Get Engaged with the City of Cedar Rapids

Public engagement is a vital element in our decision-making processes. Our human-centered, equity-focused engagement approach helps us grow as an inclusive City Government that celebrates diverse voices — ensuring no one group is favored over another. 

Public Input | Make Your Voice Heard

Active community participation ensures our City's future is shaped by the very people who call it home. Check out current and future opportunities to get involved and make your voice heard!

• National Community Survey
  Cedar Rapids residents are invited to respond to a comprehensive quality-of-life survey designed to provide a baseline of how City Government is serving residents, gauge perceptions of the City of Cedar Rapids, and make comparisons with peer cities. Residents are encouraged to complete the online survey. A mailing for the survey was initially sent to a representative sample of Cedar Rapids residents. Those who received the survey through the mail should respond according to directions in the letter or postcard
  Take the Survey!

Closing the Loop | Updates on Recent Engagement Opportunities

Thank you for shaping our City's future! We prioritize transparency and accountability by sharing insights from community surveys and feedback sessions. Explore our latest updates on community engagement initiatives below:

• Greenway Parks Update
  We sought community feedback on our update to the Greenway Parks Plan. An updated plan will guide park and recreation opportunities along the Cedar River riverfront, from Time Check, to Kingston Village/Downtown, and to Czech Village/New Bohemia.
  View Project Website
• Westside Library Park
  Thanks to a generous gift made to the Library Foundation in 2020, the library is building a permanent Westside Library to replace the current Ladd Library, which is in a leased facility. The Foundation secured land for the project near the corner of Wiley Blvd and 20th Avenue SW, within walking distance of the current Ladd Library. The site will be developed to include a new City Park, making it a destination for the entire community to enjoy.
  View Project Website
• Dual-Use Intergenerational Center & Sports Complex Facility
  The City is working with CSL International to complete a feasibility study for a dual-use intergenerational center and sports facility in Cedar Rapids. The project is one of the action steps identified as part of the Age-Friendly Action Plan adopted in 2022 to bring together residents of all ages and abilities for healthy activities and social connectedness.
  View Project Website
• Paving for Progress
  Paving for Progress allocates about $20 million each year solely for the maintenance, repair, construction, and reconstruction of public streets. The program is funded by a voter-approved, one-percent sales tax for street repairs. Projects incorporate community-involved feedback sessions as part of the design phase.
  View Project Website

Other Ways to Get Involved

• Apply to Serve on a City Board or Commission
  These advisory groups can be valuable community assets and effective partners with the Mayor, City Council and City staff in guiding the future of our community. Visit our Boards & Commissions page to learn more.
  
  
• Municipal Volunteer Program
  Please consider volunteering your time to a cause of interest to you that will benefit the Cedar Rapids community and our residents through our Municipal Volunteer Program (MVP)!
  
  
• Civic Engagement Opportunities
  There are a variety of ways for people like you to stay engaged in our community! Check out our Civic Engagement page to learn more.