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Q3 | FY26

City Council Priorities Quarterly Report

FY26 COUNCIL PRIORITIES

APRIL 2026

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 5–14. 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.

Flood Control System

Housing Options & Affordability

Strengthen & Stabilize Neighborhoods

Recreational & Cultural Amenities

Homelessness

Clean & Safe City

Business Friendly

Q3 REPORT

JAN–MARCH 2026

Q3 Report Data

Q3 REPORT

Flood Control System Tree of Five Seasons Park and 1st Street NE Two Way Conversion Project The high-profile FCS construction project was awarded in March 2026. It will re-envision the Park, following on the heels of the US Army Corps flood wall and pump station project which wraps up in June 2026. The Tree of Five Seasons sculpture will the focal point, along with a new overlook constructed over the floodwall. Traffic patterns will also be enhanced with this project as 1st Street NE will be re-constructed to allow for northbound traffic in addition to the previously southbound traffic only. This is a prime example of FCS work which enhances more than flood control.

Final Downtown Gatewell is Operational A major milestone was achieved in March, as the last of the open storm sewers to the Cedar River on the Downtown East segment of the FCS received an operational flood gate. Now during high water on the Cedar River, all storm sewers can be segregated from the Cedar River via closed gates and downtown flooding via river water backing out of storm intakes will be eliminated. The subject gate is located at 5th Avenue SE in the Great America Parking Lot. This is a reminder that much of the FCS benefit is underground. U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson secured $1.725 million in Community Project Funding toward this project through the FFY23 allocation process.

McLoud Run FCS Project wins second National Recognition Award Following up on a National Association of Flood Agencies (NAFSMA) in 2025, the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) announced this project is a 2026 winner for Engineering Excellence at both the State and Federal levels. The award will be received in May.

Housing Options & Affordability Family Self-Sufficiency Funding Awarded

First-Time Home Buyer Program

HUD awarded the Cedar Rapids Public Housing Authority funding to continue the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program. The program supports Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) participants in achieving economic independence. The $216k award fully covers administrative costs for two full-time FSS coordinators for a year. The program assists roughly 80 households each year, helping families set goals, increase earnings, and reduce reliance on Federal and State assistance.

Our First-Time Home Buyer Program began accepting applications on Monday, March 30 for approximately 10–13 grants. The program provides up to $14,999 as a forgivable loan to eligible households, assisting with down-payment and closing costs. Buyers must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income; be a first-time home buyer or not have owned a home in the last three years; and have the ability to secure mortgage financing.

HUD Recognizes City’s Public Housing Authority with High-Performer Status Community Development’s Housing Services Division earned a 100% score in HUD’s Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) for FY25. This top rating designates our agency as a “High Performer,” reflecting exceptional accuracy, compliance, and stewardship of Federal housing-assistance funds. The City administrates the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program for both Linn and Benton Counties.

HUD has awarded City’s Public Housing Authority 5 Foster Youth Initiative Vouchers The Public Housing Authority (PHA) team, in conjunction with Foundation 2, has applied for, and been awarded, five Foster Youth Initiative vouchers which allow the PHA to help vulnerable youth in our community aging out of foster care.

FY26 COUNCIL PRIORITIES

Strengthen & Stabilize Neighborhoods First Avenue East Corridor Redevelopment Plan City Council adopted the plan on March 10, 2026, which translates the policy-level goals from the First Avenue East Micro-Area Action Plan into a detailed vision for redevelopment of the corridor. We held a public open house event on February 9 to share the plan and gather final feedback ahead of Council consideration. Held at Coe College’s Clark Alumni House, the event was well attended, with more than 80 participants. Attendees cast 203 priority votes and submitted 110 written

comments. Input from the event and online survey indicated that participants prioritized pedestrian safety and comfort improvements over vehicle access, although some access and traffic operations were noted as concerns. There was also strong interest in supporting daily retail needs within the corridor, including grocery and pharmacy uses. The plan can be viewed on the City’s website.

Café Allez Grant Application

Bus Shelter Art

As part of our 1st Avenue East revitalization efforts, Community Development and Economic Development staff are working with the team behind Cafe Allez— a proposed coffee shop, bakery, and espresso bar at the former Brewed Awakenings building (1271 1st Avenue SE), across from Coe College — to prepare an application to the State grant program.

The Transit Division, Sustainability Office, Community Development Department, and Public Art Commission are seeking original artwork for vinyl-wrapped bus shelter panels, transforming up to nine shelters into vibrant public art landmarks. This initiative aims to enhance the daily experience of transit riders, expand access to public art, and highlight the community’s ongoing sustainability efforts, including the Community Climate Action Plan and GreenCR initiatives.

The Community Catalyst program supports redevelopment of vacant buildings that can spark additional investment. The Cafe Allez project has paused due to unexpected renovation costs and aligns with both the program’s goals and the 1st Avenue MicroArea Action Plan’s aim to expand local businesses and community gathering spaces in the area. The City’s support would allow the application to move forward with a final application due April 15.

Up to four artists will be selected to create artwork for the back window panels of as many as three shelters each. Selected designs will contribute to a cohesive yet diverse visual experience, celebrating Cedar Rapids’ commitment to sustainability and environmental resilience. Artists are being asked to create a work which celebrates Cedar Rapids’ sustainability journey and inspires hope for a thriving future.

Q3 REPORT

Paving for Progress Begins 13th Year Paving for Progress enters its 13th year this season, with nearly 60 street projects set to be completed in 2026. Those projects — which include more than 45 residential streets — will kick off at the end of this month. The program leverages a one-percent, voter-approved sales tax to invest in improving the City’s roadways, with a focus on local, or residential, streets. In all, the program has seen more than $250 million invested in City streets since it launched. From 2014 to 2025, Paving for Progress has: ` Completed more than 550 projects, 75% of them on residential streets ` Fixed more than 130 miles of City streets ` Invested more than $258 million in Cedar Rapids streets Major projects for Paving for Progress this year will include: ` 5th Avenue SE from 14th Street to 19th Street ` 42nd Street NE from Pine View Drive to Wenig Road ` Mt Vernon Road SE from 20th Street to 26th Street ` Richard Drive NE from Evergreen Street to Nancy Jane Lane ` Nancy Jane Lane NE from Richard Drive to Brookland Drive ` Brookland Drive NE from Nancy Jane Lane to Redbud Road ` 3rd Street SW from 3rd Avenue to 1st Avenue ` 34th Street SE from Bever Avenue to S of Terry Drive ` Jacolyn Drive NW from Midway Drive to E Avenue ` 3rd Street SE from 8th Avenue to 5th Avenue

Cedar Rapids Named No. 33 in Top 100 Best Places to Live in the Nation The City of Cedar Rapids has been named No. 33 in the nation on the 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live list released by Livability.com, recognizing the community’s strong balance of affordability, economic opportunity and quality of life. Livability partners with Applied Geographic Solutions to analyze national datasets and produce a “LivScore” for each city. The result is a data-driven list designed to help individuals and families find communities that align with their priorities.

brought into compliance with ADA accessibility standards. We are committed to the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act and will continue to strive to be the most accessible community in Iowa. While the DOJ formally closed the agreement in 2019, Cedar Rapids continues to embed ADA standards into every project it designs. Accessibility is now part of the process from the start, ensuring Cedar Rapids grows to make everyone feel a sense of belonging and welcome. ADA Progress: By the Numbers ` $48.8+ million invested in ADA improvements across the city ` All 2,150 items identified in the 2015 DOJ agreement  100% compliant today ` Thousands of curb ramps upgraded to ADA standards ` Municipal buildings, parks, and recreation facilities upgraded for accessibility ` 25+ high-use bus stops upgraded with safer boarding and improved curb access on key routes, including #2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, and 30 ` Accessible pedestrian signals installed citywide at intersections during upgrades ` Ongoing projects at parks and public facilities identified through 2031+

Iowa Concrete Paving Association (ICPA) Project Awards The Iowa Concrete Paving Association (ICPA) recognized the City with three project awards at their 62nd-Annual Concrete Paving Workshop in Des Moines on Thursday. Award criteria included pavement smoothness, quality control, general appearance, contractor’s management, and project complexity. Recognized City projects include: ` Mount Vernon Road SE, 8th Avenue, and 10th Street Roundabout ` Mount Vernon Road SE from 14–20th Street ` Tower Terrace Road NE Phase B, including the C Avenue Roundabout

Cedar Rapids ranked particularly high in housing, affordability, transportation, and safety — key factors in its overall LivScore. The City continues to invest in infrastructure, economic development and quality-of-life amenities that support residents and attract new talent.

ADA Improvements Update Cedar Rapids is continuing its work to ensure every resident can move safely, independently, and with dignity. This commitment guides how the City plans streets, parks, and public buildings — following the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 79 city-owned facilities/structures and parks have been

FY26 COUNCIL PRIORITIES

Recreational & Cultural Amenities Jones Park Disc Golf Open House Public engagement continues on the Disc Golf course at Jones Park. Jones Park has been part of the City’s long-term vision to expand and enhance recreational opportunities that meet the diverse needs of the community. Public input has played a key role in shaping improvements at the park, including amenities such as disc golf, pickleball, pollinator areas, and future park features.

Spring/Summer Recreation Program Registration The Spring–Summer Play CR guide features hundreds of recreation opportunities for all ages, with programs running April–August. Offerings include youth and adult sports, swimming lessons, fitness and wellness classes, outdoor recreation, golf programs, camps, and nature-based experiences held throughout the community.

Parks & Recreation Staff Member Earns Statewide Recognition Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation Coordinator Brittany Hamer received the 2026 Iowa Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA) Administrative Assistant Award earlier this week at the IPRA Annual Conference in Sioux City. This award honors individuals who demonstrate outstanding administrative support, strong customer service, and a commitment to excellence in parks and recreation operations. Hamer is recognized for her leadership, attention to detail, and ability to support department operations, programs, and events at a high level. Her contributions include improving internal processes, supporting department-wide initiatives, and playing a key role in coordinating the City’s CAPRA reaccreditation efforts.

Public Input for Interurban Trail — Segment One The results for our survey on the Interurban Trail Segment One project — to connect the sidewalks on Cottage Grove Avenue SE, near Washington High school, through Bever Park’s trail system, and extend through to East Post Road SE — are in. Feedback was generally positive, with top three design factors including tree preservation, cost, and user experience. Staff is currently in the preliminary design phase for the Interurban Trail — Segment One. This new trail segment will extend the existing Interurban Trail southeast from Forest Drive SE. The project will connect the sidewalks on Cottage Grove Avenue SE, near Washington High school, through Bever Park’s trail system, and extend to East Post Road SE. We want to know your thoughts on the proposed design.

Successful Ice Rink Season The outdoor ice rink at Hughes Park was a success. The Rollin’ Recmobile offered free ice skates for community use. The rink saw strong use throughout the season, with families and community members taking advantage of the outdoor skating opportunity. We appreciate the community’s participation!

16th Street Dairy Queen — Local Landmark The Dairy Queen #4 building at 501 16th Street NE was designated a Local Historic Landmark by City Council on March 24. The store was built in 1954 and is one of the increasingly rare examples of a treats-only Dairy Queen. The building is emblematic of the roadside architecture phase in US history, featuring a large glass facade and signage to draw customers. The structure is subject to the City’s Historic Preservation Commission’s design and material guidelines. It will also be eligible for funding through our Historic Rehab Program, which supports exterior projects with up to $10k in funding.

Q3 REPORT

Make Music Day

Micromobility Program Update

The City and the City Music Task Force are working to bring the first Make Music Day to Cedar Rapids. This community-wide event is part of a free global celebration of live music held annually on 6/21 (the first day of summer). In 2026, Cedar Rapids will join more than 1,000 cities hosting this worldwide event, striving to activate parks, sidewalks, businesses, and neighborhoods with live music and interactive installations. Make Music Day is decentralized and open access. There are no ticketed events or central stage. Rather, music occurs simultaneously across the city, encouraging broad participation and neighborhood-level activation.

The 2026 Micromobility season will launch during Spring Break, adding new electric-assist bikes this year. Rentable Veo scooters became available on March 14 and will be available through the end of November, weather permitting. Micromobility continues to demonstrate strong community benefits.

The model supports local musicians, activates underutilized spaces, and introduces new audiences to Cedar Rapids’ music community in support of the Task Force’s efforts to become a more music-supportive and culturally vibrant city. The City’s role is to help coordinate the Task Force’s efforts, provide a matchmaking platform for performers and hosts, ensure permitting and public space use are clear and accessible, and help our partners get the word out.

In a 2025 rider survey, 39% of users reported they do not own or have access to a car, highlighting the essential role the program plays in providing reliable, affordable transportation. Starting the season earlier gives residents who rely on the program to get to work, school, errands, and recreation greater access to those opportunities. The program also delivers meaningful economic value, with 44% of survey respondents indicating they visit local businesses more often when micromobility is available — demonstrating how the rentable devices support neighborhood shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Greenway Staff are working on a comprehensive application to apply for WEDG (Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines) Verification for the Greenway Parks projects. Developed by the Waterfront Alliance, WEDG is a national rating system and toolkit to guide shoreline projects toward resiliency, increased ecology, and public access. This credential helps make shoreline projects more marketable/eligible for grant funding. We are partnering with our Greenway Parks Plan consultants (Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates) on the application and anticipate submittal in May. The City’s application is being fully funded through sponsorship

by the Walton Family Foundation. As part of the Walton Family Foundation’s sponsorship, Waterfront Alliance hosted a WEDG Waterfront Visioning Workshop in Cedar Rapids this week. The workshop introduced participants to the WEDG program and included an interactive strategy session on how Cedar Rapids can continue cultivating an urban waterfront that embeds accessible design principles. The workshop results will help inform riverfront design guidelines that can be shared with developers for private development, included in future property disposition RFPs, and used on City projects.

FY26 COUNCIL PRIORITIES

Q3 REPORT

Homelessness Homeless Systems Initiative The Homeless Systems Initiative team hosted an, "Unlocking Solutions Downtown," event at the Cedar Rapids Downtown Library. The event showcased ongoing work within the homelessness system including progress made, a lived experience advisory panel, sharing their experiences including what kept them unhoused, and a funders panel sharing why they continue to commit to funding these initiatives. In total, 57 downtown business leaders and community partners attended the event, learning of ways the system is working to decrease instances of persons living unsheltered and building partnerships between public and private entities.

Winter Weather Shelter The Winter Weather Shelter closed for the season with its final overnight on March 30th. This year there was a 28% reduction in calls for service and no overdose events. The team is finalizing and analyzing data to compare to past years and create best practices for future seasons.

Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell at Homeless Systems Initiative Event

FY26 COUNCIL PRIORITIES

Clean & Safe City Greene Square: Clean & Safe Collaboration City staff from several departments are coordinating cleanup efforts at Greene Square as needed. Advance outreach to park users was coordinated with our nonprofit partners united in addressing homelessness. Visitors are being informed about the cleanup and safe-storage options for belongings, with previous guidance from the homelessness lived-experience advisory council helping ensure our approach remains respectful and considerate. Updated signage, ongoing public safety monitoring, and support from our Solid Waste team — including overtime for early morning cleanups when necessary — will help maintain these improvements and ensure Greene Square remains a safe, enjoyable space for the whole community. Since February, the Parks & Recreation Department and Solid Waste & Recycling Division have removed four truckloads of miscellaneous items from the park, including 17 bags of garbage, a loveseat, futon, and bicycle.

Variable Garbage Cart Program Launch Our new Variable Cart Program began early rollout with 4,322 community members signed up for larger GARBY carts, which will be delivered during the Spring 2026 distribution window. 53% of participants chose the new 65-gallon cart size while 47% opted for a 95-gallon cart. Spring cart delivery will continue through May. This program is designed to provide options that better fit household needs while maintaining efficient and reliable service.

City Recognized with a National Environmental Achievement Award (NEAA) The City was recognized with a National Environmental Achievement Award (NEAA) from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). This award honors outstanding contributions and leadership in advancing environmental protection and clean water initiatives across the country. Cedar Rapids earned the NEAA for its work on Watershed Collaboration, demonstrating a strong commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and service to the community. Cedar Rapids received its inaugural watershed funding in 2015 through a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), ran by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Known as the Middle Cedar Partnership Project, the project assisted farmers in adopting new conservation practices. The Cedar River Source Water Partnership (CRSWP) is the City’s second RCPP project, which has been underway since 2020. In January 2026, the City’s watershed program was awarded nearly $1.3 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Farmer to Farmer grant program. In this threeyear grant, the City will work closely with the Middle Cedar Watershed Management Authority and the Iowa Geologic Survey to demonstrate how nature-based solutions can improve water quality, reduce flooding, improve habitat, and strengthen farm resilience. The funding will enable the city to add an additional watershed staff member position and will cover research costs for additional water monitoring.

Garbage Truck Art Project The Garbage Truck Art Project will transform four more garbage collection trucks into vibrant, rolling works of art that celebrate the spirit of the Cedar Rapids’ community. A City selection committee worked in cooperation with the Public Art Commission to select a total of four artists whose work is eye-catching and appealing, while also meeting goals outlined in the Call for Artists.

Animal Care & Control Operational Review Released The Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control (CRACC) Operational Review, conducted by Matrix Consulting Group, is now available. The independent assessment incorporated site visits, staff interviews, stakeholder engagement, peer-agency comparisons, and extensive public feedback gathered through surveys and focus groups. Staff will provide quarterly updates to keep the City Council and residents informed on progress implementing the report’s recommendations. The report evaluates staffing, facility

Q3 REPORT

conditions, operational procedures, community engagement, and enforcement activities and confirms the City’s operating model remains the most effective structure moving forward. It notes operations align with Iowa Code and regulatory requirements and recognizes recent improvements made by the City to strengthen oversight and support for the Division. The report also highlights staff’s strong commitment to animal welfare, public safety, and community service — delivering core functions effectively even while facing industry-wide challenges such as rising animal intake and capacity limits. Over the past year, the City implemented several improvements to stabilize operations and support shelter staff. These actions included three new full-time positions, four temporary positions, new volunteer-management software, a new recordsmanagement system, and expanded opportunities for City employees to volunteer at the shelter during work hours. The report highlighted opportunities to formalize policies and governance, adjust facility layouts, strengthen supervisory structures, and standardize documentation. Additional recommendations include expansion of volunteer recruitment and training, and enhanced collaborations with community partners and rescue organizations.

Metro Bomb Squad Project Advances for Possible Federal Funding U.S. Congressional Representative Ashley Hinson announced that a Community Project Funding request by the City of Cedar Rapids for the Cedar Rapids-Metro Hazardous Devices Unit (HDU) has been selected to move forward in the federal process. The request would support the replacement of aging bombdisposal robots and a protective Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) bomb suit used by the HDU — a regional team responsible for safely responding to suspected explosive devices and other dangerous threats. Bomb-disposal robots allow technicians to remotely inspect and disable potentially explosive or hazardous materials from a safe distance, reducing the need for direct human contact. EOD bomb suits are specialized protective gear worn when hands-on work is required, shielding technicians from blasts, fragmentation, and other hazards. The unit’s current equipment is nearing the end of its service life and must be replaced to maintain operational readiness.

compared to a five-year average of 107, marking sustained progress from already improved 2024 levels. Overall crime trends reinforce this trajectory. Violent crime remains below the five-year average, and property crime dropped 26% below the five-year average and 20% from 2024, with significant reductions across most categories, including shoplifting. Sustained investment in policing, proactive intervention, and community partnership is producing measurable results— contributing to safer neighborhoods and reinforcing shared responsibility for a clean, safe, and welcoming Cedar Rapids. Public Safety Gains Shots Fired: 43 ` Down () 60% vs. five-year average (107) Homicides: 3 incidents / 4 deaths ` Well below () five-year average (8) Violent Crime Total Violent Crime: 392 ` Down () vs. five-year average (436) ` Up slightly () vs. 2024 (372) Rape & Robbery ` Down () vs. 2024 and five-year average Aggravated Assault ` Up () — Driven by domestic abuse cases Property Crime Total Property Crime: 3,047 ` Down () 26% vs. five-year average ` Down () 20% vs. 2024 Shoplifting: 881 ` Down () 43% vs. 2024 ` Down () 18% vs. five-year average Community & Environment Indicators Trespassing ` Up () 8% vs. 2024 ` Up () 44% vs. five-year average — Reflects increased enforcement and business engagement Fraud (Scams): 158

The project has been selected to advance to the next phase of the federal process; however, it must still be approved by Congress through the appropriations process before funding is awarded.

` Up () vs. 2024 (116) and five-year average (103)

Annual Crime Stats Released

` Flat ()

The Police Department released their 2025 Crime Stats report in January, demonstrating Cedar Rapids’ strength in public safety. The data reflects a community that is both safer and more actively cared for. The most notable trend is the continued and substantial reduction in shots fired incidents — 43 in 2025

Drug-Related Crimes

Enforcement Activity Indicators Weapons Violations: 191

` Up () — Result of proactive enforcement Alcohol-Related Crimes ` Flat ()

FY26 COUNCIL PRIORITIES

Business-Friendly Kingston Yard Parking Ramp Opens The new Kingston Yard Parking Ramp is now open to the public. The five-level ramp includes 450 spaces, elevators, heated stairways, bicycle parking, and electric-vehicle charging. The entrance is on 2nd Avenue with an exit onto 3rd Street SW. With the increasing demand for parking in the Kingston neighborhood, the new ramp will add 450 parking spots to accommodate the ongoing growth. We look forward to seeing this area continue to flourish.

City Manager Pomeranz Named Among Nation’s Top 250 “Government Champions” Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz was named one of the nation’s top 250 “Government Champions,” a prestigious recognition awarded by the National Academy of Public Administration in partnership with Local Gov 250. The designation honors public servants across the country who are making a meaningful and lasting impact in their communities. Selected from a competitive national nomination process representing 39 distinct government professions, the honorees reflect excellence across all levels of government — from local municipalities to federal agencies. Pomeranz is one of only two individuals from Iowa included on the list. Honorees were selected for exemplifying the principle of “democracy at the doorstep,” a concept that underscores the essential role local government plays in delivering responsive, innovative, and community-centered public service.

Water Supply Study The Utilities Department contracted with Black & Veatch to complete an Upstream Diversion Impact Study. The study will examine how potential diversions from the Cedar River and its surrounding alluvium (loose clay, silt, sand, or gravel that has been deposited by running water) could influence water

availability. Two key factors under analysis include the potential restart of the Duane Arnold Nuclear Power Plant and regional, industrial-scale water needs. Getting a better understanding of these impacts is essential for long-term planning and ensuring a reliable water supply for residents and businesses now and in the future. The study will also guide long-term sustainability and risk-management strategies, protecting water resources for generations to come.

ROOTs Program Update The City’s ROOTs program closed on six homes this quarter. To date 38 homes have been completed and sold since the beginning of the program.

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%.