The Cedar Falls Economic Development Corporation (CFEDC) was incorporated in 2021 by a committed group of local visionaries who support a growing business environment for the community. They recognize that for the community to thrive, it would be best if local business owners and investors provided leadership and support to direct strategic local development efforts in concert with local government. We are a public-private partnership working every day to make Cedar Falls, Iowa the best place to live, work, and play. We work in partnership with local, state and federal officials, area developers, business owners and the citizens of Cedar Falls.

It would be hard to find someone as connected as Jim Brown in Cedar Falls, Iowa. This city of 40,000 grew under his Mayoral leadership. Jim's term as Cedar Falls Mayor labeled him as the "City's CEO" because of his proven track record in Economic Development averaging $125MM in new taxable valuations each of his four years from 2016-2020. Jim demonstrated leadership during record floods of 2016, everyday constituent communication, and follow-through results with state and national political leaders for major initiatives throughout the city. 
 
His success in communicating, advocating, and fostering relationships with C-Suite Professionals, non-profits, Executive-level boards, and governmental agencies moved the work forward faster. Jim fostered great partnerships with the locally owned utility company (CFU), the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls Community School District, Community Main Street, and dozens of other organizations. 
 
He presented annual budgets which lowered taxes, lowered debt and initiated one of the largest increases in valuation per-capita of a municipality in the state of Iowa. Jim collaborated with seven other elected officials (council members) while leading goal-setting, CIP, and passing $100MM budgets each of the four years he served.

Jim's work with the Cedar Falls School District Board of Education contributed to the elite status and solid fiscal foundation they enjoy today.

• Father of two children, both of whom graduated from Cedar Falls Schools
• Former Member of the Cedar Falls School District Board of Education
• Business Development Professional for 25 Years holding titles of Executive Director, President, and Business Development Director
• Past President of the Cedar Falls Rotary Club
• Graduate of the University of Northern Iowa 

2022-23 CFEDC Priorities

1. Redevelopment of the university area corridor
2. Increase development of residential (workforce) housing
3. Reimagine our relationship with the Cedar River
4. Support the redevelopment of College Hill
5. Continue to support the success of downtown
6. Build support for CFEDC

City of Cedar Falls

Black Hawk County

Cedar Falls Utilities

Iowa Economic Development Authority 

UNI

Community Main Street

College Hill Partnership

Grow Cedar Valley