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The Cedar Rapids Downtown District is a non-profit revitalization partnership committed to promoting a dynamic urban Downtown community by improving the quality of life, advocating for new business and new jobs Downtown, and participating in community planning for both the future of Downtown and the city as a whole. We are committed to making Downtown a thriving urban neighborhood for all who come here to work, live, and enjoy the culture.
In 1986, a Self Supporting Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) was created by vote of the Downtown property owners. They agreed to tax themselves an additional assessment every year for 20 years to revitalize the area. Their action, the dedication of their leaders and the cooperation of the City of Cedar Rapids saved Downtown from decay, and helped create the vibrant Downtown neighborhood we enjoy today. The healthy mix of business, retail, culture and residential that exists Downtown now is a testimony to their foresight.
Today, the Downtown District is the primary leader in the comprehensive redevelopment of the Downtown and the official partnership between local government and the private business community in Downtown's revitalization.
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. 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 creating awareness of Downtown establishments, events and projects.
Our roles:
- To act as a public-interest developer for key Downtown projects.
- Actively encourage redevelopment through adaptive reuse and new project construction.
- Offer financial incentives and assistance to encourage development.
- Initiate plans and studies to develop strategies for revitalization.
- Provide research data to prospective developers and tenants.
- Advise the city and county governments on Downtown issues.
- Recommend and coordinate needed public improvements Downtown.
- Monitor maintainance and safety of public and private spaces.
- Serve as an information clearinghouse for Downtown activities.
- Inform the media and general public of Downtown issues and activities.
- Produce Downtown marketing and promotional materials.
- Coordinate community programs with Downtown businesses.
- Sponsor special events and assist other organizations in Downtown promotions and events.
Funding sources for the Downtown District:
- A special assessment on commercial properties located within the SSMID Downtown.
- Partnership with the Cedar Rapids Downtown District.
- Fundraising and in-kind contributions.
Recent Accomplishments
This year saw some major changes in the focus of the Downtown District organization. Most noticeably, a name change and a branding effort that has helped distinguish Downtown as a destination. We rolled out numerous new marketing efforts, including partnering with Downtown businesses on commercials, the creation of a Downtown shopping incentive campaign, and the development of an exciting, information-filled Downtown web site that we are excited to launch in January 2005.
We have seen more than 30 new businesses open their doors in 2004, including a variety of professional service businesses, restaurants, retail shops and nightclubs. We welcomed new events and expanded existing events, inviting more people Downtown to enjoy our surroundings. And we've increased our services to new businesses, making their move and transition to Downtown a smoother one.
Today, the Downtown District Board of Directors and Staff are taking a renewed look at our goals and vision for the future of Downtown. More than ever before, the community and county's attention is focused on creating a healthy urban core that's inviting for business and pleasure, and on creating a unique Downtown neighborhood with residential opportunities that makes Downtown a vibrant community 24-hours a day.
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