Since 2015, the City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has worked diligently to improve access to its facilities and sidewalks for people with disabilities. The City has invested $18 million in the ambitious effort to do community wide improvements including the installation of 4,000 curb ramps. Deputy City Manager Sandi Fowler is proud of the work done and says, “Our citizens are probably living in one of the most compliant cities in the country right now.”  Moving forward Fowler says the city plans to spend an additional $12 million on future projects to build on the great work already accomplished. While it does take a lot of coordinated work and investment, being compliant with the ADA is not just about avoiding penalties. Creating accessible and inclusive communities is something all civic leaders should strive for.

Source:
Cedar Rapids officials report feds ‘close the file’ on their ADA compliance work
ABC 9 News KCRG
Jun 11, 2019
https://www.kcrg.com/content/news/Cedar-Rapids-officials-report-feds-close-the-file-on-their-ADA-compliance-work-511143932.html