Our 2025 Inter-City Leadership Visit to Cedar Falls and Waterloo was an incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired. Over three days, community leaders from Bloomington-Normal explored innovative projects, thriving downtown districts, and dynamic educational programs shaping the Cedar Valley’s future. From touring UNI’s cutting-edge Applied Engineering Building to walking vibrant Main Streets, each stop offered fresh ideas and best practices to bring home.
Highlights included engaging panels on higher education’s role in economic growth, workforce development, and quality of place—plus behind-the-scenes looks at adaptive reuse projects, cultural centers, and collaborative revitalization efforts. We’re grateful to our hosts in Cedar Falls and Waterloo for their hospitality and to our attendees for their commitment to strengthening our own community. Here’s to turning what we learned into action in Bloomington-Normal!
