Iowa League of Cities

06/16/2026

New episode!

Wanna Know Where Your Money Goes? Work for Your City.

Two different public servants, two different jobs, but the same idea. If you want to know where your money goes and how government spends it, work for your city.

Stephanie Harden, Council Bluffs Accounting Manager, said she learns a lot about city government every time she writes a check. Sarah Snitker, Waukon City Clerk, says she understands a lot more about how cities operate now that she works for city government.

https://iowaleague.org/leading-iowa-good-government-in-iowas-cities/

06/16/2026

06/15/2026

Thank you Bennett for hosting the League’s Legislative Policy Committee! Lovely town doing great work!

06/09/2026

The deadline approaches, excited to see city halls across Iowa in red, white and blue!

In honor of America 250, the League is inviting cities to participate in the Best Decorated Patriotic City Hall/City Building Contest. Decorate your city hall or another city-owned building, snap a photo, and submit it by June 29 to [email protected]. Cities are encouraged to get creative and involve staff, volunteers, or community members in the decorating process.

06/04/2026

Cybersecurity isn’t just about strong passwords, firewalls, and software patches. Unauthorized physical access to a device can create just as much risk.

When a computer is left unlocked, even for a few minutes, an unauthorized person could access sensitive emails, resident information, financial records, internal documents, public safety systems, or other municipal applications. This is especially important in shared offices, service counters, council chambers, public works areas, conference rooms, and other public or high-traffic spaces.

Before stepping away from your computer, always lock your screen. It only takes a second and helps prevent unauthorized access.

You can use these quick shortcuts:
🪟 Windows PC: Press `Windows + L`
🍎 Mac: Press `Control + Command + Q`

Locking your screen is a simple habit that protects your work, your coworkers, your residents, and your municipality from avoidable security incidents. If you walk away from your desk, lock your screen first.

06/03/2026

Congratulations to Ginger Wander of Elgin! She was our randomly selected winner for a free registration to the League's Annual Conference in Bettendorf.

Thank you all for participating and sharing your memories! We look forward to seeing you all this fall.

"My Favorite conference memory was taking the flood mitigation tour in Cedar Rapids 2023. The way their City built up, and focused on mitigation efforts for the future from the catastrophic floods of 2008 is truly admirable! I am looking forward to the always terrific classes at this year's conference, I agree with Kim.. it is so hard to choose!! 🤩" - Ginger Wander

06/02/2026

As mayor of the city of Truro, population 515, Bryan Arzani has to dig in on almost every issue. Listen to him talk about the challenges of running a small city and how he works with a small staff and a tight budget. And there may be a new judge in the Truro barbecue cook-off.

06/02/2026

June Cityscape is here with an added bonus, the Annual Conference & Exhibit Brochure, which highlights all the amazing workshops, sessions, and events going on throughout conference in September! We also have articles on how to be ready for flood funding, how the University of Iowa is partnering with cities, and a new League resource on marketing your city. Read it today!

https://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=865469&p=1&view=issueViewer

05/26/2026

In honor of America 250, the League is inviting cities to participate in the Best Decorated Patriotic City Hall/City Building Contest. Decorate your city hall or another city-owned building, snap a photo, and submit it by June 29 to [email protected]. Cities are encouraged to get creative and involve staff, volunteers, or community members in the decorating process.

05/22/2026

This year, the Small City Workshop Series returns to in-person sessions across the state! Join us June 25 in Manchester from 5:30-8 p.m. for Community Communications with League staff and Ginger Wander, Elgin City Clerk for simple, practical solutions to inform and engage your residents.
https://iowaleague.org/workshops-events/small-city/