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Q. What is the mission of the Cedar Rapids Downtown District?
A. The Cedar Rapids Downtown District is a non-profit organization working to increase the economic vitality and attractiveness of Downtown as a place to live, work, play, shop and visit.
In addition to coordinating an aggressive public/private program to promote the redevelopment and economic growth of Downtown Cedar Rapids, our mission is to lead the way in achieving a shared vision for the future of Downtown Cedar Rapids by building partnerships, fostering a dynamic Downtown civic and cultural community, and by creating awareness of Downtown establishments, events and projects.
Q. What is the Self Supported Municipal Improvement District?
A. The Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) occupies a 6.5-square-mile, 30 square block area in Downtown Cedar Rapids.
Established by a group of Downtown property owners in 1986 and managed by both the SSMID Commission and the Cedar Rapids Downtown District, the SSMID, and the adjacent Downtown areas, are designated to receive improvements, projects, and services funded through a special assessment on commercial properties in the district. Eligible commercial properties are assessed at a rate of $3.00 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
Funds from the annual assessment are used to provide streetscape and infrastructure improvements, Downtown beautification and maintenance, business recruitment and retention, special events, and other public issues.
Though the SSMID does not encompass all of what we formally refer to as "Downtown", property owners who fund the SSMID realize their monies are well spent making sure not only surrounding properties, but also the health of the entire community is maintained.
Q.What are the boundaries of Downtown Cedar Rapids?
A. Downtown Cedar Rapids is a large area consisting of several small districts or area of focus. Check back soon for a map of Downtown.
Q. Are copies of the Downtown District's Annual Report open to the public?
A. Yes. Both current and past copies of the Cedar Rapids Downtown District's Annual Report are available to the public. You can download them from our web site on our Annual Report page, or obtain a copy by calling 319.398.0449.
Q. When does the Cedar Rapids Downtown District Board meet? When does the SSMID Commission meet?
A. Generally, the Downtown District Board of Directors meets the fourth Thursday of every month, with the exception of November when the Annual Meeting is held in lieu of a regular board meeting. The SSMID Commission meets the first Tuesday of each month.
Q. Are the board meetings open to the public?
A. Yes, anyone is welcome to attend a Downtown District or SSMID Commission board meeting.
Q. How does one become a Downtown District board member?
A. Nominations are taken for the Cedar Rapids Downtown District Board of Directors each November, and are considered by a nomination board. New board members are elected in December each year. SSMID Commission members are appointed by Cedar Rapids Mayor Paul D. Pate.
Q. How do you become a partner?
A. Please contact Quinn Pettifer at 319.398.0449 or quinn@downtowncr.org
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