WATERLOO -- The city has renewed its contract with the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance to spearhead economic development efforts for another two years.

Waterloo City Council members voted unanimously Monday to approve a contract for fiscal 2009 and 2010, with the city paying the GCVA $85,000 per year to market the area for new industries, help retain and expand existing business and handle a variety of related matters, such as work force development and helping get the Cedar Valley TechWorks up and running.

"Thank you for your continuing confidence in the work of the Alliance," said Steve Dust, president and chief executive officer of the organization. "We're trying to make the Cedar Valley region the most competitive" in the battle for new development.

Despite their unanimous support, some council members said they have received calls from constituents questioning the size of the annual payments from the city budget.

"I think they're looking to see why our industrial parks aren't filling up," Councilman Ron Welper told Dust. "How do I respond to that?"

Dust noted the market for new businesses hasn't been the best for the past three years, but said local industrial parks have seen plenty of business expansions.

"Your parks are filling up," he said, but noted the city could use a light industrial park along Highway 20 to better compete in the regional market.

Councilman Quentin Hart said he's received questions about whether the northeast side of the city was getting its due from the GCVA. "Are there benefits for equal sections?" he asked.

Dust said the Alliance markets the entire Cedar Valley area, and specifically noted efforts being made to work with the U.S. Highway 63 Gateway Community Development Corp., which is trying to spur new businesses in and around the Logan Plaza area. He also said the GCVA is working on "cultural competency" with businesses, trying to help them adapt to growing diversity in the work force.

Mayor Tim Hurley also spoke out in favor of renewing the commitment to the Alliance.

"We do get great bang for our buck," Hurley said. "I think for the $85,000 we agreed to contribute ¦ it has tremendous value to it."

Contact Tim Jamison at (319) 291-1577 or tim.jamison@wcfcourier.com.