Learning Opportunities
Windows on Waterloo
Windows on Waterloo is a monthly webinar series designed to bring the community together to learn about important issues affecting our city. It’s a place to spark conversations, share ideas, and explore solutions to create a brighter future for Waterloo. These presentations are free and open to the public.
Upcoming Presentations
Waterloo CourtWorks
May 13 at 11 a.m.
Learn more about Waterloo CourtWorks, a new 100,000-square-foot hardwood court sports facility coming to downtown Waterloo and expected to open in early 2027. This presentation will provide an overview of the project, its role in supporting downtown redevelopment, and how capitalizing on sports tourism will help drive economic activity in our community.
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Recommend a Windows on Waterloo speaker!
Past Presentations
Grout Museum District
Executive Director, Margaret Moye, shares about current Grout Museum District programming, future plans to Reimagine the Imag, and what’s ahead for summer activities. She also discusses the potential impact of levy changes and what it could mean for the future of the Grout.
Common Ground Series on Community
Leaders from Union Block – a partnership of the Black Hawk County Gaming Association, R.J. McElroy Trust, Otto Schoitz Foundation, and Waterloo Community Foundation – recapped key insights and takeaways from the Common Ground Series on Community. This three-part learning series invited participants to reflect on the story we tell about our community, what civic engagement requires, and how shared spaces can foster connection.
Grow Cedar Valley Population Study Insights
Katy Susong, CEO of Grow Cedar Valley, shared insights from the Count Me In population study. Based on months of data analysis and community conversations, this presentation explores where the Cedar Valley stands today, the challenges impacting population growth, and the “Big Bets” identified to move the region forward together.
Crossroads Mall Redevelopment
ATI Group, the developer behind the redevelopment of the Crossroads Mall, shared initial design concepts for transforming the site into a vibrant, modern destination featuring restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and community spaces. Learn how this mixed-use hub will revitalize a key area of Waterloo and draw visitors from across the Cedar Valley and beyond.
Reimagining Holiday Charity
This Windows on Waterloo webinar features Love INC’s Christmas Store. In partnership with area churches, this initiative goes beyond traditional charity to create a dignified shopping experience where families can purchase gifts for their children at deeply discounted prices. Learn how this collaborative model empowers families, fosters self-reliance, and spreads hope across our community this holiday season.
Waterloo Fiber
Join us as we spotlight Waterloo Fiber, the City’s community-owned, high-speed broadband utility. Learn why Waterloo Fiber was created, the progress and milestones achieved so far, and how this initiative is shaping the future of our community. This is a great opportunity to understand the lasting impact reliable, affordable internet access will have for Waterloo residents and businesses.
Unplugged: Cell Phones and Student Success
This month’s session focused on cell phones and their impact on student success. We began with an overview of The Anxious Generation, the book featured in our community book study earlier this year. Waterloo Schools shared early insights, challenges, and lessons learned from their new cell phone policy launched this year and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley discussed strategies they’ve put in place to help students balance technology use with focus, connection, and well-being.
Childcare
Join us for a conversation exploring the state of childcare in our community. Mary Janssen, Regional Director of Child Care Resource & Referral of Northeast Iowa, shared insights on the local childcare landscape, including what’s working, where the gaps are, and complex factors influencing local solutions. We also heard from a panel of local childcare providers sharing their experiences.
You can view even more Windows on Waterloo presentations online!
Upcoming Events
May
13
2026
Windows on Waterloo – Waterloo CourtWorks
Wednesday, May 13, 11:00 a.m.
Learn more about Waterloo CourtWorks, a new 100,000-square-foot indoor sports facility coming to downtown Waterloo and expected to open in early 2027. This presentation will provide an overview of the project, its role in supporting downtown redevelopment, and how capitalizing on sports tourism will help drive economic activity in our community.
(Online, Zoom)
