Ames, Iowa, provides the ideal location for businesses to grow and prosper. Home to 66,427 people (2020 Census), Ames is located in central Iowa with convenient access to Interstate 35 and U.S. 30. The city is truly in the heart of everything. A perfect balance of small-town life with big-city amenities, Ames offers an educated workforce, award-winning utilities, nationally recognized schools, the very best in health care and a wonderful community to put down roots and grow.

City Council Values and Goals

WE VALUE COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PUBLIC

• By the end of 2023, develop, test, and evaluate strategies to improve community engagement, particularly underrepresented groups.

WE VALUE DIVERSE HOUSING OPTIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY

• Prioritize and complete the tasks outlined in Ames Plan 2040 that affect housing availability and affordability.

WE VALUE A FUN, VIBRANT, AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY THAT ATTRACTS AND RETAINS PEOPLE

• Implement City programs (Parks and Recreation, Library, etc.)  and initiatives (partnerships with others) that educate, train, and engage regarding mental and physical wellness.

• Consult with community partners to identify steps each partner can take to improve workforce recruitment/retention.

WE VALUE A DIVERSE, EQUITABLE, AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

• Develop a community-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan that identifies definitions and actionable strategies by the end of 2023.

• Implement additional accessible and equitable transportation options for the community (transit, bike, pedestrian, micromobility, rideshare, and others).

WE VALUE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

• Receive the Climate Action Plan and prioritize and implement Council-approved strategies from it to maintain progress towards the adopted climate goal, and continue pursuing targets of opportunity to achieve greenhouse gas reduction.

Approved February 15, 2022
To Be Accomplished by December 31, 2023