Our CR Podcast

How do parks and recreation boost our community’s wellbeing? Tony Ireland, CPRP, CPO, Recreation Superintendent at City of Cedar Rapids, and Chad Peterson, Parks Superintendent at City of Cedar Rapids, explain how parks support physical, mental, and social health. They discuss accessible programming, therapeutic recreation and ADA emphasis, community connections, economic benefits, and how welcoming facilities and events help people stay and engage locally.   In Cedar Rapids, those experiences are never far away. Whether you're exploring one of our nearly 100 parks, hiking or biking along 130 miles of trails, enjoying a splash pad, playing a round of golf or disc golf, visiting Old MacDonald's Farm, strolling through Noelridge Greenhouse and Flower Gardens, stepping back in time at Ushers Ferry Historic Village, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Our park system also includes more than 50 playgrounds, three off-leash dog parks with a fourth opening this year, pickleball courts, picnic areas, ball diamonds, and more than 4,100 acres of parkland waiting to be explored. Learn more at CityofCR.com/ParksAndRecreation#ParksAndRecreation #SummerInTheSquare #CedarRapidsParks #CommunityRecreation

On the heels of her annual State of the City of Cedar Rapids address, Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell discusses the City of Cedar Rapids' strategy to balance affordability, placemaking, and workforce needs as the community grows grows. Learn about the City's work on housing, resilience, and partnerships that support community amenities. Learn more and watch the full 2026 State of the City address at CityofCR.com/SOTC.  Meet the Mayor 

What does it really mean to have a home? This episode dives into the heart of housing in Cedar Rapids. Join Laura Shaw, the City’s Housing Services Manager, and J’nae Peterman, Homelessness Systems Manager, as they explore how the City is creating safe, stable, and affordable homes — from rebuilding after disasters to tackling homelessness at its roots. Hear the stories behind the roofs, the strategies shaping neighborhoods, and the programs helping residents.

Welcome to the first episode of Our CR, the City of Cedar Rapids’ podcast giving you a behind-the-scenes look at city government, projects, and the people shaping our community. In this pilot episode, City Manager Jeff Pomeranz and Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell, with our host (and City Economic Development and Development Services Director) Bill Micheel — dive into economic development — what it means for Cedar Rapids, why it matters, and how the city plans for smart, intentional growth while improving quality of life. Hear about recent successes, upcoming strategic projects, and why developers and residents alike are drawn to Cedar Rapids’ vibrant lifestyle and opportunities.