Announcements
Highway 1 Reconstruction
The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) will be reconstructing sections of Highway 1 in Mount Vernon, beginning in 2027. This two-phase project is expected to affect the following locations:
• 2nd Street North to the Union Pacific Railway
• 2nd Street South to the US Business 30 Roundabout
Residents may see IDOT employees and subcontractor JCG in the area over the coming weeks and days.
Interurban Trail Connection – Mount Vernon to Cedar Rapids
An old trolley line from Cedar Rapids to Mount Vernon has been considered the future pathway for an Interurban Trail Connection since 1992. In recent years, Alliant Energy, Linn County Trails Association, the City of Cedar Rapids and the City of Mount Vernon have taken active steps to making this a reality. Please take time to complete a short survey and let them know your thoughts on the matter!
Swim Lessons & Summer Rec Programs – 2026
Swimming Lessons and Swim Team
Registration for pool programs including swimming lessons and swim team can be done online or at the Lester Buresh Center. Use the link below to sign up!
LBC Summer Programs
There’s something for everyone! Nature explorers, sports camp, drawing, and pickleball plus many more opportunities! A complete list of summer programs is provided below.
Uptown Streetscape Improvement Project
The City has initiated a Streetscape Master Plan project for Uptown Mount Vernon, IA. This plan will serve as a vision for the future design of Uptown for 1st Street from 3rd Avenue SW to B Avenue SE, as well as the adjoining North Alley area. Stay tuned for more information.
Our Town
Welcome to historic Mount Vernon, Iowa. Take a stroll through our lively uptown district filled with charming shops and boutiques. Dine at top-rated restaurants with local flair. And discover countless cultural treasures — from art galleries to historic sites, a farmer’s market, local and state parks, a landmark theater, and more.
Stay in the Know
Minute with the Mayor
MINUTE WITH THE MAYOR QUARTER 3, 2026
New business openings include the First Street Breakfast Company and Crispy Tattoo.
Welcome to the new Mount Vernon City employees hired since Jan. 1, 2026- Camden Leonard in Public Works, and David Frankfurt, Monet Roelle, Nick Macke and Morgan Kelley as new officers with the Police Department.
Important dates coming up….
Aug. 8 Sidewalk Sales
Aug. 15 Breakfast with the Mayor at First Street Breakfast Club-9:30 AM. The opening question will be-“what does/should economic development look like in Mount Vernon?
Aug. 19 Cornell new students arrive on campus
Sept. 8 Dog swim at the Mount Vernon City Pool
DID YOU KNOW?
Citizens can put in a work order that needs the attention of City staff? Visit the City website-cityofmountvernon-ia.gov, Request for Action, complete and hit Submit. In the second quarter, 52 work orders were written up between internal and citizen requests with almost all completed in the quarter as well.
Don’t forget to keep up with the latest in the Mount Vernon area by going to VisitMVL on social media.
Have a question of City Hall staff: Use the contact tab on the City of Mount Vernon web page or contact me at twieseler@cityofmtvernon-ia.gov.
