HomeMy WebLinkAboutA002 - Council Goals and Priorities Update SessionTo:Mayor & City Council
From:Brian Phillips, Assistant City Manager, and Pa Vang Goldbeck,
Assistant City Manager
Date:August 19, 2025
Subject:Council Goals and Priorities Update Session
Item No. 2
MEMO
The City Council will review and update its goals and priorities in this session.
ATTACHMENT(S):
COUNCIL VALUES GOALS & TASKS JAN. 2024 TO DEC. 2025 - August 2025 Update.docx
City Clerk's Office 515.239.5105 main
515.239.5142 fax
515 Clark Ave. P.O. Box 811
Ames, IA 50010
www.CityofAmes.org
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City Council Values, Goals, and Tasks
January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025
VALUES - GOALS - TASKS
A. WE VALUE COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PUBLIC
A1. Increase public feedback on proposed major projects, studies, and policy changes prior
to City Council making final decisions.
A1.T1. Utilize non-traditional, creative, innovative ways to improve community
engagement, particularly underrepresented groups.
Implement at least one new technique for obtaining public feedback with special
emphasis on engaging our under-represented residents.
Status: Completed. Staff has used some new techniques for targeted outreach
including featuring information in the ISU Off-Campus Student Support
newsletter. The City has also increased its presence on social media to reach
wider audience including more posts to Threads, Nextdoor, and LinkedIn, in
addition to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.
The City launched a new website in April 2025 with a clean, modern look,
intuitive navigation, mobile friendly design, and ADA compliance built into
the back-end. The new e-notification system allows users to select topics to
receive regular updates via email. There is also the opportunity to receive
information via text, which will be piloted at a later date. The current list for
the e-notification system is expandable and has already grown to include more
specific topics such as “Homelessness.” New topics can be added and removed
easily. This is one more way to have residents self-select the information they
want to receive, and it gives them the option to change their preferences or opt
out if they don’t want the information any longer.
At the beginning of 2025, the City Council started holding “Council Connect”
events, which has included their presence at the Martin Luther King, Jr.,
celebration followed by the Eid Celebration at Reiman Gardens. Other
opportunities this year have included the Bike to Work Week Breakfast,
Mayor and Council Bike Ride, partnering with the Ames Human Relations
Commission at Farmers Market, Juneteenth, and the Fourth of July parade.
These engagement opportunities allow Council Members to talk with and
listen to residents.
Additionally, in summer 2024, the resident application to rent the
neighborhood block party trailer included a new option for users to express
interest in having a Council Member attend the block party. Several renters
have requested the presence of a Council Member at their block party.
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The Parks and Recreation Department has also used community events (e.g.,
Juneteenth) to have residents/users provide feedback on various additions to
the park system. This was used to select playground equipment at Bandshell
and Stuart Smith Parks, as well as the splash pad equipment design for Daley
Park.
Staff has made some inroads connecting with faith-based organizations to
disseminate City information. The Assistant City Manager, Sustainability
Coordinator and Engagement Coordinator have been invited multiple times
by faith-based organizations to share more about local government with these
community groups.
Staff will report to Council some creative software and services that exist to collect
feedback, and the Council will consider adopting one or more programs (Polco
software for example).
Status: Completed. The GovDelivery system implemented as part of the new
City of Ames website produces attractive e-newsletters. Staff has started
sending out a quarterly Sustainability newsletter, and an Ames Animal Shelter
newsletter, and work continues with other departments to consider more
frequent communication opportunities.
Staff has looked at some software options, including Polco, but at this time is
not recommending anything until the City has fully transitioned and explored
the available features of the new website that could be just as effective as any
other software. Staff will provide an update to the City Council once sufficient
time has elapsed after the new website launch to assess its features and
effectiveness.
Use targeted emails on specific issues of interest (for example NAACP, Latino,
Asian American communities, etc.).
Status: Completed. In working with Iowa State University’s Parent & Family
Programs and Off-Campus Student Support (part of the Dean of Students
Office), staff has been able to funnel information directly into the Off-Campus
Student Support e-newsletter that is sent out twice monthly.
The Engagement Coordinator maintains an internal list of contacts for
underrepresented groups and the list is used to disseminate information as
needed.
Ames Public Library regularly hosts City departments for their public
engagement sessions and informational tabling. The Library also offers tours
and collaborates on programming with campus organizations serving
international students and their families. The Library promotes relevant
resources and information through the Story County Immigrant and Refugee
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Collaboration (SCIRC) English and Spanish monthly newsletters and the ISU
International Student Scholars Organization (ISSO) newsletter.
Surveys were also distributed through the Parks and Recreation database
(~12,000 emails) to solicit feedback from Parks and Recreation users about
potential programming at the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center and
regarding revisions to current park policies. Over 1,000 responses were
received for each survey.
Post City information flyers in grocery stores and other public spaces (such as:
Food at First, Overflow Thrift Store, churches, other places) where
underrepresented people might eat/shop/worship/frequent.
Status: Completed. Staff has posted information in local stores, public spaces,
and retail businesses. This effort was expanded in 2024 to develop an
inventory of places throughout the community for traditional poster postings.
The City also participates in providing information through the digital
backpack with Ames Community School District. In 2025, City staff will
continue to post City information flyers in stores and other public spaces to
provide information about upcoming events, grant opportunities, or
programs. Recent examples include Community Grants, Animal Shelter
Fundraising Campaign, and Rummage RAMPage.
Staff has compiled a list of locations/community bulletin boards and will
continue to update and expand the list.
A1.T2. Highlight outreach efforts in a more standardized format on staff reports, CAFs,
and other reports to Council.
Status: Completed. Staff has begun including a dedicated “Public Notification”
section, when appropriate, on Council Action Forms and staff reports.
A1.T3. Develop performance measures and metrics that staff will report regularly to the
Council/public regarding issues such as permit process timing, etc., including the efficacy
of public outreach efforts.
Status: In Progress. The current software and tools available to staff do not allow for
easily pulling permit metrics such as processing times. Staff has developed a set of
output and efficiency measures (examples include average number of calendar days
from application to issuance; average number of calendar days from issuance to
completion; percent of permits reviewed within seven calendar days) and has
manually calculated identified measures for July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025. Additionally,
staff has adjusted some internal practices that combined with the software data can
reduce the amount of manual work needed to get accurate permit timeline reports.
Staff has made this data available on the website and will be updating it monthly. The
Planning Division is working to collect quarterly data.
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A1.T4. Develop an outreach policy setting expectations for the types of outreach that
should be used for various types of activities.
Status: In Progress. City staff met several times in 2024 to discuss current practices
around public outreach and how to continuously improve outreach efforts. Staff
identified areas of strengths and areas for development, and discussed what tools and
resources would be helpful in doing outreach more effectively. City staff is working
on a draft policy around public outreach. The policy will contain principles around
conducting public outreach and include a matrix of common public outreach
activities (e.g., playground replacement planning, street closures/reconfigurations,
zoning code text amendments) and the minimum outreach activity(ies) expected for
each. Additionally, an internal resource toolbox is being developed for staff to share
tips and resources on how to more effectively and efficiently conduct public outreach.
In July 2025, the City has applied to be part of the NLC Community Engagement
Cohort, which works on providing City staff technical assistance with conducting
robust outreach. The City will be notified in mid-August if it is selected to be part of
the learning cohort.
Staff will prepare a format for the non-agenda packet communications summary
each Council Friday (Tuesday summaries will no longer be provided) which will
contain brief background information regarding the type of follow-up that might be
appropriate, the timeframe for response, and the notification/outreach efforts that
would be typical as part of that topic, which will give the Council an opportunity to
provide direction if the follow-up approach does not meet the Council’s expectations.
In early 2025, Council directed staff to create a centralized major projects and public
notice webpage as part of its notification requirements review in May. The Planning
Division has implemented a list on its webpage for zoning and planning related items.
Creation of Citywide projects page is planned for the Q4 of 2025.
B. WE VALUE DIVERSE HOUSING OPTIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY
B1. Increase quantity and variety of single and multi-family housing units at various price
points or rental rates related to new construction and rehabilitation of existing.
B1.T1. Adopt Council approved items included in AEDC housing document.
Explore how to get the existing land within City to move forward with
development.
Review/consider incentive options and development requirements to spur on more
housing (tax abatement, TIF, sharing in infrastructure costs off site, etc.).
Analyze resident demographics (including income), target housing price points and
possible incentives to “match” income.
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Status: In Progress. The Council approved city-wide ownership housing tax
abatement for new construction. The zoning ordinance was revised to provide for
20% flexibility for numerical zoning standards. The Conservation Subdivision
Ordinance was approved by the Council eliminating both the 80% of lots abutting
open space requirement and reducing the open space set aside to 10% from 25%.
Council received a report reviewing requested developer incentives for pioneering
infrastructure and other costs at its May 27th meeting. Council requested additional
input that will be presented at the August 26th meeting.
B1.T2. Explore opportunities to partner with groups such as the ISU Design College,
College of Engineering, Construction Management, etc. and/or IEDA and enter into, at least,
one partnership involving an innovative research project that focuses on lowering housing
costs and are both sustainable and affordable.
Status: In Progress. An ISU professor contacted staff about a short studio class for
neighborhood urban design opportunities. Staff discussed partnering with the class for
the South Campus Reinvestment District. However, the class ultimately chose a
different project. Staff has reached out to the Dean of the College of Design to see what
else may be possible.
The Ames Home Builders Association hosted an IEDA presentation on the Workforce
Housing Tax Credit program, a competitive program aimed at median income
workforce housing production. For a builder to apply for the program, the City must
endorse the application and provide a minimum of a $1,000 incentive. The City’s
existing ownership tax abatement program qualifies as fulfilling the local match
requirement. Therefore, staff is hopeful that builders may pursue the program after
awareness of it increases.
City Council selected in May 2025, a proposal for development of workforce housing
at the Harrison site. Identification of a developer was through the assistance of Brenda
Dryer with AREA to solicit an interested housing developer. The developer applied for
Workforce Housing Tax Credits with the support of the City. Tax Credit awards
announcements are expected by the end of August.
B1.T3. Explore, support, and pursue a creative housing development with a public partner
(ISU, ISU Foundation, Ames & Gilbert CSD). Similar to the Purdue University Foundation
housing development project or school district building rental units for school staff.
Status: In Progress. The Mayor and City Manager have been working with the ISU
President to identify University land that can be made available for a creative
housing development.
In July 2025, ISU announced that approximately 15 acres located at Scholl Road and
Ontario Road were available for a sealed bid auction with the intent of having it
residentially developed. Bids were due by July 31st, City staff does not know when an
announcement will be made about acceptance of a bid.
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B1.T4. Engage with United Way of Story County, Story County Housing Trust, other
community partners in the following ways:
Study, review, evaluate existing strategies and programs of the other entities
related to diverse housing needs.
Develop joint (City/other entity) strategies that complements, builds on and/or
leverages these existing initiatives.
Consider/evaluate/study options for the City to financially support affordable
housing rehabilitation, with the understanding that the City shall not become the
sole funder of this initiative.
Continue discussions with Polk County regarding a possible partnership in a
grant application for an owner-occupied, income-based retrofit program.
Note: The above task also would positively impact the Council’s carbon
reduction plan goals.
Status: In Progress. In spring 2024, the City of Ames partnered with the Des Moines
metro areas to apply for the EPA Carbon Pollution Reduction Grant for up to $20
million. This funding would assist with retrofitting residential homes to be more energy
efficient. The application was not selected, however, the partnership allowed grant
partners to collaborate in new ways and identified common challenges across the
region.
In Fall 2024, the City of Ames, in partnership with MICA, applied for another federal
EPA grant: the Community Change Grant with a grant request of $10,242,978. The
grant application was not selected, however this collaboration strengthened the
relationship between the two agencies on how they can support each other with low -to-
moderate income families as it relates to housing.
In January 2025, the City of Ames applied to be a host site for two Green Iowa
AmeriCorps members and was selected. The two members will serve in the City of
Ames from September 2025-August 2026 assisting low-to-moderate income
homeowners with home energy assessments and minor retrofits to make their home
more energy and water efficient.
C. WE VALUE A FUN, VIBRANT, AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY THAT ATTRACTS
AND RETAINS PEOPLE
C1. Plan, budget, and initiate construction of multiple new City owned projects.
C1.T1. Complete the planned Splash Pad, Agility Course, Schainker Plaza, and Mini-
Pitch Field.
Status:
Splash Pad – In Progress. Contracts have been awarded for the Daley Park Splash
pad with work beginning in September 2025. What is not completed in 2025 will be
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finished in spring 2026 with the splash being operational in late May or early June
2026.
Agility Course – Completed. The Agility Course is completed with a ribbon cutting
held on July 10. Many positive comments have been received by staff since it has been
opened.
Schainker Plaza – In Progress. Staff continues to work with general contractor on
issues that have previously been identified regarding the ice ribbon.
Mini-Pitch – Completed. This project is complete with a ribbon cutting held on
August 7. People have been utilizing it regularly and there have been inquiries
regarding renting the facility. To inform park users of additional parking
opportunities, signs are being installed along Hyde Avenue explaining parking is
available in the Stone Brooke Church parking lot. Additionally, a $20,000 grant was
received to install a drinking fountain adjacent to the mini-pitch. The drinking
fountain has been installed. Finally, the Friedrich Family has generously donated
$50,000 towards completing the project.
C1.T2. Complete the face lift of City Hall interior with new carpet, base, paint,
signage/wayfinding, and ceiling tiles when needed. Consider installing LED lighting in
public areas to start, and within three years replace all lighting with LED in building.
Status: In Progress. On November 26, 2024, the City Council awarded a contract for
the replacement of carpet, wall base, and painting in City Hall. Carpet replacement
in the office areas is 80% complete as of August 1. Carpet and painting in office areas
will be done by early September. The last sections of wallpaper in the first and second
floor lobbies will be removed by staff this winter and painting will be done in that
area and hallways.
As of the end of 2024, staff has already replaced 90% of the lighting in City Hall with
LEDs. Staff will continue replacing lighting with LEDs until the building is complete.
In September 2025, a team will begin working on building wayfinding signage. In
early 2025, Resource Consulting Engineers was hired to complete energy building
audits on 16 City facilities, including City Hall. This work has been completed and
will be shared with City Council in September.
On August 12, City Council awarded a bid for a reconstruction of the Police parking
area on the north side of City Hall, providing improved walkability along that side of
the building and improvements for Police vehicle access and exiting onto 6th Street.
The changes will also meet ADA requirements.
C1.T3. Prioritize, schedule, conceptually design, and determine funding strategy for:
Replacement of existing Animal Control Shelter
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Status: Completed. The City has purchased a property at 2715 Dayton
Avenue to serve as the City’s new Animal Shelter. A fundraising
campaign is under way. In addition to the $3,000,000 in city funding, one
large anonymous donation of an additional $3,000,000 was given to the
City early in the project. Currently, a committee is working to raise an
additional $1,500,000 to complete the project. In addition, staff is in the
final stages to hire a consultant to design the shelter.
Relocation and construction of a new Fire Station #2 (Campustown)
Status: In Progress. An evaluation of a potential site at the southeast
corner of State Avenue and Arbor Street revealed that the extensive fill
required to make the parcel buildable would be cost-prohibitive. In
response, staff consulted with Iowa State University to explore alternative
sites along State Avenue. With ISU's support, a new location along the
west side of State Avenue south of the Baker Subdivision has been
identified and is currently under review for buildability. Soil samples
have been collected and analyzed, along with a survey to assess potential
concerns. An architectural firm has been selected and has been working
with staff to complete a conceptual design and construction cost estimate.
New privately or City owned Indoor Recreation Center with walking track,
basketball/pickleball courts, soccer pitch, and multi-purpose space.
(Note: Initially meet with private developers to ascertain viability and
potential for a private indoor complex.)
Status: In Progress. Staff attended a tour of central Iowa facilities in May
that was arranged by Discover Ames. A survey was distributed to
attendees; however, a summary of results has not been distributed. City
Council appropriated $100,000 in FY 2025/26 budget to hire a consultant
to help identify potential locations, develop conceptual plans, and provide
capital and operational cost estimates.
New Community Park along Ontario Road in west Ames
Status: In Progress. An RFP is being developed to hire a consultant to
develop a master plan and potential capital costs. Public input will be
gathered in fall 2025 which will be used to develop the master plan.
New Fire Station #4
Status: In Progress. In 2024, staff began exploring a nontraditional
approach to establishing a fourth fire station to better serve north Ames.
Recognizing the community's need for improved response times, staff
considered building a single-family home that could house a fire crew and
engine. The home could later be sold, with proceeds funding the
construction of the fourth fire station.
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In May, staff consulted with Chuck Winkleblack from Hunziker and
Associates regarding a potential lot in the Scenic Valley subdivision.
However, staff learned that restrictive covenants would prevent
constructing a fire station in that residential area. Staff continues to
explore future land opportunities and alternative solutions for serving
north Ames.
C1.T4. Receive the Main Street Improvements Study, adopt the Council-approved
recommendations, and develop a plan for financing the City-supported components in the
CIP.
Status: In Progress. Downtown Ames, with shared funding from the City, hired
Bolton & Menk to prepare a Downtown Guiding Vision for the Future. The
document was accepted by the City Council on April 8, 2025. An implementation task
force was convened in July to begin prioritizing the initial action steps for the City
and Ames Main Street to consider. Recommendations for prioritization is expected to
be presented back to the City Council in the fall or winter of 2025.
The City intends to apply for a planning grant from the Federal Department of
Transportation in September. The grant, if awarded, would focus on design and
financial feasibility of a downtown parking structure and support of a
CyRide/multimodal station with the parking structure.
C1.T5. Engage the Ames Regional Economic Alliance to develop a Campustown-focused
effort akin to the Downtown Master Plan process.
Status: Not started. Previously Campustown planning elements, such as a potential
plaza, redevelopment sites, closure of Chamberlain, enhancements of Stanton, were
put on hold awaiting decisions on the relocation of Fire Station Number 2.
C2. Support arts and culture in the community, including community celebrations, festivals
and/or events.
C2.T1. Ask Board and Commissions to identify ways in which they can support or
partner with outside community groups (such as Ames Main Street, Campustown Action
Association, cultural and international organizations) to host new or existing events in the
community that celebrate arts and culture, with the goal of holding two new annual events.
Status: In Progress. The AHRC hosted its 50th anniversary celebration on Sunday,
October 20, 2024 at Moore Memorial Park. This event was open to the community
and included a tree planting ceremony and the unveiling of the new AHRC t-shirt
design. Channel 5 news was present, and attendees received a t-shirt, refreshments
and coloring books highlighting significant people in Ames.
Staff and the AHRC have connected with ISU Student Government and are working
together around partnering to bring more culturally-based events to the City,
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specifically downtown. The AHRC used to host the annual FACES cultural event,
which ended in 2011; however, the AHRC is exploring bringing this event back in
2026. AHRC members have been in contact with India Cultural Association, Puerto
Rican Student Association, ISU Chinese Staff/Faculty Association, NAACP, and the
Arab Student Association regarding the possibility of partnering on the event. AHRC
also assisted Charles Pearson in putting together an Experience Black Iowa on the
Ames Civil War/Civil Rights history tour in spring 2025.
The Ames Public Library regularly participates in Downtown Ames initiatives, and
partners with various cultural organizations for programming and meeting room
space.
The Ames Police Department hosts the annual National Night Out event where the
community is invited to get to know their neighbors and also the police officers who
serve. In 2024, APD partnered with Hope in Christ (a group composed of several
local churches) and Blast Back to give away over 800 pairs of shoes to those in need at
the start of the school year. In addition, over 800 hot dog meals were given away.
Local service providers are invited to share with the community. At the event,
participants may register for school supplies at a later event. The 2025 event took
place on August 5, 2025, with over 1,200 pairs of shoes given away in addition to the
other activities planned.
Each year, the Ames Police Department partners with Target, CyRide and the Boys
and Girls Club for Shop with a Cop. This program solicits donations from the
community to take kids shopping before the holidays. The program enters its 32nd
year.
The Ames Police Department hosts several pop-up events throughout the year such as
Donuts in the Park, Coffee with Cops and Carving with Cops at the Boys and Girls
Club before Halloween. Each of these events allows important communication with
the public.
Staff will seek the input from other boards and commissions regarding their interest
in hosting community events.
The Mayor will follow up with the ISU Student Government representatives to
discuss opportunities to engage ISU students in community events, activities, and
commerce.
D. WE VALUE A DIVERSE, EQUITABLE, AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
HS 856 was signed into law in late May 2025. It prohibits public entities from engaging in certain
entities from engaging in certain activities relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Per guidance
from the City Attorney, departments are working through ensuring we are compliant with the new
law.
D1. Further diversify membership on City Boards and Commissions.
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D1.T1. Identify the barriers to increased diversity and participation on boards and
commissions (e.g., childcare, transportation, virtual meetings). Include evaluation of best
practices from other communities who are successful in achieving diverse membership.
Status: Complete. In November 2024, City staff conducted a boards/commission
member survey and received a 44% response rate. Survey results were presented to
Council on December 10, 2025. The survey results show that while there is no obvious
identified barrier to participation, the most prevalent issues are 1) Ames residents not
knowing about City board volunteer opportunities and 2) a need to clarify
expectations around serving on a board/commission and the role each
board/commission has. In response to this issue, staff has begun posting the estimated
time commitment for each board/commission on the City website and will be looking
for new methods to advertise volunteering opportunities.
Survey results also contained suggestions on how to improve the experiences of
volunteers. Staff has already begun implementing ideas suggested, including
highlighting volunteers and board/commissions, clarifying expectations around
serving on boards/commissions, and updating the application process and website for
ease of use. These improvements also align with research findings of best practices for
inclusive participation on boards/commissions.
Staff and the Mayor will reach out to ISU Student Government to inform them about
opportunities to serve on boards and commissions. Staff will develop questions to
incorporate into the annual Resident Satisfaction Survey regarding service on City
boards and commissions.
With the passing of HF 856 in spring 2025, which prohibits cities from having or
promoting DEI programs, staff have eliminated questions pertaining to race, color,
and ethnicity on the demographic section on the boards/commission applications and
board/commission member surveys.
D1.T2. Adopt solutions that are within the Council’s control to improve diversity and
participation.
Status: In Progress. As of July 2024, boards/commissions were required to make
virtual participation available to members. This new state law should address the
impediments to serve on boards/commissions caused by issues such as transportation,
childcare, severe weather, and inconvenience. Staff will incorporate information
regarding the possibility of virtual participation into board and commission
application information. Staff anticipates this will increase the interest of community
members to serve.
The Ames Public Library regularly participates in Downtown Ames initiatives, and
partners with various cultural organizations for programming and meeting room
space. A list of library and community events is shared monthly with the Library
Board of Trustees who have committed to increase their attendance and visibility.
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D2. Consider pursuing a Community-wide Inclusion plan.
D2.T1. Initially, review research performed by City staff regarding what other cities’ plans
look like and accomplish.
Status: Complete. Staff presented research findings to City Council in January 2025.
The recommendation was to pause on developing a community-wide inclusion plan
until further direction from Council. No further action on this item will be taken.
D3. Develop additional ways in which funds can be collected for scholarships for participation
in City programs.
D3.T1. Staff will identify a list of opportunities such as rounding up recreation registration
fees, contributing to purchase transit passes, etc., which will be used to finance reduced
cost programs and services for low-income residents.
Status: In Progress. The Engagement Coordinator continues to work with Park Staff
on identifying opportunities to expand revenue towards the scholarship program.
E. WE VALUE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
E1. Adopt a new plan for collection and disposal of waste and recyclable items.
E1.T1. Decide how to handle the disposal of solid waste. In accordance with Goal A1,
engage the public and solicit feedback as a part of the decision-making process.
Status: Completed. The City Council directed staff to negotiate with property owners
along Freel Drive for purchase of approximately 9.5 acres of real property on which
to site the new Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus (R3C). Staff successfully
engaged owners and secured purchase agreements for five parcels that were
approved by City Council on March 25, 2025. The City closed on the five parcels on
July 18, 2025. Two of the parcels have current lease agreements that expire in
December 2025.
Prior to closing, staff performed due diligence on these parcels including an
environmental site assessment, preliminary soil borings, and conceptual design
services for the R3C to determine suitability and financial feasibility for the project.
These tasks reveal no environmental or site related concerns to moving forward with
the project. A proposed tipping fee was determined utilizing a financial model based
off all of the project costs including property acquisition, capital investment,
operational expenses, and reserve funds. This information was presented to the City
Council on June 24, 2025.
At the same time, staff pursued a long-term agreement with the Carroll County Solid
Waste Commission for the final disposition of municipal solid waste (MSW) at the
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Carroll County Landfill. This agreement was approved by City Council on July 8,
2025, and approved by the Carroll County Solid Waste Commission on July 15, 2025.
Staff has also secured an agreement with the Boone County Landfill to continue to
accept MSW from Ames until June 30, 2027. City Council approved this agreement
at its May 27, 2025 meeting.
City staff is negotiating the final scope of design services based off the conceptual
design concepts with a consulting engineering firm with the intent of bringing an
agreement to the City Council in early August 2025. Additionally, the City has a
request for proposals advertised for the services of a construction manager to assist in
the management and administration of the construction of the R3C. It is anticipated
that an agreement for these services will be brought back to City Council in late
August/early September 2025.
Staff anticipates design development for the R3C will occur during the fall and winter
of 2025. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026 and continue into early 2027.
E1.T2. Make decision on organized collection of residential waste and recyclable items.
Here again, engage the public and solicit feedback as a part of the decision-making process
in accordance with Goal A1.
Status: In Progress. Staff is planning to bring to City Council an outline of a curbside
recycling program in August 2025. This outline will seek to inform Council of key
decision points necessary to meet the waste diversion goals necessary for the success
of the R3C, and will include a proposal to kick off a recycling program prior to the
opening of the R3C. Feedback gathered in the annual resident satisfaction survey has
been incorporated into the outline. Staff will bring the topic back to City Council in
September for direction. Recyclables would be taken directly to material recovery
facilities in the Des Moines Metro area prior to the R3C opening.
Once the recycling program has been established and experience with it has been
developed, staff will return to the City Council for direction regarding organized
collection for garbage hauling in the community.
E1.T3. Educate the public on what has changed from past communications over the
decades where “throw everything in your trash” is no longer the case. Cast vision for waste
reduction, recycling, and reuse opportunities for the future.
Status: In Progress. Staff has developed a one-stop-shop outside the Resource
Recovery Plant for free disposal of cardboard, mixed paper, glass, organics, and
metal. This location has provided insight into the demand for recycling services in the
community. Staff has installed additional signage at the recycling area outside of the
Resource Recovery Plant to assist users in ensuring the correct materials are placed
in the appropriate location.
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As staff develops the assumptions for the transfer station facility, some resources
(staffing and other O/M expenses) are assumed to be dedicated to the collection,
handling, and transferring of commingled and separated recyclable materials from
Ames to a recycler. However, the specifics of these services are not yet known. Once
more details are established regarding the services to be provided, staff can develop
firmer marketing and communication strategies.
Staff is finding new ways to conduct education and outreach efforts, including
participating in the Ames Elementary School science night events, partnering with
Midland Power to host a utility block party, talking to various community-based
groups, and being featured in the City of Ames – Sustainability and Iowa State
University – Off Campus newsletters.
As part of the direction with curbside recycling staff would develop messaging and
outreach that would provide further guidance for the public on what to throw where.
The development of this outreach would likely be planned in Fall 2025 in conjunction
with the curbside recycling and final design development of the R3C.
E1.T4. Identify a specific schedule and steps required for this new plan and explain how
each step integrates with the Climate Action Plan.
Status: In Progress. In November 2024 and July 2025, staff updated the Council on
the progress of implementing the Climate Action Plan, including Big Move #6: reduce
waste emissions. Staff anticipates the new R3C facility to be completed in spring 2027.
Staff will evaluate the anticipated net carbon impact of the new process for solid
waste disposal as future Climate Action Plan updates are prepared.
E2. Pursue initiatives that use new and emerging technologies or processes to assist in meeting
the Climate Action Plan.
E2.T1. Explore with ISU, ISURP, Chevron REG, and others on what opportunities may
exist to serve as a test case (For example the REG/Biodiesel/Optimus test using city heavy
truck fleet or an ISU a researcher studying how to turn plastics into fuel.)
Status: In Progress. CyRide is currently piloting the use of 100% biodiesel (B100) in
five transit buses through a partnership with Optimus Technologies and Chevron
REG. The fuel, made from soybeans grown in Iowa, is used in existing diesel buses
with a modest retrofit. The staff is evaluating operational performance, fuel use, and
maintenance impacts in a high-demand transit environment.
CyRide has submitted a federal discretionary grant application that, if awarded,
would support the expansion of the project to 20 additional buses and fund the
installation of a dedicated B100 fueling system. Each B100 conversion is estimated to
generate more than $45,000 annually in economic activity tied to soybean production.
A full 20-bus deployment would contribute nearly $1 million per year t o the farm
economy. The project aligns with the City’s interest in serving as a test case for
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emerging technologies and supports local agricultural and energy production.
CyRide welcomes opportunities to collaborate with Iowa State University and other
partners interested in advancing or evaluating this effort.
Staff also partnered with the ISU Electric Power Research Center to pilot their
energy efficiency toolkit, an analytics platform designed to identify energy-intense
homes to target for retrofit actions. Staff continue to work with the ISU Entomology
program as they study the emerging field of agrivoltaics by maintaining honeybees at
the SunSmart solar farm.
In April 2025, staff partnered with ISU faculty, staff, and student government to
submit a joint grant application to the Climate Smart Communities Initiative,
proposing to conduct a community-wide climate resilience planning study.
E3. Increase use of public transit and active transportation.
E3.T1. Encourage the Transit Board to pursue going “fare free” for the current system.
Status: Completed. CyRide partnered with Nelson\Nygaard in 2022 to conduct a
Fareless Transit System Study to evaluate the feasibility of adding additional fareless
or zero-fare transit options. While the Transit Board recognizes the importance of
accessible and equitable transportation, supports the City Council’s goals, and
acknowledges the challenges faced by low-income riders, it is not able to move
forward with a fare-free option at this time due to the substantial cost and financial
constraints facing the funding partners. Board members and staff are committed to
looking for opportunities to partner with third-party organizations to reduce or
eliminate the cost of riding transit, particularly for groups or individuals
experiencing transportation barriers.
E3.T2. Engage in a more aggressive marketing plan and strategy promoting public use of
CyRide.
Status: Completed. CyRide currently engages in outreach by distributing service
information to businesses and organizations in the on-demand EASE service area, as
well as publishing route information at bus shelters and providing maps at various
locations throughout the city to serve all riders. In 2025, CyRide will add an intern
position to assist staff with developing promotional materials and deployment
schedules. This new position is expected to bring creativity and fresh ideas to enhance
the CyRide experience in Ames.
E3.T3. Explore options and support initiatives to increase transportation availability for
those unable to get to work, school, or other desired destinations within Ames.
Status: Completed. CyRide remains committed to increasing community access to
transit. Launching in January 2025, the new Token Transit app will allow passengers
to purchase a digital bus pass with greater calendar flexibility than the current fixed-
time periods of the reduced fare passes. The app will ease the burden of passengers
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needing to get to a sales destination to purchase bus fare. This convenience empowers
passengers to quickly and securely purchase bus passes using a phone or electronic
device. Additionally, the app features a pass gifting option, which CyRide plans to
utilize with some community groups for those in need. Each year, the Transit Board
evaluates service expansion options based on passenger feedback, and CyRide will
continue to explore innovative solutions and pursue grant opportunities to fund
service expansions while minimizing costs to the funding partners.
The Ames Public Library is currently piloting a program where patrons can check
out one of 50 monthly bus passes. Need currently outpaces demand with 192 in the
holds queue, meaning regular requesters get a pass approximately every 4 months.
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