HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-01 I01G 2026 Legislative PrioritiesAGENDA ITEM:
CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING COMMUNICATION
MEETING DATE: December 1, 2025
AGENDA ITEM:Consideration of approval of a resolution approving 2026 legislative priorities
FORMAT:Consent Agenda
SYNOPSIS INCLUDING PRO & CON: The City has an interest in several important issues that
will likely be considered by the 2026 Iowa state legislature that impact the
City’s ability to meet the needs of a growing community and to operate
efficiently.
FISCAL IMPACT INCLUDING COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS:
COMMISSION/BOARD/COMMITTEE COMMENT:
STAFF REVIEW AND COMMENT: Staff would recommend approval
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the resolution.
ATTACHMENTS: I. Proposed Resolution
PREPARED BY:Brad Deets
REVIEWED BY:
I1G
THE CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
RESOLUTION 2025-
APPROVING 2026 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
IN THE NAME AND BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
WHEREAS, the City of Waukee, Dallas County, State of Iowa, is a duly organized Municipal
Organization; AND,
WHEREAS, the City has an interest in several important issues that will be considered by the 2026
Iowa state legislature; AND,
WHEREAS, these issues impact the City’s ability to meet the needs of a growing community and to
operate efficiently, AND,
WHEREAS, the Waukee City Council establishes the following 2026 legislative priorities:
1.Promote a competitive tax environment that delivers value to taxpayers while fostering
economic growth. Prioritize investments in public infrastructure, sustainable services, and
amenities that attract and retain a skilled workforce. Ensure property taxes remain stable,
equitable, and fair for both taxpayers and the city.
2.Ensure that the taxable valuation of newly developed or redeveloped properties adequately
covers the cost of expanded public services and infrastructure, thereby preventing a barrier to
sustainable economic growth.
3.Create revenue-generating options and cost-saving measures for Iowa local governments to
reduce reliance on property taxes. This includes targeted funding for state programs that
support infrastructure and service delivery, as well as reforms to state policies that delay
projects or increase costs.
4.Advocate for legislation that enables cities to levy a local entertainment surcharge on large-
scale entertainment complexes that drive tourism and generate positive economic impact in
order to offset the additional cost of public services required.
5.Preserve the tools that empower cities to effectively manage and finance growth, including the
use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and urban renewal districts.
6.Consider legislation to expand essential corporate purpose projects to include the
reconstruction, enlargement, improvement and equipping of city halls, public safety facilities
and libraries when said project does not include an increase to the overall tax levy.
7.Advocate for increased state funding and support for affordable housing projects, including
expanded financial assistance, tax incentives, and streamlined regulations. Encourage public-
private partnerships and enhanced resources for local governments and developers to meet the
growing demand for safe, affordable housing, ensuring all Iowans have access to stable housing
and fostering statewide economic growth.
8.Promote strategies to improve taxpayers' understanding of how public investments fuel
economic growth in Iowa. Specifically, enhance the Truth in Taxation mailing with parcel-
specific information that clearly outlines how property taxes are distributed among entities and
how those funds are utilized.
9.Safeguard the City’s authority to make decisions at the local level, in alignment with
constitutionally protected Home Rule principles such as zoning, building codes and utility
rates.
10.Support statewide legislation establishing consistent definitions, safety standards and local
level enforcement for E-scooters and E-bikes to enhance public safety, infrastructure planning
and effective regulations of micromobility options throughout the state.
11.Amend state law to reduce liabilities and expenses for cities, including liability for public
sidewalks and joint projects with state agencies.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Waukee City Council in session this 1st day
of December, 2025, that it hereby approves the 2026 legislative priorities.
____________________________
Courtney Clarke, Mayor
Attest:
___________________________________
Rebecca D. Schuett, City Clerk
RESULTS OF VOTE: AYE NAY ABSENT ABSTAIN
R. Charles Bottenberg
Chris Crone
Rob Grove
Anna Bergman Pierce
Ben Sinclair