Public Policy Update: National Civics Bee Competition Comes to the Cedar Rapids Region
September 12, 2025 | Public Policy
Local Policy Update
Economic Alliance Announces Local Round of National Civics Bee®
The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance has announced a local Civics Bee, part of the National Civics Bee® program led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Middle school students in grades 6-8 across Eastern Iowa are encouraged to enter by submitting a written essay; finalists will advance to live quiz rounds next spring. Winners move on to state finals next summer, with a chance to vie for national honors in Washington, D.C., in fall 2026.
This engaging competition is well-timed, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, and it complements the Economic Alliance’s ongoing commitment to political civility. Encouraging elected officials (and now students) to find common ground on challenges faced by our communities is how we achieve long-term solutions. The local Civics Bee is a great opportunity to encourage youth to engage in civics by utilizing their voices and ideas to shape their local community, inspire them to become better informed about American democracy, and engage respectfully and constructively in our community. Parents and teachers of middle school students are encouraged to learn more about the Civics Bee here. For questions and additional information, contact Barbra Solberg.
The Business Case for Supporting the Cedar Rapids Community School’s $117 Million Bond Referendum
Voters residing in the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) will decide on November 4 whether to approve a $117 million bond proposal aimed at renovating four key schools in our district. Over the past year, the plan was shaped through robust community engagement and will deliver upgrades that include modernizing facilities at three middle schools to make them ADA compliant and enhancing security, in addition to updating Kennedy High School to prevent overcrowding. This investment is fiscally strategic with forecasts of $6.48 million in annual operational savings, yielding over $140 million in long-term benefits and student-ready facilities. Supported by the business community, labor leaders, educators, parents, local elected officials and civic groups, the bond reflects Cedar Rapids’ commitment to growth, equity, and excellence. The Economic Alliance stands behind this proposal as a vital step toward sustaining our region’s talent pipeline, competitiveness, and economic prosperity. You can read more about the bond here.
Federal Policy Update
Economic Alliance Supports Coalition for Bipartisan Permitting Reform
The Economic Alliance joined a national coalition led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, urging Congress to employ comprehensive bipartisan permitting reform. Outdated and unpredictable permitting processes are delaying major infrastructure projects and driving up costs for businesses.
The letter calls on Congress to modernize federal permitting by making reviews more predictable, efficient, and transparent, while ensuring environmental and community safeguards. Removing unnecessary delays will allow private and public investments to move forward.
Streamlined permitting is critical to keeping our region competitive. For employers, faster and more reliable approvals mean:
- Reduced costs from project delays and inflation.
- Certainty for investment decisions in energy, transportation, broadband, and water infrastructure.
- Improved competitiveness in attracting and retaining businesses.
- Stronger growth potential through timely infrastructure upgrades that support business expansion.
By supporting this coalition, the Economic Alliance advocates for reforms that reduce red tape, strengthen the business climate, and position our region for sustained economic growth. You can read the full letter here.