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
Crossroads Mall Redevelopment
January 14 at 11 a.m.
ATI Group, the developer behind the redevelopment of the Crossroads Mall, will share preliminary 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.
Grow Cedar Valley Population Study Findings
February 11 at 11 a.m.
Katy Susong, CEO of Grow Cedar Valley, will share findings from their in-depth population study. Learn what was uncovered through months of data analysis and community engagement and explore the eight “Big Bets” identified to drive long-term regional growth. This webinar will highlight the priorities shaping the Cedar Valley’s next decade and outline the steps being developed to turn these insights into action.
Is there an organization or topic you are interested in learning more about?
Recommend a Windows on Waterloo speaker!
Past Presentations
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.
Streets to Skies
From an upgraded streetscape to local rides and regional flights, Waterloo’s transportation network is expanding! Learn about Cedar Valley Gearheads programs, upgraded services from the Waterloo Regional Airport, and the streetscape reconstruction of La Porte Road.
Immigration
Against the backdrop of national immigration discussions, this session focused on its local relevance in Waterloo. Yer Vang from Catholic Charities provided updates on policy changes and highlighted their legal support services for immigrant neighbors in our community.
You can view even more Windows on Waterloo presentations online!
Upcoming Events
January
14
2025
Windows on Waterloo – Crossroads Mall Redevelopment
Wednesday, January 14, 11:00 a.m.
ATI Group, the developer behind the redevelopment of the Crossroads Mall, will share preliminary 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.
(Online, Zoom)
February
11
2025
Windows on Waterloo –
Grow Cedar Valley Population Study Findings
Wednesday, February 11, 11:00 a.m.
Katy Susong, CEO of Grow Cedar Valley, will share findings from their in-depth population study. Learn what was uncovered through months of data analysis and community engagement and explore the eight “Big Bets” identified to drive long-term regional growth. This webinar will highlight the priorities shaping the Cedar Valley’s next decade and outline the steps being developed to turn these insights into action.
(Online, Zoom)
