City of Waterloo Council Work Session - Monday, November 2, 2026

The City of Waterloo Council work session on November 2, 2026, included a Grow Cedar Valley update on economic development, workforce initiatives, and the findings of its population study. The organization reported five state-referred project leads from June through October, representing a potential $2.5 billion in capital investment and 4,700 jobs. It also reported issuing an RFP for a two-phase regional branding project and receiving four proposals; no selection or award was announced. Other initiatives included a regional economic dashboard and an online small-business resource hub, with the latter planned for launch November 12.

Council members then reviewed public feedback and unresolved questions about a proposed city manager position. The discussion cited an estimated $40,000 cost and a one-time recruitment-firm expense of $40,000–$80,000, while noting that a five-year fiscal analysis, governance details, and legal clarification were still needed. Members differed on the proposal and whether a public referendum should be pursued; no decision on the proposal or related spending was made. The meeting adjourned. The transcript records a motion to approve the agenda and October 19 minutes, but does not capture a vote on it.