Update: November 2025

8 Big Bets: What We Heard From The Community

After months of listening, testing ideas, and comparing what the data says with what people experience day to day, a clear set of priorities rose to the top. Community members, employers, educators, and local leaders helped shape eight Big Bets that can drive long-term growth across the Cedar Valley. These reflect what we heard in workshops, round tables, and one-on-one conversations, and they focus on practical steps we can take together.

1. Modernize Manufacturing & Build Advanced Manufacturing

• Update technology and processes
• Connect education and industry
• Diversify into new sectors

2. Expand Healthcare as a Local Growth Engine

• Grow regional specializations
• Support and retain workers
• Expand access and inclusion

3. Diversify with Technology and Logistics

• Rebuild the start-up ecosystem
• Increase access to capital
• Leverage fiber and logistics assets

4. Secure the Talent Pipeline

• Retain and connect young professionals
• Welcome and integrate new Iowans
• Improve livability and belonging

5. Build a True Regional Identity and Alignment

• Build a shared Cedar Valley story
• Bridge divides between communities
• Promote pride and collaboration

6. Connect Education and Industry to Drive Innovation

• Align training with employer needs
• Simplify student-to-career pathways
• Offer incentives to stay local

7. Create Career Ladders and Job Quality Pathways

• Create visible advancement paths
• Invest in upskilling programs
• Turn jobs into careers

8. Align Housing with Workforce Needs

• Expand attainable housing options
• Link housing to workforce goals
• Support local builders and rehab

What happens next is simple and important. Our consultants are now translating these eight Big Bets into specific actions with timelines, owners, and measures we can track. As that draft takes shape, we will bring it back to the community for feedback and enlist partners to lead pieces of the work.

Questions? Contact:

Update: October 2025

Community Ideas Workshops

Last Thursday, community members from across the Cedar Valley came together for two Community Ideas Workshops filled with energy, collaboration, and forward thinking. The sessions began with a look at the latest data, and the message was clear: doing nothing is not an option. Together, we must build on the Cedar Valley’s many strengths and continue to innovate to attract and retain more people who want to call the Cedar Valley home.

The workshops were part of the ongoing Cedar Valley Population Study, led by CivicSol in partnership with Grow Cedar Valley.  Building on CivicSol’s research and conversations so far, participants reviewed and provided feedback on eight “Big Bets”, emerging themes and ideas that could have the greatest impact on the Cedar Valley’s ability to grow and thrive.

More than 100 people representing businesses, nonprofits, education, and local government attended across multiple sessions. Their input will directly inform the next phase of the study, helping CivicSol and the steering committee refine these “Big Bets” into actionable strategies and community-driven solutions.

Thank you to everyone who shared your time, insights, and ideas to help shape the future of the Cedar Valley.

Questions? Contact:

Update: September 2025

Update: June 2025

The Consultant’s First Visit to the Cedar Valley

From June 24–26, we welcomed the CivicSol team to the Cedar Valley for their first in-person visit as part of the regional population study. Over the course of three days, they facilitated 12 roundtable discussions with more than 120 participants from across the region. These focused conversations centered around the following key sectors:

• Economic Development
• Regional Leadership
• Non-profits & Funders
• Young Professionals
• Small Business & Entrepreneurs
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Business Community
• Manufacturing
• Workforce
• Current Students
• Housing
• Education & Training

Each group participated in a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats), giving CivicSol a deep understanding of what’s working in the Cedar Valley, what challenges we’re facing and where we have room to grow. The feedback gathered during these sessions will help shape the next phase of the study.

“By taking an honest assessment of our overall community population numbers and the root causes of population stagnation, we can finally unlock a strategic approach to holistic community planning, focused on addressing soft-spots in regards to community attractiveness, as well as strong foundational elements that can unlock a stronger future for the entirety of the Cedar Valley.” 
— Tavis Hall, , CDME
Executive Director, Experience Waterloo | Black Hawk County Supervisor

While many of us already have ideas about the potential causes of population decline in our region, CivicSol brings an outside perspective that’s already beginning to surface new factors and overlooked considerations. Their approach is grounded in data and shaped by local voices which will help validate what we’ve suspected while also pushing the conversation further. We’re excited to see where this leads and look forward to sharing more as the work continues.

“It’s important for service agencies and organizations to attempt to identify the potential reasons why our population is not growing. To that end, it is also critical for our communities to define alternative solutions when addressing growth impediments. Finally, the communities then need to focus on implementing selected alternatives that will help us maintain and improve our quality of life in the Cedar Valley.”
— Brian Schoon, AICP
Executive Director, Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments (INRCOG)

Please check back as we continue to update this post with the most recent information.

Questions? Contact:

Update: April 2025

Exciting News: CivicSol Selected as Consultant for Cedar Valley Population Study

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve officially signed a contract with CivicSol (Civic Solutions Partnership) to lead our Cedar Valley Population Study!

This milestone marks a major step forward in our efforts to understand and address the challenges and opportunities related to population growth in our region. After a thoughtful and competitive interview process led by a dedicated team of six individuals from our Population Study Steering Committee, CivicSol emerged as the top choice among five impressive candidates.

CivicSol brings extensive experience in community-driven research and strategic planning. Their collaborative approach aligns perfectly with our commitment to inclusive, data-informed decision-making. Over the coming months, CivicSol will work closely with our steering committee, local stakeholders, and the broader community to dive deep into the factors influencing population trends in the Cedar Valley—and, most importantly, help us develop actionable strategies for a thriving future.

Update: February 2025

In response to the forecasted population decline in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls MSA, Grow Cedar Valley is partnering with a consultant to conduct an in-depth population study aimed at identifying the root causes and uncovering best practices for sustainable solutions. The findings will serve as the foundation for a public and private sector action plan over the next decade, strategically addressing these challenges to ensure long-term regional growth.

On January 10th, we issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to consultants across the United States, seeking the right partner to lead this important study. Proposals were due to Grow Cedar Valley by February 21st, and we were thrilled to receive 15 strong and competitive proposals from consultants nationwide.

We’ve since narrowed the list down to our top five candidates, who we will be interviewing during the week of March 10th–13th. We aim to make a final decision by the end of March and kick off the project with the selected consultant in mid-April.

Please check back as we continue to update this post with the most recent information.

For more information, please contact: