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The Mayor and City Council met on Tuesday, June 18, and the Mayor began with a proclamation designating Juneteenth in Urbandale. Also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, Juneteenth commemorates the historic moment on June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery and the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation.
The City Council approved a master planning initiative to help transform downtown Urbandale. Stemming from the Forward Urbandale Comprehensive Plan adopted last December, this plan aims to breathe new life into the downtown area, making it a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.
The City of Urbandale's elected officials conduct a biennial strategic plan that sets the vision for the community and the roadmap to achieve that vision. The Council approved the 2024 Strategic Plan and established the vision for Urbandale as "A safe, regionally connected community where diversity is valued, opportunities are abundant, and all can thrive." You can view the strategic plan here.
The City Council will meet again in regular session on Tuesday, July 2. You can watch all the City Council meetings on YouTube and find council agendas here.
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Longtime Urbandale, Iowa Residents Share Insights into Urbandale's Flag Design Process | |
Join long-time Urbandale residents Dr. Edward Finnerty and Emma Thomas-McGinnis as they share insights into the nearly year-long journey. This collaborative effort involved extensive input and engagement from hundreds of residents, ensuring the new flag truly represents the spirit of Urbandale. Learn more. | |
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City Council Approves Urbandale Downtown Master Plan Initiative
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The Urbandale Downtown Master Plan aims to transform the downtown area into a vibrant destination that attracts investment in both commercial and residential buildings. It is designed to make Urbandale’s downtown a focal point for the community and a draw for visitors from across the metro area. Key aspects of the plan include enhancing the area’s accessibility and navigability for pedestrians and all modes of transportation. This planning initiative is expected to finish by mid-2025, with input from downtown stakeholders and the wider community. | |
Urbandale is home to one of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in the area! Bring the family to celebrate Independence Day in the community. City Hall and most City departments and divisions will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, in recognition of Independence Day. See all the planned activities here. | |
It's Illegal to Light Personal Fireworks in Urbandale | |
It is important to remember that lighting personal fireworks within Urbandale city limits is illegal. The Urbandale Police Department will be taking enforcement action to ensure everyone has a safe holiday. (A fine for lighting fireworks is $625.00 plus court costs.) You can watch the official city-sanctioned fireworks display on Thursday, July 4, at 10 PM; shot from the west side of Walker Johnston Regional Park. | |
Eastern Douglas Avenue Completely Closing for 75 Days | |
Starting Monday, July 8, a portion of Douglas Avenue will be completely closed for up to 75 days to install a box culvert, aiming to reopen the road in late September. This essential project addresses stormwater management and flooding in the area. A box culvert is a large, rectangular drainage structure that helps channel stormwater effectively, reducing the risk of floods. Detour signs will be going up soon, directing you to Merle Hay Road, Aurora Avenue, and 70th Street. Local business access will be maintained throughout the closure. Please plan your travel accordingly and stay cautious during potential short-term lane closures due to material and equipment deliveries. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we enhance our community's infrastructure. Learn more. | |
Summer Concert Series in Urbandale | |
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Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy this free concert series!
June Bugs
Tuesday, July 9, at 6:30 PM
Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park in Urbandale
Learn more.
Opus Taylor
Tuesday, August 13, at 6:30 PM
Lions Park in Urbandale
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Join us for NNO on Tuesday, August 6, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM in the Urbandale Police Department's front parking lot (3740 86th Street) and the soccer field to the west of the Police Department. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. | |
UpLift Basic Income Pilot Project | |
"Why Benefits Model Innovation is Needed” was made in partnership with United Way of Iowa and uses UpLift participant and 2023 ALICE data to explore the financial well-being of Iowans. Throughout this report many indicators show that the Central Iowa community is struggling to meet their most basic needs. In order to create a thriving, healthy community it is important to explore innovative ways to create economic stability for all. Learn more about the Uplift Basic Income Pilot Project here. | |
Free Friday Flicks: Cool Runnings | |
Join us for a FREE outdoor movie on Friday, July 12 at 7 PM! We'll be showing "Cool Runnings" at the Large Shelter at Walnut Creek Regional Park (4100 Walnut Creek Park Road). Bring your own snacks, or enjoy food from the food truck Sabores De Mexico. Learn more. | |
Sunday in the Summer Series | |
Join us at 1:30 PM every Sunday this summer for a free 45-minute piano performance outside the Urbandale Public Library. Resident pianists (of all skill levels) will perform songs from a variety of genres. | |
Urbandale Historical Society Ice Cream Social | |
Join us on Sunday, June 30 from 2-4 PM for the UHS's Annual Ice Cream Social! This fundraising event will include pie, ice cream, drinks, and music by the Urbandale Community Adult Swing Band. This year's social will also include dedicating the Flagpole from the old Urbandale Middle/High school in honor of Audrey DeCarlo. Learn more. | |
Join Metro Waste Authority on Saturday, June 29 from 3-5 PM, for a behind-the-scenes driving tour of Metro Park East Landfill, the largest landfill in Iowa. The educational tour, which will take about 30 minutes to complete, and will follow the journey of garbage, recycling, and yard waste once it arrives at the site and will show an up-close look at waste disposal zones, habitat preservation areas, and a variety of innovative recycling initiatives. Learn more. | |
The Urbandale Fire Department participated in the 2024 Trench Safety Stand Down Lunch & Expo, a vital event focused on excavation safety and best practices in the industry. Member of our Fire Department presented a live demonstration of a mock trench rescue. | |
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Creating Place: Urbandale sets sights on revitalizing its downtown… Read more
Dowling alum Karissa Schweizer clinches 2nd Olympics berth… Read more
PBS series Antiques Roadshow comes to Living History Farms in Urbandale, Iowa… Read more
We tried the new Wasabi Urbandale… Read more
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