West DSM News

State of the City Recording

On Friday, February 24, Mayor Courtney Clarke hosted nearly 100 attendees at the annual State of the City address. The event highlighted the City of Waukee’s progress and challenges of 2022 and shared a look forward at priorities for the coming year.

Mayor Clarke discussed how thoughtful planning and fostering strong partnerships are helping Waukee thrive now and into the future. She was joined by directors from the City’s leadership team for a panel discussion about impactful projects and trends, including a successful first year of Triumph Park and record commercial growth. The panel answered questions from the audience, clarifying the City governments’ role in new development and growth and noting that lowering taxes is a desirable goal but that for the coming fiscal year, the City’s tax levy will likely be maintained.

“Overall, 2022 was a year of great progress, made possible by strong collaboration, smart planning and a belief that Waukee is an amazing place to live, work and play,” said Mayor Clarke.

Celebrating 2022 achievements

Mayor Clarke celebrated positive progress on new initiatives mentioned in last year’s address:

• The first paramedic class taught by Waukee Fire Department staff was delivered to APEX students, preparing students for future careers in public safety.
• The Crisis Intervention Team in the Waukee Police Department had a successful first year and has enabled officers to respond with more tailored support to mental-health related calls. The next stage is uniting with programs in other western suburbs.
• Opening last June, Triumph Park has already drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the metro and the U.S., becoming a positive force for economic success of the community in addition to a favorite recreation destination.
• Major public improvement projects have enhanced our roadways and water infrastructure, even with all the challenges from the pandemic and supply chain disruptions.

She also highlighted some first steps toward long term goals of the City:

• oThe City of Waukee secured land and began a partnership with Northpointe Development to bring a new affordable housing project to life. This project is one which other organizations and cities are watching closely, and Waukee hopes to have a successful project that others can model as many communities address the pressing need for affordable housing.
• oThe new Public Art Advisory Commission was formed and has started work on a master plan for public art. Public art has been shown to help establish a city’s cultural identity, reduce crime, and enrich communities nationwide.
• oWaukee continues to draw new businesses that not only add services, goods and employment opportunities that residents want but also grow the City's commercial base, which enables the City to continue providing quality services and add desirable amenities to the community. ;

Unveiling a key project

A high point of the event was unveiling designs for a new Public Safety facility for Waukee. With so many new residents joining the Waukee community each day, the City needs to add police officers, firefighters and paramedics as well as the support staff that enable Public Safety departments to operate effectively. Sustainability and multi-functionality are key guiding principles for the project. In addition to housing the current Police Department and half of the Fire Department, the new building will provide room for departments to grow on pace with the community. A large pond will combine good stormwater management with recreational opportunities. Residents will be able to fish or walk along the trail, and Public Safety staff can use the pond for rescue training. Native landscaping and other built-in stormwater features could turn the site into a public classroom, where students and community members can learn about ways to manage water run-off to improve water quality.

Priorities for 2023

Looking ahead, Mayor Clarke noted the City Council and she continue to work with staff on planning for the future and supporting development to help Waukee grow and add the services and amenities that residents desire. She noted that the growth rate for Waukee has been tremendous and is not expected to slow any time soon.

She clarified what the city government’s role is in planning for and guiding growth. Proactive planning and the permitting process help ensure development is in line with the City’s comprehensive plan, is well thought out and designed to the design standards we expect to see here in Waukee.

“We are a community of choice. People want to live here. People want to move here to raise their families. They want to come here to go to our schools. They want to come here to enjoy our amenities, to access the business opportunities here. Those are amazing things.”

Original source can be found here.