HomeMy WebLinkAboutA029 - Resolution adopting City Council Values, Goals, and Tasks for 2026-2027ITEM #:31
DATE:02-10-26
DEPT:CMO
SUBJECT:COUNCIL VALUES, GOALS, AND TASKS FOR 2026-2027
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The City Council annually reviews and updates its Values, Goals, and Tasks for the upcoming
term. On January 17, 2026, the Council met in a workshop to review its progress in meeting
the previously adopted goals and tasks, and to identify the values, goals, and tasks to be
adopted through December 31, 2027.
After reviewing notes and impressions from the discussion, City staff has prepared a draft
document (attached) for Council's consideration and adoption. In accordance with the
discussion during the workshop, the proposed document contains no changes to the Council's
value statements, but does eliminate and modify a variety of the goals and tasks. Additionally,
some of the goal statements no longer have more detailed tasks associated with them.
Once approved, City staff will work to assign the various actions to staff members for
completion and further Council follow-up.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the attached list of City Council Values, Goals, and Tasks for 2026-2027.
2. In case the staff has not correctly captured the direction of the City Council, modify the
attached document prior to approval.
3. Refer this item back to staff for further information.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The attached list of Council Values, Goals, and Tasks reflects the City Council's Goal
Session held in January 2026. Staff has reviewed the document and believes the work
associated with carrying it out is achievable by the Council and staff within the two-
year time period. The Council will revisit this topic in early 2027 to take stock of
progress and make refinements to the list, if necessary. Therefore, it is the
recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative # 1, as described
above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
January 2026 to December 2027 Council Goals.docx
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City Council Values, Goals, and Tasks
January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027
VALUES - GOALS - TASKS
A. WE VALUE COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PUBLIC
A1. Increase methods and opportunities for public feedback.
A1.T1. Develop an outreach policy setting expectations for the types of
outreach that should be used for various types of activities .
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 housing.
B1.T1. Analyze: 1) resident demographics (including income), 2) target
housing price points, and 3) possible incentives to “match” income.
Develop a shared understanding of “affordable housing.”
B1.T2. Leverage community partnerships to foster diverse housing
developments and rehabilitation of existing housing at various purchase
and rental price points.
C. WE VALUE A FUN, VIBRANT, AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY THAT ATTRACTS
AND RETAINS PEOPLE
C1. Plan for construction of multiple projects prioritized by City Council.
C1.T1. Complete Schainker Plaza.
C1.T2. Conceptually design and determine funding strategy for (in priority
order):
Indoor Multi-purpose Community Recreation Center for Ames
Community Members
Downtown Parking Ramp
New Community Park along Ontario Road in west Ames
C1.T3. Continue discussion regarding the Event Center at the LINC and a
possible partnership with ISU and IDOT for an entry corridor
beautification project.
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C1.T4. Remodel the Welch Avenue Tree Trenches to be more aesthetically
pleasing and eliminate the nuisance aspects.
C2. Support arts and culture in the community, including community celebrations,
festivals and/or events.
C2.T1. Clarify how COTA should evaluate and support events that celebrate
different cultures in Ames (e.g., food events, etc.)
C3. Develop additional ways in which funds can be collected for scholarships for
participation in City programs.
D. WE VALUE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
D1. Implement a new plan for collection and disposal of waste and recyclable items.
D1.T1. Develop a communication plan to engage the public and solicit
feedback as a part of the decision-making process. Educate the public
about 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.
D1.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.
D2. Explore initiatives that use new and emerging technologies or processes to assist
in meeting the Climate Action Plan.
D3. Increase use of public transit and active transportation.
D3.T1. Develop a marketing plan and strategy promoting the use of active
transportation modes as well as transit.
D3.T2. Explore options and support initiatives to increase availability of all
modes of transportation for those unable to get to work, school, or other
desired destinations within Ames.
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