supported by Traffic Safety funds from the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Sidewalk Infill Projects

Accessibility remains a key priority for every City project. In 2025, we completed a suite of sidewalk-infill projects, filling in gaps in our sidewalk network. Routes that connect to public destinations and transit stops are prioritized through the program. Locations included First Avenue West, Glass Road NE, Cottage Ridge Court NE, Boyson Road NE, E Main Street NE, and Blairs Ferry Road NE. This annual program increases accessibility, walkability, and the number of safe pedestrian routes citywide.

Blairs Ferry Road NE

One example of a sidewalk-infill project included new sidewalks along Blairs Ferry Road NE, from North Towne Place to Sammi Drive. The project created a safer and more-connected route for residents along this major corridor, making the neighborhood more walkable, accessible, and better connected to businesses and transit stops along Blairs Ferry Road NE.

Kennedy High School Curb Ramp Replacement

Following a resident-submitted My CR concern, staff addressed accessibility needs near Kennedy High School, including replacing 36 sidewalk curb ramps to bring them into ADA compliance. We scheduled the repairs nearest the school to occur before the term began, reducing construction impacts for all travelers.

Ellis Boulevard NW and 6th Street Extension Project Recognized

The Ellis Boulevard and 6th Street NW Extension Project, completed in 2023, received the Transportation Achievement Award from the Institute of Transportation Engineers this quarter. The project included connecting 6th Street to Ellis Boulevard NW, providing a vital new connection to the Time Check neighborhood; reconstruction of 6th Street from 1st Avenue West to B Avenue NW; and reconstruction of Ellis Boulevard NW from E to F Avenue. 1st Avenue West from 6th Street to L Street also received improvements, including the addition of a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon for crossings at 5th Street and other intersection-safety improvements. State and Federal grants supported the project.

Recreational & Cultural Amenities

Cedar Lake Amenities — Bid Package 1 Open for Use

Improvements at Cedar Lake have transformed this natural amenity, with the first phase now substantially complete. Restored shorelines protecting the lake’s beauty; 0.3 miles of new, paved trail for walking, rolling, and running (along with convenient regional trail connections); and a fishing jetty were all part of the project. Final seeding and landscaping will wrap up in spring, enhancing this vibrant destination for recreation and relaxation in the heart of Cedar Rapids.

City Music Task Force Update

The City Music Task Force convened its first meeting, bringing together local creatives, venue operators, educators, and community partners. The group’s aim is to guide early implementation of the Music Ecosystem Action Plan. Focus areas include:

` Strengthening community engagement through neighborhoodscale activations, like porch concerts;

` Creating a Venues & Spaces working group; and

` Launching a citywide music newsletter to unify fragmented information sources.

Members also highlighted the importance of artist education on copyright, licensing, and marketing to support sustainable careers. Staff presented a draft work plan, built from the Action Plan, and have begun reviewing regulations affecting music and cultural events, focusing on simplifying permitting, clarifying noise standards, and identifying peer-city models. Staff also attended the Global Music Cities Convention, participating in training and bringing back best practices from cities across the U.S. and abroad. Next steps include confirming Task Force working groups, developing the structure for music community communications, and exploring sustainable career education opportunities for creatives with partners.

Arthur Elementary Building Becomes Local Historic Landmark

City Council designated the former Arthur Elementary School building as a Local Historic Landmark in October. Constructed in 1914, the building at 2630 B Avenue NE was designed by local architect Robert Mayberry — who also designed the Iowa Building, Mead Flats, and several other buildings listed on the National Register. Current home of the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, the building retains much of the historic character of its era, with wide-battered pier entrances and ornate woodwork. As a local historic landmark, any proposed exterior building work would require staff review to ensure alignment with the City’s Historic Preservation Design Guidelines. The property is also now eligible for funding from our Historic Rehab Program for qualifying exterior work.

League Cycling Instructor Seminar

We recently partnered with the League of American Bicyclists to host a League Cycling Instructor (LCI) seminar. LCIs are ambassadors for better biking through education. After earning certification through a three-day, League Coach-led seminar, LCIs are certified to teach the League’s Smart Cycling curriculum including: ` Smart Cycling, ` Group Riding, ` Bicycling 123 Youth,

` Learn to Ride Youth, and

` Learn to Ride Adult Bicycle Friendly Driver.

Ten bike advocates participated in the LCI seminar — including one from City staff, two Linn County Trails Association board members, and one Chain Reaction Bike Hub board member. The remaining participants joined the seminar from elsewhere in Iowa or out of state. Hosting the class in Cedar Rapids — and having more LCIs locally that can increase bike education offerings — will contribute to maintaining and improving the City’s status as a Bicycle Friendly Community.

15th Street SE Art Project

Lauren Manninen, the local artist for the 15th Street Neighborhood Art project, began engagement efforts with the Wellington Heights neighborhood. Lauren participated in Art in the Park in July and at a Wellington Heights Neighborhood Association meeting in September. She is currently gathering stories tied to the neighborhood which represent joyful moments and resilience and held an outdoor-engagement activity at

Redmond Park in October. She is also working with the Catherine McCauley Center to translate engagement materials for diverse outreach. Input gathered will inform her designs along 15th Street SE, including art wraps on two bus shelters, an artistic curb extension, a traffic-signal box, and sidewalk art. The designs will be finalized this winter, with installation anticipated in late-Spring and early-Summer 2026.

Rotating Sculpture Program

We completed development of our first Rotating Sculpture Program this quarter. The program will place five sculptures on display for one year — which will be replaced with new works the following year — creating a dynamic, changing experience for people visiting the B Street Promenade opening in Czech Village as part of the LightLine Loop. Sculpture exhibitors can apply for selection to the program by January 15.

Micromobility Program 2025 Season

The City’s 2025 Micromobility Program season ended on October 31. In 2025, the program saw a 15% increase in ridership over the previous year. The program provided more than 112,000 rides across 230,000+ miles of reliable, affordable opportunities for people to reach jobs, schools, and transit and to run errands.

More than 350 riders responded to an annual survey conducted by Veo, our micromobility provider, in October. The top reasons riders gave for using the program included avoiding the hassles of driving, saving money, having fun, and connecting to public transit. Key statistics include:

City staff will continue to work with Veo to explore ways to improve this important program and grow ridership in 2026.

Homelessness

Landlord Liaison Position

The City and Housing Fund for Linn County (HFfLC) approved an agreement to establish a landlord liaison position. The Cedar Rapids Public Housing Authority (PHA) receives up to 30 annual referrals through the Coordinated Entry System for individuals experiencing homelessness. These individuals often need support to secure and maintain stable housing and successfully use their Housing Choice [Section 8] Vouchers. Current funding for this navigational support, provided by grants paid to local agencies, ended December 31.

City staff, alongside the Homeless Systems Manager, identified the need to continue these services. To do so, the PHA will provide $100,000 in administrative funding for one year to the HFfLC. This will fund a landlord liaison to help referred households secure and maintain housing. HFfLC will oversee the position and report progress in coordination with the PHA.

Clean & Safe City

Federal Grant for Hybrid Buses

The Federal Transit Administration awarded Cedar Rapids a $1.91 million, FY25 Low- or No-Emissions Grant to fund the purchase of two new hybrid buses to replace aging vehicles as part of our standard fleet-replacement program. These will be the first hybrid buses in the City’s fleet, marking a significant step forward in our efforts to modernize public transportation and reduce emissions. This initiative aligns with the goals outlined in the Cedar Rapids Community Climate Action Plan and reflects our continued commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation in Transit services.

Paint-Striping Program

Traffic Engineering staff completed just under 1.1 million feet of long-line striping on City streets in 2025. This includes yellow center lines, white edge lines, and bike lane markings — representing 71% of the City’s total striping inventory.

Pedestrian Signal Safety Improvements

Traffic Signal staff installed backplates on the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) pedestrian signals at 76th Avenue SW and Lone Willow Drive. This makes the LED lights more visible for motorists, improving driver compliance. Traffic Engineering will analyze data at this location to determine the potential for future implementation at new and existing RRFB locations.

100% Water Quality Standards Compliance

September marked the Water Division’s eighth consecutive year with zero Notices of Violation (NOVs) or permit violations from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). NOVs are issued when a public water system fails to meet treatment, contaminant, monitoring, or reporting standards — meaning our water quality has exceeded all state and federal requirements for eight years. (In September 2017, the Division received a Tier 3 Monitoring Violation for collecting 97 of the 100 required, routine water samples for total-coliform testing. This was a result of errant resampling. The team notified IDNR of the error and updated tracking protocols to ensure all samples receive

proper documentation and designation.) Avoiding NOVs for this length of time demonstrates the City’s consistent compliance with State and Federal water quality regulations and reflects our commitment to public health, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.

Excellence in Water Pollution Control

The Water Pollution Control Division qualified for the NACWA Gold Award for operating without any NPDES violations. This achievement came amid multiple large-scale construction projects, a solids-processing system outage, and a period when one of the plant’s major treatment processes ran at only 50% capacity. Enhanced staff training and improved maintenance techniques helped ensure this level of system reliability, protecting the environment, safeguarding public health, and maintaining community confidence in the plant’s safe, dependable operations.

1-Bag Challenge Results

The City Manager’s 1-Bag Challenge encourages residents to take an active role in litter reduction.

During Q2, participants collected 1,571 bags of litter — reflecting strong community engagement and a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. Beyond improving neighborhood appearance, the initiative reinforces the shared responsibility we have to keep our community clean. Continued participation remains key to sustaining a healthy and vibrant urban environment.

Business Friendly

Better Roads Ahead 2026 Meeting

The Public Works Department held its second Better Roads Ahead meeting on November 17. Staff invited 184 business owners and managers in 2026 construction areas to learn about tools and strategies to reduce construction impacts. We also listened to concerns and suggestions on how the City can support these businesses during construction.

Annual Large-Industry Meeting

The Utilities Department presented at the 28th Annual Large Industrial Meeting, reinforcing our commitment to open communication with our business community. By sharing updates on major infrastructure projects, long-term planning efforts, and anticipated rate adjustments, we provided transparency that helps employers plan, budget, and invest with confidence.

Water System Testing & Preparation

The Utilities Department completed capacity testing and system flushing to further prepare our infrastructure to support growth at the Big Cedar Industrial Park. Teams worked directly with incoming businesses to meet needs for commissioning and startup. This proactive approach prepares our system for increased water demand while maintaining reliable service for current customers and future growth.

Walford Road SW Improvements

Upgrades to Walford Road SW, near 6th Street, converted a rural roadway into a modern, curbed concrete street, improving safety, accessibility, and long-term durability. A Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy (RISE) State grant supported the project, enhancing access to the new FedEx facility. The improvements strengthen business operations and improve a key access point in the growing SW Quadrant, supporting its continued economic growth.

Business Outreach & Education

Q1 Existing Industry Program

After conducting 11 Business Retention & Expansion calls this quarter, 8 of the companies (73%) requested technical assistance or help with a business-retention matter where City staff provided follow up. Companies called include:

` 10/6 | AmTek

` 10/8 | JRS Pharma

` 10/14 | Collins Aerospace

` 10/16 | Terracon

` 10/24 | Folience

` 11/6 | TSF

` 11/10 | Transamerica

` 11/14 | BAE

` 12/1 | West Side Transportation

` 12/1 | Dental Prosthetics Services

` 12/15 | Irontite Products

In total, staff conducted 48 business-retention visits with Cedar Rapids interstate-commerce companies in 2025.

2025 Business Retention & Expansion Survey Key Findings

` 88% of Cedar Rapids companies reported stable or growing business

` 44% of companies have plans to expand or modernize facilities in the next three years

` Companies in Cedar Rapids have seen stable growth in the current year: around 85% reported positive sales; 41% reported increasing market share

` Two-thirds of companies launched a new product or service in the last two years

` 72% of businesses categorized Cedar Rapids’ business climate as excellent or very good

` 88% of businesses see Cedar Rapids’ quality of life as excellent or very good

` Two-thirds of employers rank their existing workforce productivity as very good or excellent

` The vast majority (95%+) of companies in Cedar Rapids are not deferring any capital reinvestment into facilities or operations due to lack of citywide flood control operating.

` While more than half of firms reported no problems in retaining qualified workforce year-over-year, most companies continue to experience some challenges in attracting qualified workers

` On average, the Cedar Rapids workforce is 29% more productive than the U.S. national average.

Urban Renewal Areas

` Tractor Supply — For the expansion of public infrastructure supporting further housing development and creation of jobs.

` Big Cedar East #2, 3, and 4 — To support the construction of the QTS data center campus, stimulating significant positive economic impact and the creation of new jobs.

Collaborative Growth Initiative

The remote worker campaign met its goal of attracting 15 remote-worker households to Greater Cedar Rapids. Most new households chose to locate within Cedar Rapids city limits. New residents arrived from states including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin.

City-Iowa State University Partnership

Our partnership with Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) continues to strengthen ties between local industry and the student-talent pipeline. During the 2025–26 academic year, Cedar Rapids students received 70 Dolezal scholarships, totaling $357,000 in CALS awards. Countywide, the CALS-ISU Partnership grew the total of Dolezal Scholarships awarded from 101 to 125, a year-over-year increase of almost 25%. The partnership hosted tours of select Cedar Rapids food and bio employers in October.

Economic Development Statistics

During the past 12 months, City awards to economic development partners have generated the following positive results: