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
Grow Cedar Valley Population Study Insights
February 11 at 11 a.m.
Katy Susong, CEO of Grow Cedar Valley, will share 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 talent and population growth, and the “Big Bets” identified to move the region forward together. Learn how these insights are shaping priorities for the future and the collaborative steps being developed to turn them into action.
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Past Presentations
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.
Cancer Trends in Black Hawk County
Black Hawk County Public Health shared data showing a rise in local cancer cases, along with insights into how factors like housing, transportation, and economic stability impact access to prevention and treatment. Diane Anderson also shared about her efforts to break down some of these barriers through the Accessing Cancer Treatment Fund.
Responding to Food Benefit Changes in Iowa
Barb Prather, Executive Director of the Northeast Iowa Food Bank shared how shifts in SNAP benefits through the Big, Beautiful Bill will impact local families and the nonprofit network that supports them. She also shared how NEIFB is scaling up its efforts through a new capacity campaign to meet growing community needs.
You can view even more Windows on Waterloo presentations online!
Upcoming Events
February
11
2025
Windows on Waterloo – Grow Cedar Valley Population Study Insights
Wednesday, February 11, 11:00 a.m.
Katy Susong, CEO of Grow Cedar Valley, will share 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 talent and population growth, and the “Big Bets” identified to move the region forward together. Learn how these insights are shaping priorities for the future and the collaborative steps being developed to turn them into action.
(Online, Zoom)
