Our CR Podcast is a monthly podcast that introduces you to the people, projects and programs of your local government.
Each month we will explore important issues of the day with inside looks into the views and news of Cedar Rapids — sparking conversation and bringing the workings of the City closer to your neighborhood.
What Makes a City Feel Like Home? How Parks & Recreation Build Community in Cedar Rapids
Recreation Superintendent Tony Ireland, CPRP, CPO, and Parks Superintendent Chad Peterson discuss how Cedar Rapids' parks and recreation programs build community and enhance well-being through accessible activities and inclusive spaces.
12 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT
Built for the Long Run: Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell recaps her State of the City Address
Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell shares Cedar Rapids' strategic vision for balancing affordability, placemaking, and workforce development in this interview.
1 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT
A Place to Call Home
Laura Shaw and J’nae Peterman discuss Cedar Rapids' strategies for creating safe, stable, and affordable housing, addressing homelessness and disaster recovery.
17 Mar 2026
Economic Development
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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.
27 Aug 2025
Episode 1 - Economic Development
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.
1 Apr 2020
COVID-19 Emergency Response
(https://support.doctorpodcasting.com/media/k2/items/cache/e7d979d39fda8a936bb560ece5308154_Generic.jpg)Jason Andrews discusses COVID-19 Emergency Response from the City of Cedar Rapids.
13 Feb 2020
Cedar Rapids Economic Development
(https://support.doctorpodcasting.com/media/k2/items/cache/b9fb260a93b288492b026409914ce47b_Generic.jpg)Economic development is intended to improve the lives of citizens of Cedar Rapids. Jasmine Almoayyed, Economic Development Manager, discusses the economic development actions of the city.
20 Nov 2019
Recycling Matters
(https://support.doctorpodcasting.com/media/k2/items/cache/add5d01992a83600316a1179c36ec001_Generic.jpg)Recycling is a little more complex than popping your water jugs into a special bin. Mark Jones, Solid Waste Superintendent, discusses recycling in Cedar Rapids.
17 Sept 2019
National Library Card Sign Up Month
(https://support.doctorpodcasting.com/media/k2/items/cache/89f71e57b4d5a65174f4d42e6fd86758_Generic.jpg)A library card provides access to vast resources. Amber McNamara, Community Relations Manager of Cedar Rapids Public Library, discusses the benefits of having a library card.
1 Aug 2019
Achieving the Gold Standard in Public Safety
(https://support.doctorpodcasting.com/media/k2/items/cache/11a35f9879b6777c0eb76522c88621bf_Generic.jpg)The public safety agencies of Cedar Rapids work to protect the community. Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman and Cedar Rapids Fire Chief Greg Smith discuss how their departments have received the Gold Standard Accreditation.
27 Jun 2019
Construction 101 - Public Works Behind the Scenes
(https://support.doctorpodcasting.com/media/k2/items/cache/d63ad1dc6aac2b74f2d74bb41ae5aed1_Generic.jpg)Construction in Cedar Rapids is quite involved. Nate Kampman, City Engineer, discusses what you can expect to see around the city and how those projects come about.
10 Jun 2019
History Preserved: Protecting and Repurposing Historic Landmarks
(https://support.doctorpodcasting.com/media/k2/items/cache/13ff8dcfbe96dd8093dbff51cc27530c_Generic.jpg)Preserving historic landmarks is important to maintain the timeline of changes in a city. Jennifer Pratt, Community Development Director, discusses how they work to protect and repurpose historic landmarks.
18 Apr 2019
Cedar Rapids Police Department Cold Cases: We Never Give Up
(https://support.doctorpodcasting.com/media/k2/items/cache/322c3bcbbff994dd8632786c9371f627_Generic.jpg)What happens with cold cases? Officer Matt Denlinger discusses how something becomes a cold case and how the Police Department works to resolve those cases.
22 Mar 2019
Flood Control
(https://support.doctorpodcasting.com/media/k2/items/cache/3d4c550c9effb09f0c7639e8df0ef952_Generic.jpg)Flood control prevention is one small aspect of the City of Cedar Rapids Department of Public Works. Jen Winter, Public Works Director, discusses what residents need to know about flooding.
Inside a recent episode
What Makes a City Feel Like Home? How Parks & Recreation Build Community in Cedar Rapids
Published 24 Jul 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] And so there's enough area for everybody to get out and enjoy the parks department and the parks that we offer. There's nothing better than getting outside and just getting some fresh air, getting some sun on your face. And I think that's what makes my job so enjoyable is I've got roughly a hundred different places to go to look at stuff and be outside and just enjoy the outdoors. Yeah, I love that. 100 parks, over 4,000 acres. That's a lot of real estate and places and spaces for things to do things. And Tony, like you said, quality of life issues when you have a vibrant community. that offers these leisure time activities, parks and pools. […]
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