Government notes: Cedar Rapids casino proposal is just an application before the state gaming commission

Cedar Rapids Development Group LLC, the organization behind the proposal to build a casino in northwest Cedar Rapids, submitted the only application for a new gaming license received by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

Iowa lawmakers passed a two-year moratorium blocking new gambling licenses in 2022, but failed to extend the recess before the legislative session adjourned in April.

When the moratorium expired in July, the Commission set a timetable for accepting and examining new applications. The deadline for receiving applications was set at 16 September.

Last week, the backers of the Cedar Rapids casino held a press conference to present updated plans for their proposed casino and the results of their own market study, which suggest that a casino in Linn County would increase Iowa's net gambling revenue by more than $80 million.

The Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center, planned by Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E) and the Linn County Gaming Association, would be a $275 million development featuring a casino with 700 slot machines and 22 table games, as well as a number of restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, an arts and culture center and a STEM lab “that will attract a diverse audience.”

The next step in the licensing process is a presentation by the Cedar Rapids Development Group on its application to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission on Oct. 3 in Bettendorf.

The commission will hold a site visit in Linn County on November 20 and provide the public with an opportunity to comment. At the regular meeting in Burlington on November 21, the commission may receive background reports from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation in a closed session.

A market study conducted by Innovation Group and Marquette – which were selected by the commission last month – must be submitted by December 30. The commission will review the study during the holidays.

If the DCI background reports were not completed in November, they would be presented to the Commission in a closed session at the panel's January meeting in Jefferson. The market study would also be presented publicly at that meeting.

The committee is scheduled to vote on the proposals at a special meeting on February 6.

Johnson County will establish a new committee to assess prison needs

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors plans to re-establish the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee as it considers the best options for the future of the county jail.

The building, which houses the Johnson County jail and sheriff's office, has numerous structural deficiencies, according to a report completed this summer by Iowa City-based Axiom Consultants.

Earlier this month, regulators granted permission to review design proposals to replace the building's roof and heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and stabilize its brick facade.

In addition, the current jail is overcrowded, raising safety concerns for both inmates and staff and necessitating the placement of some inmates in facilities outside of Johnson County.

In July, supervisors reviewed a space needs analysis by Cedar Rapids-based architectural firm Shive-Hattery that outlined a concept for an $80 million, 140-bed office/jail facility.

The county previously attempted to fund prison improvements through bond referendums in 2012 and 2013. Both proposals received over 50 percent voter approval, but required 60 percent to pass.

The Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee will be comprised of supervisors and community members knowledgeable about the criminal justice system. A list of committee members has not yet been finalized.

The committee will meet once a month starting in October. In addition to discussing the future of the prison, the committee will also explore ways to limit the number of people incarcerated there.

The aim of the Committee is to make “specific recommendations regarding policies, procedures and practices relevant to policy makers”.

One committee member must be a resident of unincorporated Johnson County.

Linn County proposal wins Innovation in Homelessness competition

Linn County's proposal to create an advisory council of homeless people to provide insight into policy and program development was announced this month in Des Moines, with a competition being announced.

The Housing Fund for Linn County, on behalf of the Alliance for Equitable Housing, won the inaugural Innovation in Homelessness Pitch Competition on September 5. The award was presented by the Iowa Finance Authority during the Housing Iowa Conference.

We were looking for forward-looking proposals for preventing and combating homelessness.

The winner will receive up to $100,000 in funding to develop a pilot initiative.

Linn County's proposal calls for the creation of a council comprised of individuals who have experienced homelessness to provide insight into policy recommendations, program development and community engagement strategies.

“By integrating the perspectives of those directly affected by homelessness, the Alliance aims to develop more effective and comprehensive solutions that meet the needs of marginalized populations and create meaningful community change,” a press release on the success said.

The Alliance for Equitable Housing is a cross-county collaboration comprised of Linn County cities, funders, advocacy groups and nonprofits. Formed as part of the Derecho disaster relief program, it continually seeks resources and strategies to address local housing challenges.

J'nae Peterman made the pitch along with Alicia Faust of Willis Dady and Kelsey Culver of Waypoint Services. Peterman served as director of housing services at Waypoint for 10 years before accepting her current role as director of homeless services, a position jointly funded by the City of Cedar Rapids and Linn County.

“Insights from people with first-hand experience will help our community better understand the barriers to accessing resources in our community,” said Sara Buck, housing director for the City of Cedar Rapids. “This understanding will make our programs more accessible to our most vulnerable citizens.”

The panel included Erin Drinnin of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, IFA Director Debi Durham, Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Gilbert Thomas of the IFA Board of Directors, and Matt White of Housing Innovations.

“The Innovation in Homelessness Incubator aims to transform the systems that prevent and address homelessness and rethink the way Iowa's homeless are served,” Durham said. “Our homeless service providers have risen to the challenge.”

For more details on the Innovation in Homelessness Incubator Pitch Competition and the other finalists, visit iowafinance.com.

Cedar Rapids hosts citywide walk as part of Healthiest State initiative

The City of Cedar Rapids is hosting a citywide 20-minute walk on Wednesday, October 2 as part of the 14th Annual Healthiest State's Initiative Walk.

The walk begins at McGrath Amphitheatre, 475 First St. SW, and ends at Greene Square.

At the park, all participants will receive a free lunch provided by AARP Iowa and tailgate games will be offered.

“We encourage all residents to participate in this walk, which is designed to promote both physical fitness and a sense of community,” said Stephanie Schrader, community services coordinator for the City of Cedar Rapids.

Johnson County Public Health launches mental health website

Johnson County Public Health is partnering with Credible Minds, an online mental health resource platform, to launch a website on October 1.

The free website will feature a collection of podcasts, videos, online programs and articles on mental health topics. Resources will be available in English and Spanish.

The site covers topics such as burnout, mindfulness, resilience, parenting and time management, among others.

Government Notes appears Mondays and features news from regional government agencies. The Gazette's Grace King, Megan Woolard and Sara Konrad Baranowski contributed.