EnvisionCR

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A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA

Updated April 14, 2026 PREPARED BY RDG PLANNING & DESIGN HR GREEN, INC.

CEDAR RAPIDS City of Five Seasons®

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thank you

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City Manager City of Cedar Rapids

It is with gratitude that I thank and acknowledge the Cedar Rapids community for their interest, involvement, and active participation in the planning process of EnvisionCR. It can be challenging to wrap your mind around something as vast as a comprehensive plan, but Cedar Rapids residents have shown us they are willing and active participants in helping shape the long-term vision of our community.

During the months of pre-planning leading up to the launch of the new plan, we knew we wanted to involve the community in every stage of the process. The plan previously on the books was more than 15 years old, and we were eager for fresh insight and a realigned sense of community aspiration and identity.

Under the skilled and experienced leadership of our Community Development staff, the department set out to engage residents of all ages and backgrounds in a process that would ultimately span the course of 13 months. This product is the result of collaboration to the highest degree, from high-school students to senior executive leadership.

From face-to-face interaction and open houses, to nontraditional forms of digital outreach, the community embraced the planning process and responded with thoughtful, intentional feedback. Our team was amazed at not only the sheer number of participants, but their level of engagement and anticipation of the future plan.

Internally, our efforts have also included cross-departmental collaboration and unity in plan adoption and implementation. The goals set forth in the comprehensive plan will be adopted by all departments, collectively using EnvisionCR as a blueprint for prioritization, funding considerations, and long-term planning.

It is with great anticipation that we look forward to the next chapter and see the initiatives start to unfold. Our planning efforts would not have been possible without the collaboration and participation of the community we serve. Again, thank you for your engagement and expectations. We look forward to answering the call.

Sincerely, Jeff Pomeranz, City Manager City of Cedar Rapids

Acknowledgements

MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL Ron Corbett | Mayor Susie Weinacht | At-Large Ann Poe | At-Large Ralph Russell | At Large Kris Gulick | District 1 Monica Vernon | District 2 Pat Shey | District 3 Scott Olson | District 4 Justin Shields | District 5

PLANNING COMMISSION Dominique Blank Samantha Dahlby James Halverson Bill Hunse Kim King Carletta Knox-Seymour Scott Overland Richard Pankey Virginia Wilts

CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE Jeff Pomeranz Sandi Fowler Emily Muhlbach

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Jennifer Pratt Gary Kranse Adam Lindenlaub Seth Gunnerson Jeff Hintz Anne Russett Kirsty Sanchez Thomas Smith Brandon Whyte

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Jasmine Almoayed

PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM Angie Charipar Rob Davis Brad DeBrower Dave Elgin Mark English Ron Griffith Kasey Hutchinson Bruce Jacobs Wayne Jerman Sven Leff Brent Long Joe Mailander Ken Russell Greg Smith Vern Zakostelecky

EnvisionCR STEERING COMMITTEE Tom Aller Lydia Brown Samantha Dahlby Kris Gulick Michael Kates JoAnn McNiel Scott Overland Scott Olson Al Pierson Ann Poe Jim Sattler Monica Vernon Kyle Skogman Allen Witt

CONSULTANT TEAM RDG Planning & Design www.RDGUSA.com

HR Green, Inc. www.HRGREEN.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

7 | DISCOVER | A review of the plan's purpose and public engagement process.

19 | GUIDING PRINCIPLES | The principles of the plan emerged through the process, and established the desirable conditions for Cedar Rapids’ future.

33 | ELEMENTS | Goals and initiatives for achieving the public's vision for the future.

161 | IMPLEMENTATION | An ongoing process that uses and updates the plan.

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DISCOVER

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STRUCTURE

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE PLAN

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DISCOVER

AN INTRODUCTION

In March 2014, the city formally kicked-off its new comprehensive plan – EnvisionCR, a plan to engage residents hands-on and inspire them to create a vision for Cedar Rapids’ future.

We want to thank the hundreds of residents who invested their time and insight to help roadmap a strong future. EnvisionCR is a true document of the people.

As comprehensive planners, we worried the post-flood planning required of Cedar Rapids residents would leave the community survey-weary and reluctant to move forward. We’ve never been so wrong.

You turned up by the hundreds at public open houses, and responded in droves online.

Nearly everywhere we turned, residents welcomed the chance to partner with city officials to build a dynamic future. You’ve shared your vision for neighborhoods, downtown retail, entrepreneurship and industry, active riverfront opportunities, and more.

The theme that underpins all of these exceptional visions is faith in what Cedar Rapids is, and what it can become. City leaders have heard your desire to build on these themes and create a community of exceptional choices – a hub of the Midwest, where people clamor to live, work, learn, and play.

We work across the country with city leaders who are creating fresh new plans, but rarely do we get to enjoy a community this involved - this empowered to shape its future. We were particularly wowed by a powerful think-tank of nearly 100 local high school students who offered intelligent ideas in creative and passionate ways, loving the opportunity to talk directly with city officials.

Thank you, Cedar Rapids – for your vision, your passion, and your faith in the future.

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RDG Planning & Design

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By way of introduction to this comprehensive plan, the consulting team’s letter to the community, published in the Cedar Rapids Gazette on August 25, 2014 bears repeating:

2025 ANNUAL EVALUATION & UPDATE REPORT

EnvisionCR serves as the City's comprehensive plan, providing long-range guidance for policy decisions, investment priorities, and coordinated planning efforts across departments. The annual review of EnvisionCR is an important opportunity to evaluate the City's progress in implementing the Plan and to ensure that its recommendations remain aligned with evolving community needs, City Council Priorities, and citywide goals.

This review is intentionally timed to support the development of departmental budgets and work plans for the upcoming year. Through the coordinated evaluation of Initiatives and Action Steps, City staff are able to better understand how their efforts connect to the vision and strategies outlined in EnvisionCR. This collaborative process strengthens interdepartmental relationships, improves communication, and contributes to more efficient and cohesive planning and project development.

For the 2025 update, the narratives for ProtectCR and GreenCR were revised to reflect recent planning efforts, emerging trends, and ongoing implementation work. In addition, all corresponding area, neighborhood, corridor, infrastructure, and quality-of-life plans were reviewed and updated as part of this cycle. These updates help ensure that EnvisionCR remains a relevant, accurate, and forward-looking guide for decision-making and community investment.

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2025 EnvisionCR Initiative Status Summary

The Action Steps in the following were updated this cycle:

• Northwest Neighborhood Action Plan
• Mt. Vernon Road Corridor Action Plan
• College District Area Action Plan
• Czech Village/ New Bohemia Area Action Plan
• Historic Preservation Plan
• Wellington Heights Neighborhood Plan
• 6th Street Corridor Action Plan
• Westdale Area Action Plan
• Community Climate Action Plan
• Public Art Plan
• Age Friendly Action Plan
• Community Gardens in Parks Plan
• Rockford Road Micro-Area Action Plan
• Downtown Vision Plan
• Trails and Bikeways Plan

GROWCR

GREENCR

PROTECTCR

PROTECTCR

Within these following tables are plan action steps to be started Within 1 Year, are continuous, or have been completed. To see a a full update on plan action steps, go to the plan on the City's website: www.cedar-rapids.org

Historic Preservation Goals & Initiatives - 2025 Update, Adopted August 2015 -DRAFT

Wellington Heights Goals & Initiatives - 2025 Update, Adopted July 2013 -DRAFT

6th Street SW Corridor Goals & Initiatives - 2025 Update, Adopted November 2021 -DRAFT

6TH ST SW CORRIDOR ACTION PLAN

Westdale Area Goals & Initiatives - 2025 Update, Adopted December 2022 -DRAFT

WESTDALE AREA ACTION PLAN

Mount Vernon Road Goals & Initiatives - 2025 Update, Adopted January 2017 -DRAFT

MOUNT VERNON CORRIDOR ACTION PLAN

CZECH VILLAGE NEWBO AREA ACTION PLAN

COMMUNITY CLIMATE ACTION PLAN

COMMUNITY CLIMATE ACTION PLAN

AGE FRIENDLY ACTION PLAN

Age Friendly Action Plan Goals & Initiatives - 2025 Update, Adopted September 2022 -DRAFT

AGE FRIENDLY ACTION PLAN

Age Friendly Action Plan Goals & Initiatives - 2025 UPdate, Adopted September 2022 -DRAFT

AGE FRIENDLY ACTION PLAN

Public Art Plan Goals & Initiatives - 2025 Update, Adopted April 2022 -DRAFT

PUBLIC ART PLAN

Public Art Plan Goals & Initiatives - 2025 Update, Adopted April 2022 -DRAFT

PUBLIC ART PLAN

ROCKFORD ROAD MICRO-AREA PLAN

GOAL 1: EMBRACE THE CR RIVER

GOAL 2: ENSURE DOWNTOWN IS ACTIVATED AND VIBRANT

GOAL 2: ENSURE DOWNTOWN IS ACTIVATED AND VIBRANT

GOAL 2: ENSURE DOWNTOWN IS ACTIVATED AND VIBRANT

GOAL 3: IMPROVE CONNECTIVITY WITHIN DOWNTOWN & TO ADJACENT DISTRICTS & NEIGHBORHOODS

GOAL A: EXPAND THE EXTENT AND USE OF THE TRAIL AND BIKEWAY NETWORK

Trails and Bikeways Plan - 2025 Update, Adopted May 2025 -DRAFT

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THEMES

THEMES THAT UNDERPIN THE ENTIRE PLAN

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OVERVIEW

You will find here a visionary plan for action, rooted in the strong commitment of the residents of Cedar Rapids to continue what they have so well-started: to build an ever-better Cedar Rapids.

The plan’s structure is simple. Here, in the DISCOVER section, you will get an introduction to the background materials and process that drove the plan. You will also see the four themes that drive the plan forward: sustainability, health, placemaking, and efficiency. These themes are ever-present throughout the plan.

The GUIDING PRINCIPLES section demonstrates the foundation for the plan, built from the grassroots up. These principles should drive decision-making within Cedar Rapids and throughout the region for many years to come. The public engagement process led directly to these principles and their resulting land use maps. This is a critical section for decision-makers and for the public to understand the broad-sweeping overall direction of the plan.

Then you will see six detailed sections or plan ELEMENTS – these make up the essence of the plan. Each element consists of a background discussion before introducing you to the element’s goals. Each goal is supported by a series of initiatives that will help the city achieve that goal over time and reach the vision embodied through that element.

Finally, this plan reiterates the INITIATIVES in summary form, complete with timelines, roles and responsibilities – the information essential to creating a plan for action.

But this plan begins at the beginning – with a basic understanding of the purpose of a comprehensive plan.

ELEMENTS

The elements of this plan, with their associated goals, are as follows:

StrengthenCR. Make bold moves in community planning to retain the character of neighborhoods and corridors.

GrowCR. Engage in future planning to encourage sustainable connections of growth areas to existing neighborhoods.

ConnectCR. Create a culture that enhances transportation options for pedestrians and cyclists through complete streets, trails, and public transportation.

GreenCR. Buffer and connect existing parks, trails, and streams to build a natural network in addition to regional collaborations and individual efforts to improve stormwater management, water quality, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation.

InvestCR. Make Cedar Rapids a desirable place for businesses to start, move, and grow by leveraging resources to invest in business districts and amenities that keep and attract a skilled workforce.

ProtectCR. Provide quality services to increase neighborhood safety and keep moving forward with the flood control system.

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THE ELEMENT NAMES HAVE BEEN ADOPTED AS THE CITY COUNCIL’S GOALS. THE DESCRIPTIONS OF THE CITY COUNCIL GOALS HAVE BEEN USED TO DESCRIBE THE ENVISIONCR ELEMENTS AS SHOWN ON THIS PAGE.

WHAT IS A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN?

PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

The EnvisionCR comprehensive plan provides a vision for the future of Cedar Rapids, with a focus on priorities for city policies and public investments in the next 20 years.

Primary Roles

The plan serves three primary roles:

1. Community Building. Comprehensive planning provides an opportunity for residents to create a shared vision for their community. Residents and city staff identified issues and opportunities for Cedar Rapids' land use, infrastructure, public facilities, and natural resources, among other areas. These findings were used to set public priorities and provide a set of action steps that can improve quality of life and make the city more attractive for potential growth.

2. Legal Basis for Land Use Regulations. Section 414 of the Code of Iowa allows cities to adopt land use regulations such as zoning and subdivision ordinances, and to promote the "health, safety, morals or general welfare of the community." These regulations govern how land is developed within a municipality and its extra-territorial jurisdiction. Land use regulations recognize that people live cooperatively and have certain responsibilities to coordinate and harmonize the uses of private property. The comprehensive plan provides a legal basis for these regulations.

3. Guidance for Decision-Makers. The plan will serve as a guide for city staff, the Planning Commission, City Council, and other city boards and commissions, as they set policy and make investment and land use decisions.

The plan is designed as a flexible document that can be updated as conditions change over time.

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10 SMART PLANNING PRINCIPLES

Broad Guiding Values For Comprehensive Plans

1. Collaboration
2. Efficiency, Transparency and Consistency
3. Clean, Renewable and Efficient Energy
4. Occupational Diversity
5. Revitalization
6. Housing Diversity
7. Community Character
8. Natural Resources & Agricultural Protection
9. Sustainable Design
10. Transportation Diversity

13 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ELEMENTS

Sections to Include in All Comprehensive Plans

1. Public Participation
2. Issues and Opportunities
3. Land Use
4. Housing
5. Public Infrastructure and Utilities
6. Transportation
7. Economic Development
8. Agricultural and Natural Resources
9. Community Facilities
10. Community Character
11. Hazards
12. Intergovernmental Collaboration
13. Implementation

Iowa's Smart Planning Legislation

In 2010, the Iowa State Legislature passed the "Iowa Smart Planning Act" as a way to guide and encourage the development of local comprehensive plans. The legislation outlines ten smart planning principles and 13 comprehensive plan elements that Iowa cities should use to develop comprehensive plans. These guidelines are intended to improve economic opportunities, preserve the natural environment, protect quality of life, and ensure equitable decision-making processes.

The smart planning principles and comprehensive plan elements as defined in the legislation are listed above.

Though the sets of elements and principles may look similar, they differ in that the ten smart planning principles are meant to be the overarching values that inform each of the 13 elements of the plan.

The Cedar Rapids comprehensive plan was created in compliance with the guidelines of the Iowa Smart Planning Act. The plan addresses all 13 elements of a comprehensive plan required by the Iowa Smart Planning Act, but is organized in a format that fits Cedar Rapids' public engagement process and planning needs. Cedar Rapids received an Iowa smart planning grant that partially funded the creation of this plan.

UNDERSTANDING TRENDS

Population Projection

As Cedar Rapids prepares for its future, the first step in the process is to understand trends. Population projections help Cedar Rapids plan efficiently for future land use and community services. It is helpful to plan for a slightly optimistic growth rate. A one percent growth rate results in a 2035 population of about 1,000. This change raises immediate questions.

• Where will people live and what will be their housing preferences?
• Where will the city attract and support new employment for industrial and commercial growth?
• How will the city best provide access to existing neighborhoods and emerging growth areas? Infrastructure, too?
• How will Cedar Rapids develop differently to promote health, recreation, and mobility options?
• What will it take to improve the experience of living and visiting Cedar Rapids? How does the city enhance amenities to ensure quality of life improvements?

Cedar Rapids' residents and businesses are enormous community assets and their participation was essential to answering these, and many other, questions during the planning process.

CHART 1: Population Change and Projection

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CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS

THE CEDAR RAPIDS POPULATION IS CHANGING. RECENT TRENDS SHOW THE POPULATION IS AGING AND BECOMING MORE RACIALLY AND ETHNICALLY DIVERSE.

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2.3x: THE INCREASE IN CEDAR RAPIDS’ HISPANIC/LATINO POPULATION FROM 2000 - 2018.

THE INCREASE IN THE NON-WHITE POPULATION IN CEDAR RAPIDS, AS PERCENT OF TOTAL POPULATION, FROM 2000 TO 2018: 8% - 15%

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

This section of the plan describes outreach efforts of a community engagement program unprecedented in scope and its efforts to involve as many people from Cedar Rapids as possible. The campaign for maximizing communication and opportunities for the public input process include:

Steering Committee

The steering committee was an important team of decision-makers and involved citizens focused on a vibrant future for Cedar Rapids, based on resident needs and recommendations. The steering committee met throughout the development of this plan, guiding the process overall and ensuring the people’s voices were well heard and considered.

Data Collection

Background materials related to the existing plan, past growth and land use, natural resources, neighborhoods, economy and a variety of other factors were developed to set the stage for understanding the importance of comprehensive planning. They also provided the starting point for building this plan and introducing the planning process to the steering committee, decision makers and the public-at-large.

Ongoing Feedback and Social Media

Throughout the process, the public has been invited to share ideas and input via the city’s website, including participation in www.crtalks.com, directly e-mailing the Community Development Department (communitydevelopment@cedar-rapids.org) and/or participating via Twitter or Facebook. On March 24, 2014, the city also launched an on-line forum specific to EnvisionCR via Google Hangout. Panelists participating in the forum included representatives of the Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance, Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Blue Zones, ImpactCR, and the Cedar Rapids Gazette. Public comments are viewable via the web through easy links from the EnvisionCR page on the city’s website.

Kick-off Celebration

On March 26, more than 300 residents engaged in a dynamic open house, that outlined essential content for the plan and seeking the public’s input on each of the categories:

• Neighborhoods and housing
• Land use and environment
• Parks and recreation
• Transportation
• Infrastructure and facilities
• Economic development
• Population and growth

At that kick-off event, and throughout the course of the public engagement process, the public was also asked to share its big ideas for the future of Cedar Rapids. Comments ranged from skate parks to support for industry and entrepreneurs. All comments were considered and many incorporated as the process moved forward – translating into principles, goals, initiatives, or additional critical background information for this document.

Stakeholder meetings, small group discussions, and interviews.

Throughout the process, but particularly in the winter and early spring of 2014, the consulting team and city Community Development staff conducted an ongoing series of conversations, reaching out to audiences from the following backgrounds:

• Natural resources and the environment
• Utilities, infrastructure, and energy production
• Police, fire, hazard mitigation, public safety
• Economic development and the financial community
• Industry and entrepreneurism
• Technology and communications
• Education and social services
• Neighborhood residents and leaders
• Downtown development
• Arts, culture and historic preservation
• Non-profit organizations
• Public health and medicine
• Regional services and initiatives
• Developers
• Planners

These conversations included discussions of the city’s current strengths and challenges, potential opportunities, desired future, and obstacles to achieving that future. Comments of both a broad-sweeping and specific nature were encouraged. These sessions provided critical insight to prepare for additional conversation with the public and stakeholders and for direct input into this plan.

Stakeholder Workshop

Two stakeholder workshops with 30-50 participants each were conducted to focus on key input aspects to the plan. The first workshop (March 26, 2014) involved visioning elements/big ideas and identifying gaps between a preferred future for Cedar Rapids and current conditions. A second workshop (June 17, 2014) saw the stakeholders developing goals, action steps, and considering measures of success.

Community Workshop

EnvisionCR covers a large and diverse area. In order to address specific local issues, one week-long planning workshop was held, allowing the public to stop by throughout the week and essentially become part of the

planning team. They identified issues and expressed ideas for their neighborhoods and businesses in words, sketches, and maps. This workshop took place in April 2014.

Student Program

Cedar Rapids may well lead the nation in involving youth in its comprehensive planning efforts, particularly through a series of highly interactive sessions involving four high school classrooms, reaching nearly 100 students. Initially, a member of the consulting team and/or city staff visited each classroom to gain insights into student likes/dislikes and big ideas for Cedar Rapids. These sessions were followed by a half-day event involving all classrooms at once, where students crafted visions, goals, and actions to move their community forward. They reported their results with a mix of flip chart bullet points, and dramatically more creative means (including art work and song). As one student put it at the conclusion of the event, “This makes me think I’d like to stay here after all.”

Mainstream Media

Articles, letters to the editor, radio and television interviews provided opportunities to communicate the plan’s purpose, objectives and emerging recommendations.

Open Houses

In addition to the kick-off celebration, two additional open houses provided key points of opportunity for public input and feedback on the plan as developed at that point in time. Held on August 27, 2014 and November 10, 2014, these open houses generated 100+ participants each and high quality feedback, including detailed review on the part of many citizens of the draft goals and initiatives using a pencil-and-paper feedback instrument.

DIALOGUE OPENS DOORS FOR CITY PLANNING

By Kyle Skogman Published in Corridor Business Journal August 25, 2014

Public engagement can be a challenging and rewarding component of civic planning. Over the last several months, I’ve been encouraged to see the city facilitate meaningful dialogue as part of the new comprehensive plan, EnvisionCR.

I’ve been afforded the opportunity to advocate for diverse community and business representatives by participating on the EnvisionCR steering committee, a role that has allowed me to glimpse a wide-array of public feedback.

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This opportunity has only grown my respect for the varying perspectives we share as a community, and for the well-rounded structure the city is giving to their comprehensive plan.

Alongside representatives from non-profits, young professional networks, developers, business owners, educational professionals, corporations, and City Council members, the steering committee has helped champion the direction of the draft plan, and helped unravel a myriad of public feedback comments.

While our perspectives are diverse, we have found that our goals are very much the same. We see the need to keep building on the momentum of downtown, from Newbo to Kingston. We see the value and the importance of studying our transportation system – we want to avoid repeats of infrastructure that has brought frustrations or challenges. We have expressed a desire for a robust economic development strategy, giving traction to young entrepreneurs and making ourselves attractive to outside businesses.

Together, key stakeholders have wrestled with questions that fundamentally shape the Cedar Rapids landscape; questions like what does it mean to be an economic leader? How do we establish ourselves as the hub of the region? How can we promote mixed-use development? What can we do to ensure Cedar Rapids offers activities that appeal to a wide age range?

I have been proud to help facilitate this critical dialogue as Cedar Rapids moves forward with the next steps of their comprehensive plan.

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GUIDING PRINCIPLES

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"There is no logic that can be superimposed on the city; people make it, and it is to them, not buildings, that we must fit our plans."

• Jane Jacobs, Author

STRUCTURE

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE PLAN

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DISCOVER A review of the public engagement process and trends indicated by previous plans, reports, and studies.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES The principles of the plan emerged through the public engagement process, and established the desirable conditions for Cedar Rapids' future.

ELEMENTS The structure of the plan is organized around six strategic elements, each providing goals and initiatives for public policy.

IMPLEMENTATION An ongoing process that uses and updates the plan.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

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ACHIEVE A UNIFIED VISION

LIVE HEALTHY

STRENGTHEN NEIGHBORHOODS

KEEP BUSINESS VIBRANT

CONNECT THE CITY

EMBRACE THE OUTDOORS

STREAMLINE SERVICES

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

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ACHIEVE A UNIFIED VISION

LIVE HEALTHY

STRENGTHEN NEIGHBORHOODS

KEEP BUSINESS VIBRANT

CONNECT THE CITY

EMBRACE THE OUTDOORS

STREAMLINE SERVICES

As an urban center in an agricultural region, Cedar Rapids is comfortable in balancing diverse interests, exploring options, and supporting a broad spectrum of lives and livelihoods.

EnvisionCR's guiding principles reflect a community focused on a vibrant and dynamic future of lasting value - one that promotes public health, social engagement, a robust economy, natural resources and life-long learning. At the same time, Cedar Rapids embraces history and a future of artistic, cultural, scientific, and technical vitality.

The people of Cedar Rapids plan proactively for their future. Their conversations point to a set of principles that should shape the city's work ahead for years to come. It should be noted the four themes of sustainability, health, placemaking, and efficiency are ever present as an undercurrent to these guiding principles. These principles - intended to drive decision-making - are derived from the many stakeholder conversations and broad public input sessions held in support of this plan.

Theses principles, along with the goals and initiatives of this plan, also exist to support the City's vision statement, which describes a broad goal for the future of Cedar Rapids:

Cedar Rapids, a vibrant urban hometown—a beacon for people and businesses invested in building a greater community now and for the next generation.

ACHIEVE A UNIFIED VISION

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COLLABORATE TO ACHIEVE A UNIFIED VISION FOR THE CITY AND REGION.

REGIONALISM

Cedar Rapids desires to facilitate a regional environment that supports not just individual community or neighborhood needs, but recognizes the importance of regional collaboration and regional vision. Participation in ICR Iowa, annexation and utility agreements, and the trails network serve as features in getting this work underway. Enhanced regional functions and goals need to be a part of the future of Cedar Rapids and its surroundings.

CREATIVE HUB OF THE CORRIDOR

Cedar Rapids’ role in ICR Iowa referenced above reinforces this concept of regionalism. The goal of ICR Iowa is to develop the seven county region surrounding Cedar Rapids and Iowa City into a nationally-recognized, prosperous region with creativity at its center. Cultural exchange, rather than single direction transfers, is essential to this vision. Cedar Rapids residents want to see NewBo, Paramount, the Czech-Slovak District, the McGrath Amphitheatre and more coalesce into a critical cultural mass with traction.

LIVE HEALTHY

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CREATE A HEALTHY AND DESIRABLE PLACE TO LIVE. Healthy places support residents’ mental and physical health and in so doing, quickly attain a “buzz” – a distinction as a place for families and young professionals to call home. Cedar Rapids has been designated a Bicycle Friendly Community and recently named an All-American City. These designations confirm Cedar Rapids’ alignment with this principle.

A COMMUNITY OF CHOICE Cedar Rapids’ residents ask for options. Many speak to a desire to embrace diversity in all things. They want to walk as well as ride, promote entrepreneurship while embracing industry, connect to the river or enjoy an upland neighborhood. They welcome an opportunity to design daily living that meets their personal, family, inter-generational, and cultural needs. Removing or reducing barriers to healthier choices, such as active transportation and eating fresh fruits and vegetables, should be a priority.

RESILIENT CITY A healthy community is one that can weather storms of many kinds—from natural disasters to economic downtowns. This applies at the City level, such as building infrastructure that can withstand damaging conditions, to the individual level, as physical, mental, and economic health supports households that can successfully face challenging conditions.

STRENGTHEN NEIGHBORHOODS

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STRENGTHEN THE QUALITY OF CEDAR RAPIDS’ NEIGHBORHOODS. CREATE HOUSING OPTIONS FOR ALL.

TRADITIONS AND FUTURE NEEDS Strong neighborhoods honor the traditions of the past, but keep a mindful eye to resident needs for the future – through social, cultural, work, health, learning and recreation opportunities. Historic preservation also helps play a key role in this endeavor. Developing neighborhoods rich in living options supports the community of choice theme and builds community character.

NEIGHBORHOOD HUBS PRESERVING COMMUNITY CHARACTER Neighbors speak to a need for greater empowerment, identity, and a resulting strengthening of character and community. Cedar Rapids residents ask for connections throughout Cedar Rapids, but they still desire hubs of vitality dispersed throughout the community - allowing each neighborhood its focal point, its distinction.

SOCIAL EQUITY Equity is a key component to building strong neighborhoods and communities. Inclusion of all, regardless of age, gender identity, race, income, and many other social characteristics, is an essential part of creating a more equitable society. Considering the needs of our most vulnerable residents helps build stronger neighborhoods for all.

KEEP BUSINESS VIBRANT

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REINVEST IN THE CITY’S BUSINESS DISTRICTS. COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY FOR PRIVATE INVESTMENT.

Cedar Rapids continues to support and benefit from the long-term employers, many with agricultural, technological or other innovative roots. New opportunities emerge through entrepreneurship, incubators, and innovation corridors. Cedar Rapids has enjoyed success through attracting small satellites of larger businesses and encouraging their local growth.

DOWNTOWN VITALITY

Residents want to provide the foundation for experiences both tactile and technological, adventurous and reflective, entrepreneurial and artisan. The public sees the current downtown as mostly business interests, but they aspire to see boutiques, start-ups, and artful spaces. They love NewBo and want more.

SKILLED WORKERS

Industry and economic development experts want Cedar Rapids to better integrate education and specific work-force needs in the community. They speak of a potential shortfall in the jobs they need filled and what the workforce can provide. Interest in improved integration of Cedar Rapids' dynamic education centers into the fabric of the community surfaces here. Ongoing dialogue between businesses and academia are important.

INDUSTRY EMBRACED

Industry has been and remains a key piece of Cedar Rapids' economy and identity. Cedar Rapids should embrace that history and tell its story, as it supports the development and expansion of industry and technology today.

CONNECT THE CITY

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CONNECT ALL PARTS OF THE CITY. INTEGRATE LAND USES AND ENCOURAGE PEDESTRIAN-SCALED DESIGN.

Cedar Rapids’ growth of the future includes increased linkages and/or bringing services and choices together for access, collaboration, and synergism. Connections between people are as important as connections between places.

PLACES AND PATHS Residents seek physical connections that reflect the “community choice” theme. Walking, cycling, and public transportation must be as accessible as options for the car. Closer proximity of areas where residents can live, work, learn, and play allow for easy pathways and/or merged services.

HUMAN CONNECTION Foster community connection, both between neighbors and between residents and the City. Neighborhood Associations, supported by City Staff, are one path to increase connections between neighborhoods. City communications, such as press releases, social media, and the quarterly OurCR magazine, along with direct connections with residents can help build a strong relationship and trust between the City and the residents we serve.

EMBRACE THE OUTDOORS

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PRESERVE NATURAL AREAS AND MANAGE IMPACTS. ESTABLISH A PREMIER SYSTEM FOR PARKS AND RECREATION.

A post-flood Cedar Rapids has already made great strides in embracing its natural systems. Relatively recent studies speak to the value of environmentally sensitive areas and large tracts of habitat to support diverse plants and wildlife. Residents need nature integrated into daily living for physical and mental health.

A GREENER CITY The riverfront greenway is just one piece of a community seeking at every turn to make its mark in the arena of sustainability. Pockets of dynamic social spaces coupled with relatively high per capita park acres have inspired residents and leaders to promote public health in daily living, to support restoration, multi-family housing, energy conservation and alternative fuels, complete streets, sustainable sites, easy-access trails - the list goes on. They ask for a community that makes a commitment to sustainability.

EMBRACE THE RIVER As the City develops the Flood Control System, it is important to maintain our connection with the Cedar River. We should recognize our river as an asset and enhance opportunities for residents to connect with nature and enjoy recreation opportunities on and around the river.

STREAMLINE SERVICES

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PROVIDE EFFICIENT URBAN SERVICES.

STREAMLINED GOVERNMENT, EFFECTIVE PARTNERSHIPS Many see the public-private partnership - in varied configurations - as one of the paths to Cedar Rapids' future success. They see those partnerships most enriched through government systems that foster collaboration and coordination. One-stop-shops, all stakeholder roundtables and consistency across boundaries in rules and rule-making surface as potential tools for Cedar Rapids' progressive future.

CONTINUAL INNOVATION The City of Cedar Rapids has a strong culture of innovation and adaptability, which has served well to allow the City to react to unanticipated events and circumstances. This philosophy should continue to grow as we strive to improve services and react to ever changing conditions.

FUTURE LAND USE MAP

The Future Land Use Map shows the future land use designations for existing land uses and longer term growth areas. This map shows land use transitions that will not occur for many years, beyond the 2035 time frame.

The future land use map is based on the guiding principles and adopt an intensity-based approach to managing land development.

Important Points About the Maps

The map depicts new land uses for privately owned properties. The transition of these properties from their current use to the depicted use is expected to occur over time, in response to market demands, as property owners voluntarily sell, develop, or change the use of their land.

The Future Land Use Map presents the land uses envisioned for the future. The new land uses represented on this map will transition over time, as property owners voluntarily sell, develop, or change their property.

The Future Land Use map provides flexibility for a variety of land uses within each Land Use Typology Area (LUTA). The map should provide guidance for:

• Levels of intensity and density.
• Generalized land use locations and transitions: Minor variations in land use, such as a small civic use on a residential block, are not reflected in this generalized map, but may still be permitted per new zoning regulations.
• Collector and Arterial Street connections: Critical arterial and collector street connections are specified on this map, though the exact routes will depend on detailed engineering studies. Local streets will be determined as development occurs. See ConnectCR.
• Critical Natural Resource Areas: Areas are based on the development suitability map in GreenCR. The boundaries of these areas should be given significant weight in decision-making.

Guide for Land Use Decisions. The Future Land Use map will guide the land use and development decisions of the City Planning Commission and the City Council. As such, it serves to inform property owners and encourage development proposals that are consistent with the community vision.

MAP 1: Future Land Use Map

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Due to the dynamic nature of the Future Land Use Map, all instances of this map shown in this document are intended to be illustrative and may not show the most up to date LUTA. The official Future Land Use Map shall be maintained by the city and made available online at crgis.cedar-rapids.org/FLUM or upon request.

LUTA Overlays

• ||||| Environmental Conservation
• — Urban Reserve
• — Cedar Rapids Boundaries

Land Use Typology Areas

• Agriculture
• Park/Open Space
• Rural
• Urban Low Intensity
• Urban Large Lot
• Urban Medium Intensity
• Urban High Intensity
• Downtown
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Employement Reserve
• Public/Semi-Public
• Flood Control Study Area

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ELEMENTS

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"Isn't it astonishing that all of these secrets have been preserved for so many years just so we could discover them!"

• Orville Wright, former resident of Cedar Rapids

STRUCTURE

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE PLAN

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DISCOVER A review of the public engagement process and trends indicated by previous plans, reports, and studies.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES The principles of the plan emerged through the public engagement process, and established the desirable conditions for Cedar Rapids' future.

ELEMENTS The structure of the plan is organized around six strategic elements, each providing goals and initiatives for public policy.

IMPLEMENTATION An ongoing process that uses and updates the plan.

ELEMENTS

STRATEGIC APPROACH TO ACCOMPLISHING GOALS

The elements of this plan, with their associated goals, are as follows:

StrengthenCR. Make bold moves in community planning to retain the character of neighborhoods and corridors.

GrowCR. Make bold moves in future planning to encourage sustainable connections of growth areas to existing neighborhoods.

ConnectCR. Create a culture that enhances transportation options for pedestrians and cyclists through complete streets, trails, and public transportation.

GreenCR. Buffer and connect existing parks, trails, and streams to build a natural network in addition to regional collaborations and individual efforts to improve stormwater management, water quality, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation.

InvestCR. Make Cedar Rapids a desirable place for businesses to start, move, and grow by leveraging resources to invest in business districts and amenities that keep and attract a skilled workforce.

ProtectCR. Provide quality services to increase neighborhood safety and keep moving forward with the flood control system.

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STRENGTHENCR

STRENGTHENCR

StrengthenCR focuses on strengthening Cedar Rapids’ neighborhoods. This element covers topics related to land use, housing, mobility, services and infrastructure, and other topics important to neighborhoods. This element identifies specific strategies and initiatives to ensure Cedar Rapids is a city of strong and vibrant neighborhoods, and also outlines an approach to planning for its diverse communities.

AN APPROACH TO FUTURE PLANNING EFFORTS

EnvisionCR provides the foundation for all future planning efforts. Recognizing that planning is continually happening, StrengthenCR outlines an approach to planning that provides a mechanism for neighborhoods, residents, and other stakeholders to work with the city to develop plans that respond to their diverse needs and contexts. Specifically, StrengthenCR outlines four types of planning initiatives:

1. 1. Neighborhood Action Plans. Neighborhood Actions Plans are reserved for neighborhood associations.
2. 2. Area Action Plans. Area Action Plans cover areas of the city that are located outside of neighborhood associations.
3. 3. Corridor Action Plans. Corridor Action Plans focus on important transportation corridors. Corridor action plans may be integrated into a neighborhood or area action plan, or may be stand-alone.
4. 4. Study Areas. Certain areas of the city may require more in-depth study and technical analyses prior to any formal planning process. These areas will be studied further prior to initiating one of the aforementioned action plans.
5. 5. Micro-Area Action Plans. Similar to area action plans, but focuses on a smaller geographic area.

All action plans will be tailored toward the unique geographic, demographic, and social diversity of each area. They will involve stakeholders, including but not limited to residents, businesses, property owners, city departments, regional agencies, and adjacent jurisdictions. At a minimum plans will be developed using the following guidelines also shown in Figure 1:

• Assess existing conditions, including a “Visual Preference Survey” and a “Character Analysis”.
• Review and evaluate land use policy issues.
• Review and evaluate the transportation network and identify improvements that meet the needs of all users and ensure multi-modal connectivity.
• Review and evaluate service and utility needs and identify issues and solutions.
• Explore opportunities for infill and redevelopment of vacant and underutilized parcels.
• Identify specific goals and outline policy initiatives and action steps to achieve those goals.

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STRENGTHENCR GOALS

1. Support existing and new neighborhood associations through the development of Neighborhood Action Plans.
2. Improve the quality and identity of neighborhoods and key corridors.
3. Adopt policies that create choices in housing types and prices throughout the city.
4. Create a city that is affordable and accessible to all members of the community.

Visual Preference Survey

A visual preference survey, or an equivalent, will aid in determining those aspects of development character deemed to be positive and negative. This technique asks stakeholders to score images that illustrate various elements of development character.

Character Analysis of the Built Environment

Based on the feedback from the visual preference survey on what types of development are considered positive and what types are considered negative, a character analysis will be conducted. The character analysis examines the built environment and determines the positive and negative development features and identifies the dominant development characteristics – both positive and negative.

Review Development Regulations

A review of the development regulations is an important part of any planning effort. Based on the results of the character analysis, development regulations can be reviewed to evaluate whether they support the maintenance of the positive characteristics and provide tools to correct the negative characteristics. If existing regulations are inconsistent with this analysis, recommendations for revisions of current regulations or the creation of new regulations should be incorporated into the list of identified policy initiatives and action steps.

Figure 2 is a diagram of the various planning efforts that show the relationship to EnvisionCR. Neighborhood Action Plans, Area Action Plans, and Corridor Action Plans act as components of EnvisionCR, the foundational document, and must be consistent with its goals.

FIGURE 1: Minimum Plan Development Guidelines

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An example of an approach to a Character Analysis:

1. General Character:

   • Is development suburban or urban character?
   • What is the density of development?
   • Is there residential diversity (single-family/attached/multi-family)?
   • What are the dominant building forms?
   • Is there integration or separation of land use types?

2. Street and Block Patterns:

   • Is there a grid street pattern, or irregular block shapes with cul-de-sacs?
   • Are alleys prevalent?
   • Are there sidewalks? Where are they?
   • Is there on-street parking?
   • What is the public area and private landscaping?

3. Building Placement and Location:

   • What are the dominant single-family front/side setbacks?
   • What are the dominant multi-family and commercial setbacks?
   • What is the commercial building orientation?
   • What is the location of surface parking?

4. Building Height:

   • What are the typical heights of single-family, multi-family and commercial buildings?

5. Mobility:

   • What is the neighborhood’s reliance on the automobile verses accommodation of pedestrian, bicycle and multi-modal transportation systems?

GOAL 1: Support existing and new neighborhood associations through the development of Neighborhood Action Plans.

Some areas of Cedar Rapids do not have a formal neighborhood group. Without encouragement by city officials, neighborhood groups typically only form and become active to address ongoing serious neighborhood issues or take advantage of a specific opportunity. For example, many of today’s more active neighborhood groups were re-invigorated in response to the flood of 2008. However, this often leaves many neighborhoods without a clear impetus to organize, despite the potential benefits. In order to encourage more neighborhoods to become active and organize, the city created a Neighborhood Certification Program.

Currently, Cedar Rapids has 10 registered neighborhood associations, as shown in Map 1. Neighborhood groups can be a huge benefit to a community – they can help plan and support neighborhood improvements, create a stronger sense of community, and act as a liaison with the city.

To date, the focus of Cedar Rapids' neighborhood planning efforts has been on the downtown and central city neighborhoods. These neighborhoods were most impacted by the 2008 flood, and the flood recovery process created an immediate need to plan for the future of these neighborhoods. In each of these planning processes, neighborhood residents, property owners, business people, and other stakeholders were brought together to identify neighborhood issues and develop goals and strategies to address the most serious problems.

NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION PLANS

While the planning that has occurred since the 2008 flood has been successful, many areas of the city may benefit from more specific, targeted planning efforts. These planning efforts will allow a more detailed look at the city's diverse communities.

StrengthenCR outlines an approach to future planning efforts and establishes a process by which residents and other stakeholders may engage in a planning process that addresses the issues and identifies the opportunities unique to individual communities. Specifically, Neighborhood Action Plans, which are reserved for certified neighborhood associations, will be developed.

Neighborhoods are often defined by a combination of factors, ranging from social to economic, but the physical geography of the community typically plays a fundamental role. The series of maps in this section illustrates the physical

PLANS ONLINE

The Wellington Heights Neighborhood Plan is an example of a Neighborhood Action Plan. Visit:

www.cedar-rapid.org/government/departments/community-development

features that in many cases help to define neighborhoods.

Over time new neighborhood groups will form, and this is encouraged through the city's Neighborhood Certification Program. The focus of Neighborhood Action Plans is on these formally organized groups of citizens with defined neighborhood boundaries. Within these areas, the city is committed to working with neighborhood groups and other stakeholders on the development of future Neighborhood Action Plans.

FIGURE 2: EnvisionCR Planning Program

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MAP 1: Registered Neighborhood Associations in Cedar Rapids - 2023

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Bever Park	Ellis Harbor	Northwest Neighbors	Vernon Heights
Cedar Valley	Kenwood Park	Oak Hill Jackson	Wellington Heights
Cherry Hill	Mound View		Westdale Area
Cleveland Area	Noelridge Park	Taylor

ONGOING TASKS

The City continually tracks the progress of the Neighborhood Certification Program work plan projects. Neighborhood groups should seek to be recognized by the city as a Certified Neighborhood. Receiving the designation will assist in communication between grassroots interests and projects and possible support from the city.

The City also provides the Neighborhood Service Delivery Program (NSD) to existing and newly formed neighborhood associations. NSD consists of programs and tools organized by the city to deliver to neighborhoods, with the goals of addressing issues such as safety, maintenance, infrastructure, connectivity, and city responsiveness; building relationships among neighborhoods; bringing government closer to people; and increasing visibility.

Neighborhood Action Plans, initiated by the city or neighborhood group, are strategic plans supported by the city. The Westdale Area Action Plan was adopted in December of 2022.

GOAL 2: Improve the quality and identity of neighborhoods and key corridors.

The character and quality of neighborhoods and corridors help define the city. In addition, improving the quality of these areas improves perceptions, provides a strong sense of place, and helps to attract and retain a vibrant population. Making improvements and enhancing the quality of the city's diverse communities requires an approach to planning that incorporates the unique character of each area, but also considers a variety of topics that impact all communities.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Land Use and Transportation Connection

Every community is unique, but many communities' most celebrated areas have an integrated mix of land use and a multi-modal transportation system that meets the needs of all users. In planning for Cedar Rapids' communities, it is important to consider how land use patterns impact people's mobility. Promoting multiple land uses and higher intensities, as opposed to low-density sprawl, encourages biking, walking, and transit use. This also promotes a more active lifestyle and leads to healthier and more sustainable communities.

Creating Opportunities for Infill Development

Promoting infill development is a land use strategy that reduces the amount of land consumed and also reduces the cost of providing infrastructure and services. Development on vacant and underutilized sites that have access to public utilities is encouraged.

Brownfield sites, which are environmentally contaminated or potentially contaminated sites, also provide opportunities for infill development. There are challenges to developing these sites, as costs for remediation are often expensive.

In many cases, financing, incentives, or other programs are necessary in order to promote redevelopment on brownfields. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources maintains an inventory of contaminated sites, which provides useful information for planning purposes.

Restoring the historic fabric in neighborhoods is a tool for economic development. For example, adapting the Water Tower Place introduced housing in NewBo, which ultimately became a catalyst for additional neighborhood investment. These examples, along with hundreds of projects completed throughout Iowa, are examples of how historic preservation can stimulate new investment in existing neighborhoods.

Neighborhood Design

In addition to a mix of land uses and a variety of transportation options, design, including sustainable design, as well as arts and cultural and historic preservation can improve the overall health of a community.

Cedar Rapids has a rich history that stretches over more than a century. This history is partially reflected in the city's older buildings and important sites, most notably in and surrounding downtown but also in some residential and mixed use areas outside of the central district, such as the Czech Village. In addition, features that older adults consider relatively "new" now qualify for historic designations. For example, buildings constructed in the mid 1950s now meet the 50-year old guideline used by the National Register of Historic Places. These buildings and sites are important assets for the city, provide the possibility of significant economic return, and help tell the city's story.

Much of the design for older neighborhoods focused on having sidewalks that connected people to schools, parks, neighborhood commercial; porches that engaged the neighborhood; trees and landscaping that framed the street; and garages were subordinate to the home and tucked behind the main facade. These distinctive characteristics of Cedar Rapids' pre-WWII neighborhoods are positive neighborhood attributes that need to be preserved and emulated.

Infill development should respect the established urban character of the neighborhood and reinforce design that promotes walkability, convenience, and engagement with neighbors. Incentive programs could be designed to support private initiatives that encourage walkable characteristics.

Green Building Practices

The Community Climate Action Plan calls for a Sustainable Business Program (Carbon-Free Action 3, page 31). The program, called Community Leaders, will enhance sustainable building practices (energy efficiency, clean energy, electrification, water, waste reduction) and land-use practices (trees, green infrastructure, gardens, bicycling facilities). The Green Homes program guides and celebrates sustainability action in neighborhoods, supporting the mission of the Community Climate Action Plan (Carbon-Free Action 1, page 29)..

Placemaking

The presence of cultural facilities can enhance specific districts (neighborhoods/areas/ etc.) and the community as a whole. These can include museums, performance spaces, galleries, civic buildings, public art and other public and private institutions. Existing cultural resources are an important part of the community and should be incorporated into future plans. Community planning efforts should identify opportunities to enhance districts with public art, gateway features and the thoughtful placement of potential future cultural facilities.

Historic Resources

MAP 2: 15-Minute Walk Time near Schools

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Connection to Schools

Neighborhood schools are the core of a neighborhood. Map 2 shows the school locations of the school districts that serve Cedar Rapids. The identity of many Cedar Rapids’ neighborhoods is wrapped up in their schools – they are the focal point of the neighborhood, they create a gathering place for nearby residents, and often provide an attractive amenity by offering playgrounds and green space that are open to the public. Neighborhood schools are an important part of what attracts people to live in a neighborhood, and they play a role in creating the emotional connection that keeps residents there over time. This emotional component has a tangible effect on whether residents continue to invest in their properties and neighborhoods, and is thus a critical part of preventing neighborhood deterioration.

Map 3 identifies a 15-minute walk time around individual schools. These areas are priority areas for maintaining and improving connectivity in neighborhoods. Overcoming barriers to walkability will increase the number of people on sidewalks. These include:

Physical Barriers. Natural and built features can limit walkability and convenience. These features include rivers, steep slopes, busy streets, poor connection among streets, and lack of sidewalks.

Psychological Barriers. Aside from the physical barriers, walkers are influenced by their sense of security - their level of anxiety while traveling to their destination. Poor lighting and distressed housing/property can influence a person’s decision to walk to school, visit a friend by bike, run an errand, exercise and other routine activities.

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MAP 3: National Register of Historic Places - Listed Districts

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Historic Resources

Historic resources are an important part of Cedar Rapids' identity. They enhance quality of life, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability, which can lead to a community's overall space well being. Investment in these assets is a priority of the City of Cedar Rapids, and therefore, future planning efforts should carefully consider the role of historic preservation.

Map 4 outlines the city's nine national historic districts.

Local and National Districts

1. 2nd & 3rd Avenue Historic District
2. Redmond Park – Grande Avenue Historic District

National Districts Only

1. 3rd Avenue SW Commercial National Historic District
2. B Avenue NE National Historic District
3. Bohemian Commercial National Historic District
4. May's Island National Historic District
5. Oak Hill Cemetery National Historic District
6. Downtown National Historic District
7. Auto Row National Historic District

Historic Preservation Plan

The City's first Historic Preservation Plan (HPP) was adopted by the City Council on September 22, 2015. The HPP was one of eight identified measures to help mitigate the loss of historic properties from the 2008 flood as outlined in the terms of a Memorandum of Agreement in August of 2011. The HPP outlines the City's vision for historic preservation and the components of the preservation program. The preservation program consists of five parts:

1. Administration
2. Education
3. Incentives and benefits
4. Identification
5. Management Tools

The HPP identifies 10 overarching goals focused on preservation, which have policies and initiatives within them to help achieve the community's vision for preservation.

MAP 4: EnvisionCR Corridor Action Plan Locations

The Highway 100 Corridor Management Plan is an example of an Area Action Plan. This plan is a partnership between the Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization, the City of Cedar Rapids, and Linn County. The plan will include a development concept and provide recommendations on development phasing, serviceability, parks, and infrastructure needs.

Historic resources are an important part of Cedar Rapids' identity. They enhance quality of life, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability, which can lead to a community's overall space well being. Investment in these assets is a priority of the City of Cedar Rapids, and therefore, future planning efforts should carefully consider the role of historic preservation.

Map 4 outlines the city's nine national historic districts.

Local and National Districts

1. 2nd & 3rd Avenue Historic District
2. Redmond Park – Grande Avenue Historic District

National Districts Only

1. 3rd Avenue SW Commercial National Historic District
2. B Avenue NE National Historic District
3. Bohemian Commercial National Historic District
4. May's Island National Historic District
5. Oak Hill Cemetery National Historic District
6. Downtown National Historic District
7. Auto Row National Historic District

Historic Preservation Plan

The City's first Historic Preservation Plan (HPP) was adopted by the City Council on September 22, 2015. The HPP was one of eight identified measures to help mitigate the loss of historic properties from the 2008 flood as outlined in the terms of a Memorandum of Agreement in August of 2011. The HPP outlines the City's vision for historic preservation

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SOURCE: CITY OF CEDAR RAPIDS, HR GREEN, INC., RDG PLANNING & DESIGN

Cedar Rapids Plans

Downtown Vision	Rockford Road Micro-Area Action	College District Area	Mt Vernon Road Corridor
MedQuarter Master Development	Wellington Heights Area	Czech Village NewBo Area	6th Street SW Corridor
	Westdale Area	Northwest Neighborhood

MAP 5: Center Point Road Opportunities

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Gateways

Catalyst Sites

Key Intersection

Policy Areas

Landscaping

NW Neighborhood Area Action Plan is an example of a Corridor Action Plan. Although described as an area plan, the Northwest Neighborhood Plan focused on the main corridor of the area - Ellis Boulevard - and explored options to create a viable business corridor.

• Gateways. Gateways mark the arrival to the district. Signage, landscaping, art installations, and graphics are all possible features at gateways.

• Access Management. Corridor requires further study for improving the safety and circulation of vehicles entering the street from adjacent properties.

• Landscaping. Basic landscaping enhancements that may include shrubs, flowers, maintained lawn, and other plantings.

• Streetscaping. Enhancements may include landscaping, sidewalk improvements, street furniture, lighting, and graphics.

• Streetscaping Master Plan. Public initiative and probable financing to establish a uniform approach.

• Enhanced Greenspace. Large open spaces along corridors should be well-maintained.

MAP 6: Collins Road Opportunities

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Streetscaping

Streetscaping Master Plan

• LIGHTING
• PLANTING
• WALKWAYS
• GRAPHICS

Access Management

• REDESIGN INTERSECTION

Gateway

• PUBLIC ART
• LIGHTING
• MONUMENTS

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GOAL 3: Adopt policies that create choices in housing types and prices throughout the city.

The city's housing stock should accommodate residents of all life stages, incomes, and preferences. Providing a variety of housing choices helps to attract and retain residents and contributes to overall community vitality.

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

Cedar Rapids should continue to integrate a variety of housing types in existing and new growth areas. Land development ordinances should provide adequate flexibility to accommodate innovative and economical designs within traditional town patterns. Some of these configurations may include:

• Cluster Subdivisions. Clusters are useful when infrastructure cost should be minimized or environmental features exist which should be protected.
• Single-Family Attached Development. Single-family units have a common wall, allowing for construction economies and more useful side yards.
• Townhouses. Townhouses provide construction and land use efficiencies, while continuing the sense of a single-family neighborhood.
• Multi-Family. Multi-family development should be integrated into the structure of new neighborhoods, rather than developed on peripheral sites. Design standards should provide a residential scale and prevent creating a “project” look.

Neighborhoods may include a mix of housing types and target multiple price points in the market, allowing for a mix of housing options and incomes.

PRESERVATION OF EXISTING HOUSING STOCK

The preservation of existing neighborhoods and housing stock becomes especially important when there is a shortage of affordable units. Indeed, rehabilitation and preventive maintenance are the city’s most cost-effective ways to assuring a continued supply of good housing. Neighborhood conservation strategies include:

• Land Use Policies. Cedar Rapids should maintain zoning and land use policies that protect the integrity of its neighborhoods.
• Rehabilitation. Cedar Rapids should promote SAFE-CR and other programs listed in Goal #4 to promote the rehabilitation of housing stock that is in need of significant rehabilitation.

In addition to conventional rehabilitation programs, Cedar Rapids should promote the use of programs which help to convert existing rental housing stock to owner-occupancy in targeted neighborhoods. These programs include the FHA 203(K) program, an FHA mortgage insurance program, which combines loans for purchase and rehabilitation of property into a single, unified loan.

Development and enforcement of a strong housing standards ordinance, together with upgrading the housing stock through new affordable construction, can put significant competitive pressure on these units to upgrade or leave the market.

REGULATORY POLICIES THAT AFFECT HOUSING TYPE AND AFFORDABILITY

The primary regulatory tool that impacts housing type and affordability is zoning. Through the zoning code the city has the ability to shape the type of land uses it desires by location and to determine a baseline for appearance standards for those uses.

Through the adoption of local zoning standards, there is the potential that a community can develop “exclusionary” housing policies that limit the availability of housing. This often results in the community limiting housing to primarily expensive single-family homes, prohibiting smaller-lot affordable homes and severely limiting multi-family housing.

Cedar Rapids’ zoning code shows little evidence of exclusionary housing policies. Specifically, the zoning code promotes housing on smaller lots that can help to promote affordable homeownership by allowing less expensive smaller lots in new developments. In addition, a mix of land uses, especially commercial and residential mix use, are allowed and encouraged in multiple zones. The land use approach outlined in EnvisionCR will further help to promote a mix of land uses and a variety of housing types.

Many other elements of the zoning code also affect housing diversity, affordability, and accessibility. Therefore, as part of the city’s comprehensive update to the zoning code (see StrengthenCR Goal #2), the city will explore the allowance of density bonuses for affordable housing, second units, and joint live/work units in certain zoning districts.

COMPLETED INITIATIVES

7. Analyze the zoning and subdivision codes to ensure consistency with federal and state fair housing laws.

ADU section of the zoning code was expanded in 2022. Completed 2023

GOAL 4: Create a city that is affordable and accessible to all members of the community.

Providing housing opportunities to low and moderate income housing, seniors, persons with disabilities, and the homeless is particularly important to the city since these groups often do not have the resources to participate in private sector housing.

HOUSING NEEDS

Since the 2008 flood, the city has commissioned housing market analyses periodically to monitor absorption of replacement housing. Maxfield Research, Inc. prepared a comprehensive housing needs analysis for Cedar Rapids in October 2016, as seen in Table 1. The report includes a snapshot of Cedar Rapids' demographics, housing characteristics, rental housing market analysis, senior housing market analysis, for-sale housing market analysis, and finally housing needs analysis.

Recommendations outlined in the most recent housing study align with the goals of StrengthenCR. They include:

Market Rate Rental

• Continue to encourage new rentals in the Downtown Central Business District targeted to middle- to upper-income households.
• Because of construction and development costs, relative to market rate rents and housing prices, it may be difficult for a market rate apartment to be financially feasible. The city needs to participate in a public/private partnership to accomplish market rate rental projects, such as the existing downtown housing program.

Affordable Rental

• Continue to partner to undertake moderate-income affordable rental projects in accordance with identified market demands.

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Senior Housing

The housing study includes a number of specific recommendations regarding the accommodation of various types of senior housing. There is pent-up demand for additional subsidized senior rental units. City support of these efforts will range from supporting rezoning requests for project sites to potentially partnering with developers where market conditions require a public subsidy.

Contact Community Development at City Hall for the most recent copy of the Comprehensive Housing Needs Analysis.

Source: Maxfield Research and Consulting, September 2023 (pg 113)

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HOUSING SUPPLY

The Maxfield Housing Study reports:

• "As of 2023, Cedar Rapids is estimated to have approximately 59,328 housing units, of which about 70% are owner-occupied and 30% are renter-occupied."
• "Most of the homes in Cedar Rapids were builtbetween 1950 and 1980 (54%). An estimated 17% ofhomes in Cedar Rapids were built pre-1950 and the remaining 29% were built in 1980 or later. The shifts inthe overall age of housing stock indicate that the proportion of new housing is gradually increasing inCedar Rapids."
• The "overall vacancy rate of 1.4%” was reported as of June of 2023. “A healthy rental market usually maintains a vacancy rate of about 5%, whichpromotes competitive rates, ensures adequateconsumer choice and allows for unit turnover. Rentsincreased, on average, 7% since the previous surveyapproximately 12 months ago.

Privately Held Affordable Housing

According to the Maxfield Housing Study, there are 43 age-restricted housing facilities in the metro with subsidized senior units totaling 3,800. As of September of 2023, the overall vacancy for senior properties was estimated to be 5.6%. Deep-subsidy and shallow-subsidy units had a 0% vacancy rate, many with waiting lists for units.

City’s Housing Programs

The city currently administers the federally-subsidized Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, providing rental housing assistance to low-income residents. In 2023, a total of 1,030 families received assistance under the program. The city opened its waiting list for vouchers for one day in 2022 and received 1,300 applications. The waiting list is closed again and is not estimated to be opened again for another three years.

Beginning in 2024, the city will administer a single-family replacement housing program, locally known as Rebuilding Ownership Opportunities Together (“ROOTs”) 2.0 that provides incentives for replacement of owner-occupied housing. Low and moderate income buyers can purchase a new, energy efficient, affordable home and receive down payment assistance of up to $35,000. The program will create 101 new housing units in an effort to replace housing lost in the 2020 derecho. A companion Multi-family New Construction Program will produce 199 replacement rental units, 51% of which must be affordable to low and moderate renters. Additionally, an owner-occupied housing rehabilitation program will allow for up to 50 low to moderate-income households to receive assistance with repairs needed from derecho damage.into standard condition. The Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program assists 5-10 homeowners annually.

Programs assists approximately 40 homeowners annually with emergency repairs that prevent the home from becoming uninhabitable. A Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program assists low and moderate-income homeowners with more substantial repairs that bring the entire property into standard condition. The Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program assists 5-10 homeowners annually.

COMPLETED INITIATIVES

1. Develop strategies to address housing needs, as identified in the Housing Needs Assessment, that leverage resources, including Cityowned land.

Saving Properties and Revitalizing Communities (SPARC) program was adopted in 2023 and addresses vacant and abandoned properties. Completed 2023

2. Assess barriers to the development of accessible housing.

Barriers have been addressed with the Alliance for Equitable Housing. The organization is a multi-jurisdictional collaboration for developing a comprehensive housing solutions plan. Completed 2023

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GROWCR

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GROWCR

Cedar Rapids' ability to develop and redevelop land within the city limits is vital to its future. City policy should encourage quality development and redevelopment within the City limits and ensure that adequate land is available to accommodate anticipated development. During the last twenty-five years, Cedar Rapids has grown from a community of 108,000 people to 130,000. Physically, the city has expanded with residential subdivisions emerging on the fringe of the built areas and commercial development becoming even more decentralized along corridors. These patterns and changes have created a dispersed city pattern, often separating services and jobs from where people live. Thoughtful and useful policies help coordinate development and unify the city's development patterns, filling in gaps and expanding when necessary.

This section establishes the basic program for land development in Cedar Rapids during the next twenty years. This element works to manage growth for the long-term benefit of the city. Population growth and changing markets will continue to create demand for new housing and neighborhoods in Cedar Rapids. New population and trends will generate demand for commercial development. Economic development and diversification efforts will require new employment areas for changing needs. Despite this element's emphasis on growth, the plan's focus steers development toward infill projects to existing areas of the community.

Flooding circumstances of the past force Cedar Rapids to be even more proactive to shape its future, rather than merely react to demands resulting from devastation. Development should not occur randomly, and its appropriate management and direction will contribute to the quality of the city. Indeed, present and prospective residents of cities increasingly demand more attractive and convenient communities. Cedar Rapids' character and quality will be important to future marketing and development within the City limits. New growth centers should be part of a coordinated policy leading to a stronger community.

This section considers the amount of development needed to accommodate the city's projected 2035 population of 161,073 (1% annual growth rate). It establishes a strategy to guide the city's growth, based on the premise that new growth is critical to Cedar Rapids' success as a community. Investments in the city's infrastructure, transportation system, public facilities, and community services should be designed to serve growth efficiently.

This section begins with an in-depth discussion of a new approach to development regulations and therefore, growth management. Following the discussion of Land Use Typology Areas (LUTAs), the specific goals are addressed.

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GROWCR GOALS

1. Encourage mixed-use and infill development.
2. Manage growth and development to balance costs and serviceability to neighborhoods.
3. Connect growing areas to existing neighborhoods.
4. Communicate and collaborate with regional partners.

FUTURE LAND USE

Contemporary growth in American cities has tended to “zone” different land uses away from one another. The concept of single-use zoning grew out of a need to separate places in which people lived from major industries in order to protect their health. In some cases, neighboring uses can produce so much traffic, noise, smells, or other environmental effects that separation remains the most appropriate policy. But, increasingly, mixing of compatible but different uses creates interesting and attractive communities. A development pattern that encourages a mix of land uses and activities increases the vitality and sense of security of a place and increases the number of people using public spaces. A variety of uses closer to one another can also reduce the number of miles that people must travel by car to conduct their daily lives.

A mixed land use pattern opens up opportunities to build a variety of housing types. The development of housing above office and commercial establishments adds vitality to business areas and increases the economic yield on property. Nationally, more communities are finding that by mixing land uses, neighborhoods are more attractive to workers who are looking at quality of life criteria when determining where to settle. Plans and land development policies that provide appropriate mixing of use also provide greater flexibility for those who build communities and avoid unnecessary regulation.

LAND USE TYPOLOGY AREAS

To achieve these goals, Cedar Rapids uses a framework of Land Use Typology Areas (“LUTAs”)¹. The LUTA framework allows differentiation between areas of the city and the types, forms, and intensities of development allowed in each area.

On the following pages, LUTAs are described in terms of their purpose, form, uses, intensity, and compatibility requirements. The descriptions of LUTAs provide a sequence for land use designations with increasing levels of intensity. It is therefore appropriate to compare them one to another when reading descriptions. If, for example, Urban Medium Intensity is described as being more intense, it is understood that it is more intense than the previously described LUTA, which is Urban Low Intensity.

The LUTA framework relies on several core concepts, described below:

Intensity

In the LUTA concept, several different factors are used to describe present and future land uses. Most people are already familiar with the idea of land uses, such as residential or commercial. However, many of the LUTAs incorporate areas that have more than one of these broad categories. The LUTA concept adds designations based on how much development occurs in an area and how that development affects its neighbors. This is measured by intensity and/or density of development.

• Density applies to residential use, and is measured by dwelling units per acre for net area of the project site.
• Intensity is measured by a factor called floor area ratio (FAR), calculated by dividing building area by site area.
• Other factors, such as how it affects its neighbors also helps determine its intensity. See explanations on next page.

Integration and mixing of uses

One advantage of the LUTA concept is its ability to integrate, rather than separate, different land uses, providing both more interest and more efficiency in the city. Uses may be integrated in two ways: horizontally and vertically.

Horizontal integration keeps individual building purposes separate, but allows neighboring buildings to contain different, compatible uses. Vertical integration puts more than one use in the same building.

Compatibility

One of the most important concerns in land use planning is the relationship between different uses and their relative compatibility with each other. In suburban style areas where densities are low, compatibility is usually achieved by spacing between buildings and by congregating like uses together. This simple method is easy to administer and understand; however it leads to some undesirable conditions such as increased commute times with employment and residential areas being further separated from each other. It creates an automobile dependent city, which leads to un-walkable neighborhoods, congestion, and increased transportation expenses.

Compatibility in today’s world can be attained in a more sophisticated way by focusing on the performance of various uses and designing regulations that allow greater integration of uses. If carefully done, the integration of uses can be achieved to shorten commute times, create walkable, interesting neighborhoods, and preserve privacy, security, and aesthetics. The LUTAs described below exist on a continuum of intensity. This leads to a continuum of compatibility methods. That is to say, as LUTAs become more intense and uses become more integrated, compatibility methods focus less on spacing and congregating of similar uses, and more on performance-based methods that directly address issues such as noise, traffic, air quality, privacy, and aesthetics.

UNDERSTANDING DENSITY AND MIXING OF USES

At its most basic measure, density is a calculation of how many dwelling (housing) units are in a given area. This is typically measured as dwelling units per acre, calculated using the net area of the project site. All proposed residential densities must fit within the range specified by the LUTA for the particular property. Higher density does not always mean apartments or rental properties. While multi-unit can have higher densities than other types of housing developments, it is possible for housing with higher density to be owner occupied. Missing Middle housing refers to those housing types that are in between single-family homes and large-scale, multi-family developments and integrated into neighborhoods with a variety of housing types.

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The homes toward the left in the image above can fit within the development patterns of a traditional neighborhood and provide housing options which are compatible with the scale and density of detached, single-unit housing. Development of Missing Middle housing in neighborhoods with single-unit housing allows for a variety of styles and price points within the same area. This mixture of housing types also makes transitioning from one housing style to another possible. This gives residents the opportunity to stay in the same area as their housing needs change over the course of their lives.

Integration and Mixing of Uses

Horizontal Integration

Horizontal integration of uses means that different uses are housed in different buildings, but are adjacent and related to each other.

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Vertical Integration

Vertical integration of uses means that different uses are located in the same buildings.

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UNDERSTANDING COMPATIBILITY

Compatibility

Table 1 shows the types of land uses proposed to be included in each of the LUTAs. EnvisionCR includes both location standards and criteria and compatibility standards for land uses. Table 2 shows the compatibility between different types of land use and each LUTA. Table 3 provides characteristics and considerations for each LUTA.

The relationship between different land uses and their relative compatibility with each other is important to successful execution of an integrated land use concept. Compatibility measures the ability by which different uses may be near or adjacent to each other without impacting either property.

EnvisionCR includes both:

• Location and character standards that will apply to each general land use category. They are designed to ensure that transportation and infrastructure are adequate to serve the proposed use.
• Transitional standards that ensure that methods are used to minimize potential incompatibilities between adjacent mixed uses. As LUTAs become more intense and uses become more integrated, compatibility methods focus less on spacing and congregating of similar uses, and more on performance-based methods that directly address issues such as noise, traffic, air quality, privacy, and aesthetics. Figure 4 demonstrates transitions in land use intensities.

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FIGURE 4: Transitions in Land Use Intensities

LAND USE TYPOLOGY AREA SUMMARY

Table 1: Land Use Typology Areas

The table displays the range of typology areas that apply to Cedar Rapids. The majority of the city's area falls into U-LI, U-MI, and U-HI.

Table 2: Land Use Compatibility

The categories listed above are intended to be general in nature and not strictly applied to land uses in the Zoning Ordinance. A mix of land uses are allowed and encouraged in many LUTAs, assuming the uses proposed are permitted by the Land Use Typology Area and the Zoning Ordinance.

● Normally permitted ○ Requires location and compatibility standards

RURAL TO URBAN

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FIGURE 5: Rural to Urban Section - Cedar Rapids

RURAL <—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————> URBAN

Cedar Rapids is a community that transitions from a relatively high intensity typology (e.g. downtown) to a rural cross-section of exceptionally low-intensity. Thus when developing land use categories, the full range of Cedar Rapids' development must be addressed.

OVERVIEW OF LAND USE TYPOLOGY AREAS (LUTA)

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LOW INTENSITY MIXED USES

HIGH INTENSITY MIXED USES

Land Use Typology Areas (LUTA)

The Land Use Typology Areas are described on the following pages.

Land Use Categories

• Urban - Large Lot (U-LL)
• Urban - Low Intensity (U-LI)
• Urban - Medium Intensity (U-MI)
• Urban - High Intensity (U-HI)
• Downtown (DT)
• Agricultural Preserve (AP)
• Rural (R)
• Commercial (C)
• Industrial (I)
• Employment Reserve (ER)
• Public/ Semi-Public (P)
• Open Space (OS)
• Flood Control Study Area (FC)

Overlays

• Environmental Conservation Overlay (EC)
• Urban Reserve (UR)

Table 3: Land Use Criteria and Descriptions

Table 3: Land Use Criteria and Descriptions

Table 3: Land Use Criteria and Descriptions

Table 3: Land Use Criteria and Descriptions

Table 3: Land Use Criteria and Descriptions

MAP 1: Future Land Use Map

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Due to the dynamic nature of the Future Land Use Map, all instances of this map shown in this document are intended to be representative. The official Future Land Use Map shall be maintained by the city and made available online or upon request.

Map available online. Visit: http://crgis.cedar-rapids.org/FLUM/index.html

LUTA Overlays

||||| Environmental Conservation --- Urban Reserve --- Cedar Rapids Boundaries

Land Use Typology Areas

• Agriculture
• Park/Open Space
• Rural
• Urban Low Intensity
• Urban Large Lot
• Urban Medium Intensity
• Urban High Intensity
• Downtown
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Employement Reserve
• Public/Semi-Public
• Flood Control Study Area

LAND USE TYPOLOGY AREAS (LUTA)

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FIGURE 6: Urban-Low Intensity

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Urban—Low Intensity (U-LI)

The intent of this LUTA is to create smarter (more efficient, dense, walkable, bikeable) new suburban style development and encourage retrofitting of existing suburban style development to a more efficient, walkable pattern. As compared to denser LUTAs, Urban Low Intensity areas should offer more space and separation of uses in exchange for greater distances to destinations, fewer shared amenities, and less immediate access to jobs and cultural amenities.

Form, Uses, and Intensity

Suburban style development. At the lowest density, areas should be just dense enough to warrant urban utilities and urban levels of service. At the highest density, areas should be only dense enough to support minimal transit.

1. Residential densities range between 2 and 12 units/acre.
2. Non-residential or mixed-use floor area ratios (FARs) have a maximum of 0.5.
3. High connectivity grid pattern to expand viable locations for commercial land uses, resulting in greater integration of land uses.
4. Residential neighborhoods include complementary uses like schools, small parks and religious institutions, and neighborhood retail or mixed use. These complementary uses are integrated into neighborhoods so that residents can access them easily by walking or biking.

Compatibility

Compatibility in these areas will be achieved through gradual increases of intensity, transitioning from one land use to another. For example, a cross-section of this area may show large lot single family next to medium lot single family, next to townhomes, next to apartments, next to commercial. Although the focus is on gradual changes in intensity, these changes should occur at a small enough scale to ensure integration of land uses within an area roughly a quarter section in size in order to encourage walking, biking, and the reduction of auto trips.

1. Different intensities of land use are positioned to create a smooth internal transition from lower to higher intensity uses.
2. Larger commercial or office uses should cluster around arterial streets.
3. Smaller, neighborhood scale commercial uses may be appropriate on collector streets.
4. Complementary uses like schools, small parks and religious institutions, or neighborhood retail or mixed-use, are sited within neighborhoods where they take advantage of excellent connectivity, which allows for multiple access points and routes to and from the complementary uses.

Service and Infrastructure Considerations

These areas should have full urban services, including a framework of interconnected streets, sidewalks, and trails. Commercial uses should have direct access to collector or arterial streets. Shared access with other projects is encouraged to minimize curb cuts. When applicable, internal auto and pedestrian circulation systems should be provided.

Infrastructure should also include direct pedestrian access from transit stops, public sidewalks, and paths to business entrances. Transit and bicycle access is advisable. Connectivity should be provided for convenient local access to surrounding neighborhoods with design that discourages external traffic.

LAND USE TYPOLOGY AREAS (LUTA)

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FIGURE 7: Urban-Medium Intensity

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Urban—Medium Intensity (U-MI)

The intent of this LUTA is to create vibrant, urban areas that draw customers and employees from outside the immediate area. A greater degree of space and cost saving should be attained through increased FARs. Increased density improves opportunities for economic activity and social interaction and acts as an incentive to redevelop aging buildings and develop vacant lots.

Form, Uses, and Intensity

Includes multi-story residential and commercial uses.

1. Residential densities between 4 and 24 units/acre are allowed.
2. Non-residential or mixed use FAR have a maximum of 1.0.
3. A high-connectivity grid pattern should be used to expand the viable locations for commercial land uses, resulting in greater integration of land uses.
4. Encourage more transportation, housing, and shopping choices in close proximity to each other.
5. Light industrial uses should be rare, due to their low FAR.

Compatibility

Land uses and intensities should be integrated at a finer grain than within the Urban Low Intensity designation. As compared to U-LI areas, compatibility should be achieved through increased attention to traffic circulation and parking, site and building design, and on-site operations.

1. Land uses are sometimes mixed vertically, resulting in complementary and alternating times of use and the ability to share parking areas.
2. Different intensities of land use are still positioned to create a smooth internal transition from lower to higher intensity uses; however, this transition happens over a shorter distance than within the U-LI designation.
3. Larger commercial or office uses should cluster around arterial streets and rail lines.
4. Medium density, light industrial uses may be allowed with requirements that they mitigate any anticipated negative impacts on adjacent land uses and that they are located on arterial streets or rail lines.
5. Smaller, neighborhood-scale commercial uses are appropriate on any street provided a smooth transition in intensity of uses is maintained.
6. Complementary uses like schools, parks and religious institutions, or neighborhood retail or mixed use, are sited within neighborhoods where they take advantage of excellent connectivity. This allows for multiple access points and routes to and from the complementary uses.
7. Urban amenities, such as parks, plazas, and higher quality streetscapes, should be more prevalent than in the U-LI areas, in order to offset the area's intensity level and enhance livability.

Service and Infrastructure Considerations

These areas should have full urban services, including a framework of interconnected streets and sidewalks or paths. Commercial uses should have direct access to collector or arterial streets. Shared access with other projects is encouraged to minimize curb cuts. When applicable, internal auto and pedestrian circulation systems should be provided. Internal or alley access may also be provided.

Direct pedestrian access from public sidewalks and paths to major pedestrian ways within projects should be provided. Transit and bicycle access is strongly encouraged. Connectivity should be provided for convenient local access to surrounding neighborhoods with design that discourages external traffic.

LAND USE TYPOLOGY AREAS (LUTA)

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FIGURE 8: Urban - High Intensity

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Urban—High Intensity (U-HI)

Sub-regional and regional attractions with large office or medical buildings and high density residential living. High density improves economic performance and opportunities for social interaction, and acts as an incentive to redevelop or rehabilitate aging buildings and develop vacant lots.

Form, Uses, and Intensity

1. Residential densities range between 8 and 40 units/acre are allowed.
2. Non-residential or mixed use FAR has a maximum of 3.0. Parking garages are sometimes found in these areas.
3. Shared parking is encouraged to reduce land used as parking areas.
4. U-HI areas should generally have good access to freeways, highways, arterials, and transit, while still being designed around pedestrians.
5. A high-connectivity grid pattern should be used to expand the viable locations for higher intensity land uses, resulting in greater integration of land uses.

Compatibility

Land uses and intensities should be fully integrated and mixed. As compared to U-MI areas, compatibility should be achieved through increased attention to traffic circulation and parking, site and building design, and on-site operations.

1. Different land uses can be close together because high levels of service, design, and amenities take into account these juxtapositions and make appropriate accommodations.
2. Form and design rules and performance regulations address aesthetic and functional compatibility.
3. Industrial uses may be allowed with requirements that they mitigate any anticipated negative impacts on adjacent land uses and that they are located on arterial streets or rail lines.
4. Land uses should be fully integrated horizontally and mixed vertically, resulting in complementary and alternating times of use and the ability to share parking areas.
5. Higher levels of urban amenities are necessary to offset the area's intensity level and enhance livability.

Service and Infrastructure Considerations

These areas should have full urban services, including a framework of interconnected streets and sidewalks or paths.

Transit and bicycle access is essential in these areas. Infrastructure in these areas may include internal streets and connections to mixed uses.

LAND USE TYPOLOGY AREAS (LUTA)

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FIGURE 9: Downtown

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Downtown (DT)

As the most intense area in the city for commerce and tourism, downtown should exhibit high density and intensity. The economic health of downtown benefits from close proximity between businesses. Downtown should allow for residential opportunities at all price points from affordable to high-end.

Form, Uses, and Intensity

High Density. Multiple land uses coexist horizontally and vertically in buildings.

1. Residential densities must achieve a minimum of 20 units/acre.
2. Non-residential and mixed-use development must achieve a minimum of 1.0 FAR.
3. Nearly all open space is public.
4. Encourage location of regional scale amenities and attractions to downtown.
5. Parking garages are used frequently and integrated into structures.

Compatibility

Because land uses and intensities are fully integrated and mixed, allowance is made for less harmonious neighbors through increased attention to traffic circulation and parking, site and building design, and on-site operations.

1. Different land uses can be close together because high levels of service, design, and amenities make appropriate accommodations.
2. Form/design rules address aesthetic and functional compatibility.
3. Limited industrial uses may be allowed if they meet design and compatibility standards, and mitigate any anticipated negative impacts.
4. Land uses should be fully integrated horizontally and mixed vertically, resulting in the ability to share parking areas.
5. The edge of the DT land use typology area should step down in form and intensity to match the character of adjacent areas.

Service and Infrastructure Considerations

These areas should have full urban services. Downtown areas should be the focal point for the transportation network. These are the areas of largest infrastructure needs due to the density of development.

LAND USE TYPOLOGY AREAS (LUTA)

Urban Large Lot (U-LL)

The intent of this LUTA is to provide low density, residential neighborhoods with availability of urban services. Designation is intended for existing neighborhoods. Amendments to the Future Land Use Map to this LUTA is discouraged. Any proposed amendments would need to show confirmation of environmentally sensitive areas. Development would need to avoid any identified environmentally sensitive areas.

Form, Uses, and Intensity

Areas are served by urban utilities and urban levels of service.

1. Maximum residential density of 6 units/acre.
2. Development is limited due to sensitive environmental conditions. These should be documented and mapped:
   • Habitat and plants.
   • Soil quality, including texture, depth, and slope.
   • Wetlands, streams, rivers, waterways, and bodies of water.
   • Sensitive ecosystems for fishes, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Compatibility

Compatibility in these areas will be achieved through gradual increases of intensity, transitioning from one land use to another. Different intensities of land use are positioned to create a smooth internal transition from lower to higher intensity uses.

1. Complementary uses like parks, religious institutions, retail or mixed-use, are sited to take advantage of excellent connectivity to major streets.

Service and Infrastructure Considerations

These areas should have full urban services. However, the low densities of these areas make the provision of urban services and infrastructure less cost effective than in typical urban residential areas.

Agricultural Preserve (AP)

The intent of this LUTA is to preserve working agricultural ground or large estates long into the future.

Form, Uses, and Intensity

1. Maximum residential density of 1 unit/40 acres.
2. Minimal infrastructure (rural arterials; no transit, water, or sewer).
3. A small amount of commercial to serve rural residents is appropriate, and located at crossroads of major streets.

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Compatibility

1. Minimize the conflict between agricultural operations and new development of any kind, including residential.
2. The large tracts needed for agricultural or livestock operations are kept available with minimal pressure from residential, or any other, development. AP land should not be permitted to develop at urban or rural residential densities until such land is designated for urban or rural residential development through a comprehensive plan amendment.
3. Rural commercial uses could be allowed, but must take added measures to ensure compatibility with the rural, agricultural character of this area. Such measures include large buffers of open space and appropriate design.

Service and Infrastructure Considerations

These areas should have minimal infrastructure. Extension of urban services will not occur in these areas in the foreseeable future.

LAND USE TYPOLOGY AREAS (LUTA)

Rural (R)

The intent of this LUTA is to provide plentiful space for low density, rural residential neighborhoods to remain in perpetuity with no pressure to urbanize.

Form, Uses, and Intensity.

1. Maximum residential density of 1 unit/2 acres.
2. Rural character should be maintained by encouraging an appropriate mix of lot sizes and preventing concentrations of smaller lots. For example, two large subdivisions with 1 acre lots should not be adjacent to each other, but should instead be separated by a subdivision with much larger lots.
3. Subdivisions with smaller lots (1/2 to 2 acres). Project may accomplish this by including open space buffers along arterials to maintain rural character. Cluster developments may also require a buffer if development is clustered near arterials.
4. A small amount of commercial to serve rural residents is appropriate. These nodes are intended to be sufficient in number to allow flexibility for market choice, while still guiding the location of new commercial development to appropriate places.

Compatibility

1. Rural commercial uses could be allowed, but must take added measures to ensure compatibility with the rural, agricultural character of this area. Such measures include large buffers of open space and appropriate design.
2. Cluster development is appropriate; however, a minimum lot size is still necessary to maintain rural character. Cluster developments must include assurances such as easements or other mechanisms to ensure open space remains undeveloped in perpetuity.

Service and Infrastructure Considerations

Extension of urban services is unlikely in these areas in the foreseeable future. Community water/wastewater systems should be used in rural cluster developments.

LAND USE TYPOLOGY AREAS (LUTA)

Commercial (C)

This involves regional, community, and neighborhood scale areas where city investment, regulation, and policy is intended to enhance retail activity and performance, leading to stable neighborhoods and revenues. Special areas are reserved for their geographic positioning within markets and their appropriateness for retail uses. While other uses such as office and services may be allowed, the predominant uses should be retail in order to maximize effectiveness of city investment and policies.

Form, Uses, and Intensity

1. Includes retail, commercial, or office uses. Non-residential or mixed-use FAR has a maximum of 1.0.
2. Residential densities between 16 and 40 units/acre are allowed.

Compatibility

The focus is on compatibility with development outside the commercial areas, as development within should all be similar in nature.

1. The edge of commercial areas should taper in form and intensity to achieve a compatible interface with the character of adjacent areas.
2. Uses in these areas are likely to require heavy lighting. Development in commercial areas should, therefore, have lighting standards to protect the character of adjacent areas. If needed, area boundaries could include buffers to mitigate visual (light and aesthetics) impacts on surrounding land.
3. Measures should be taken to ensure that heavy traffic volumes do not impact adjacent areas.

Service and Infrastructure Considerations

Commercial areas should have full urban services with superior arterial and highway access, along with good internal auto, bicycle, and pedestrian circulation. Local and regional transit service should be available. Direct pedestrian access from public sidewalks to major pedestrian ways within projects should be provided. Shared vehicular access with other projects is encouraged to minimize curb cuts.

Industrial (I)

The industrial designation allows for a broad range of industrial uses from small to large employers. Typical land uses range from outdoor storage to large indoor manufacturing and warehousing facilities.

Form, Uses, and Intensity

Industrial areas are intended to house all types of industrial uses including manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and office/industrial flex space. Limited retail and services are allowed, such as a gas station. Uses in this area can be smaller in size than in the Employment Reserve (ER) areas and aesthetic and other standards are less stringent.

Consider the following criteria when making decisions regarding industrial uses:

1. Freeway access
2. Rail access
3. Proximity to water lines and availability of water
4. Proximity to sewer lines
5. Availability of sewer treatment capacity
6. Proximity to existing employment centers
7. Environmental constraints (floodplain, slope, etc.)
8. Compatibility of neighboring land uses
9. Brownfield status
10. Access route to freeway(s) and the impact of added employee/truck traffic to non-industrial uses along that route
11. Impact of added employee/truck traffic to the level of service of affected arterial roadways in the surrounding area

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ensure compatibility between employment uses inside and outside the area. Design standards should include land buffers, architectural and site design standards, and other appropriate standards implemented through Planned Unit Development (PUD) or new codes or guidelines. Operational standards should consider traffic, noise, lighting, and air quality.

Service and Infrastructure Considerations

These areas should have full urban services with adequate availability of water and sewer to serve needs of industrial uses. Excellent access to transportation facilities is also important in these areas. However, transportation access should not encroach on lower-intensity uses, particularly residential areas. Transit service is desirable in industrial areas, which may take the form of special services or transit "brokerages."

Compatibility

Development abutting an industrial boundary should be held to higher design and operational standards to

LAND USE TYPOLOGY AREAS (LUTA)

Employment Reserve (ER)

Employment Reserve areas contain sites that are the most suitable for large industrial and business development in the city. Protection of these areas is essential for Cedar Rapids' economic stability and future growth. The Employment Reserve designation provides a competitive advantage for attracting new companies and retaining companies that need to expand. Large acreages should be maintained to maximize clustering for specialization, synergy, transportation efficiency, and knowledge exchange.

Form, Uses, and Intensity.

Employment Reserve areas are prime areas for manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, office, and office/industrial flex space uses. ER areas require a higher standard for industrial infrastructure, urban design, access, and other factors. Non-industrial and non-office uses should be limited to support services for the primary employment generators. This may include limited commercial development. Fragmentation of Employment Reserve areas by small-scale development or incompatible uses is strongly discouraged.

1. Ensure the bulk of land within Employment Reserve areas is used for manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, office, and other industrial uses that generate substantial employment.

2. Allow small-scale industrial or office uses that support and strengthen major employment generators provided these do not impair the viability of future industrial or office development within Employment Reserve areas by fragmenting viable parcels or impeding internal circulation or exterior connectivity.

3. Allow commercial and other uses within Employment Reserve areas only as needed to support the primary purpose of the Employment Reserve designation and only in locations that do not fragment or otherwise limit capacity for industrial and office development.

4. Support transportation and utilities infrastructure improvements, both within and outside ER areas, that increase the viability of these areas for industrial and office uses.

5. Transportation infrastructure improvements should provide for efficient street layouts and enhance connectivity and capacity.

6. Subdivisions that result in inefficient street layout, poor parcel configuration, or otherwise limit future development in ER areas should not be approved.

7. A perpetual inventory of development-ready land should be maintained. (Development-ready land has all necessary infrastructure in place, or has the ability to achieve that state in short order.)

8. As Employment Reserve Areas develop, analyze the need for new industrial and employment reserve land. Employment Reserve Area lands that are developed may also need to be re-categorized accordingly.

9. Consider the following criteria when appropriating new ER lands:

   • Freeway access
   • Rail access
   • Proximity to water lines and available capacity
   • Proximity to sewer lines
   • Availability of sewer treatment capacity to serve such development
   • Proximity to existing employment centers
   • Environmental considerations (floodplain, wetlands, slope, etc.)
   • Compatibility of neighboring land uses
   • Brownfield status
   • Site size (Seek to include large parcels of various sizes, e.g., 25, 50, 100, 500 acres in size or larger.)
   • Access route to freeway(s) and the impact of added employee/truck traffic to non-industrial uses along that route
   • Impact of added employee/truck traffic to the level of service of affected arterial roadways in the surrounding area

Compatibility:

1. Do not allow uses that are incompatible with large-scale industrial or office development to locate within Employment Reserve areas. Such uses include, but are not limited to, residential and schools.

2. Ensure development adjacent to Employment Reserve areas is compatible with and will not compromise viability of employment lands. Uses considered incompatible inside the Employment Reserve area may be appropriate adjacent to the area if compatibility can be demonstrated through special development controls in a Planned Unit Development.

3. Apply special design controls to Employment Reserve areas. These controls could at first be implemented through Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) or design guidelines. Encourage industrial park design which includes sensitive design and placement of buildings, screening or prohibiting outdoor storage, parcel sizes which allow for long term expansion for individual users, special landscaping requirements, and buffering treatments for truck access and loading facilities. Design standards should mitigate negative aesthetic, traffic, and other impacts.

4. The creation of a new zoning classification should be

LAND USE TYPOLOGY AREAS (LUTA)

considered to assist in obtaining the type and quality of development desired for this area.

5. Development abutting an ER boundary, whether inside or outside the boundary, should be held to higher design standards to ensure compatibility between employment uses inside the ER area and possible residential uses outside the area. Such design standards should include land buffers, architectural and site design standards, and other appropriate standards implemented through PUDs or new codes or guidelines.

6. In cases where infrastructure (e.g. sewer, transportation) has been installed with the express purpose of providing necessary capacity to Employment Reserve areas, any proposed rezone or subdivision outside of the Employment Reserve area must not impact the necessary capacity of the Employment Reserve.

Service and Infrastructure Considerations

Depending on the nature of businesses in Employment Reserve areas, there may be extraordinary water and sewer discharge and treatment needs. Employee and truck service traffic requires extensive street and highway infrastructure. High-speed internet infrastructure is also needed for most new employment uses.

Public/Semi-Public (P)

The intent of this LUTA is to provide space for educational, institutional and assembly, and other public uses, including hospitals, major campuses (high school, college, and university), cemeteries, airport, landfills, water plant, and major utilities.

• Educational. Educational uses are public, private, and parochial institutions at high school, or post-secondary level, or trade or business schools, that provide educational instruction to students.

• Institutional and Assembly Uses. Institutional and Assembly Uses generally include community facilities, cultural facilities, cemeteries and places where large groups of people assemble for a common activity.

• Other Public Uses. Other Public Uses include major public facilities, such as landfills, water treatment facilities, major utilities, or other large public campuses.

Service and Infrastructure Considerations

Public/Semi-Public areas typically require full public services.

Open Space (OS)

Open spaces are important areas intended to provide open space recreational uses, such as regional and local parks and for the preservation of environmentally sensitive areas.

Form, Uses, and Intensity

Development is recreational and low impact in nature, while complementary to the purpose of the wider area as open natural space.

Compatibility

These areas are valuable for their natural character, so uses within them should have as close to zero impact on the area as possible. This requires minimal visual, auditory, and other pollutants that would reduce the pristine character of the areas. Aids for compatibility may include:

1. Heavy landscape screening
2. Very large buffers
3. Height limitations
4. Zero odor emissions
5. Strict air quality standards
6. Strict ambient noise requirements

Service and Infrastructure Considerations

Open Spaces areas should have minimal impact on public infrastructure. However, Parks and Police services are impacted.

LAND USE TYPOLOGY AREAS (LUTA)

Urban Reserve Overlay (UR)

The intent of this overlay is to preserve working agricultural ground or large estates until urbanization occurs. UR areas are adjacent to existing urban areas and will eventually be urbanized. UR designation helps prevent premature extension of infrastructure resulting in additional, unnecessary maintenance costs and parcelization, which encourages “leapfrog” development and makes orderly and efficient growth difficult.

Form, Uses, and Intensity

1. Maximum residential density of 1 unit/40 acres.
2. Minimal infrastructure (rural arterial, no transit, water, or sewer)
3. A small amount of commercial to serve rural residents is appropriate; however such commercial should be allowed only at nodes specified on the Future Land Use Map.

Compatibility

In this LUTA, the goal is to minimize the conflict between agricultural operations and new development of any kind, including residential.

1. Large tracts needed for agricultural operations are kept available with minimal pressure from residential, or any other uses. UR land should not be permitted to develop at urban or rural residential densities until such land is designated for residential development through a comprehensive plan amendment.
2. Low-impact industrial uses could be allowed only if the net impact is nearly the same as open space or agriculture. In other words, resulting new traffic, noise, smells, air pollution, visual impact, etc. should be negligible. In addition, aesthetics of new development should be consistent with the rural area to include large land buffers and appropriate architectural design.
3. Rural scale commercial uses may be allowed, but must take added measures to ensure compatibility with the rural character of this area. Such measures include large buffers of open space, appropriate architectural design, minimal signage, and appropriate improvements to transportation infrastructure to accommodate additional traffic.

Service and Infrastructure Considerations

Urban Reserve Overlay areas require inventory and capacity analysis of public infrastructure and service needs required for the growth area. Prior to establishment of a future growth area, a cost/benefit analysis should be conducted.

Environmental Conservation Overlay (EC)

This overlay is intended for areas of special environmental importance or sensitivity where basic land use policies are amended in consideration of the area's environmental significance. The EC overlays other LUTAs on the Future Land Use Map. EC policies are intended to be combined with other LUTAs. For example, if an EC area overlays a U-LI area, policies from both designations apply. The EC areas are designated for the following attributes, yet require additional study.

• Groundwater Recharge.
• Species Preservation.
• Flood Zone, Riparian, Wetlands.
• Combinations of features may exist.

Form, Uses, and Intensity

Development may be of the same general uses, and form as allowable in the underlying LUTA; however, measures should be taken to ensure development is low-impact in nature. Such measures may include:

1. Clustering of development
2. Permeable pavement
3. Minimal site disturbance requirements
4. Green infrastructure
5. On-site water retention

Compatibility

The key consideration in these areas is minimizing the impact of development on the natural environment and seeking to integrate development into the natural environment in a symbiotic way. Development should preserve and enhance views, both from development and from streets and riparian corridors or other natural amenities.

Service and Infrastructure Considerations

In Environmental Conservation Overlay areas, natural and improved drainage systems will require periodic maintenance.

MAP 2: Flood Control Study Area Map

Flood Control Study Area (FC)

These areas of the community are currently under study for planned flood control projects.

Form, Uses, and Intensity

Development should be limited in nature prior to adoption of the Flood Control Project by the City Council, at which point the future land use map should be updated to reflect anticipated future development. Open space and maintenance of existing structures should be a priority while this LUTA is used.

Compatibility

Any development within this area should carefully consider any impacts to future flood control. Development should ensure:

1. Land is reserved for the future flood control project or is incorporated into the site design.
2. Development will not be affected by the construction of the future flood control project.
3. Development provides an appropriate transition to adjacent properties.
4. Development meets the city's flood plain ordinance.
5. Development is serviceable by utilities and city services after the construction of the flood control project.

Service and Infrastructure Considerations

In these areas, flood protection strategies are required and may need periodic maintenance.

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DEVELOPMENT REVIEW

Cedar Rapids, like most cities, used a Euclidean (use-based) zoning ordinance for most of its history with districts dominated by a single major use classification (agricultural, residential, office, commercial, and industrial). While traditional Euclidean zoning (named after a landmark Supreme Court decision that sustained use-based zoning) addresses the primary purpose of separating incompatible uses, it has significant shortcomings, including its relative inflexibility, tendency to encourage decentralized development, and inability to accommodate mixed use urban development. These problems have led planners to propose alternatives such as performance zoning, “smart codes” that regulate building form, incentive zoning, and other techniques. In one way or another, each of these regulates how development is designed over the use of the development.

Since the adoption of EnvisionCR in 2015, the City has been working to update its zoning code to address these issues and better implement the goals of the Comprehensive Plan.

Transition Future Land Use from Use-Based to Intensity-Based

During the EnvisionCR comprehensive planning process in 2015, the future land use approach shifted toward a model that makes greater use of intensity categories. The philosophical bases of this approach are that:

• Intensity (or density) of a development type is more influential in measuring impact on the land and potential compatibility than the specific land use. This concept replaces the traditional hierarchy of uses (agricultural, residential, office, and commercial in ascending order) with other measurements, such as residential density (typically measured by dwelling units per acre), floor area ratio (ratio of building area to site area), and traffic generation (measured by trips generated per day).

• It is impossible for a future land use map to anticipate a specific property's use. Attempting to do so leads to so many comprehensive plan amendments that the overall point of the plan is lost in the clutter and the document itself becomes irrelevant.

• The growing preference for walkable and bikeable projects and neighborhoods, clearly manifest in Cedar Rapids, leads to development proposals that mix uses together. This mixing of uses, if managed carefully, leads to more desirable projects and major efficiencies, including complementary use of parking and reduced dependence on automobiles.

In following these principles, the Cedar Rapids approach moved toward intensity-based categories, or LUTAs (see previous pages for discussion). These categories define ranges of intensity of urban development (for example, low, medium, and high). Each of these categories can incorporate a variety of uses, corresponding to a level of intensity measured by objective metrics (du/A, FAR, ADT, for example). Thus, a land use area designated Urban-Low Intensity may include residential uses with a density range of 1-4 units per acre and certain non-residential uses with similar impact (such as an FAR below .30 and/or traffic generation below 50 daily trips per acre of development).

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MAP 3: Future Land Use Map

The image to the left shows an excerpt of the Future Land Use Map. The Future Land Use Map defines the intended intensity for each part of the City.

To view the full Future Land Use Map, see http://crgis.cedar-rapids.org/FLUM/index.html

Following the 2015 adoption of Envision CR, the Cedar Rapids Future Land Use Map was updated using these LUTAs.

Zoning Code Update

In November 2018, the City of Cedar Rapids adopted an updated zoning code intended to implement the goals of EnvisionCR. The new code shifts away from traditional Euclidean zoning by focusing on density and intensity of uses and by using Urban, Traditional, and Suburban character areas. The updated code is intended to provide greater flexibility for development, while ensuring that the scale and character of new development is compatible with existing districts and neighborhoods.

The Urban Districts use Form-Based Code, which places an emphasis on physical form, character, and intensity of development, with a secondary focus on land use, to maintain or create traditional urban design and preserve and enhance community character. In the Traditional and Suburban districts, Mixed Use districts replace the previous Commercial districts. This allows for more integration of compatible uses, while maintaining more traditional Euclidean zones for residential and industrial uses.

The updated zoning code was drafted based on the following guidelines from original EnvisionCR (2015):

Level One: Intensity Ranges. Districts are based on specified intensity ranges, established by the comprehensive plan. In order to comply with the comprehensive plan, a development proposal should fall within the range of intensities for its intensity district. While most districts would be intensity-based, some single-use districts (particularly for regional commercial and industrial uses) will continue to be necessary. These would be used for types of development where mixed uses are extremely unlikely or even inadvisable.

The updated zoning code includes Urban, Traditional, and Suburban Districts and defines compatibility between each zone district and LUTA. Intensity in each zone district is controlled by minimum and maximum residential densities and maximum lot coverage and footprint size for non-residential uses. Design standards ensure that the scale and design of development is appropriate for its context.

Level Two: Standards for Appropriate Location. While the intensity-based concept proposes mixed uses, it does not mean that every land use is appropriate everywhere. Commercial and industrial uses have particular needs for transportation, surrounding conditions, utilities, and visibility. Urban uses in general require adequate water, wastewater, and utility infrastructure that can meet their demands for service. These individual requirements apply even in mixed use environments. This makes specific criteria for location and design of individual uses especially important. Developers and builders will use these criteria as they select sites and design projects. Neighborhood residents will be reassured that potentially incompatible uses will be directed to appropriate sites. Approving agencies will use criteria to evaluate the quality of development proposals and their compliance with the comprehensive plan.

The updated zoning code used the Future Land Use Map and the previous zoning code to determine appropriate zone districts. For the most part, the updated zoning code

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converted previous zones to the nearest “matching” district in the new code. In some cases, the updated zoning code used the Future Land Use Map as a basis for altering zone districts in places where previous zoning was incompatible with the identified LUTA.

Level Three: Transitional Standards. Finally, when different types of uses are adjacent or close enough to each other to create potential conflicts, design standards to moderate the transition should be in place. For example, a commercial use may be appropriately located next to a residential use according to level one and two. Transitional standards will further govern how that use is developed to prevent or minimize impact on its neighbors. The comprehensive plan will establish the thresholds for applying transitional standards and recommendations for guidelines that should then be incorporated into the zoning ordinance.

The updated zoning code includes provisions on Neighborhood Manners that apply additional standards to intense urban form districts that are adjacent to lower intensity residential districts. These standards include additional screening, setbacks, and height step backs to prevent adverse impact on adjacent single-unit neighborhoods. In other more intense districts, landscaping and buffering requirements prevent impacts from higher intensity uses on neighboring lower intensity uses.

MAP 4: Current Zoning, 2024

The image to the left shows an excerpt of the updated zoning map. In Urban, form-based areas, zone districts are displayed in street right-of-ways and apply to each frontage of a site. Some sites may be located within more than one district; for example, a corner lot may have one frontage in the U-NG zone and the other in the U-VG zone.

In Suburban and Traditional areas, zone districts are shown covering the entire area.

To view the full zoning map, see http://crgis.cedar-rapids.org/APV/index.html

GOAL 1: Encourage mixed-use and infill development.

Development that occurs in existing urban areas, rather than at the urban fringe, is called infill. Infill development is a way of "recycling" land, since many infill lots were previously used for another purpose. Infill makes use of existing infrastructure, such as streets and sewer connections. Although there are often costs uniquely associated with infill, such as site clean-up, this type of development can be more economical overall, due to the lesser need for infrastructure extension. The City should concentrate on upgrading facilities in urban areas and prioritizing the use of existing capacity over construction of new facilities.

GrowCR provides a framework for increasing the diversity and density of land uses within the city. The new Future Land Use Map supports infill projects and provides greater flexibility to approaches for redevelopment.

Downtown Cedar Rapids. Downtown is the heart of the city. Downtown retains an intimate walkable scale, making it an attractive district that can form a cornerstone for additional central city development. Enhancements to its special features can strengthen its role as an attraction for both residents and visitors.

Commercial Clusters. Commercial clusters, such as Lindale Mall and Westdale have a high concentration of retail. Westdale Mall is being redeveloped into mixed use.

Commercial Corridors. Commercial corridors, such as 16th Avenue and 1st Avenue (among others), are oriented to automobiles. StrengthenCR establishes an initial program to stimulate further investment by the private market, while providing improved access and circulation.

Neighborhoods. Following the 2008 flood, many neighborhoods focused on revitalization efforts. StrengthenCR reinforces these planning initiatives.

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INITIATIVES

1. Develop a strategy to encourage small-scale infill development on vacant City-owned properties.

City is developing a viewer of City owned properties for the public to view and make inquiries about. Expected to launch in 2025.

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POTENTIAL BARRIERS

Although infill development is strongly encouraged in Cedar Rapids, there can be barriers to infill development. These should be considered early in the process of infill development or redevelopment.

Land Use Regulations. Land use regulations, such as zoning, can sometimes provide barriers for infill development. However, the updated zoning code is intended to mitigate this issue by allowing for Major Design Exceptions and Minor Design Adjustments. In some cases, infill development may require public hearings that may not be necessary for greenfield development.

Assembling Parcels. Some sites for potential infill are challenging in terms of site location, size, topography, or other physical constraints. Infill sites may also have existing structures in disrepair or be classified as brownfields. Assembling a site out of many parcels can be challenging when land is owned by multiple entities. Legal property issues such as liens and restrictions can also pose challenges to infill development.

Resident Opposition. When a public hearing is required for infill development, resident opposition to new development or redevelopment can present a challenge.

POSSIBLE BENEFITS

Infill development also has benefits, both to the developer and the community. Possible benefits are outlined in order to encourage smart growth development within infill areas.

Existing Infrastructure. Development and redevelopment within infill areas has the benefit of utilizing existing infrastructure. This reduces cost for the developer, as they will not need to extend infrastructure, such as roads, water, and sewer, into undeveloped areas.

Less conversion of open space. Infill development makes use of land in developed neighborhoods and reduces the need for development of agricultural areas or open space.

Transportation. Locating new development closer to existing schools, employers, retail, and other services reduces travel times and prevents congestion. Infill development can more easily be connected to public transportation, trails, and bike routes, which offer more options for residents or users.

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April 2018

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November 2018

The image above shows an infill home built in 2018 by Habitat for Humanity. This displays an example of how new development can fit into and enhance traditional neighborhoods and provide additional housing in developed areas.

GOAL 2: Manage growth and development to balance costs and serviceability to neighborhoods.

Cedar Rapids is a growing community, projecting to increase by about 30,000 people by 2035.

As Cedar Rapids grows, so will the demands on city services, such as water, sewer, and stormwater. Although this growth will correspond with an increased tax base, funds are limited. Keeping growth and revenue in balance is essential to maintaining a high level of services in everything from libraries to fire response. The City wants to continue to provide the same high level of service as it grows. The building of new neighborhoods should not be at the cost of older neighborhoods.

Growth should occur first in areas that provide opportunities for infill and redevelopment. EnvisionCR recognizes that demand will emerge for development on the fringe of previously built areas, and proposes a strategic approach to manage that growth within a framework of growth areas.

The type of development experienced can have a tremendous impact on service costs. For example, lower density neighborhoods are typically more costly to serve than higher density areas, since households are spread out over larger areas—that means everything from garbage trucks to ambulances have more miles to cover.

In a similar way, location of development has a tremendous effect. Due to topography or geographic proximity, certain areas may be impractical to serve, while unconstrained areas have fewer challenges and cost less to serve. Map 4 summarizes the serviceability of sanitary sewer and water in potential growth areas. Maps 5 and 6 show the individual serviceability of sanitary sewer and water in potential growth areas. Map 7 shows the estimated drive time for the Cedar Rapids' Fire Department to serve the city.

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Additional study is required to fully understand serviceability. The evaluation on the following pages is a snapshot based on information from Public Works, Utilities, Police Department, and Fire Department. Each offered opinions on serviceability based on known conditions. Geographic areas were scored using the criteria on the next page.

The City must be strategic in infrastructure extension, encouraging development in areas that will be cost effective, and allowing continued high level of service.

The provision of city services, especially sewer and water, heavily influences where growth occurs. Service and infrastructure investments should be made in strategic areas. Strategic areas are those that meet three measures.

First, the city wishes to grow there, according to the comprehensive plan and other plans; second, it is efficient to grow there, and; third, the market can support growth in that area. Strategic growth areas can include revitalization areas and new development areas.

MAP 5: Aggregated Serviceability for Sanitary Sewer and Water.

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Evaluation

Excellent serviceability. The area can be adequately served for proposed land uses by existing infrastructure.

Good serviceability. The area can be adequately served for proposed land uses by existing infrastructure. Affordable upgrades required.

Serviceable. The area can be adequately served for proposed land uses. For example, extension to the system is required and typical for conventional development. This is a typical rating for conventional development.

Serviceable, but requires improvements. The city has planned or is planning improvements for this area. For example, the city knows that we need a lift station or water tower is needed.

Serviceable, but requires study. The city assumes the area can be serviceable through improvements. For example, the city believes that a lift station or water tower is needed

Unknown serviceability, requires study. The city has not planned for service to this area.

MAP 6: Sanitary Sewer Serviceability

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MAP 7: Water Serviceability

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MAP 8: Fire Response Time

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Estimated Drive Times

• 0-4 minutes
• 4-6 minutes
• 6-8 minutes

Police Station Fire Station Hospital

The growth area approach will help maintain vibrant character, ensure efficiency in infrastructure and services, provide logical connections that improve access and mobility, and encourage a mix of uses. Each area functions as a neighborhood - it provides a balance of development types and community services, and requires community investments and features that create desirable living environments. Growth Areas are connected to one another by collector streets and greenways. This approach to growth helps maintain and enhance overall community character by extending Cedar Rapids' distinctive pattern of neighborhoods.

Future potential attributes of the Growth Areas, also found in many of Cedar Rapids' existing neighborhoods, include:

• A mixture of housing types and lot sizes.
• Organization of new neighborhoods around continuous street patterns, often including a street that links civic, educational and park facilities.
• New parks, trails and active recreation areas, designed as central open spaces that are focuses of the neighborhood.
• Development of higher-density residential and limited commercial, service, and civic uses at nodes along parkways or major streets, adjacent to open spaces, or at strategic locations that link communities.
• Care in establishing setbacks, landscaping, and streetscape standards along major streets.

Where growth occurs, it should be contiguous to existing development to make efficient use of transportation and utility infrastructure.

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POTENTIAL GROWTH AREAS

Map 5 defines the potential Growth Areas, and each area is discussed in detail on the following pages. These growth areas are based on the criteria defined . Important considerations for each Potential Growth Area include:

• West. Orienting development in response to the Highway 100 expansion, and incorporating the natural environment as an amenity.

• Southwest. Dedicating land for industrial projects and establishing a network of streets for emerging neighborhoods.

• South. Dedicating land for major employer and large parcel projects, while completing a network of projects that would relate to Kirkwood Boulevard, while setting the stage for future growth past the southern ridgeline, which necessitates improved infrastructure.

• North. Dedicating land for residential development, accompanied by a continuous parkway that connects neighborhoods and parks.

Calculating Possible Population Yield

EnvisionCR presents possible population yields for growth areas. The calculation is only an assumption, and can be later used to assist in future transportation modeling. The development concept designates more land uses beyond the life of the plan. Population is calculated by:

• Measuring the acres for the area (gross acres).
• Assuming 20% of the land is reserved for transportation right-of-way and open space, results in net acres for development.
• Calculating households per acre appropriate to the district in net acres
• Applying an average household size of 2.2 people per household, results in population yield.

Master Legend

Maps 9-12

Administrative Area Boundary Lines

LUTA Overlays

||||| Environmental Conservation --- Urban Reserve --- Cedar Rapids Boundaries

Land Use Typology Areas

Agriculture Park/Open Space Rural Urban Low Intensity Urban Large Lot Urban Medium Intensity Urban High Intensity Downtown Commercial Industrial Employement Reserve Public/Semi-Public Flood Control Study Area

MAP 9: Potential Growth Areas

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WEST AREA

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The West Area is one of the primary areas for growth in Cedar Rapids. The Highway 100 Corridor Management Plan provides more detail for the study area. Development in the area far exceeds the total demand for Cedar Rapids' 2035 land needs.

Land Use Features

• Mix of development intensities.
• New commercial projects near major intersections, representing a likely demand for its development.
• New major commercial/office project near the crossroads of Highways 30 and 100.
• New community park that is connected by a greenway and trail to Morgan Creek.
• Limiting development to south of the ridgeline.
• Phasing of development and providing infrastructure.
• Strong consideration to environmental concerns.
• Possible new school(s).

Connectivity Features

ConnectCR discusses strategies for an interconnected and multi-modal transportation system. Major transportation elements in the West Area include:

• Network of streets to serve development.
• Extensions of E Avenue and Covington Road.
• Network of green spaces.

MAP 10: West Area

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SOUTHWEST AREA

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The Southwest Area considers the land uses to complete the gaps between existing built areas and the City of Fairfax.

Land Use Features

• Completing emerging neighborhoods.
• Increasing intensities north of Highway 30.
• Steering industrial uses to be near Highway 30 and along the railroad.
• Providing a mix of intensities west of Stoney Point Road SW.
• Establishing a system of green space and parks.
• Buffering between uses.

Connectivity Features

ConnectCR discusses strategies for an interconnected and multi-modal transportation system. Major transportation elements in the Southwest Area include:

• Extension of 44th Avenue SW.
• Extension of Lakeview Drive SW.

MAP 11: Southwest Area

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SOUTH AREA

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projected housing: ~5,524 - 12,838 projected population: ~12,153 - 28,244

The South Area is increasingly positioned for strong growth. This area is benefiting from major office development along Wright Brothers Boulevard and proximity to the airport, Prairie View Technology Park, and Kirkwood Community College.

Land Use Features

• Office uses near Kirkwood Community College.
• Area around airport reserved for future expansion.
• Employment Reserve near the airport, representing large land areas intended for new major employers.
• Industrial uses west of 6th Street SW.
• Continued development of Prairie View Technology Park.
• Low intensity uses in the southeastern part, along C Street SW, require a lift station.

Connectivity Features

Major transportation elements in the South Area include:

• Improve airport per Airport Master Plan.
• Linking campuses for College Community School District and Kirkwood Community College to the city's trail system.

MAP 12: South Area

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NORTH AREA

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The North Area is one of the primary areas for growth for Cedar Rapids. The Tuma Soccer Complex, located at the crossroads of C Avenue and County Home Road, is two miles north of Cedar Rapids' corporate limits. The development concept provides a concept for connecting the soccer complex into the city.

Land Use Features

• Mixed-use commercial development at the intersection of Tower Terrace Road and C Avenue NE.
• Higher intensity uses near city limits, moving outward to lower intensity uses.
• Series of parks. Park spaces could be civic/public uses. Medium-intensity areas overlooking parks.
• Preserve greenways adjacent to waterways.

Connectivity Features

ConnectCR discusses strategies for an interconnected and multi-modal transportation system. Major transportation elements in the North Area include:

• Planned Tower Terrace Road improvements.
• New study required for a collector street running parallel to C Avenue, providing dedicated space for parks, trails, and bicycle paths.
• Extension of local streets to connect into the overall system.
• Extension of trails and bike paths.

MAP 13: North Area

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OTHER AREAS

For areas not identified as Growth Areas, there are a number of obstacles that would increase the cost of providing necessary infrastructure for new development. Some of these obstacles include difficulty in providing water or sanitary sewer service, challenging topography, or sensitive environmental features.

Growth in these areas is unlikely because of these additional costs. Growth should be directed instead to infill opportunities within City Limits or the Growth Areas, discussed above. Directing growth to areas with existing infrastructure is more efficient and ensures that new development has access to adequate city services.

Although development is not likely in these areas, it may still occur in some cases. When this happens, connectivity features should be a priority. ConnectCR discusses strategies for an interconnected and multi-modal transportation system. Major transportation elements to prioritize in these areas include multiple points of transportation access for all developments and connectivity with future roads to provide a network of streets.

INITIATIVES

2. Develop a strategy to preserve conservation areas identified in the Future Land Use Map following annexation.

No updates at this time.

3. Study serviceability of infrastructure for contiguous growth and resilience.

The City completed a growth study that identifies the cost/benefit of serviceability and development of various growth areas. Completed in 2024.detailed studies for extending services to these growth areas.

4. Enhance and expand the Capital Improvement Projects and Management Handbook and include a publicly available digital copy of this on the Department's website.

Completed in 2023.

Goal 3: Connect new and existing neighborhoods to growing areas and services.

As Cedar Rapids grows, it should maintain a connected street network while providing options for moving about the city, including walking, biking, and using transit.

Cedar Rapids must maintain an effective transportation system to maintain good connections within and between neighborhoods, between neighborhoods and major activity centers, and for local and regional travel.

EnvisionCR reinforces Connections 2040 (Corridor MPO's Long-Range Transportation Plan), which specifically identifies connections between neighborhoods as a priority, stating:

Provide Accessibility to Existing and Future Development Areas: Providing a good transportation system to travel from home to work or shopping and a transportation system that provides good access to business are important for economic vitality. This transportation system can be responsive to land use growth patterns or provide a structural infrastructure element to promote target development areas, which are integrated with the land use system.

Elements of this Cedar Rapids transportation system are considered in more detail in ConnectCR, and summarized below:

Support Complete Streets

Complete streets are street corridors designed to accommodate all types of transportation, including motor vehicles, bicycles, transit and pedestrian transportation. The "complete street" concept applies to both arterial and collector streets and should be integrated into the transportation network of the city, particularly in existing areas and in areas which are developing for the first time.

Establishing a vocabulary of streetscape elements that span older and developing neighborhoods can unify the neighborhoods. Connected sidewalks, landscaping patterns, banners, neighborhoods graphics, and lighting are all elements of subtly connecting neighborhoods to each other.

Support Green Streets

Travelers sometimes chooses routes based on the experience of the street. Pedestrian and bicyclists, who move at slower speeds and have a closer relationship with the street environment, tend to gravitate toward attractive and secure corridors.

The ReLeaf Cedar Rapids Plan, adopted in February 2022 and expected to take 10 years to implement, directs the establishment of a consistent tree canopy to shade all streets in the community. The Plan's planting schedule prioritizes corridors with greater pedestrian use and one of its outcomes is to create a cohesive urban forest comprised of diverse, native trees that are both more resilient as well as convey a sense of local character.

Connect Trails and Parks

A pathway and greenway system knits neighborhoods together. A planned greenway system includes a network of trails, pathways, and green spaces that connect both existing and new neighborhoods, activity centers, and pathways along major streets. The city's street and pathway system provides some of the connecting tissue that assures that Cedar Rapids' neighborhoods are, in the end, components of a unified and diverse city.

Increased connectivity between existing and emerging neighborhoods strengthens the concept of a unified community made up of distinct parts.

Connect Natural Areas

Maintaining natural areas and open spaces between existing and new neighborhoods is relatively easy to accomplish in Cedar Rapids by preserving areas that are difficult to develop, such as hills, steep slopes, drainage ways, and floodplains.

GOAL 4: Communicate and collaborate with regional partners.

Participants in EnvisionCR and other community leaders frequently cited a need to improve regional collaboration for communication and efficiency.

Cedar Rapids benefits from numerous regional organizations and initiatives already in operation, including Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, Iowa's Creative Corridor, ImpactCR, Leadership for Five Seasons, Diversity Focus, Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation (GCRCF), Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance, and many more. All of these organizations and initiatives facilitate dialogue among various members of the community - living in or doing business in the area.

Organization

Iowa's Creative Corridor celebrates the region's culture and promotes the marketability of the region for business development. Through the leadership of the Economic Alliance, in association with Iowa City Area Development Group, the Iowa's Creative Corridor Project could expand to include a coordinated effort that effectively creates an umbrella initiative for all organizations that seek to improve the quality of life for the region.

Participants would organize themselves around the five principal capitals and be chaired by leaders in the region: financial, human, social, natural, and physical.

Adopting a common project to garner purpose and support will strengthen the communication and interaction among the various groups. Ultimately, chairs and co-chairs would become the central steering committee for the project and assist in coordinating sub-committees related to their capital.

• Financial Capital. Organizations and initiatives supporting the improvements of value. Possible organizations: Economic Alliance, banking and financial industry, and major employers.

• Human Capital. Organizations and initiatives supporting the improvements of people's health, knowledge, skills, motivation, and mental state. Possible organizations: college and universities, school districts and Grant Wood AEA, hospitals, health and human services organizations.

• Social Capital. Organizations and initiatives supporting stewardship of communication, relationships, and partnerships. Possible organizations: ImpactCR, Leadership for Five Seasons, Diversity Focus, GCRCF, and AARP.

• Natural Capital. Organizations and initiatives supporting the improvement of the natural environment. The health and quality of Natural Capital influences all other capitals. Possible organizations: Corridor Conservation Coalition, Linn County Conservation Board, Trees Forever, and Solid Waste Management.

• Physical (Manufactured) Capital. Organizations and initiatives producing goods and providing services. Possible organizations: Developers, major manufacturing, businesses that export goods.

Government Coordination

Communication between levels of government and with the public is essential to providing efficient and effective service. Actions for consideration to enhance local and regional communication include:

• Host annual open house. For example: Leawood, Kansas provides an annual open house for the community to learn about projects happening in their city. Departments have booths for people to approach managers to discuss projects that are adopted or being developed.

• Continue participation and coordination with the Corridor MPO.

• Initiate monthly meeting for mayors or city administrators in the region to discuss issues facing their community and region.

Update Annexation Agreements

The city should work with Linn County and nearby cities to assure consistent development standards for areas outside of Cedar Rapids' jurisdiction that are likely to be incorporated into the planning area during the next twenty years. Areas covered by annexation agreements are shown on Map 11. The following criteria should be used when evaluating annexation requests:

• Areas outside the city that already have substantial commercial, office, or industrial development are logical candidates for annexation. In addition, existing residential areas developed to urban densities should be considered for potential annexation.
• In many cases, public service issues can provide compelling reasons for annexation.
• Annexed areas will be capable of receiving City services through coordinated municipal utility and service plans and the capital improvements program.
• Areas that can be the most economically served with existing and proposed infrastructure services should be annexed before other areas.
• Consider a cost recovery model for actual and hypothetical development patterns when considering annexations. This cost recovery model should include the following:
  • Replacement cost of infrastructure such as water/sewer/storm water and roads when they have passed their useful lifespan or reached capacity.
  • Taxes paid based on general square footage, structure type, projected usage, and estimate of assessed value.
  • Islands and irregular city limit boundaries should be annexed prior to other areas in order to more efficiently provide all municipal services. Flagpole annexations should be avoided.
  • The general direction and path of future collector and arterial streets should be analyzed and included as part of the agreement to annex property to the corporate limits.

ONGOING

Continue to support regional planning efforts through coordination with school districts, other local jurisdictions, and the Corridor MPO.

Communication and collaboration among organizations for planning efforts ensures broader support and probable implementation.

INITIATIVES

Iowa's metropolitan regions have benefited tremendously by undertaking initiatives to improve dialogue between private and public sector organizations.

The purpose of the organizational effort is to enhance the region's marketability strength to compete with other metropolitan regions throughout the Midwest when attracting people and businesses to start or locate in Iowa.

5. Develop annexation guidelines that incorporates infrastructure and service issues and costs, geographic features, environmental and other land use constraints, and market needs. Current working group between Community Development, Public Works, Utilities, and Development Services to update annexation guidelines and Future Land Use Map to reflect these factors.

6. Update annexation agreements with adjacent communities. Updated agreements have been executed with the following communities: Marion, Hiawatha, Swisher and Palo. Agreements with Ely and Fairfax are in the process of being updated.

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GREENCR

GREENCR

Cedar Rapids is situated at the convergence of two distinct landforms: the Iowan Surface and the Southern Iowa Drift Plain, each shaped by ancient glacial activity and erosion. These geological foundations, along with the unique climatic conditions of the Midwest, have created an environment conducive to a diverse ecosystem. Over thousands of years, cycles of growth and decay under prairie vegetation have enriched the soil, facilitating the proliferation of vast stands of timber and expansive prairie stretches within the Cedar River valley.

The Cedar River runs through the heart of Cedar Rapids and provides the foundation for an interconnected network of natural and built environment. Community members celebrate the trails, streams, and parks that make Cedar Rapids unique. The natural resources that have shaped Cedar Rapids—supporting livelihoods, recreation, and cultural identity—also present challenges. Flooding and severe weather have underscored the need for resilience, prompting the community to prioritize preparedness and responsible stewardship of these vital resources.

On June 13, 2008, floodwaters crested to its highest level in Cedar Rapids history, reaching 31.12 feet and surpassing the 500-year floodplain. The previous record had been 20 feet. A total of 1,126 city blocks were flooded. The flood event cost several billion dollars in damages.

In 2020, a powerful derecho long-lived windstorm, swept through the region with wind gusts estimated to reach up to 140 miles per hour. Power poles and roofs were obliterated, many homes and buildings collapsed, and an estimated 65 percent of the City's tree canopy was destroyed. This powerful storm damaged every quadrant of the City and impacted all residents in some way.

Cedar Rapids has continued to prioritize its natural spaces and build resilience into park maintenance while improving the park experience for residents. When managed with sound natural resource practices, these parklands offer wide-ranging benefits:

• Improved stormwater management and water quality
• Reduced urban heat through shade and vegetation
• Diverse habitats that support recreation and ecological health
• Opportunities for physical activity and mental well-being
• Community gathering spaces that foster play, learning, and connection
• Overall enhancements to quality of life

Similarly, trails continue to elevate Iowa’s profile as a regional and national destination. Cedar Rapids’ investment in trail infrastructure positions the City as an emerging leader in cycling tourism, economic development, neighborhood connectivity, and active living—all of which contribute to public health and community vibrancy.

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GREENCR GOALS

1. Be stewards for the environment, promoting economic and social growth while restoring the relationship between the city and the natural environment.
2. Have the best parks, recreation, and trails system in the region.
3. Lead in energy conservation and innovation.

GOAL 1: Be stewards for the environment, promoting economic and social growth while restoring the relationship between the city and the natural environment.

What is a Watershed

A watershed is an area of land that drains to a common body of water, such as a creek, stream, river or lake. Think “drainage area.” The water can flow by many means including over land, through drain tile, or via underground waterways. Due to Cedar Rapids’ flood history, an understanding of watersheds is considerably more common in this community than elsewhere.

Watersheds can be defined at various scales. Cedar Rapids is located primarily in the Cedar River Watershed, which spans over 7,485 square miles – roughly the size of New Jersey. The Cedar River Watershed, which is part of the Upper Mississippi River watershed, contains six distinct subbasins: the Upper Cedar, Middle Cedar, Lower Cedar, West Fork, Winnebago, and Shell Rock. Within these subbasins there are 224 distinct subwatersheds, which are smaller units within a watershed.

Floodplains

The 100-year floodplain indicates a 1% chance of flooding in any given year, while the 500-year floodplain indicates a 0.2% chance of flooding in any given year.

Since the destructive Flood of 2008, Cedar Rapids has rebuilt, ever mindful of the impacts of volatile river systems and floodplains. The community members of Cedar Rapids know all too well the importance of floodplains in terms of infrastructure protection, ecology, and water quality and quantity. The floodplain, when properly managed, can provide an important community asset. A minimal-development greenway approach can likely achieve important social, economic, and environmental goals. Cedar Rapids is already embarking on a strategy to establish a greenway corridor along the Cedar River, with

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the adoption of the Greenway Parks Plan in 2024. The Plan is a long-range project that integrates flood protection with community spaces.

Wetlands and Streams

Wetlands are defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as “areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season.” Wetlands provide essential ecosystem services such as water filtration, flood mitigation, wildlife and pollinator habitat, and are very important for overall watershed health. Because wetlands are so important, they are a protected habitat class and activities that could affect wetlands are regulated by local, state, and federal governments. Wetland mapping and delineation is an important strategy to look at hydric (wet) soils and ecologically sensitive areas. In Iowa, over 95% of wetlands have been drained.

Most of the wetlands are adjacent to streams or within the floodplain, but a number of small-scale wetlands are scattered throughout the region. Wetlands are essential to the hydrologic ecosystem because of their water cleansing properties. The number of wetlands surfacing in the region indicates value in exploring the potential of a wetland mitigation bank to serve this region. When wetland mitigation occurs within the watershed of the original wetland, it is more effective at replicating the functions of the original wetland, assuming the mitigating wetland is well designed and managed.

Wetland restoration is a key priority of conservation efforts on both public and privately owned land. In the Cedar River Watershed, oxbow wetland restoration and nutrient removal wetlands are two key strategies for introducing more wetland habitat in the watershed.

MAP 2: Cedar River Watersheds and Wetlands

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— Iowa Border [ ] Cedar River Watershed [ ] Basins [ ] Subwatersheds [ ] Wetlands

Source: City of Cedar Rapids Community Development 2025

Iowa DNR, Esri, TomTom, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS, EPA, NPS, USFWS

Stormwater Management Programs

Green Infrastructure and Sandy Soils

Cedar Rapids supports the use of green infrastructure to improve water quality and manage stormwater sustainably. When rain or snowmelt flows across hard surfaces, it carries pollutants directly into streams and rivers, contributing to degraded water quality and localized flooding. Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) slow, soak, and filter runoff before it reaches waterways. Infiltration-based practices are especially effective in sandier soils, found primarily around downtown and east of the Cedar River. Surface-based options, such as vegetated buffers and filter strips, also help remove pollutants and reduce runoff. To encourage wider adoption, the City allocates $25,000 annually for residential projects and $250,000 for commercial projects, offering a 50% reimbursement up to $2,000 for eligible residential improvements, with no cap for commercial properties. To date, 72 residential and 16 commercial green infrastructure projects have been completed, advancing communitywide stewardship and enhancing the city's stormwater resilience.

Qualifying projects include: · Rain gardens · Bioswales · Soil quality restoration · Permeable pavers

Watershed Programs

The City of Cedar Rapids is engaged in multiple partnerships with the goal of protecting source water, reducing flood risk, and improving overall watershed health. Our flagship program is the Cedar River Source Water Partnership (CRSWP), which aims to protect community source water supplies from nitrate contamination stemming from agricultural areas. The City of Cedar Rapids serves as the lead partner on this project, which was awarded $7 million through the USDA-NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Project and an additional $8 million from Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). Since 2021, the CRSWP partners have implemented 342,970 acres of cover crops, 9 wetlands, and 93,000 acres of reduced tillage. Additional partners include the Iowa Soybean Association, The Nature Conservancy, the Iowa Ag Water Alliance, and ag retailers in the watershed such as Linn Coop, IAS, and Nexus.

Middle Cedar Edge-of-Field Partnership

The City of Cedar Rapids leads this project in partnership with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship IDALS and six counties in the Middle Cedar Watershed. The goal of this project is to decrease nitrate loading to the Cedar River by installing bioreactors and saturated buffers on farmland. The project utilizes a streamlined approach for design and construction that increases the pace and scale of implementation in the Middle Cedar Watershed.

Achievements: Since 2023, 68 edge-of-field practices have been installed and another 44 are planned for construction in the next year.

Growing Resilience in the Middle Cedar Watershed

In 2025 the City's Watershed Program was awarded a new $1.3 million grant from United States Environmental Protection Agency through their Farmer to Farmer grant program. Through this grant the City will work with partners and landowners to restore ecosystem services to the Middle Cedar Watershed, to reduce nutrient pollution and improve farmland sustainability. Activities will be carried out at two scales. At the individual farm scale, the project will work directly with farmer cooperators to install projects such as wetland restorations and other denitrification strategies.

At the watershed scale, project partners will develop a hydrologic model to identify additional opportunities for resilience projects such as river restoration, floodplain reconnection, and nutrient removal wetlands. The environmental benefits of the project will be documented and shared with communities in the watershed.

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Above: examples of projects completed in Cedar Rapids

PROJECT EXAMPLES

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SOIL QUALITY RESTORATION: Tillage, aeration, and compost improve the health of soil lawns. Healthy soil absorbs a greater volume of runoff.

PERMEABLE PAVERS: Permeable pavers allow stormwater to seep through their joints and soak into the soil beneath instead of flowing directly to creeks and rivers.

LANDSCAPING FEATURES: Native vegetation soaks up runoff, absorbing nutrients and providing habitat for pollinators. Features like rain gardens, bioretention cells, and bioswales capture excessive runoff in ponds or send runoff to a storm sewer or surface water system.

MAP 3: Impaired Waterways

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Impaired Waterways

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources publishes impaired stream data every two years. When looking at stream impairment, it is important to recognize impaired waterways can range from slight to severe. The impaired stream data focuses primarily on Category 5 impairments – those stream segments requiring a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). A TMDL is a study of how much pollution (i.e. 'load') a stream segment can withstand and still meet state water quality standards. The TMDL study provides a detailed look at that stream segment's impairment and often offers details that relate to potential corrective measures. Due to the number of impaired waters in Iowa, a significant time lapse often occurs between calling out the need for a TMDL and actually completing a TMDL study. At the comprehensive plan level, impaired stream segments reveal stream stretches that likely need buffers. When work on the impairment does occur, buffers will help that work reach its full potential.

The Cedar River Source Water Partnership (CRSWP) is a city-led urban-rural initiative focused on improving drinking water quality, reducing flood risk, and restoring wildlife habitat throughout the Cedar River Watershed. Funded with $19 million through the US Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Regional Conservation Partnership Program, the effort brings together state agencies, conservation organizations, and farmers from 2022 to 2027. Conservation practices implemented through the partnership include cover crops, no-till farming, prairie strips, vegetative buffers, and wetlands.

More information can be found at: https://www.iaagwater.org/

— Cedar Rapids Boundary

— 2024 Impaired Waterways

ReLeaf

ReLeaf Cedar Rapids is an ambitious urban reforestation plan launched in 2022 to restore the City’s tree canopy, which was devastated by the August 2020 derecho. The storm brought sustained winds for 45 minutes, with gusts reaching up to 140 mph, impacting every neighborhood and destroying an estimated 670,000 trees—approximately two-thirds of the City’s canopy.

The Plan was developed through a seven-month planning process that engaged more than 2,800 community members provided input through public workshops, online surveys, and clipboard interviews at neighborhood events.

The overwhelming message heard from residents was the importance of replanting a resilient canopy of native trees, with an emphasis on plant diversity and distinct neighborhood character. Long-term goals of the plan include advancing tree equity, mitigating climate change, creating volunteer opportunities, and increasing public education about the value of urban trees and the broader urban forest ecosystem.

The ReLeaf Cedar Rapids includes goals to replant all public streets in the City within a decade following a transparent, justifiable methodology that is applied consistently. During the planning process, more than 7,500 street segments were evaluated and scored based on eight factors:

· Pre-derecho tree canopy · Urban heat island effect · Population density · Social vulnerability · Tree loss from the derecho · Pedestrian infrastructure demand · Roadway classification · Available planting sites

This data-driven approach produced a numerical prioritization that guides City staff to sequence street tree plantings by year.

The ReLeaf Plan also provides detailed reforestation designs for 38 public parks and outlines guiding principles for restoring tree canopy across all parks citywide. Over its ten-year horizon, the plan calls for planting 34,200 new street trees and an additional 8,300 trees in parks to rebuild a healthier, more resilient urban forest for future generations. As of 2025, the community has planted 18,388 trees, meaning the ReLeaf effort is already more than halfway toward achieving its goal.

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INITIATIVES

1. Coordinate with adjacent jurisdictions to identify environmentally sensitive areas in need of protection such as wetlands, habitats, and other areas of biological diversity for inclusion in the Environmental Conservation Overlay.

The overlay identifies environmentally sensitive areas in need of protection, based on the environmental maps created for this plan. The overlay establishes protections for these areas.

2. Create a green streets policy that encourages future development and repairs to improve the permeability of the paving system and/or buffering of run-off, as well as a stormwater best management practices cost-share program that elicits community involvement, and, thereby advancing “green infrastructure”.

Creation of a policy will include best practice research to identify methods suitable to Cedar Rapids’ environment.

3. Create a municipal sustainability plan by director-level Sustainability Integration Committee (SIC), informed by completion of STAR Communities.

This will require identifying goals, metrics, policy needs, and department leads. An educational component focused towards the community and city staff will also be developed.

The development of the iGreenCR Action Plan, the city's first municipal sustainability plan is underway

Completed in 2020

4. Expand sustainability practices and education internally via iGreenCR in order to lead by example.

Activities needed to accomplish this include promoting success and experience both internally and externally, developing the iGreenCR Action Plan, and conducting outreach related to the implementation of the plan.

Completed in 2020

5. Build customer capacity to respond to drought conditions which may include a rebate program, educational campaign, water conservation, and future updates to the municipal code as part of the green building program.

6. Develop a strategy to replace removed ash trees in parks and public right-of-way.

The Emerald Ash Borer is an exotic beetle whose larvae feeds on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting their ability to transport water and nutrients. Ash trees lose moisture internally very quickly and begin to fall apart soon after they die, creating public nuisance or hazard situation.

The City has been proactively preparing for the Emerald Ash Borer since 2009, with efforts to stop planning ash trees, diversify tree species, and inspect existing ash trees. The City is in the process of removing all parkway ash trees. The City has removed over 2000 of the original 7000 ash trees identified in the 2016 tree inventory.

As thousands of trees are removed from City property, it is important that new trees are planted to maintain our tree canopy. In addition to the ash removals, the City removes approximately 1,000 other trees per year and plants approximately 600 trees per year. A strategy should be developed to maintain and enhance the City's urban forest

GOAL 2: Have the best parks, recreation, and trails system in the region.

Cedar Rapids is committed to building a connected, inclusive, and resilient system of parks, trails, riverfront amenities, and public art that enhances quality of life, attracts investment, and celebrates the identity of our community. Recent initiatives such as the adoption of the Trails and Bikeways Plan and the Community Gardens in Parks Plan, along with the upcoming update to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan reflect a unified approach to strengthening our recreational network. EnvisionCR supports the continued implementation of these plans, reinforcing a long-term vision for an active and accessible city. Today, Cedar Rapids proudly maintains three dog parks, with a fourth opening at Jones Park by summer 2026, along with six public pools and more than 100 parks offering a wide range of amenities and experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Riverfront Activation

Through community engagement Cedar Rapids heard the community overwhelmingly support transforming the Cedar River into a vibrant destination for recreation, culture, and community life.

Engagement Plans & Activities:

• Greenway Parks Plan (2014 & 2024)
• Northwest Neighborhood Action Plan (2017)
• Czech Village/ Newbohemia Area Action Plan (2019)
• River Recreation Feasibility Study (2020)
• Downtown Vision Plan (2023)

Tree of Five Seasons

The iconic 60-foot stainless steel monument will anchor a thoughtfully designed public space where landscaping, bicycling paths, seating areas, and accessible river overlooks blend seamlessly with levees, floodwalls, and pump stations. The result is a dynamic riverfront that not only protects Cedar Rapids from future floods, but also celebrates our identity, connects communities, and offers everyday enjoyment for residents and visitors alike.

May's Island

In the Downtown Vision Plan May's Island is planned to become a welcoming civic gathering space with shade trees, seating, ADA-accessible features, and includes a new landmark sign. These improvements, supported by grants and partnerships, will make the island a centerpiece for events and public life. To ensure long-term success, the City will formalize a Riverfront Activation Partnership with local organizations and businesses to guide programming, funding, and future enhancements.

Greenway Parks Plan

This Plan will bring three connected parks—Time Check Park, Riverfront Park, and Czech Village Park to life. These parks will provide recreation opportunities while supporting flood resilience. Recent updates to the plan incorporate progress on the Flood Control System and include exciting features like the LightLine Loop, water access points, active and passive recreation atop of levees and floodwalls.

Trails and Bikeways

In 2025 a new Trails and Bikeways Plan was adopted. Cedar Rapids is closing gaps between neighborhoods, downtown, and signature parks, while linking local routes to regional trails. These improvements will make it easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities to walk, bike, and roll throughout the City. Clear signage, intuitive park entrances, and wayfinding maps will help residents and visitors navigate the system with ease. The City in collaboration with surrounding communities is commiteed to creating a well-connected, safe, and community-driven trails and bikeways network, strengthening both local and regional active transportation systems.

Arts & Culture

A central role in activating public spaces is arts and culture. Beginning in 2026, a Rotating Sculpture Exhibit will bring five new artworks to the Czech Village area each year, creating a dynamic and ever-changing experience. These installations will enliven the space.

River Recreation

Residents have expressed strong interest in river activities, and the City is responding by planning new amenities such as car-top boat launches, fishing platforms, and safe wading areas. A proposed paddlers trail will offer staging areas and portage options, while whitewater features are being evaluated to improve safety and attract visitors. These investments will balance in-stream and riverside recreation, creating opportunities for both adventure and relaxation.

Through these efforts, Cedar Rapids will deliver a region-leading parks, recreation, and trails system that connects neighborhoods, activates the riverfront, and celebrates local culture.

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(Greenway Parks Plan – Time Check area concept rendering)

Legend

1. Water Play/ Splash Pad
2. Destination Skate Park
3. Destination Skills Course
4. Gateway to River Entrance
5. West Side Rising Memorial
6. Levee Top Trail
7. Valley Promenade
8. The Rookery
9. Canoe Safari
10. High Marsh
11. Picnic Lawn
12. Levee Lawn Overlook
13. Paddle Launch
14. Sledding/ Tubing Hill
15. Adventure Play

Completed & Underway Greenway Parks Projects:

• McGrath Amphitheatere (Riverfront Greenway)
• Riverfront Walk (Riverfront Greenway)
• LightLine Loop including Roundhouse and Pedestrian Promenade (Czech Village Greenway)

108 envisioncr

Block N’ Roll: Bringing Neighborhoods Together

As part of the City’s commitment to creating a more age-friendly and connected community, we’ve introduced the Block N’ Roll community block party trailer. This all-in-one mobile unit is stocked with everything you need to host a fun and successful neighborhood gathering — making it easier to connect with friends, family, and neighbors. The Block ‘N Roll is available to rent from April-October.

The trailer includes:

• Tables and chairs
• Tents and coolers
• A speaker system
• Over two dozen lawn games and activities for all ages

Rollin’ Recmobilie

Each summer, the Rollin’ Recmobile brings recreational opportunities directly to Cedar Rapids neighborhoods. The mobile unit visits nearly 20 parks weekly, offering games, crafts, and activities for all ages. Parks and Recreation staff lead the programming, creating spaces for kids to play and connect close to home.

To support youth during the summer months, free lunches are available at all midday stops through a partnership with the school district’s summer meal program for children under 17. In addition to park visits, the Recmobile also appears at community events throughout the season, helping expand access to recreation across the city.

Bicycle Friendly Community – Silver Level

In January 2026, Cedar Rapids was recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as a Silver-Level Bicycle Friendly Community, an upgrade from its previous Bronze designation. This achievement reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to creating safe, accessible, and enjoyable biking opportunities for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities. The award acknowledges investments in bike infrastructure, education, and encouragement programs that promote cycling as both a healthy and sustainable mode of transportation.

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Key efforts contributing to this recognition include long-range planning and expansion of the trail and bikeway system, as well as community events like Bike to Work Week and Ride the Districts, which encourage active transportation and showcase the growing network of bike routes. With projects such as the Alliant Energy LightLine and continued enhancements to bike lanes and trails, Cedar Rapids is building a more connected city and fostering a culture that embraces cycling as an integral part of everyday life.

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MAP 4: Cedar Rapids Parks

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City Boundary Golf Courses Parks Pools Dog Parks Community Gardens

City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa DNR, Esri, TomTom, Garmin, SafeGraph, METI/NASA, USGS, EPA, NPS, USDA, USFWS

INITIATIVES

7. Continue to update the greenway plan and identify external funding opportunities for construction of the enhanced greenway system.

2018 City Council Priority

8. Update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to include a needs analysis, gap analysis, evaluation of existing facilities and programs, asset management strategies, and implementation actions.

The current parks and recreation master plan was completed in April 2010. The plan should be updated every 15 years.

9. Develop site master plans, prior to making improvements, for each of the following signature parks: Bever Park and Jones Park

These plans are key to maintain these parks, and their unique identities, as destinations for the city and region.

10. Convert select areas of park turf grass to native prairie or woodland plantings to create wildlife habitat and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

These plans are key to maintaining these parks, and their unique identities as destination for the City and region.

Completed in 2023.

11. Develop a land acquisition strategy for new parks and expansion of existing parks.

The city continues to look for opportunities to reduce its costs while providing a benefit to the natural environment.

12. Identify ways to incorporate parks and open space into new subdivisions as part of the update to the subdivision code.

Many cities require dedication of park land by developers, typically as a function of the number of acres or dwelling units in the development. Some cities allow developers to provide a payment for parks, in lieu of land dedication, but the legal precedent for this in Iowa is complex - cities should consult with their attorney on this issue.

13. Finalize design plans for the Alliant Lightline Bridge and land-based improvements to Cedar Lake.

The City is working with ConnectCR in a public-private partnership to revitalize Cedar Lake and build the Smokestack Bridge, a pedestrian/trail bridge over the Cedar River near the Czech Village and NewBo neighborhoods. The City has committed $5 million to the project, with ConnectCR conducting private fundraising to cover the remaining costs. The City will be responsible for the design and construction of both projects, and will take ownership, with Cedar Lake and the Smokestack Bridge becoming park of the City's park system. These projects will enhance connections in our parks and trails system and provide a variety of recreation options, including biking, kayaking, and fishing. Completed in 2024.

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GOAL 3: Lead in energy conservation and innovation.

Organizations across the world, in both the public and private sectors, are seeing the impacts of environmental degradation and climate change and preparing for the future. Here in Cedar Rapids, businesses, non-profits, and government agencies are working to strengthen resilience to climate-related disasters, integrate climate considerations into policies and planning, and build local knowledge and capacity. To understand why this work matters, it helps to distinguish between weather and climate. Weather reflects the short-term conditions of the atmosphere, while climate describes the long-term patterns our community expects. Those long-term patterns are changing and will continue to shift in the years ahead.

A warming planet is a major challenge for sustainability. Human activities that contribute to climate change are, by definition, not sustainable. To achieve sustainability, the City is making decisions that consider the Triple Bottom Line—balancing the environment (Planet), the economy (Profit), and the health and well-being of residents (People) environment, economy, and health and well-being of residents simultaneously. EnvisionCR reflects the public's desire for a sustainable city – one that will be vibrant, dynamic and stand the test of time.

The Cedar Rapids community knows the impact of severe weather events, which will increase in frequency and severity as our climate changes. The City is building a flood control system that will withstand the same water volume as the 2008 flood. When planning future growth, the City considers the impact of development on stormwater and urban heat. Additionally, Cedar Rapids is doing its part to innovate and reduce greenhouse gases while supporting economic growth. As communities, corporations, and nations continue to prioritize nature and the use of clean energy, our future improves.

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People (Social)

• Community health programs
• Climate resilience planning
• Affordable housing and green spaces

Planet (Environmental)

• Renewable energy
• Tree planting and urban forestry
• Stormwater management and flood control

Profit (Economic)

• Green innovation and clean tech businesses
• Energy efficiency reducing operational costs
• Sustainable development attracting investment

Climate Change

Because the City cares about the future of it's residents, a Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) was adopted on September 28, 2021. The plan fulfills the ambitious goals of City Council's Climate Resolution to reduce greenhouse gases, build resilience to climate hazards, and support access to basic needs for all residents. The plan prioritizes 24 actions within two key goal areas:

• Carbon-Free: Cedar Rapids is a carbon-free community. Residents can meet their basic needs within a 15-minute walk. Clean energy provides clean, healthy air. Walking, biking, and busing are popular, while low-emissions public transit and shared-mobility options come frequently.
• Resilient & Accessible: All residents of Cedar Rapids have access to high-quality green space, healthy food, clean air and water, and good, green jobs. Residents and neighborhoods are cohesive and familiar, helping each other out and getting connected to our rich community resources.

The City is committed to doing its part to limit global warming and avoid the worst effects of a changing climate. This will take a community effort, where every resident, business, and institution plays a role in reducing emissions and strengthening resilience to ensure everyone benefits from an improved quality of life. Working towards climate resilience is a momentous opportunity to shape our community into one where everyone has access to basic needs, healthy food, active living, and prosperity. Cedar Rapids will move forward together.

Higher Temperatures

Long-term winter temperatures have increased six times more than summer temperatures. Nighttime temperatures have increased more than daytime temperatures since 1970. Iowa's humidity has risen substantially, especially in summer, which now has 13% more atmospheric moisture than 1975 as indicated by a 3 degree to 5 degree F rise in dew-point temperature. This fuels convective thunderstorms that provide more summer precipitation.

Agricultural Challenges: Climate extremes, not averages, have the greater impact on crop and livestock productivity. Weather events can increased soil erosion and water runoff. A warmer climate provides favorable conditions for the survival and spread of many unwanted pests and pathogens.

Habitat Changes: Plants are leafing out and flowering sooner. Birds are arriving earlier in the spring. Particular animals are now being sighted farther north than in the past.

Public Health Effects: Increases in heart and lung problems from increasing air pollutants of ozone and fine particles enhanced by higher temperatures. Increases in infectious diseases transmitted by insects that require a warmer, wetter climate. An increased prevalence of asthma and allergies. Negative effects from heat waves, which disproportionately affect the elderly, children, and individuals with health conditions.

Micromobility

In 2019, Cedar Rapids launched its first micromobility program, partnering with Veo to bring shared scooters and bikes to the community. This initiative isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating a healthier, more sustainable city. Micromobility options help reduce parking demand, traffic congestion, noise pollution, and harmful emissions. For many residents, this program is more than a choice it’s a lifeline. In fact, 39% of riders don’t own or have access to a car, and 75% say the program helped them reduce car travel, lowering environmental impact. To ensure accessibility for all, Veo offers 50% off rides for anyone enrolled in local, state, or federal assistance programs, making affordable transportation available to those who need it most. This program matters because it connects people to jobs, education, and daily needs while building a greener, more inclusive Cedar Rapids.

Hybrid Bus Initiative

Cedar Rapids is investing in cleaner transportation with the purchase of two hybrid diesel-electric buses, funded by a Federal Transit Administration Low or No Emission Grant and a 15% required local match. These buses will reduce fuel consumption and emissions through features like regenerative braking, start/stop technology, and geofencing for electric-only in designated zones.

The buses will serve the City’s busiest routes to maximize environmental and economic benefits, aligning with Cedar Rapids’ Community Climate Action Plan goals of reducing greenhouse gases and improving resiliency. While the upfront cost is higher than traditional diesel models, increased fuel efficiency and long-term savings make this a strategic investment.

This marks the City’s first step toward transitioning its fleet to lower-emission vehicles, complementing other sustainability efforts such as EV charger installations and the purchase of low-emission sedans and light-duty vehicles. Future bus replacements will prioritize hybrid or cleaner technologies as funding and feasibility allow.

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CONNECTCR

ConnectCR

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ConnectCR focuses on the interaction of transportation and land use and their influence on the quality of life in Cedar Rapids. In any community, the transportation system fills many functions - as a lifeline for business and industry and a tool for economic self-sufficiency, a form-giver to the city, and an amenity and vital service for residents.

Interestingly in the United States, it is mobility that dominates much of how people think about cities and towns. Outside of home and workplaces, much of city life is spent moving from one place to another, and the street has become the public space that citizens experience most. In our cities, we have become creatures of movement.

Transportation facilities, including sidewalks, trails, streets, Interstate 380, and railroad corridors, make up a significant amount of Cedar Rapids' developed area. The dominance of streets in the cityscape makes their design and scale especially important. As street widths fluctuate, their scale continues to change. The street width affects the nature of the experience and the visibility of people, signs, and buildings along the street.

Transportation arteries, including both the railroad and major roads, are also the corridors of commerce in Cedar Rapids and nearly every other community. They provide the access and visibility that retailers, service providers, and industry need to thrive. Therefore, urban corridors are closely tied to economic development, and improvements can stimulate the business environment.

In November 2021, the citizens of Cedar Rapids voted to extend collection of the 1% local option sales tax for another ten-year period from July 1, 2024 thru June 30, 2034. The program to fund streets through this revenue source is known as the Paving for Progress program that will provide approximately $26 million annually for maintenance, repair, construction and reconstruction of public streets. Projects are prioritized and selected based on the City's Pavement Management Plan. These streets are public spaces that accommodate a variety of users in an attractive and functionally efficient way. Many communities such as Cedar Rapids find that the aesthetic upgrading of key community corridors and entrances creates significant economic benefits by encouraging better development standards.

CONNECTCR GOALS

1. Provide choices for all transportation users.
2. Build a complete network of connected streets.
3. Establish a network of complete streets.
4. Improve the function and appearance of our key corridors.
5. Support the development of an effective, regional, multi-modal transportation system.

GOAL 1: Provide choices for all transportation users.

The city's transportation system should encourage all modes for appropriate trips – many short distances should not require automobile travel, for example. Nearly half of all trips are within three miles. Therefore, street standards should include reasonable accommodations for all users. The concept of "complete streets," multi-modal facilities that serve automobiles, bicycles, and pedestrians in an attractive public environment, should be integrated into the transportation, park, and pathway networks of the city.

Cedar Rapids' neighborhoods, activity centers, civic districts, and major open spaces should be linked by a balanced transportation network that integrates motor vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, motorized wheelchairs, and other low-speed "personal mobility vehicles." An active transportation network (including pedestrian, bicycle, and public transportation) connected to land use and development, increases mobility and helps create a sustainable and healthy city. Residents also identified trails and bicycle infrastructure as a community priority.

From a development perspective, a system that encourages multi-modal transportation includes:

• Public infrastructure that connects neighborhoods and destinations;
• Elimination of barriers that discourage or obstruct pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users;
• Project designs that provide safe and pleasant passage from the public to private realm.

The success of pedestrian and bicycle transportation systems can be measured by four key criteria:

• Directness. The system should provide relatively direct routes to destinations without taking people far out of their way.

• Integrity. The system should connect to places and provide continuity, rather than leaving users in dead ends or uncomfortable places.

• Safety. The system should be physically safe to its users and not present hazardous conditions.

• Comfort. The system should understand the various capabilities and comfort levels of its users. For example, senior citizens may take a relatively long time to cross a street, and some bicyclists are not comfortable riding in mixed traffic.

PEDESTRIANS AND PEDALS

Cedar Rapids should maintain a continuous pedestrian network to complement the street system. A multi-use trail and walkway system can complement automobile trips by providing a good environment for non-motorized transportation. Cedar Rapids has created a substantial bicycle system, in some cases oriented along street right-of-ways. A more comprehensive system can continue to enhance and expand these facilities, while adding a significant network of off-road (trails and sidepaths) facilities that relate to major destinations and development opportunities. The details of trail development of the system are described in GreenCR and the Cedar Rapids Comprehensive Trails Plan (2012). Generally, trails are preferred due to their separation from the road network and the inherent conflicts with automobiles. However, the proper use of sidepaths in conjunction with on-street facilities leads to a more comprehensive bicycle network that is more responsive to users of all abilities in addition to the benefits garnered by non-bicyclists using off-street facilities. Cedar Rapids currently has the following types of facilities:

FIGURE 1: Typical 3-lane section with sidepath and bicycle lane.

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• Trails: provide exclusive paths separated from parallel streets.

• On-street: paint is used to delineate specific locations for bicyclists such as bike lanes, Sharrows, and buffered bike lanes. Vehicle parking or other fixed objects can be used to create protected bike lanes.

• Sidepaths: parallel streets and are a minimum of 10 feet wide.

• Singletrack: mountain bike trails wide enough for one rider often located in parks.

Share-the-Road. “Share-the-road” designation should not relegate bicycles to specific routes. However, they do help direct bicyclists to certain routes and notify motorists that bicycles are likely to be in the area. Providing a complete wayfinding system will help direct users to destinations.

Sidewalks. Sidewalks are a critical, although frequently under-recognized, part of any city's transportation system. Pedestrian facilities are increasingly a public utility and resource for promoting public health. In addition to reducing walking along roadway crashes, sidewalks reduce other pedestrian crashes. Roadways without sidewalks are more than twice as likely to have pedestrian crashes as sites with sidewalks on both sides of the street. Providing walkways for pedestrians dramatically increases how well pedestrians perceive their needs are being met along roadways. The wider the separation between the pedestrian and the roadway is, the more comfortable the pedestrian facility. By providing facilities that are more comfortable, we can increase the number of trips made by walking, particularly in areas with mixed land uses. Research indicates that people will walk for recreational purposes if a facility is provided. Recreational walking is one of the easiest ways for people to get the recommended allotment of physical exercise each day. Moderate exercise, such as walking, contributes to both physical and mental well being.

Transit. Transit service is currently more often used by transit dependent or limited mobility customers – seniors, people with disabilities, and children. The potential market in Cedar Rapids is even larger when demand from students and choice transit users are considered.

ONGOING

Continue to evaluate transit ridership and serviceability to identify opportunities for improvement.

Work towards implementing the transit system and policy recommendations from the 2016 Corridor MPO Transit Study. Continue to update the transit study as necessary. Map 2 shows the existing fixed-route transit system shows the existing fixed-route transit system.

MAP 1: Bicycle Network

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MAP 2: 2024 Fixed-Route Transit System

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INITIATIVES

1. Update the City’s Comprehensive Trails Plan to:

• Review existing and planned network
• Identify completed projects
• Confirm planned projects
• Evaluate existing off and on street facilities

The City is working with a consultant on the Linn County and Cedar Rapids Trails and Bikeways Plan. The Plan is expected to be adopted in 2025.

Cedar Rapids Boundary

GOAL 2: Build a complete network of connected streets.

As Cedar Rapids grows, it should maintain a connected street network, providing transportation options for movement around the City.

Cedar Rapids must also maintain an effective transportation framework to ensure good connections within and between neighborhoods, major activity centers, and for regional travel.

Within the framework of higher-order streets (arterials and collectors, local street systems will develop to serve individual developments. These systems should be designed with clear circulation patterns that preserve the quiet qualities of neighborhoods while providing access to residents, visitors, and public safety vehicles.

The following is a cursory review of Cedar Rapids transportation system that provides a base-level understanding of transportation needs that should continue to be evaluated annually.

Access Management

The Center Point Road corridor is an example of a location characterized by comparatively high traffic volumes, an array of land uses ranging from low-density residential to large commercial businesses, an existing trail system, and closely spaced access locations. These factors create access management problems and prompt the need for systemic improvements in access management. Once completed, overall intersection safety will be enhanced and future congestion issues around Collins Road/IA Highway 100 will be mitigated.

Connectivity Issues

When a neighborhood has only one access point, the lack of multiple roadway connections to the area can result in increased travel time, increased vehicle miles traveled, and potentially reduced public safety response as emergency vehicles do not have multiple route choices. In these cases some of the individual streets may need to be extended to provide an additional connection, while others are a group of streets that may need to be extended and connected.

Congestion

The City of Cedar Rapids has re-timed corridors based on traffic counts collected in 2017. All corridors have been coordinated according to those volumes and we have begun our maintenance program of refining the coordination based on updated traffic volumes. ATSPM (Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures) metrics are being used at existing signalized intersections with upgrades to detection in order to obtain new traffic volume data. This data is being used to re-time signals in Cedar Rapids and will be a very useful tool in maximizing efficiencies and identifying issues.

Existing Congestion

In certain cases, signal re-timing will not improve functionality of corridors due to capacity constraints. Some of these locations are being modified to increase capacity, which will reduce delay. These locations include Boyson Rd & I-380 interchange and Wright Brothers Blvd & I-380 interchange. These improvements allow for reductions in delay with existing traffic volumes as well as accommodate for an increasing traffic need due to development.

Future Congestion

Future traffic congestion along roadway corridors is based on traffic volume forecasts for the year 2040. Roadway segments that will likely have congestion issues in the future include:

• I-380 south of US Highway 30
• Collins Road/IA 100
• 32nd Street NE between Oakland Road NE and Eastern Avenue NE
• Blairs Ferry Road NE between C Avenue and US 151
• Mount Vernon Road SE between 34th Street SE and Wilder Drive SE

FIGURE 2: Connectivity Demonstration ⬚ figure

The diagram above shows the possible extension of streets that would create a network and provide circulation options for people living in the neighborhood. Also, the additional access improves serviceability for snow removal, trash collection, and emergency response. Providing a strong connected network of roads and pedestrian facilities can help distribute traffic, reduce travel distances and times, improve routing for transit and reduce walking distances. Good connectivity also provides better routing opportunities for emergency services and delivery (solid waste, recycling, mail) vehicles. All of these effects can play a positive role in reducing congestion on the street network. A well-connected transportation network can also facilitate walking and bicycling. Increased levels of connectivity are associated with higher levels of physical activity from transportation.

Pedstrian Master Plan

To take a big picture look at the walking environment and connectivity, the City developed a Pedestrian Master Plan with the vision of making walking in Cedar Rapids safe, convenient, accessible, and enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities by 2040. The Pedestrian Master Plan was adopted in 2019, and is being updated in 2025. The goal of the Plan is to develop an updated priority list where there's a need to install new sidewalks. Having a plan helps the City focus on areas of greatest need and establish priorities based on the community's feedback.

Sidewalk Connectivity

Cedar Rapids has a burgeoning trail network. A well connected pedestrian network is critical to increasing walking in Cedar Rapids. For nearly a decade, the City of Cedar Rapids as a community and an organization has placed a greater emphasis on walking. In 2010, the City adopted its first Sidewalk Master Plan. In 2014, the Sidewalk Master Plan was updated, and the City Council adopted Iowa's first Complete Streets Policy.

FIGURE 3: Sidewalk Connectivity

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The images above show how sidewalk improvements can provide increased pedestrian connectivity in areas where street connections are impractical or undesirable for the neighborhood. Sidewalk connections allow neighborhood residents to walk to nearby commercial uses, while avoiding potential traffic impacts.

Corridor Safety Issues

Roadway corridors with frequent crashes are identified as having safety issues. Nearly all the corridors with reported safety issues are classified as arterial roadways. As such, these roadways carry a large proportion of traffic throughout the city and often at higher speeds. Several roadways identified are existing truck routes, so heavy vehicles are inter-mixed with automobile traffic. The combination of higher speeds, increased traffic volumes, and heavy truck movement factors into the safety concerns associated with these roadways.

Intersection Safety Issues

The intersections identified as locations of frequent crashes as reported during the five-year timeframe, 2013 to 2017. Those intersections with identified concerns are generally located where two arterial roadways intersect. Intersecting arterial roadways have been found to generate a high volume of turning movements and an increased likelihood of vehicle conflicts. These intersections are primarily located along corridors with safety and future congestion issues including Collins Road NE and First Avenue NE.

SOURCE: IOWA DOT SAVER.

SOURCE: IOWA DOT SAVER.

ONGOING TASKS

Prepare functional improvements for intersections and corridors experiencing low level of service, high crashes, and poor access across all modes.

Staff conducts a majority of the traffic engineering studies for the majority of Paving for Progress and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects. Complex studies are typically contracted to consultants.

Staff answers approximately 900 public requests per year asking if changes in traffic control are warranted.

The City started a signal re-timing maintenance initiative. Using updated technology data is captured at signaled intersections. This data is vital in timing corridors based on updated traffic volumes. Staff have updated 95% of all signalized intersections using this data.

Pedestrian and bicycle needs are considered in the Capital Improvement Plan through feedback from residents, requests and the application of the Complete Streets Policy.

Goal 3: Establish a network of complete streets.

Streets make up one-of-the largest single category of public spaces in Cedar Rapids. Streets take up more land than all of the trails, schools, college campuses, public buildings and other facilities combined. For many residents, their primary contact with the outside public realm is on streets, as drivers and, to a lesser degree, as pedestrians and bicyclists. Streets are the real front doors to houses in neighborhoods, as well as paths to work. Streets as public spaces should be both efficient and attractive.

This concept of "complete streets" – streets that serve a variety of functions and potentials – should be applied to other principal corridors in Cedar Rapids. Complete streets may include all or some of the following features:

• A pedestrian/bicycle domain set back from the roadway by street landscaping and an adequate greenway setback from curb to walk; or designation of an on-street bike route, along with a continuous sidewalk.
• Special lighting and street graphics to promote a sense of security and well-being.
• Well-marked pedestrian crossings, sometimes with features such as crossing nodes that reduce the distance pedestrians must travel to cross the street.
• Street furniture that claims part of the street environment for people who are outside of vehicles. This provides and assists in preserving the character and traditions of neighborhoods.
• Attractive landscaping to promote community.
• Green infrastructure/stormwater management to promote mature landscaping, rain gardens, bioswales, and other features intended to improve the ability of streetscapes to infiltrate (soak up) water.

Complete streets will have different roles, ranging from neighborhood circulators and collectors to major arterials. As these streets are developed or upgraded, the design features that mark civic streets should be incorporated into their design.

Typical Sections with Bicycle Lanes

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ONGOING TASKS

Sign and mark streets for bicyclists per the Complete Streets Policy. The city should continue to mark and sign streets for bicycle use as it has in the downtown.

Retrofit high priority corridors with sidewalks and pedestrian amenities ensuring ADA compliance. The city should continue to implement its adopted Sidewalk Master Plan.

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Demonstration from Chicago, Illinois Top: Complete Street Left: Bike Lane Right: Sharrow

GOAL 4: Improve the function and appearance of our key corridors.

Cedar Rapids' streets should be designed as public spaces as well as conduits for travel.

Good streets have more than one purpose. In addition to moving people or goods, they are important public spaces and should be designed appropriately. The concept of streets as public spaces defines strategic streets as parkways that connect neighborhoods, parks, and activity centers while providing a strong and unified image for the community. These streets have special characteristics that serve to unify rather than divide neighborhoods, accommodate all forms of travel, and encourage adjacent development to be oriented toward the public right-of-way.

Cedar Rapids has demonstrated its awareness of the multiple purposes of streets with its increased investment across downtown, NewBo (3rd Street SE, and Czech Village (16th Avenue SW. Attractive landscaping, improved lighting, public art, and street furniture have made these districts a pleasure for people traveling through some of Cedar Rapids' most distinct and inviting public spaces.

Street Network

Map 5 displays the City's existing federal functional classification system. Map 8 recommends additions to be considered during the eventual update of the regional Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The LRTP is called Connections 2040 and is developed and updated by the Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The Corridor MPO is a regional entity comprised of the metropolitan communities and performs regional transportation planning for the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area. The LRTP is a guide for the investment of federal transportation funds in the metro area and Cedar Rapids should make sure its most important projects are included in the plan.

Cedar Rapids' gateways are a visitor's first interaction with the community, and convey a powerful first impression to visitors. The City's front doors should welcome and invite visitors, making a dramatic statement about the quality and character of the community. Cedar Rapids' primary gateways include its interchanges with Interstate 380, Highway 30, Highway 100 (Collins Road), and Highway 151 (Williams Boulevard and 1st Avenue).

But entrances and corridors are also important to residents who use the City every day. Major corridors like 1st Avenue are important places of commercial and civic activity. Applying enhancements along this corridor would make it more attractive and demonstrate the significance of design improvements along major transportation routes. Attractive residential streets also add value to their surroundings and provide avenues on which people travel at slower speeds.

Corridor Action Plans

Corridor Action Plans examine issues and identify solutions related to connectivity, land use, character, streetscapes, and placemaking. These plans can be integrated into Neighborhood or Area Action Plans or be done as a stand-alone plan. Regardless, the City will develop these plans based on coordination with numerous City activities. For example, road improvement or utility projects offer an opportunity to address issues related to connectivity and streetscapes. Economic Development or housing development projects may address character and land use issues.

As discussed in StrengthenCR, candidate roadways for Corridor Action Plans are ones that provide key linkages or connections throughout the City. Corridors that emerged from the planning process as a priority for improvement and requiring further study are listed below as candidates for Corridor Action Plans and shown on Map 5. It is important to note that these may change over time and this is an ongoing process.

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Corridor Action Plans. Corridor Action Plans are recommended to identify functional and aesthetic improvements.

• 3rd Street SE
• 1st Avenue Corridor and Williams Boulevard
• 16th Avenue SW/ 15th Ave SW
• Center Point Road

• Prepare corridor action plan for 3rd Street SE.

The 3rd Street SE Corridor Action Plan will evaluate the functional and aesthetic enhancements of the street and surrounding area from 1st Avenue E to 14th Avenue SE for the purpose of unifying New Bohemia to downtown, Czech Village, and surrounding development investments. Initial concepts were explored in the Czech Village/New Bohemia Main Street District Plan prepared in 2013.

• Prepare corridor action plan for 1st Avenue Corridor and Williams Boulevard.

The First Avenue Corridor Action Plan will evaluate multi-modal connectivity and roadway improvements between Collins Road/IA Highway 100 and Williams Boulevard SW. The First Avenue Corridor is a major east-west thoroughfare in the city that transitions between a wide range of areas (e.g., commercial districts, residential areas, etc.). This mix of land uses can also support multi-modal transportation options. This corridor currently faces many issues, including safety, access management, and congestion. The First Avenue Corridor Action Plan will identify options to improve the function and appearance of the corridor.

The Williams Boulevard Corridor Action Plan will evaluate roadway improvement alternatives between 1st Avenue and Highway 30. The Williams Boulevard SW corridor currently faces many safety issues related to access control and traffic volumes. This corridor also provides an opportunity to expand the city’s multi-modal transportation options. The alternatives identified in this plan will address existing issues and future congestion problems related to possible redevelopment along the corridor.

• Prepare corridor action plan for 16th Avenue SW.

The 16th Avenue SW Corridor Action Plan will evaluate roadway improvement alternatives between the future Highway 100 and the Cedar River. This corridor has been identified as an important freight route as several freight delivery companies are located along the corridor. As Highway 100 is completed to the west, the corridor will have a new connection that will be evaluated to determine the mobility of multi-modal traffic along the corridor. The existing corridor also features two intersections with safety issues and the potential for increased congestion. The alternatives identified in this corridor action plan will address the existing issues as well as increased congestion and multi-modal improvements along the corridor, with special attention paid to freight movement and mitigating adverse impacts on residential development north of 16th Avenue.

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Wayfinding

Cedar Rapids should design and gradually install a wayfinding graphics system along all its corridors that directs visitors to destinations in a clear and attractive way. Care should be given to being consistent with the existing wayfinding system in downtown.

• Prepare corridor action plan for Center Point Road NE.

The Center Point Road NE Corridor Action Plan will evaluate roadway improvement alternatives between downtown Cedar Rapids and Blairs Ferry Road NE. The corridor connects downtown to residential and commercial areas in the north and maintains high traffic volumes as it parallels I-380. The array of land uses, existing trail system, and access to public transportation also create opportunities as a multi-modal corridor. Existing issues identified along the corridor include access management, intersection safety, and future congestion issues around Collins Road/IA Highway 100. The action plan will identify alternatives to address the current access issues, intersection safety, and overall multi-modal functionality of the corridor.

MAP 3: EnvisionCR Corridor Action Plan Locations

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ONGOING TASKS

Develop Corridor Action Plans based on coordination with City initiatives such as road improvements or utility projects, economic development and housing development, or other planning activities like a Neighborhood or Area Action Plan.

The City will coordinate development of these plans with other City led initiatitives such as infrastructure or planning projects.

INITIATIVES

2. Implement Wayfinding Program.

Cedar Rapids should work with the Iowa Department of Transportation to explore flexibility in its interpretation of the MUTCD and to develop a wayfinding system that is both acceptable to Iowa DOT and attractive, economical, and clear to users. This is planned to be completed in 2025.

Corridor Action Plan Locations

Cedar Rapids Boundary

GOAL 5: Support the development of an effective, regional, multi-modal transportation system.

An effective multi-modal transportation system for Cedar Rapids takes advantage of existing systems and looks for ways to improve them.

Air Service. Opened in 1947, the Eastern Iowa Airport (EIA) is owned by the City and is considered a small hub primary airport by the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS. The State of Iowa identifies the EIA as a Commercial Service airport as it meets the needs of the state aviation system and serves as one of its essential transportation and economic centers. The EIA has almost completed a 10 year $120 million renovation plan including adding terminal gates, jet bridges, and other passenger amenities. The EIA added three nonstop flights, as well as three nonstop destinations. With these upgrades and additions the EIA was able to serve a record setting 1.4 million passengers in 2023.

Freight. Freight, as shown on Map 7, is conducted through Cedar Rapids mainly by truck and rail. Truck traffic is primarily conducted along I-380, US Highway 151, US Highway 30, and Iowa Highway 13, and Iowa Highway 100. The City has identified truck routes for internal traffic that should be reviewed on an appropriate basis. Cedar Rapids has five railroad companies serving the City. The Union Pacific runs east/west and the CRANDIC (Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, the Canadian National, Iowa Northern, and Chicago, Central & Pacific run north/south.

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Transportation Options. Automobile, bicycle, transit, and pedestrian networks are highly important to the region and should be constantly monitored to make sure they serve the needs of both the City and the region.

One way to do this is through the Corridor MPO’s Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The Long Range Transportation Plan is federally mandated to be updated every five years to ensure alignment with all of its member communities' regional transportation priorities. While the Corridor MPO updates this planning document, Cedar Rapids will provide transportation projects (road, trail, and transit) to be included within it. Ultimately, the projects that enhance the regional multi-modal transportation system will be available for funding through the Corridor MPO’s Transportation Improvement Program process.

• Tower Terrace Road. The Tower Terrace Road project provides a new major arterial in northern Cedar Rapids between the cities of Hiawatha and Marion. Tower Terrace Road will improve connectivity between the City of Cedar Rapids and the cities of Hiawatha and Marion, provide congestion relief on arterials south of Tower Terrace, and support development of the North Growth Area. An update to the Tower Terrace Road Corridor Management Plan was completed in 2019. Currently planned projects for Tower Terrace Road include:
• West of C Avenue to Robins Road

MAP 4: Freight

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• Possible Vision Projects. Vision Projects are those included in the most recent LRTP (Connections 2040) that have been identified as long-term improvements to roadways and address access, traffic, safety, and/or multimodal issues impacting the City of Cedar Rapids. These projects do not have a defined timeframe for completion but will continue to enhance the city’s transportation network as improvements are completed.

Road Projects

• 6th Street Southwest from Highway 30 to Walford Road
• 76th Avenue Southwest from Edgewood Road to Tissel Hollow Road
• Edgewood Road Southwest from 60th Avenue to Wright Bothers Boulevard
• Walford Road Southwest from 18th Street to ½ mile east
• Wright Brothers Boulevard from Edgewood Road to City Limits

Trail Projects

• 4th Street Trail from Cedar Lake Loop Trail to Cedar River Trail
• 6th St Trail Segment 1 from Hwy 30 to 76th Ave SW
• 6th St Trail Segment 2 from 76th Ave SW to Wright Brothers Blvd
• 6th St Trail Segment 3 from Wright Brothers Blvd to South City Limits
• 16th Ave Trail Segment 1, Segment 2 & Segment 3
• Bowling Street Bridge Over Hwy 30
• Boyson Rd Trail from Council St to West City Limits
• C Ave NE Trail Segment 1
• C Ave NE Trail Segment 2 from Blairs Ferry to Boyson Rd
• C Ave NE Trail Segment 3 from Boyson Rd to North City Limits
• Dry Creek Trail Segment 3
• Edgewood Road Trail North Segment 3
• Edgewood Road Trail South Segment 1
• Grant Wood Trail Cedar Valley Nature Trail to Center Point Rd
• Hwy 100 Trail Segment 1 & Segment 3
• Interurban Trail Segment 3
• Kirkwood Blvd Trail
• Otis Rd (Sinclair) Trail
• Seminole Valley Trail Segment 2
• Seminole Valley Trail Segment 2
• Ushers Ferry Trail Segme

MAP 5: Vision Projects

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MAP 6: Proposed Long Range Transportation Plan Updates

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INITIATIVES

3. Adopt the Corridor MPO Long Range Transportation Plan

The plan is on schedule to be adopted in July of 2025.

4. Develop the City’s Transportation Plan consistent with the goals of the Corridor MPO's Long Range Transportation Plan.

No updates at this time.

5. Start transition to hybrid buses.

Benefits of Hybrids:

1. Cold/ hot weather and using HVAC system drain the batteries faster.

2. Buses can to switch to electric when idling near schools/ hospitals etc.

3. No need for infrastructure overhaul, no charging stations. New initiative in 2024.

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INVESTCR

INVESTCR

IInvestCR focuses on how to foster a robust economic environment in Cedar Rapids. Many indicators point to an economy that is already strong. In 2023, Cedar Rapids had a $550 $288 million net retail surplus, a 40% 38% excess of local supply over demand, meaning the city attracts spending from outside its borders. The unemployment rate for June 2023 Cedar Rapids MSA was 3.5%, lower than the County (3.6%) and higher than State (3.0%) . From 2018 to 2022 the median home value in Cedar Rapids was $167,900, below the State average of $181,600.

Yet, concerns surface over the economic trajectory of Cedar Rapids. According to a 2013 economic study, Cedar Rapids residents expressed three top issues:

• Lack of retention and ability to attract young professional workers in the 25 – 44 year age bracket. (The 2023 Maxfield Housing Study found that the largest adult age group in Cedar Rapids are people 25 to 34, followed by those age 35 to 44.
  • In line with broader trends in the United States, the population of Cedar Rapids is aging: people over age 45 accounted for a higher proportion of the total population in 2010 than in 2000 and that trend is expected to continue for the next several years.
  • Also, population growth is anticipated to be greatest among those age 65 to 74 between 2023 and 2030.
• Development and attraction of a skilled workforce. Cedar Rapids has a lower proportion of residents with higher education degrees than the State of Iowa.
  • Demand for qualified workers remains high throughout the Cedar Rapids metro economy: Between January and December 2023, there were 47,538 unique job postings in the Cedar Rapids metro labor market, advertised wages trended 9.1% higher year-over-year, and average posting duration was 28 days.
• Need to focus a wide array of economic development efforts and involvement with local, statewide and regional organizations through a well-devised city strategic plan.

The goals of InvestCR address these economic concerns and more. This element is driven primarily by the results of the City’s Strategic Assessment for Economic Development prepared in 2014 by Angelou Economics. Goals 1, 2 and 4 in particular draw most of their content directly from the City’s Strategic Plan for Economic Development, whose main findings were reconfirmed by the latest study update in 2023. The reader is encouraged to refer to the 2014 economic development planning report for more detail on the goals which are available on the City’s economic development web portal (www. economicdevelopmentcr.com).

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INVESTCR GOALS

1. Expand economic development efforts to support business and workforce growth, market Cedar Rapids, and engage regional partners.
2. Cultivate a skilled workforce by providing cutting-edge training and recruiting talented workers.
3. Reinvest in the city’s business corridors and districts.
4. Grow a sustainable, diverse economy by supporting existing businesses, fostering entrepreneurism, and targeting industry specific growth.

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A CITY FOR ALL AGES

To attract and retain residents of any age, the city needs to enhance quality of life, and create a culture that drives people to form an attachment to this community. The "Soul of the Community Study" by the Knight Foundation in 2010 found that the key drivers of community attachment are: social offerings, openness, and aesthetics. Public spaces and neighborhoods should reflect these principles. The NewBo Market area is a good example of a public space that embodies these three principles.

Downtown Cedar Rapids is an important component of a young professional-friendly environment, and the implementation of the 2012 Downtown Plan will help make this a stronger asset for Cedar Rapids.

In addition, other sections of EnvisionCR provide strategies to implement this initiative, by promoting place-making, alternative transportation and diverse neighborhoods. These strategies include:

1. Place-Making.
   • Have the best parks, recreation and trails system in the region (GreenCR)
   • Be stewards for the environment, promoting economic and social growth while restoring the relationship between the city and the natural environment (GreenCR)
2. Alternative Transportation
   • Provide choices for all transportation users: inter- and intra-city (ConnectCR)

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3. Diverse Housing and Interesting Neighborhoods
   • Encourage mixed-use and infill development (GrowCR)
   • Support existing and new neighborhood associations through the development of Neighborhood Action Plans (StrengthenCR)
   • Improve the quality and identity of neighborhoods and key corridors (StrengthenCR)
   • Adopt policies that create choices in housing types and prices throughout the city (StrengthenCR)

GOAL 1: Expand economic development efforts to support business and workforce growth, market Cedar Rapids, and engage regional partners.

TThe public sector has a role to play in the private market, by making sure policies are business friendly, fostering connections, and aligning public investments with market trends that support collective economic goals. In an increasingly global marketplace, the city is strongest when it is growing as part of a region to promote economic development. The City has many organizations active in econmic development, including the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, Kirkwood Small Business Development Center, NewBoCo, The District, and the Entrepreneurial Development Center, Inc. The city will work with these organizations, neighboring municipalities, and others to continue to identify and rally around common regional economic goals.

The East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) maintains an active regional economic development program through the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). As the region’s EDA Economic Development District, ECICOG develops and implements a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for its seven-county service area, which includes Cedar Rapids. The new CEDS, ENVISION East Central Iowa, covers the 2022 to 2026 planning period. Also, as part of its economic development initiatives, ECICOG administers the Cedar Rapids Business Assistance Revolving Loan Fund and micro loan fund (MICRO).

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ONGOING TASKS

Implement the retail and services recruitment strategy. Economic Development has an active retail attraction program, which works to recruit retailers and provides retail assessment on demand.

Promote the city’s unused fiber optic capacity to attract technology companies. Economic Development and/or IT staff coordinate meeting with entrepreneurs, competitive local exchange carriers, data local exchange carriers, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to leverage broadband network resources.

Implement the business expansion and retention program. Economic Development uses a business retention survey tool. Through this survey, staff meets with an average of 70-90 existing businesses per year to help with retention issues and state and City incentives.

INITIATIVES

1. Partner with Urban Dreams to provide underserved communities with workforce development opportunities. Complete 2023

2. Promote core districts through façade program and other improvements. Historic Tax Credits, Reinvestment District and Destination Iowa all leverage state and federal funds for this. The Cedar Rapids Revolving Loan Fund was updated in 2022 to add more of the community outside of the flood area. Completed 2023

GOAL 2: Cultivate a skilled workforce by providing cutting-edge training and recruiting talented workers.

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The City of Cedar Rapids is proactively addressing the challenge of attracting new residents and businesses to ensure sustained economic growth. Recognizing the critical role of workforce availability, Cedar Rapids is collaborating with regional and national labor-market experts as part of Mayor-led Collaborative Growth Initiative. The initiative, in partnership with the City and economic development groups from Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Hiawatha, aims to identify the region's strengths, target markets, and develop a data-driven marketing plan to attract residents seeking job opportunities in the area. This first-of-its-kind local effort seeks to create a model for building a thriving community through workforce growth, with the hope that it can serve as an example for other communities facing similar workforce challenges.

Cedar Rapids has a long and established history as a major employment center within the State of Iowa. The Cedar Rapids community has 6 out of 10 businesses in the metro area and 75% of all Linn County jobs. Every business day, more than 61,000 commuters from across Iowa arrive in Cedar Rapids to work. Between the period of 2010 to 2019, Cedar Rapids saw total workforce increase from 149,975 to 157,252 persons. In many critical ways, Cedar Rapids is the economic engine of the region.

In parallel with the broader state and national economies, Cedar Rapids experienced a contraction in the size of its workforce in 2020 due to the economic shock from the COVID-19 Pandemic. Figures provided by Iowa Workforce Development show that approximately 5,700 workers exited the employment in Cedar Rapids/Linn County through 2022. However, since the brief recession in 2020, a total of 6,079 workers have returned to the Cedar Rapids labor market. In addition, regional economic model forecasts predict continued growth in the size of Cedar Rapids workforce in the next decade through 2033. As of the end of calendar year 2023, Cedar Rapids maintained an unemployment rate of 3.3% non-seasonally adjusted versus an overall unemployment rate of 3.7% nationally. Likewise, in November 2023, Iowa maintained a higher rate of labor force participation at 68.1% than the U.S overall 62.5%.

ONGOING TASKS

1. Promote workforce development through City economic development programs and a variety of initiatives focused on enhancing quality of life to attract and retain a skilled workforce.

The City has made resources and services highly accessible through City's webpage. A Welcoming Week Committee was created to ensure success. Through ARPA funding the City is extending State of Iowa's Last Dollar Scholarship program to include: 1. Additional Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs. 2. Students who don't qualify for traditional federal funding programs. 3. Students attending classes part-time.

2. Promote southwest industrial/airport development.

Staff have partnered with ICR Iowa and are working on marketing and business attraction for the Airport Super Park and Big Cedar Industrial Park. Several active prospects for both sites and one project slated to go into the Airport Super Park. Develop and implement a citywide Wi-Fi network to support entrepreneurship, job skills, educational opportunities, and innovation.

GOAL 3: Reinvest in the city's business corridors and districts.

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MEDQUARTER MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN (THE LAKOTA GROUP)

Businesses receive direct benefits by close proximity and interaction with other businesses, a phenomenon often referred to as "economies of agglomeration." A concentration of businesses can use common suppliers and draw from a common customer base. Even competing businesses can benefit from each other's proximity, since a concentration of one type of business can serve to establish a niche market that attracts customers and/or workers. Business districts and corridors should make the most of these potential benefits by supporting connectivity between businesses and an active environment that attracts workers, customers, and other businesses.

Business corridors and districts also provide some of the city's most important public spaces. These types of vibrant urban spaces play a critical role in helping residents form an attachment to their community.

Strategies to achieve this goal are provided elsewhere in this document and in other plans. This goal will be achieved by implementing the recommendations of:

• Improve the quality and identity of neighborhoods and key corridors.
• Improve the function and appearance of our key corridors.
• Other planning initiatives such as: 2012 Downtown Plan, Czech Village-New Bohemia Revitalization Strategy, and the MedQuarter Master Plan.

ONGOING TASKS

1. Promote southwest industrial/airport development.

The City has made resources and services highly accessible through City's webpage.

INITIATIVES

1. Promote core districts through façade program and other improvements.

Completed 2023

GOAL 4: Grow a sustainable, diverse economy by supporting existing businesses, fostering entrepreneurism, and targeting industry-specific growth.

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The city, through an expanded economic development department, can take an active role in business creation, retention and expansion. The city can have the greatest effect by gathering information on business needs, coordinating access to funding or assets (such as large spaces for expansions and new development), and crafting city policies and incentives that match the needs of the local business community. In general, the public sector should be focused on activities which will act as a catalyst or support for private sector activity. Ultimately, the city should prioritize support for grassroots efforts by the local business community - efforts that will build social capital, particularly among entrepreneurs.

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PROTECTCR

PROTECTCR

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ProtectCR focuses on how to protect the city from hazards, and how to provide quality public facilities and infrastructure. As Cedar Rapids grows, maintaining efficiency and quality of infrastructure and public services are major priorities. Cedar Rapids needs to strike a balance between providing new services in growth areas and maintaining older infrastructure in existing neighborhoods in the core of the City.

PROTECTCR GOALS

1. Protect Cedar Rapids from flooding and other hazards.
2. Maintain and provide quality services to the community.
3. Demonstrate best practices in building construction.

GOAL 1:

Protect Cedar Rapids from flooding and other hazards.

In 2008, Cedar Rapids experienced billions of dollars in damage due to flooding. The community has engaged in a multitude of planning processes and the City has initiated countless infrastructure projects to reduce the incidence of flooding and ensure community members and buildings are protected against flood events. Cedar Rapids has taken a four-part recovery approach:

1. Improve Flood Control
2. Reinvest in Housing, Businesses & Neighborhoods
3. Rebuild Public Facilities
4. Watershed Infiltration Reducing Runoff

Some of the most densely populated areas of the community, including the downtown, are in the floodplain. These areas need protection and Cedar Rapids is implementing a strategic approach to development to minimize flood risk.

Flood Recovery Plan

Immediately after the flood of 2008, the City began developing two flood recovery plans, which established the goals for recovery and an initial alignment for the flood control system. At the same time, the City worked with the Army Corps of Engineers on a feasibility study for permanent flood control. This study led to the City receiving $220 million in federal funds for construction of flood control on the east side of the river. Additionally, the City worked with the State to create the Flood Mitigation Program, which resulted in Cedar Rapids receiving $269 million in funding for the west side of the river.

MAP 1: Flood Control System Alignment (2025)

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Flood Control System Master Plan

In 2015, the City of Cedar Rapids adopted the Flood Control System (FCS) Master Plan. The mission is to "reduce flood risk through the heart of Cedar Rapids on both the west and east sides of the river, and incorporate aesthetic elements that reflect our community's culture, history, and vision." Goals in this plan mirror several of the goals of EnvisionCR.

The Master Plan includes the alignment for the FCS, as shown in Map 1, along with an anticipated timeline for design and construction. The Master Plan also addresses funding for the Flood Control System, including local, State, and Federal sources.

As of 2025 the Flood Control System is 30% complete and projected to be 58% complete by July 2026. Though not fully complete, the Flood Control System has still significantly reduced the resources required to implement the flood response strategies. Compared to 2015, 300 manhole/intake wells versus the 200 required today, 40 storm sewer plugs versus 15 required today, 10,600 units of hesco barriers versus 5,600 required today, and 53,250 cubic yards of temporary berms versus the 37,850 cubic yards needed today. Additionally, the progression in the Flood Control System is estimated to save over 10,000 man-hours in temporary flood fighting operations.

The Flood Control Master Plan, along with materials from open houses, can be found at: http://www.cityofcr.com/floodcontrol

⬚ figure SOURCE: CITY OF CEDAR RAPIDS FLOOD CONTROL SYSTEM DRAFT CONCEPT RENDERINGS FROM THE FLOOD CONTROL SYSTEM OF FIVE SEASONS PLAZA PARK

Flood Control as a Community Amenity

Following the 2008 flood, Cedar Rapids engaged residents through numerous community input meetings to shape a vision for riverfront redevelopment. Feedback from these meetings informed the River Corridor Redevelopment Plan and the Neighborhood Planning Process. Community members prioritized creating a vibrant, mixed-use riverfront that enhances connectivity, supports economic growth, and improves quality of life. A key theme was ensuring the riverfront served as public open space, with flood control integrated as a community amenity rather than a barrier to riverfront views.

McGrath Amphitheatre

The McGrath Amphitheatre not only serves as a vibrant venue for local events and concerts, but it was also the first completed segment of the City’s permanent flood control system on the west side. The levee was designed in a traditional amphitheater style to both allow attendees from any location within the site see performances and protect the City from future flooding. Additionally, removable flood panels can be installed when needed to safeguard the area during potential flood hazards.

Riverside Park

Originally, the skatepark and playground at Riverside Park were located farther from C Street SW. To accommodate construction of the permanent flood control system, these amenities were removed and replaced with a detention basin and pump station. However, the City collaborated closely with the local skating community and a globally recognized skatepark designer to develop a new, larger, and more advanced skatepark—enhancing both recreation and resilience.

Cedar Lake

Many flood control improvements at Cedar Lake are now complete and include a new levee and a pipeline connection to the Cedar River. The City is now in the process of completing the ConnectCR project that will increase and enhance recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities on and around Cedar Lake. Once this surrounding construction is finalized (end of 2026), the area will offer expanded recreational opportunities while also functioning as an overflow basin during potential flood events—blending utility with community benefit.

Greenway Parks Plan

In 2014, the City created a plan for a cohesive riverfront greenway that includes flood protection as well as integrated public park amenities. The Greenway Parks Plan was updated in 2024 to reflect current realities including design and construction of the Flood Control System and nearby private redevelopment. When fully implemented, there will be three greenway park spaces with resilient infrastructure—creating a multifunctional riverfront that protects and connects.

Linn County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan

In addition to flooding, the City is committed to protecting the community against other potential hazards through the implementation of the Linn County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan is updated every five years, with the most recent plan adopted in 2025 to cover 2025-2030.

The Linn County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies hazards that the city should prepare for based on an assessment of hazards by probability of occurrence, severity, and other factors. The plan rates the following as "high priority" hazards for Cedar Rapids: river flood, flash flood, drought, thunderstorm, lightning and hail, severe winter storm, tornado and windstorm, and transportation incident.

The Linn County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan provides guidance on minimizing the negative impacts of natural, technological, and human-caused hazards. The goals of the plan are to:

• Protect the health and safety of residents (or students), visitors, staff, and emergency personnel (paid or volunteer) during and after hazard events.
• Minimize losses to existing and future structures in hazard areas. Critical facilities are priority structures.
• Maintain local services and infrastructure in order to reduce community, economic, and environmental disruption during an after hazard events.
• Educate residents (or students) and visitors about local hazards and the resources available in the community.
• Use public funds in a cost effective and fair manner.

As the Plan points out, many hazard threats are addressed by ongoing city operations. For example, the city protects against infrastructure failure through the regular inspections and maintenance.

To address hazards not covered by ongoing operations, the plan includes an action plan for Cedar Rapids, with high priority actions that are expected to be addressed during the life of this plan. Some key actions are listed below, with the complete Action Plan included in the appendix.

• Complete phases of the city's Flood Control System
• Acquire, relocate, elevate, and/or demolish structures in flood hazard areas or structures subject to repetitive damage.
• Install flood warning system on Indian Creek.
• Develop and implement a City response plan for Indian Creek flooding.
• Participate in the Community Resilience Roundtable Program and implement supporting projects.
• Expand the city's outdoor warning siren systemas the City expands.
• Add detention basins and other stormwater infrastructure to increase stormwater management capacity and reduce flood risk.
• Construct safe rooms in public facilities and recreation areas.

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INITIATIVES

1. Determine a funding strategy to complete the Flood Control System, as quickly as possible, including Federal funding, City debt capacity, and County support.

City has been working on the final design of the 8th Avenue Bridge Replacement over the Cedar River to meet the main grant requirement of September 30, 2026. The West Side FCS received its first federal funding grant announcement of $25 million from the USDOT. Other progress includes completing a levee through Cedar Lake and opening of a storm water pump station in Czech Village.

2. Amend the Future Land Use Map to reflect planned land use based on the adopted flood control alignment.

Completed in 2023.

3. Review the potential for regional flooding and water quality improvements and work with partners in planning and implementation.

The City is an active member of the Indian Creek Watershed Management Authority (ICWMA), the Middle Cedar Watershed Management Authority (MCWMA), and the Lower Cedar Watershed Management Authority. The ICWMA Watershed Masterplan was published in 2015 and has received a technical assistance grant for 2018-2022. Completed in 2023.

GOAL 2:

Maintain and provide quality services to the community.

The City of Cedar Rapids strives to provide the highest quality services to the community. A large portion of services provided to the community come from Fire, Police Utilities and Public Works. The Police Department and the Fire Department are committed to the community they serve when responding to calls for service and interacting with citizens. Police Officers and firefighters respond to approximately 146,000 calls for service to the community each year.

IUtility services provides raw and potable water, maintains separated sanitary and storm sewer systems, garbage recycling and yard waste collection, and wastewater treatment. All of these services provided by the Utilities and Public Works Departments are vital to the safety of citizens. Today, the network of mains that is used to provide drinking water to citizens is 715-plus miles in length and distributes municipal water to more than 140 thousand residents and industrial users at up to 60 million gallons per day.

Community facilities such as recreation centers, municipal offices, and fire stations are an important facet of Cedar Rapids’ quality of life and are critical to public safety. These public facilities represent large capital assets that must respond to the needs of current and future residents and future growth needs. Although these features sustain life in the community – they are often only noticed when they are absent, or something goes wrong. Yet, they have a major impact on residents’ satisfaction with the City and with the direction of future growth.

The City has established and continues to grow and facilitate partnerships with private entities in the community who provide serivces to residents. Involvement in these partnerships may involve participation and coordination by City staff or funding from the City.

List of City Services:

Fire Department

• Emergency Response
• Fire Prevention Education
• Permits (Fire Alarm, Sprinkler Systems etc.)

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• Community Outreach & Education
• Special Operations
• Reports & Records

Police Department

• Public Safety & Emergency Response
• Community Services (education, resource officers etc.)
• Specialized Units (SWAT, K9, Vic
• Victim Assistance
• Crime Prevention & Investigation
• Reports & Records

Utilities

• Drinking Water
• Water Pollution Control
• Solid Waste & Recycling
• Sewer

Public Works

• Streets & Traffic Infrastructure
• Capital Projects & Construction Engineering
• Stormwater Management
• Flood Control
• Fleet Maintenance
• Community Services (snow removal, construction updates etc.)

Fire Department

The Fire Department inspects new and existing buildings, but population growth and limited staffing have made annual inspections impossible. Following national guidelines, inspections now occur on 1 , 2 , or 3 year cycles based on risk. Even with this schedule, the City cannot meet all inspection needs, so high risk occupancies such as apartments, schools, and large public venues are prioritized. To restore regular inspection of industrial facilities and strengthen safety and economic resilience, the City will add three new positions: Industry Liaison, Legacy Inspector, and Construction Projects Liaison.

Space Needs Analysis

A recent study highlighted significant facility and infrastructure gaps across most fire stations, including limited security systems, inadequate storage, lack of modern decontamination and fitness spaces, outdated IT capacity, insufficient privacy accommodations, and building layouts that slow response times. The department also lacks a training facility that meets industry standards.

Ongoing Priorities

The Fire Department will continue building partnerships, refining its organizational structure, and implementing the Strategic Plan to strengthen prevention, education, and emergency response. The Operations Division will assess and enhance programs across Emergency Medical

Services (EMS), fire suppression, hazardous materials, special operations, and training. Through the CARE Team a coalition of service providers the department will also focus on addressing frequent medical calls related to residents with complex needs.

The Fire Department Was accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International in 2018 and was reaccredited in 2023. CRFD will continue to meet the standards for accreditation.

Police Department

The Cedar Rapids Police Department provides a broad range of essential services supporting the safety, stability, and wellbeing of the community. The Department will continue conducting targeted traffic enforcement to improve roadway safety and further refine and improve the use of video camera systems on City-owned property to aid investigations. Reducing crime remains an ongoing priority. Departmental policies and directives outlined in the Police Department’s Strategic Plan drive those efforts. The Department continues to implement coordinated strategies aimed at reducing gun violence and enhancing community safety. These efforts have led to repeated years of shots-fired reports in decline, and a rising level of safety in the city. Investigators work tirelessly for victims and have successfully closed every homicide since 2020.

Training and hiring practices are designed to reflect our community’s population and needs, ensuring we deliver the highest level of service on every call.

In addition to core public safety and emergency response functions, the Police Department provides a wide range of community caretaking services, including School Resource Officers, public education initiatives, victim assistance, and crime prevention programs.

Specialized units such as Canine, Special Response Team (SRT), Police Community Action Team, District Lieutenants, Narcotics, Financial, Person, and Property Crimes give our officers the ability to address crime, and more importantly – prevention – at every level in our city. The Department also manages reports and records services providing transparency, accountability, and public access to information.

Since earning accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in 2019 and achieving reaccreditation in 2023, the Department remains committed to maintaining this national standard of excellence through rigorous annual review.

Together, these efforts reflect the Department’s ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe and resilient community for residents, businesses and visitors.

K9 Unit

The Cedar Rapids Police Department proudly operates a specialized K9 Unit, which has historically been supported primarily through generous community donations. This dedicated unit currently consists of eight K9 teams and provides 24-hour coverage across the City.

The program began in the 1970s, originally focusing on schools, airports, and bus terminals to deter drug trafficking. Over the years, the unit has expanded its capabilities. Today, the K9s use their exceptional sense of smell to assist in tracking suspects, locating missing persons, detecting illicit drugs and explosives, and conducting article and building searches.

Since its inception, the department has had a total of 33 K9 officers serve alongside their human partners, playing a vital role in public safety and community engagement.

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Utilities

The Cedar Rapids Utilities Department delivers essential water and wastewater services across the region; providing high-quality drinking water to residents and businesses in Cedar Rapids, as well as to the City of Robins, the Poweshiek Water Association, and several additional properties in Linn County. Advanced wastewater treatment facilities serve Cedar Rapids and the neighboring communities of Marion, Hiawatha, Robins, and Palo, along with select Linn County properties. These vital services ensure a reliable water supply and environmentally responsible wastewater management for thousands of customers throughout the metropolitan area and those downstream of our city. Cedar Rapids was recognized for a fifth time in 2025 for having Iowa’s Best-Tasting Drinking Water; a recognition that has been received three of the past four years.

Before approving any new development with significant water demands, Cedar Rapids Utilities conducts a comprehensive capacity evaluation. This process includes analyzing current system performance, projected water usage, and infrastructure requirements to ensure reliable service without impacting existing customers. The work is done closely with developers to plan for sustainable growth while maintaining system integrity.

Cedar Rapids is also committed to supplying water that is safe for every family, business, and visitor. Utilities actively monitors and addresses emerging contaminants, including PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), through rigorous testing and treatment strategies that meet or exceed state and federal standards. The water is certified as safe for infants and young children, giving parents confidence that their baby’s formula and drinking water are free from harmful substances.

Public Works

The Cedar Rapids Public Works Department is committed to building and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps our city moving. Through six specialized divisions, we deliver essential services that support safety, mobility, and quality of life.

• Construction Engineering oversees major capital improvement projects, including new streets, sidewalks, and trails. This division ensures projects are designed and built to meet safety, sustainability, and community needs.

• Engineering provides technical expertise for city infrastructure, managing design standards, drainage systems, and long-term planning to support Cedar Rapids’ growth.

• Real Estate handles property acquisition and right-of-way management for public projects, ensuring timely coordination and compliance with regulations.

• Sewer Maintenance maintains and repairs the city’s sanitary and storm sewer systems, protecting water quality and reducing flood risks through proactive inspections and emergency response.

• Street Maintenance is responsible for the upkeep of more than 1,400 miles of city streets, including resurfacing, pothole repairs, snow and ice control, and street sweeping to keep roads safe and accessible year-round.

• Traffic Engineering & Operations manages traffic signals, signage, and roadway safety improvements, using data-driven strategies to enhance mobility and reduce congestion.

• Flood Control implements and maintains permanent flood protection systems along the Cedar River, including levees, floodwalls, and pump stations, safeguarding homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure from high-water events.

Together, these divisions form a comprehensive team dedicated to maintaining reliable infrastructure, supporting economic development, and improving everyday life for residents and businesses in Cedar Rapids.

Public Works (PW) received accreditation in 2023 through American Public Works Association (APWA) Accreditation demonstrating full compliance with 322 practice statements. PW will continue to seek accreditation status and quality services.

INITIATIVES

4. Achieve American Public Works Association Accreditation. Completed in 2023

5. Replace or update outdated facilities (Bender Pool, Parks Maintenance, Twin Pines Clubhouse, Ellis Clubhouse, and Gardner Clubhouse) to create modern and sustainable facilities. Close to being finished with an assesment which will provide guidance on the condition of all community pools. Ellis Clubhouse is done, and Gardner Clubhouse is expected to be finished spring 2026. Parks Maintenance updates haven't started.

6. Evaluate high risk structures and target hazards for increased emergency response needs, fire prevention activities, fire protection systems and equipment per adopted codes, standards, regulations, and policies. Completed in 2020

7. Identify, evaluate, and acquire technology, equipment, and facilities to improve infrastructure and service delivery per the Cedar Rapids Fire Department Strategic Plan. The new strategic plan is part of the Commission on Fire Accreditation International process and is the basis of planning for the department from 2023-2027. It consists of four strategic priorities: community risk reduction, maximizing operational effectiveness, employee health and safety, and employee training and company readiness. Completed in 2023.

8. Evaluate the standard of cover and current operational model Completed in 2023

9. Prepare a fire station assessment and relocation plan based on the current and future needs of the City, firefighter health, and facility design best practices. Completed in 2023

10. Acquisition of a new off-site facility that would provide space for evidence storage and personnel, and Crime Scene Unit. The search for a suitable location continues. There's currently no plans to move Joint Communications from it's current location.

11. Review options and most successful way to implement a new records management system. A project manager has been hired. Implementation is moving forward. Sheduled to be in place by 2028. Schedule changed to 2-3 years in 2025.

12. Review Municipal Code sections utilized by the Police Department to determine areas of improvement. Completed in 2023.

13. Review workload and duties associated with specialty assignments assigned to Criminal Investigation Division to determine areas of improvement and efficiency. Completed in 2023.

14. Review digital evidence procedures and research areas of opportunity to streamline and improve Public Information Requests and requests for the County Attorney. A new RMS (Records Management System) is being implemented to replace the current one.

15. Review diversion programs offered in all schools Cedar Rapids Police Officers are located in to ensure programs offered are beneficial to youth and the community. Reviewed in collaboration with CRCSD and school year data.

GOAL 4:

Demonstrate best practices in building construction.

All buildings in Cedar Rapids should use best practices in building construction, such as energy efficiency and on-site stormwater management. One of the most visible ways to encourage this to develop public facilities as demonstration pieces for exemplary design and construction practices.

To ensure community safety and recovery, city buildings and infrastructure should be built with emergency management in mind. Existing building codes are designed to limit threat from fire, wind, and other dangers. Code enforcement should continue to be a priority, in order to ensure the safety of residents.

refers to facilities that pose significant risks or hold essential community functions during a flood event. This includes hospitals and similar institutions; buildings that store critical documents, data, or equipment of high public value; facilities that contain hazardous materials or fuel; power installations needed during emergencies; and other buildings with comparable uses.

Under this definition, facilities such as hospitals, police and fire stations, jails, museums, water and wastewater treatment facilities, critical server or data centers essential for City operations, and buildings that store emergency response materials or vital records are all subject to these elevated design standards if located within either the regulatory floodplain or the Shaded X Zone on the map below.

Most standard City facilities fall under the typical floodplain regulations of Chapter 32B. However, any building that meets the definition of Maximum Damage Potential must be designed and protected to a higher standard specifically, up to two feet above the 500-year (0.2% annual-chance) flood event. These requirements apply not only within the standard floodplain but also within the mapped 500-year flood zone (Shaded X Zone).

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The Downtown Library, Central Fire Station, City Services Center, Ellis Clubhouse, and the Ground Transportation Center are all examples of exceptional facilities. Cedar Rapids can highlight these facilities through signage, tours, and other means – as examples of what the community would like to see replicated in the private sector.

Saving Properties and Revitalizing Communities (SPARC)

Program City staff from various departments — including Community Development, Building Services, Police, Finance, and Public Works — teamed up to develop the Saving Properties and Revitalizing Communities (SPARC) Program. This program is designed to address issues caused by abandoned or vacant tax-delinquent properties that can negatively impact neighborhoods. In partnership with Linn County, the SPARC Program will strategically acquire these properties and facilitate their disposition through a Request for Qualification (RFQ) process, making the properties available to affordable housing developers or adjacent neighbors when redevelopment is feasible. A resolution to establish the program will be considered during the 8/8 council meeting

MAP 2 : FEMA Flood Zones

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A, AE, AE, FLOODWAY X, 0.2 PCT ANNUAL CHANCE FLOOD HAZARD

FEMA Flood Zones

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IMPLEMENTATION

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In memory of GARY KRANSE

1959 – 2014

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Gary Kranse joined the City of Cedar Rapids in November 2013, as Director of Community Development and Planning. Co-workers and community members alike were immediately drawn to his positive attitude, friendly spirit, and generous nature.

A visionary and people-person, Gary dove whole-heartedly into spearheading the development of the city's new Comprehensive Plan – EnvisionCR. We owe much to his passion and commitment. His leadership set a precedent for strong community engagement which continues to inspire his staff to this day.

In his short time with us, Gary's tenacity and enthusiasm quickly united departments and helped form strong ties with the surrounding community. This collaborative spirit only served to enhance the depth of EnvisionCR's emerging themes and goals, shaped by those inspired to join the process. His leadership and foresight helped in crafting an inclusive and thoughtful plan shaped by as many participants as possible. We lost Gary far too early; his sudden passing in April of 2014 left a personal void that will be impossible to fill. But his work will continue; not in a binder on a shelf, but in a vision that can be found at the intersection of outreach and community participation. We are committed to seeing this plan used to the fullest, in all areas of City planning and development.

It is fitting that we open the next chapter of this plan – the implementation – with words we heard spoken by Gary many times.

Let's pound it out.

"The plan should be viewed as a dynamic changing document that is used actively by the city."

• Jennifer Pratt, Director of Community Development and Planning

STRUCTURE

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE PLAN

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DISCOVER

A review of the public engagement process and trends indicated by previous plans, reports, and studies.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The principles of the plan emerged through the public engagement process, and established the desirable conditions for Cedar Rapids' future.

ELEMENTS

The structure of the plan is organized around six strategic elements, each providing goals and initiatives for public policy.

IMPLEMENTATION

An ongoing process that uses and updates the plan.

IMPLEMENTING ENVISIONCR

DiscoverCR lays the conditions for future change in the community, forecasting a possible growth of 30,000 people between 2015 and 2035 to achieve a population over 160,000. This increase represents a demand for new housing and services within the city and on its fringe, more commercial services, and new jobs. In front of this growth are the city’s Guiding Principles, which lay the groundwork of decision-making for the coming twenty years. EnvisionCR articulates the principles into goals and initiatives organized around six Elements, including StrengthenCR, GrowCR, GreenCR, ConnectCR, InvestCR, and ProtectCR. These six elements, with their narratives and maps, are the core of EnvisionCR.

This section focuses on Initiatives for implementation. These key areas include:

• Roles. This section summarizes the key players involved with achieving the goals of the plan.
• Plan Update. This section outlines a process for maintaining the plan and evaluating the EnvisionCR’s progress in meeting its goals.
• Goals and Initiatives. This section summarizes the policies and actions proposed in EnvisionCR, and presents projected time frames for the implementation of these Initiatives.

ROLES

Responsibilities for the roles of decision-makers and staff are grounded in planning ethics established by the American Institute of Certified Planners.

The public, decision-makers, and staff must be concerned for the short- and long-range consequences of present actions on the public. EnvisionCR promotes excellence of design, while preserving the integrity of the natural and built environment.

Responsibilities: Elected/Appointed Officials Decision-makers, along with staff, must be conscious of the rights of others. Decisions should expand choices and opportunities for all persons, including the disadvantaged, and promote racial and economic integration. Officials include the City Council and City Boards and Commissions.

Responsibilities: City Staff City staff should continue to seek meaningful input from the public on the development of plans and programs. EnvisionCR is rooted in a public engagement process, and thereby the goals and initiatives represent the aspirations of the community. Recommendations from staff to decision-makers should provide accurate information on planning issues to all affected persons and to governmental decision makers.

Plan Evaluation and Review

The city should perform an evaluation and review of the Initiatives and at least two Elements of EnvisionCR annually. The review group should consist of department managers who will obtain feedback from a variety of sources including the City Planning Commission and other appropriate organizations.

Staff will also obtain input from youth. Youth can help Cedar Rapids to understand and respond to the needs and wants of the next generation. Through this input process, the city can:

• Provide students with a voice in city matters
• Provide students with the opportunity to see how cities prioritize and carry out projects
• Gain input on the needs of youth

City staff will provide City Council with proposed updates identified through the evaluation process. This updated information can then be utilized during the city's planning and budgeting process as described in the Plan Update section.

PLAN UPDATE

The scope of EnvisionCR is both ambitious and long-term. Each of the many actions and policies described in the plan can contribute to the betterment of the city. Yet, presenting a twenty-year development program at one time can appear daunting. So, the evaluation and review process, described in the previous section, will be done annually. This will provide flexibility to account for changing conditions.

Cedar Rapids should use the plan to define policies, actions, and capital investments for the upcoming year. This effort should be coordinated with Cedar Rapids' existing capital improvement planning and budgeting process, although many of the plan’s recommendations are not capital items. This annual process should be completed before the beginning of each budget year.

GOALS AND INITIATIVES

The tables following in this chapter present a concise summary of the Goals and Initiatives of EnvisionCR. The Goals and Initiatives in Tables 1 - 6 are organized according to their Element.

Type

These Initiatives include various types of efforts:

• Policy, which indicate administrative or regulatory actions that support implementation of the plan.
• Action, which include specific efforts by the city.
• Capital, which include projects that require city funding.

TABLE 1: Plan Evaluation and Review Schedule

Schedule

A schedule for implementing the Initiatives is shown in the tables. This schedule indicates when the Initiative would begin and is advisory in nature. Updating of the schedule will be part of the Plan Evaluation and Review process. Projects indicated within the first year are policy/action/capital considered to be high priority Initiatives and can be catalysts for other Initiatives.

Lead

Lead represents the leader for the Initiative, which is the city but may include coordination with public, private, or non-profit entities. Other city departments that may contribute to accomplishing these Initiatives are listed here as Partners.

References

References direct the user of this plan to review pages in this plan.

AMENDING THE PLAN

To keep EnvisionCR up to date it will be necessary to make amendments to the plan. However, as the foundational document that guides development, most amendments to EnvisionCR should happen annually and through a comprehensive effort to address changes to the community overtime.

• Future Land Use Map Amendments. The Future Land Use Map plays a key role in guiding the recommendations and decisions of the City Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment and the City Council. Amendments to the Future Land Use Map may be necessary to accommodate new development which meets the goals of the city but are not permitted by the adopted Future Land Use Map. Amendments should be carefully considered by the City Planning Commission and the City Council and should be based on findings that they support the Guiding Principles and Goals of EnvisionCR. The process to amend the Future Land Use Map is described in the city’s Zoning Ordinance but should generally involve review by City Planning Commission and then a hearing and resolution by City Council.

  Public notification should be provided in a manner similar to rezoning applications. Amendments may be initiated by the city as a result of planning initiatives or a review of current development patterns. Amendments to the Future Land Use Map may also be required as part of proposed development.

• Amendments to Initiatives. Amendments to the Initiatives table shall be made by resolution of City Council after review and recommendation by the City Planning Commission as part of the Annual Evaluation Process.

• Text Amendments. Project-specific text amendments, such as proposed changes to the Guiding Principles, Goals, Elements and Land Use Typology Areas, are discouraged unless done as part of a comprehensive review process.

• Other Plan Amendments. Map and text amendments to EnvisionCR may be necessary as part of a city-led planning effort, such as the Neighborhood Action Plans, Master Greenway Plan, Transportation Plan and Comprehensive Trails Plan. If amendments to EnvisionCR are necessary, they shall happen concurrently with the adoption of the plan or plan update.

• Administrative Changes. Changes to the document to fix typos or update hyperlinks should be documented and changed administratively by staff but do not require action by City Council.

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APPENDIX

GROWCR - MAP 1: Future Land Use Map

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Due to the dynamic nature of the Future Land Use Map, all instances of this map shown in this document are intended to be representative. The official Future Land Use Map shall be maintained by the City and made available online or upon request.

Map available online. Visit: www.cedar-rapids.org/government/departments/community-development

PROTECTCR - TABLE 1: Hazards Addressed by Cedar Rapids Operations (Table 10 of Linn County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan)

SOURCE: LINN COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN, JUNE 2014

PROTECTCR - TABLE 2A: Cedar Rapids Hazard Mitigation STRATEGY (Table 107 of Linn County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2019-2024)

SOURCE: LINN COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN, 2019

PROTECTCR - TABLE 2A: Cedar Rapids Hazard Mitigation STRATEGY (...continued Table 107 of Linn County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2019-2024)

SOURCE: LINN COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN, 2019

PROTECTCR - TABLE 2B: Cedar Rapids Hazard Mitigation STRATEGY (...continued - Table 107 of Linn County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan)

SOURCE: LINN COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN, 2019

PROTECTCR - TABLE 4: Benefit vs. Cost Criteria (Table 139 of Linn Co. Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan)

SOURCE: LINN COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN, 2019

Benefit vs. Cost Criteria

"To determine how a mitigation strategy should be completed, an action plan and timeline for mitigation actions was determined through a prioritization process that considered local priorities, local operations, potential benefit, and estimated cost. Ultimately, mitigation actions were assigned a priority level, which determines the potential timeline for completion. Refer to Tables 13 and 14."

PROTECTCR - TABLE 5: Mitigation Action Priority Level (Table 140 of Linn Co. Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan)

SOURCE: LINN COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN, 2019

Priority Level

"For most jurisdictions, not all mitigation actions considered in the prioritization process met exact criteria. The planning committee in Cedar Rapids developed the final action plan to ensure the priority level for each mitigation actions reflects local risks, priorities, and operations. See Table 15 for Cedar Rapid’s action plan."

PROTECTCR - TABLE 2A: Cedar Rapids Hazard Mitigation STRATEGY (Table 107 of Linn County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2019-2024)

PROTECTCR - TABLE 2A: Cedar Rapids Hazard Mitigation STRATEGY (Table 107 of Linn County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2019-2024)

PROTECTCR - TABLE 2A: Cedar Rapids Hazard Mitigation STRATEGY (Table 107 of Linn County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2019-2024)

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RDG PLANNING ● DESIGN HRGreen