Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell raises economic growth in the state of the city

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – The mayor of Cedar Rapids, Tiffany O'Donnell, held her fourth state of the city and focused on the economic development and continued investments by the city in infrastructure and quality of life.

The address took place on Wednesday afternoon in the DoubleTree from the Hilton Convention Center.

O'Donnell spoke to an audience of mayors, business owners and non -profit managers and outlined the services of their administration last year and plans for the future. The highlights included the 275 million US dollar Cedar Crossing Casino project, which was officially on the floor in February. Although it is currently facing a legal challenge, O'Donnell praised the project as the cornerstone of the city's economic future.

Further reporting: Cedar Rapids breaks the floor in 275 million US dollars Casino and entertainment center

She also reported significant progress in public security and in 2024 she made a decline in violent crime compared to 2023.

The mayor provided updates to common areas such as the construction of the Alliant Energy Lightline -Feufine -Fußbücker Bridge, the construction of a new Czech village of Roundhouse and the upcoming addition of art in Mays Island. These improvements are part of a wider strategy to make the river bank a goal.

She also said that more than 800 million US dollars for the 1 -billion dollar -Hochwater control system were approved by the city.

O'Donnell emphasized how important it is to expand the workforce and population of the city by the collaboration growth initiative started by the mayors of Cedar Rapids, Marion and Hiawatha – and to promote cooperation with neighboring communities.

“We cannot afford to lose people to our neighboring countries just because they invite people and we are not. And it happens,” she said.

In order to support this growth, the city has apartment support, including the root program, expanded -families who are affected by the 2020 -Dereecho house owner. Cedar Rapids also hired a manager for homelessness systems to combat housing uncertainty.

Look down at the city's booth:

O'Donnell expressed strong support for the proposed bond measure of 117 million US dollars that would finance upgrades for existing school buildings.

“Strong cities need strong schools,” she said.

The school authority approved the language for the bond proposal at the beginning of this week.