A Home for Everyone

As the population of Ames continues to grow and students from all over the world come to Ames to attend Iowa State University, our community maintains committed to embracing diversity and encouraging inclusion. We want all of our citizens, our visitors, and our students to know they are welcome in Ames.

In December of 2016, the Ames City Council reaffirmed that commitment by passing this resolution:

RESOLUTION REAFFIRMING THE CITY’S COMMITMENT TO THE VALUES OF EQUITY, FAIRNESS, INCLUSION, AND JUSTICE FOR THE CITY OF AMES  

WHEREAS, the City of Ames believes in and stands for values of inclusion, equity, fairness, and justice; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Ames condemns islamophobia, racism, sexism, and xenophobia in rhetoric or action; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Ames welcomes all people and recognizes the rights of individuals to live their lives with dignity, free of discrimination because of their faith, race, national origin, or immigration status; and

WHEREAS, the City of Ames will continue to work in making our services and programs accessible and open to all individuals; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Ames believes in the public sector for the public good, and advancing equity and inclusion is critical to the success of our communities and our nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa, that the City’s commitment to the values of equity, fairness, inclusion, and justice is hereby reaffirmed. ADOPTED THIS 13th day of December, 2016.

(View document here)

Human Relations Commission

The Ames Human Relations Commission (AHRC) is a volunteer commission comprised of Ames citizens appointed by the Mayor to respond to discrimination complaints. The AHRC actively educates about the value of diversity, the dangers of discrimination, and the value of inclusion.

The AHRC's jurisdiction covers discriminatory actions against a person because of his or her race, ethnicity, national origin, color, creed, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, gender, physical disability, age (employment and credit only), familial status (presence of children, for housing only), marital status (credit only), or developmental disability (not applicable to credit). Volunteers must be Ames residents and are appointed by the Mayor to three-year terms.

This commission generally meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

Learn more about the Human Relations Commission

Work with Us!

The City of Ames is a caring, progressive, exciting organization. We are looking for motivated, creative, and customer-driven employees to help serve the citizens of Ames. The City of Ames is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity for all employees and applicants. The City of Ames also affirms its commitment to attaining workforce that represents our population.

The City of Ames Affirmative Action Policy and Plan provides guidance to City departments and employees with the duty to promote the City's values by defining and supporting diversity in the working and learning environments; by creating creating an environment that provides fair and equal opportunities for all employees and by maintaining compliance with federal/state laws and regulations. The City will continue to follow the guidelines presented in the policy with a goal of maintaining a workplace that is free of any illegal discrimination and mirrors the qualified available population. Read the plan here. 

Learn about job openings with the City of Ames.

Directory of Minority-Owned Businesses

View a directory of minority-owned businesses in Story County here.