What is sustainability?
To be sustainable is to meet the needs of today without preventing future generations from meeting their needs.
Pursuing sustainability in the City operation means addressing and improving environmental, social, and economic health concurrently — the triple bottom line of sustainability.
GreenCR News
No matter where you are on your green journey, everyone can play a part in moving Cedar Rapids toward a more sustainable future. Check out our latest GreenCR Newsletter. Keep reading »
GreenCR Highlights
GreenCR brings together all of the City's sustainability efforts under one roof. The Community Climate Action Plan guides GreenCR efforts, both within the City operations and throughout the entire community. Current GreenCR program highlights:- Rain Art
- Local artists are invited to design art inspired by solutions to climate change. The chosen temporary designs will be applied to sidewalks with environmentally friendly, rain activated, invisible spray. The art will become visible when the pavement gets wet and will last up to four months.
- Deadline to apply is Sunday, April 2, 2023.
- Finalists will be announced at EcoFest, held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at NewBo City Market.
- More information and application details are found here.
- GreenCR Champions
- Nominate yourself or someone in the Cedar Rapids community who is passionate about our planet! GreenCR Champions are individuals or groups in our Cedar Rapids and nearby communities who care about environmental health and supporting others. GreenCR Champions work hard to bring that passion to wherever they are: school, work, at home, or in the outdoors.
- Deadline to nominate is Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
- GreenCR Champions will be announced at EcoFest, held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at NewBo City Market.
- More information and application details are found here (PDF document).
- Earth Week 2023
- EcoFest: Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at NewBo City Market
- Rain Art finalists will be announced by Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell and City Manager Jeff Pomeranz
- GreenCR Champions will be announced by Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell and City Manager Jeff Pomeranz
- City Manager's 1-Bag Challenge litter pickup event: Monday, April 24, from 4-6 p.m. -- location TBD
- EcoFest: Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at NewBo City Market
On September 28, 2021, City Council approved Cedar Rapids' Community Climate Action Plan. The Plan was developed in response to responds to Council's 2020 Climate Resolution calling for the community to take urgent action to respond to the impacts of climate change.
Climate Action is also underway in several key areas across the City. The following major initiatives are all important elements of GreenCR:
Cedar River Flood Control System
Designed to convey the same water volume as the 2008 Flood, the Cedar River Flood Control System will reduce flood risk through the heart of Cedar Rapids on both the west and east sides of the river. A project spanning several decades, this monumental effort is one of the community's largest investments in climate change adaptation.
ReLeaf Cedar Rapids
Following the 2020 Derecho, City leadership recognized the need for a comprehensive guide to implement reforestation in Cedar Rapids over multiple years. The plan provides a "green print" for leaders, volunteers, Trees Forever, and residents to follow while rebuilding a health tree canopy. The effort includes a $1-million-per-year reforestation investment from the City of Cedar Rapids for ten years.
The GreenCR Action Plan charted the City of Cedar Rapids’ commitment to pursue sustainability and a higher quality of life in Cedar Rapids and was closed out in 2022.
Take Action!
From installing green energy in your home or business to taking advantage of water conservation rebates and careers in sustainability — we encourage you to bring GreenCR sustainability principles with you wherever you go! Check out our list of available tools and resources to improve your own economic, social, and environmental wellbeing.
Take the Green Homes Challenge
Participate in the Green Homes challenge and make a green commitment, like riding a bike or gardening. Then log your commitment with our online interactive dashboard.
Water Conservation Rebates
GreenCR encourages water customers to implement cost-saving, water-efficient measures on their properties. Learn about rebate programs offered by the City.
Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) Cost-Share Program
Save up to $2,000 dollars or 50% of eligible project costs for the installation of stormwater BMPs on your residential or commercial property. Learn about which projects qualify and how to apply.
