That switch had some residents concerned about the impact on economic development.

"It would be Loebsack and Braley with two different ideas on how this branding of the two counties will work," said Clark Reike of Cedar Rapids. "With one representative, he's the glue holding the area together."

Similar concerns have been raised in the past, including the first proposed map in 2001, regarding regional or metropolitan boundaries. And those two cities have been split before. In 1981, Waterloo and Iowa City were included in the same district.

And splitting could have benefits, some in the audience said.

"You actually get two representatives to be pushing for your development in the Legislature," said Janet Durham of Dubuque.

Carmen Halverson of Cedar Falls and others had more local concerns about House and Senate districts having jagged boundaries that make it hard for voters and campaign workers to know which district they're located.

Halverson pointed to House District 62, near Raymond, as one example. She'd like a smoother, easier to understand boundary line.

"It looks as though it's a toothbrush," she said.