New Bohemia
Catastrophic flooding nearly destroyed Cedar Rapids, but a community-centered resilience and innovation culture helped rebuild the city for the future
Cedar Rapids went underwater in 2008 following historic rainfall that caused catastrophic flooding across the city, displacing thousands and destroying structures city-wide. Since then, the city has rebuilt and reinvested annually in a resilience strategy that pays off for the residents living here today and the ones who will call it home tomorrow.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa—When the Cedar River surged over its banks in June 2008, floodwaters inundated more than 10 square miles of Cedar Rapids, including the New Bohemia neighborhood on the city's south end. These neighborhoods straddle the river and were settled in the 1850s by Czech and Slovak immigrants. Experts consider the floods one of the worst natural disasters in the United States' history.
When all was said and done, the historic flood had displaced over 18,000 residents, destroyed over 5,000 homes, and severely damaged over 300 city-owned structures, including schools, fire stations, and libraries. Cedar Rapids faced an enormous rebuilding task, but over the last decade, the city has transformed its collective trauma into a blueprint for resilience that other communities worldwide should consider, given the growing prevalence of climate catastrophes.
“Our objective was not only to rebuild what was lost but to use this as an opportunity to improve Cedar Rapids in ways that would have long-term benefits for residents,” explained then-mayor Kay Halloran.
Rapid Response
Within days of the waters receding, the Cedar Rapids City Council outlined six major recovery goals: flood protection, housing, business restoration, cultural assets, historic preservation, and workforce retention. The Recovery and Reinvestment Plan that resulted was ambitious, with the goal of making Cedar Rapids not just flood-resistant but a stronger and more vibrant community for everyone.
At the center of its resilience strategy was the $750 million flood protection project with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. This project includes levees, flood walls, and pump stations designed to divert and manage floodwater. The permanent flood walls along the Cedar River are the most notable and visible features. However, several pump stations behind them manage stormwater that might otherwise overwhelm drainage systems during heavy rains.
Cedar Rapids also implemented a voluntary property buyout program for homeowners in high-risk flood areas, moving nearly 1,400 residents out of the floodplain. The cleared areas now serve as buffer zones or public park spaces, offering a natural barrier and additional flood storage capacity. “We’re trying to think not just of the next year, but 50 years from now,” said City Manager Jeff Pomeranz. “The goal is a Cedar Rapids that can withstand, adapt to, and rebound from climate extremes.”
Many of the homes impacted were either elevated or rebuilt under the guidance of the ROOTS Homeownership Initiative, which incentivizes neighborhood reinvestment. This initiative provided grants and low-interest loans to families. Cedar Rapids offered a buyout program for residents who chose to relocate, paying market value for homes in vulnerable areas. City officials also focused on rebuilding public housing, recognizing that the flood disproportionately impacted low-income and historically marginalized families.
Revitalization and Investments
One of the most important and symbolic reconstruction projects was the restoration of the Cedar Rapids Public Library and other cultural landmarks, like the Paramount Theatre and the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. Damaged beyond repair, the public library was rebuilt as a modern, energy-efficient building that reopened in 2013. It includes flood-resistant features, such as raised floors and reinforced foundations, designed to withstand future disasters.
Flood recovery also meant reviving the local economy, particularly in hard-hit neighborhoods like New Bohemia. Better known as NewBo today, the neighborhood became a focal point for Cedar Rapids’ comeback. Through public-private partnerships, NewBo transformed from a flood-damaged neighborhood into a bustling area with housing, restaurants, and retail, including the NewBo City Market. This community-driven marketplace draws thousands of visitors each year.
NewBo City Market is structured as a non-profit organization, which allows it to prioritize community-building and economic development. It provides accessible opportunities for entrepreneurs through low-cost leases, business mentoring, and promotional support. The market’s approach gives start-ups a physical space to innovate, test, and refine their business models before expanding to larger storefronts or online platforms.
Just last month, NewBo City Market received a major boost for its “Next Level Local” capital campaign, securing a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) for facility expansion. According to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, the grant aligns with the administration’s goal of strengthening infrastructure to spur local growth. “This EDA investment will allow for new businesses to start and grow in Cedar Rapids, supporting agricultural entrepreneurs and creating a stronger regional economy,” she said in a press release.
The lasting legacy of post-flood Cedar Rapids is more than the flood protection systems and the new and renovated infrastructure. It’s also a culture of community-centered resilience and innovation that has taken hold at places like NewBo City Market and is spreading across the city.
“Each new small business started in the Market’s business incubator program helps not only keep local dollars in our community but also creates jobs and adds to the vibrancy of our amazing city,” according to Julie Parisi, Executive Director of the NewBo City Market.