Waterloo Breaks Records and Builds Momentum in 2025

Waterloo launched its 2030 Vision and Strategic Plan a few years back.

With 2030 now less than 5 years away, the city updated the progress being made towards the strategic plan.

Waterloo is in Great Shape as 2025 Nears a Close

Waterloo is closing out 2025 with record-breaking growth, renewed investment in neighborhoods, and fresh energy in community projects that honor its people and heritage.

Get our free mobile app

According to the city’s Fall 2025 Progress Update, Waterloo set a $304 million construction permit record in the fiscal year  2025 and is already at $166.5 million this fiscal year,  on track to exceed $220 million.

READ MORE: "Weird" Iowa Dishes Many of Us Love

Those investments translate to more homes, more jobs, and more opportunities for residents.

The city approved 267 new residential units last year, with more than 250 additional homes already in the pipeline.

As one of Iowa’s six Thriving Communities, Waterloo has unlocked $1.7 million in housing tax credits to support more than 1,000 new or rehabbed housing units across the city.

Waterloo’s commitment to honoring its veterans also remains strong.

Work continues downtown on the World War II American Heritage Plaza, which will be part of the broader Veterans Way corridor, a project connecting landmarks that pay tribute to local service members.

Community Projects Are Successful

Community projects are flourishing as well.

A generous donation from the Donna Bartley Reed Estate funded a brand-new Hope Martin Park playground at no cost to taxpayers, and more than 2,000 youth participated in Leisure Services summer programs.

The Waterloo Police Department launched a new officer wellness initiative this year, which includes required mental health visits, peer support, and heart health screenings.

This program has already identified serious heart issues in three officers, proving to be a lifesaving step forward.

Crossroads Center Update

Economic momentum continues with redevelopment at the Crossroads Center, where the ATI Group finalized property closings and will begin demolition in early 2026.

The site will make way for new retail, restaurants, housing, and commercial space in one of Waterloo’s most visible corridors.

CourtWorks Update

Looking ahead, the Waterloo CourtWorks indoor sports complex is set to open in 2027.

The 100,000-square-foot facility will feature eight full-size basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, and space for wrestling, gymnastics, and pickleball, solidifying Waterloo’s reputation as Sportstown USA.

READ MORE: Who Makes the Best Tacos in Eastern Iowa?

In total, FY2025 projects supported 2,029 construction jobs and generated $219 million in labor income, contributing to $578 million in total economic output for the Cedar Valley.

With record permits, major housing investments, and community projects underway, Waterloo is proudly “flying the W,” signaling a city on the rise and a future built on connection, opportunity, and heart.

Do you agree these are our snobbiest cities?