[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6071189,"mediaKeyId","3046783-88034aab9a54380f26c49911179f40c4","parentId",3046783,"title","Downtown SMID details Maze Island plan, activation programs and vacant-property mapping","audioSeconds",1263,"startMs",3102000,"endMs",4365000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3046783-88034aab9a54380f26c49911179f40c4&start=3102&end=4365","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3046783-88034aab9a54380f26c49911179f40c4/thumbnail_3102000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6071189/Cedar-Rapids/Linn-County/Iowa/Downtown-SMID-details-Maze-Island-plan-activation-programs-and-vacant-property-mapping","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071189-f95831b85153d4d8e43bcd38df7c2a20/orig.mp4?Expires=1776255057&Signature=AlHIYIuvZ3d3yHvoM2wrwKkrGJjO1~N7Vim64ZCfjMO4nbTJiPgdpOMGAnXvOfldVTsiSs3Dn3pUfrmqJDCibzFkQIUcsu9YRHxwlp4plYJhium6i5DzeYlGkRfbhV46CJfeRZZQpkhKpe14c1CglytUiG3FZalTW~awEsgzKkh1-KueAb7SO-Am3KqrUlh2yFe9cVWmeI9Gvm9PlDff5zvBpxtHKOasG8EuZLoyYR8mR~nJPgklZSOEXvFP-6cypIhBcz1l4mbeBvMdQkfSem-Ggs3R8RuGSIiu3HgTTTJBVHizJwZ8ai3aehhdvYJuNzwLk3OHQm3llJqjKuNeag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Cedar Rapids ","date","2025-04-15T00:00:00Z","article","The downtown SMID reported implementation progress and a workplan to the Cedar Rapids Finance Committee on April 15, including the Maze Island landmark and plantings, business-activation programs, vacant-property mapping and evaluation of a pilot trolley for core-district connectivity.

The downtown presenter (first name Scott) said the SMID’s assessment is $2.75 per $1,000 and that the organization’s annual budget is “just under a million dollars.” The SMID is using its vision and implementation plan to guide projects such as a 9-foot-by-26-foot Cedar Rapids sign visible from I‑380 on Maze Island, plantings and a sculpture site, and tree plantings along the island’s edge. The presenter said the sign location was chosen to improve ADA rail access and line‑of‑sight from the highway.

Activation programs include a revamped Race for the Space pitch competition with mentorship for winners (tentatively pitched for Aug. 13), an internship program tied to summer maintenance crews, a planned pop‑up art gallery, an expanded events calendar (including a new weeklong “5 Seasons Fit” wellness series) and promotion of “SIP Local Saturdays” and a downtown happy hour program aimed at weekday foot traffic. The SMID is working with the Innovation Council, Kirkwood and Coe for student engagement and with CRST and other partners on marketing and venue support.

The SMID reported data on pedestrian/visitor counts from Placer.ai showing increased weekend foot traffic on the Sapa Dapo route—roughly 5,000 visitors in 2023 and about 11,100 in 2024; the presenter said demand for downtown events and activity is strong. The SMID is developing a story map of vacant property for lease and sale to make building and site data accessible to developers, and is coordinating with the city’s retail consultant on strategy.

The trolley pilot received mixed survey feedback; riders who replied positively cited convenience while other respondents said it did not meet some transportation needs and asked for real‑time tracking. The SMID is exploring whether Horizon Transit or surplus trolley purchases could address those critiques without excessive cost.

No formal committee action was requested; committee members praised progress and emphasized continued attention to maintenance, safety perceptions, and connecting new hotel/convention activity across the river to downtown businesses.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Cedar Rapids Finance & Administrative Services Committee Meeting April 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The downtown SMID reported implementation progress and a workplan to the Cedar Rapids Finance Committee on April 15, including the Maze Island landmark and plantings, business-activation programs, vacant-property mapping and evaluation of a pilot trolley.","taxTitle","Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa","taxId",4689,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6071184,"Finance committee approves formal policy changes to reserve and risk‑management rules",530,4673000,5203000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3046783-88034aab9a54380f26c49911179f40c4&start=4673&end=5203","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3046783-88034aab9a54380f26c49911179f40c4/thumbnail_4673000.jpg","/articles/6071184/Cedar-Rapids/Linn-County/Iowa/Finance-committee-approves-formal-policy-changes-to-reserve-and-riskmanagement-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071184-2d864ab871102c3c9bbfbd52b09736ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1776255057&Signature=RD01lGa5h6EByWJvo9flT0LCTcq-ZnFtXBxbTLcZa3f4uNm6nK47554OpXGrY45kUsaZLZigB4P90sGtsMUdH5ggDQm8Cn2bq5Bfhj4EiqkWZqhkspPS6iDtxrOT1oZGYTmE0dpJiUFG4-LD5LuyFqSe-X5PUNDaPNFNdTJKGO4sQrRFfRTmzyyun3SUW7eRiy2t4JN7QmS5CsWET2aa2ccOW9PUHfWXjoShD6ceDD4vbIhY7nL61-O-Smc5hkranE2JloGveERz5vSLiSrCGQ3li67KKs5iR~MLGWk-njkcKKSTS8CMH2mLiPnAMXFhvDYZRD1OnafCNNhLpO1NtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cedar Rapids Finance Committee approved two recommended changes to city finance policies on April 15 and will forward the proposals to the full City Council for adoption.

Abidesh Pandey, finance director, presented two edits: first, a change to the general fund reserve policy moving the formal target from 25% of operating expenditures (three months) to 30% of operating expenditures, unless council approves otherwise. Pandey said the city currently operates at about 30%, and the recommendation is intended to make that level an explicit policy.

Second, Pandey proposed clarifying the city’s risk management policy. The prior policy allowed booking reserves between a 75% and 95% confidence level “as determined by the finance director,” resulting in inconsistent year‑to‑year practice. The finance director recommended that self‑insured liability exposure be funded at an 80% confidence level and that reserves be set to the actuary’s central estimate (the actuary’s point estimate reported in the annual actuarial review). The same approach was recommended for workers’-compensation reserves.

After discussion and clarifying questions about fund structure (Pandey confirmed the risk management fund is a separate fund and not the general fund), a committee member moved to approve the proposed policy statements; another member seconded the motion. The committee voice-voted “Aye” and the motion passed. Committee members said the changes improve budgeting clarity and make reserve-setting more consistent for external reviewers.

The committee will forward the revised policy language to the City Council for final approval; no council action was taken at this meeting.","The Cedar Rapids Finance Committee approved two recommended changes to city finance policies on April 15 and will forward the proposals to the City Council for consideration.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6071194,"Czech Village/NewBohemia SMID reports rising private investment, new plaza and expanded matching funds",1449,1458000,2907000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3046783-88034aab9a54380f26c49911179f40c4&start=1458&end=2907","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3046783-88034aab9a54380f26c49911179f40c4/thumbnail_1458000.jpg","/articles/6071194/Cedar-Rapids/Linn-County/Iowa/Czech-VillageNewBohemia-SMID-reports-rising-private-investment-new-plaza-and-expanded-matching-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071194-03135305ee31e4b544440bb3c17f4cbb/orig.mp4?Expires=1776255057&Signature=H7W0qxD7zyXlF2QAAwdEcjAJOUgTVP3Gh3mG18EFlbLpl9EEtCxeXFuj4VRmPYzE4T1p5UV9Ev4UlaV7niL5AGKsaEMPR~KdaS9X16HrC5hS8umheq2iczv~w-mrx1yQEPxfyK1kZP7wXyG~phlgxizCkykeUB4cZ3C6IPjrLZb7yle4dMeOiy1d9vqQsd-E0yNDj2c~4i0MhWb2rk~trGeDf2H3dnlFWwSgCHQu9ZOkzvoqTnWZiI0x~yTfUDh6NlJboqGWKbs-lYJedixN2IWXpPRqQBWHA84yU5y115GdcYCtuM41m0dhn1hdfzIJj~JWZlCaDKR8Q1s1wb875w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Monica Vernon, speaking for the Czech Village–New Bohemia SMID, briefed the Cedar Rapids Finance Committee on April 15 about capital projects, placemaking and a city match that increased the district’s assessment revenue for improvements.

Vernon said the SMID and the city agreed to a 1:1 matching arrangement on district assessments up to $100,000 per year; property owners in the SMID increased their assessment rate in stages (from $1.25 per $1,000 to $1.75 and then $2.00) to capture the match and expand annual project funding. Vernon and Jim Pearsall, chair of the SMID commission, said the extra revenue will underwrite continued investments such as murals, flower plantings, benches, holiday lighting and streetscape features.

Vernon told the committee that private investment in the SMID was large in calendar 2024 — at least $50 million in residential investment by her accounting — and that city capital work on flood protection and pumping stations complemented private development. She said the SMID expects to realize roughly $300,000–$350,000 annually during the five‑year match period depending on future development and occupancy.

The SMID reported completion of Novak Plaza, a programmable public space developed on two city-owned lots under a long-term (40‑year) lease. Vernon said the plaza features benches, perennials and interpretive panels and was funded by private contributions and SMID dollars; the plaza honors the Novak family and includes a small play element for children.

Other items: the SMID has sold approximately $15,000 in “Cone Zone Cash” gift certificates to date to help drive foot traffic during construction; it completed holiday lighting installations; ordered additional concrete flower boxes and benches; and expects to add two murals on the Fulton Lofts building with private cost‑sharing. Vernon said the SMID is pursuing digital kiosks but has not yet placed an order and is working through due diligence.

Commissioners asked about a vacant parcel previously occupied by Daisy’s Garage. Vernon said the owner was granted a 12‑month zoning window to leave the foundation in place to facilitate a future build; she said she has reached out to adjacent property owners about murals but had no firm redevelopment plan to report. Pearsall added that the city granted the SMID a 40‑year lease for Novak Plaza, which helped secure private investment for the site.

The finance committee received the report; no committee vote or direction was recorded on these items.","Monica Vernon and Jim Pearsall told the finance committee that Czech Village–New Bohemia’s SMID has grown assessment revenue with a 1:1 city match program, delivered Novak Plaza under a 40‑year city lease, and is advancing murals, holiday lighting and small-business supports including a ‘Cone Zone Cash’ gift-card program.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6071199,"MedQ commission outlines roundabout, pocket park and mental-health partnerships in annual update",1366,41000,1407000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3046783-88034aab9a54380f26c49911179f40c4&start=41&end=1407","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3046783-88034aab9a54380f26c49911179f40c4/thumbnail_41000.jpg","/articles/6071199/Cedar-Rapids/Linn-County/Iowa/MedQ-commission-outlines-roundabout-pocket-park-and-mental-health-partnerships-in-annual-update","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6071199-edb4e80b2953ffd3017e0083d976ecd8/orig.mp4?Expires=1776255057&Signature=ApawtBY4EmEXxQlUwHiL-9WUVbfiz1utI7vRONEi6lKegr1L6qcZoHOHVFVzrM1Ke~ohWjd~Z5ZIDNaCchtmyCc7HAquoNxrBX78j8yb1huoVwmqlMJXj2Laliy~f~ZgYQUy3jbM8ILlvrcTO-EHkjfY1H1mFCNyrFAHE3vpqpqbUrJlD3AcjVzNu~yDQfrycQpDOI~pD3GydEKUIemBHiMUjuj5cPKz078FFTuPDsXQpZxRYv0aV88jWs4LmU8DQA038VF72zQnCcD7eFANm7RIpbvhz3FaPKJKdOdecQb4VV3~vJvb1jOgQewI-hwr3MguyhqNWKSCN65uVcgFSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Medcor (MedQ) Special Municipal Improvement District reported infrastructure and program updates to the Cedar Rapids Finance Committee on April 15, highlighting a planned roundabout, a proposed pocket park on Fourth Avenue and Tenth Street, and continued collaboration on mental-health resources.

The district’s executive director, Phil Wasta, told committee members that MedQ’s consolidated budget for calendar 2024 totaled $7,250,000 and that budget projections show a spike in district improvements when the roundabout invoice is received. Wasta said the district keeps a multi-year projection so commission members and staff “understand how we’re gonna pay for it, especially the big stuff.” He told the committee a $139,000 earmark for A Avenue Northeast (Seventh to Tenth) will likely be pushed to fiscal 2027 because of the city’s schedule.

The update emphasized coordination with city staff on multiple construction projects. Wasta described ongoing work on a roundabout (budgeted in fiscal 2026 because construction will extend past July 1), pavement rehabilitation along Fifth Avenue (Fifth to Twelfth Street), conversion of a county road to two-way traffic to relieve A Avenue/Eighth Street congestion, eight new ADA ramps at Third Avenue and Tenth Street, and decorative pavers and crosswalks on Eighth Avenue. He said the city funded the road conversion and has been a close partner on other projects.

Wasta described a planned pocket park at the southwest corner of Fourth Avenue and Tenth Street in front of a medical office building; a license agreement has been filed with the assessor’s office and standards-committee review is under way. The park would convert asphalt to a programmable green space for small performances and food trucks, and include permeable pavers and seating. Wasta also said MedQ is advocating for a bus stop pad and shelter on Eighth Street near the Mercy parking garage and expects installation this year.

On branding and placemaking, Wasta said the district is investing in murals, holiday lighting, two pocket parks and new banner designs. He credited work by the standards and branding committees and noted the district uses a master-plan update by the Lakota Group as its guide. Wasta also highlighted the Faith and Medicine Task Force’s gethelpnowcr.com mental-health triage resource and said the task force will host a presentation by Dr. Lisa Miller at First Lutheran Church in May.

Commissioners and committee members asked questions about annexation, economic-development constraints in MedQ, and specific sites such as the former Daisy’s Garage property. Wasta said some projects are constrained by limited available land in the district and by timing of city capital projects. He reported an open commission seat (Barb Tupper of Coe College was approved and will start July 1) and thanked city liaison Jennifer Pratt for ongoing coordination.

Wasta closed by reiterating that multi-year budgeting—and setting aside funds for major items rather than relying on bonding—helps the district manage large infrastructure projects and reduces surprises.

The finance committee did not take formal action on the MedQ update; the presentation was provided for information and discussion.","The Medcor (MedQ) district commission presented its annual update to the Cedar Rapids Finance Committee, reporting a $7.25 million consolidated budget for 2024, upcoming infrastructure work including a roundabout and new pocket park, continued branding/marketing efforts, and ongoing mental-health triage resources and events.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Downtown SMID details Maze Island plan, activation programs and vacant-property mapping

Finance committee approves formal policy changes to reserve and risk‑management rules

Czech Village/NewBohemia SMID reports rising private investment, new plaza and expanded matching funds

MedQ commission outlines roundabout, pocket park and mental-health partnerships in annual update