2025 CHAMBER VOTER GUIDE

Cole Button

Responsible, sustainable population growth is important to ensure our city remains vibrant and economically strong. Growth brings opportunities—more businesses, a stronger workforce, and an expanded tax base that helps us maintain quality city services without placing a heavier burden on current residents.

As someone with a background in finance and banking, I understand the importance of balancing growth with fiscal responsibility. Expanding our population and economic base is essential to keeping our city’s finances healthy, but it must be done thoughtfully. Our focus should be on smart growth that fits the character of Council Bluffs and improves the quality of life for the people who already call it home. This means addressing housing shortages with practical solutions, investing in infrastructure, and ensuring that our schools, parks, and public safety services keep pace with new development.

We don’t need to double in size overnight, but we should take proactive steps to attract new families and workers who will contribute to the community. This includes supporting local businesses, making Council Bluffs a welcoming place for entrepreneurs, and promoting the unique strengths of our city.

Ultimately, my vision is a balanced one: growing in a way that creates opportunity while protecting what makes Council Bluffs special. By planning carefully, we can secure long-term economic growth without losing the character that we all value.

Ryan Garrison

Population growth is absolutely vital to the overall health of the city. Working professionals are especially vital as they bring new ideas and prospectives and progress us forward. I believe this is an urgent issue because of the rising costs of city operations and the needed tax base to sustain operations while still trying to make our city more attractive and vibrant to others who may move here. I would like to see at a minimum 5-10% growth annually with 10-20% growth as a top end goal. We need to be vigilant in researching options for growth and be good partners with businesses and developers who help us grow.

Steve Gorman

Density is the most important discussion within our community. We have been stagnant in our population for many decades, my whole life basically, and it has become increasingly difficult to afford the communities needs including roads, public safety, the police force, and firefighters.

There are three things we need to look at: housing, jobs, and quality of life within our community. These core values are necessary to bring in young professionals who are looking for a safe community to work and raise their families.

We need to increase our population by 25 thousand people in the next 25 years, or a thousand people per year. This will allow for growth of infrastructure needs as well as an increase of tax base to sustain our community.

All one needs to do to know that we need an increase of a taxable base is to look at the roads. Roads are funded by the gas tax that is distributed by population base. So the farther we sprawl as a community without an increase of population, the harder it is to maintain the road services. We are taking the same amount of money and trying to stretch it farther and farther each year.

If we do not grow, the same number of people will continue to pay an increase in taxes each year; therefore, we must grow to maintain an equitable community.

Dustin Harris

We need growth to increase our tax base to pay for current expenditures and to prepare for the future. I would like to see an additional three to five thousand residents in the next 5 years. We should be pushing for mid to high income apartments that would create higher tax income per square foot than lower income apartments that we already have a lot of across the city that just bring in problems from outside the city and use up resources, like Police and Fire, while not providing much in the way of taxes to reimburse the city for those services. We also need to make sure these new projects are viable before we start talking to builders and spending money in the planning stages. I would also require binding letters of intent ensuring that we are able to fill commercial building projects before we start spending money on them so we don't have offices or buildings sitting empty for years, like past projects. We also need to consider limiting the time-frame on tax-free incentives that we offer to bring in businesses that would likely build here anyway due to much lower taxes than Omaha. If there's better options for them and we would greatly benefit from the business then we could offer more incentives but get promises in legally binding contracts so that we aren't left with less permanent jobs than promised, like the first Google project.

Another consideration is that we currently need another fire station in the south end to ensure rapid deployment and availability of life saving resources. We already own land near the Mid-American Center to build on but we need to make sure that we plan ahead on any new projects to build a large enough station with adequate equipment and staffing along with thinking about a Police substation with thoughts on future growth so that we aren't short staffed and paying out massive amounts of forced overtime.

Benjamin Larson

From my perspective as a young professional, I believe it is important to note that our young graduates are choosing to leave Council Bluffs, and we must do a better job of, not only, incentivizing our young professionals to stay, work, and establish families within our city, but also, do better job of attracting new young professionals into our community to ensure we have a strong future.

Growth is important for the success of our local commerce and it is important for our community’s ability to pay for essential services. Both are necessary for Council Bluffs to be able to thrive.

Council Bluffs has an urgent need because of our limited housing availability. We are currently over 98% occupancy capacity in both housing and rental markets. Our limited availability can not even meet the current needs of our citizens; many of our neighbors have lost their homes. This is a vital problem that our city must solve.

If elected, my goal would be to establish a healthy vacancy level. The vacancy levels need to increase from our poor standing of less than 2% to a healthy 8% vacancy level. This is necessary to allow for the natural growth of our city. A healthy vacancy rate ensures that our city is desirable and affordable which is necessary to retain and attract skilled young professionals and their families.

Joseph Thornburg

Population growth is essential to all communities, but when the growth over exceeds the abilities of a community that's when a community begins to suffer. So yes population growth is good, as long as it is the correct growth done the right way, and is done on behave of the residents and not the wrong reasons.

Brandy Van Riessen

I believe population growth is vital to Council Bluffs’ future. Growth strengthens our workforce, supports local businesses, and ensures we have the tax base needed to maintain high-quality city services. At the same time, it’s important that we grow in a way that preserves the history of our city and the character of our neighborhoods.

I don’t believe growth should be rushed or unchecked. It should be planned, intentional, and supported by the right infrastructure, housing, and amenities. My vision is for Council Bluffs to be a place where our kids want to stay, where families want to put down roots, and where entrepreneurs and businesses see opportunity. By planning carefully, we can balance the urgency of attracting new residents with protecting the community we all love.

Jessica Vanderpool

I do think population growth is important for the future of Council Bluffs, but it has to be done the right way. More people living here means more support for our local businesses, a stronger tax base to keep up city services, and a bigger workforce for employers. That helps us stay competitive with nearby cities.

At the same time, I understand why some people want to keep things the way they are. Council Bluffs has a great small-town feel, and I don’t want to lose that. Growth doesn’t have to mean changing who we are, it just means planning so we can keep improving while protecting what makes this community special.

To me, it’s not about hitting a certain number of people. It’s about smart growth, making sure we have enough housing choices, good jobs, and amenities that make families and businesses want to put down roots here. If we focus on those things, the population will grow naturally and at a pace that feels right for the community.

Cole Button

Attracting and retaining young workers and families is critical to Council Bluffs’ long-term success, and we need a strategy that balances the needs of both businesses and residents. At 29, I can offer a younger person’s perspective on what makes a community appealing to the next generation, while also recognizing the challenges faced by long-time residents.

Housing is a top priority. Young professionals and families want affordable, safe, and modern options. At the same time, I’ve spoken with retirees who have lived here for decades but are now considering moving because rising property taxes are straining their fixed incomes. We need a balanced approach—encouraging responsible development while keeping our community affordable for those who built their lives here.

Opportunity and quality of life must go hand in hand. With my background in finance and banking, I know how important it is to support small businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, and strengthen partnerships with schools and community colleges. But jobs alone aren’t enough. Many young people don’t move to or stay in Council Bluffs because most entertainment options are across the river in Omaha. To compete, we need more local amenities—restaurants, entertainment venues, cultural activities, and family-friendly recreation—that make people want to live and spend their time here. These improvements also benefit local businesses and expand our tax base.

By pairing economic growth with affordability and stronger quality-of-life features, Council Bluffs can attract new families and workers while protecting the residents who have long called our city home.

Ryan Garrison

First and foremost I feel we need opportunities for the young professionals to initially attract them. I’d love to hear and work with the chamber of commerce on their ideas for business that would attract this target group. With the recent annexation to the South of Council Bluffs I think we have a great opportunity for growth in whatever needs best suits the city. Other areas that are ready for business professionals are the MAC area and Playland park business building. I’d like to grow these areas by reaching out to business and industry and being considerate of their needs for them to come here. TIF, affordable office/business space and grant options are all tools we can use to attract potential professionals to our area. Having more market rate housing near their place of employment I feel is another factor in attracting young professionals to the area.

Steve Gorman

There are three things we need to look at: housing, jobs, and quality of life within our community. These core values are necessary to bring in young professionals who are looking for a safe community to work and raise their families.

With housing and rent availability under 2%, our young people have to look elsewhere to live. This then encourages them to take their professional talents closer to their new homes. The number one priority of our city council should be increasing housing.

The talent we need can be created locally. We need to utilize Iowa Western Community College as a work force development to meet the needs of our community through technical and professional education. This will create a more skilled and talented workforce which will bring higher pay and a better standard of living for our community. Those who graduate at Iowa Western will be incentivized to stay within our community by partnering with Iowa Western’s educational planning to make sure it complements the industries we have within our community.

The more affordable we make our community to live, the more likely young families will be able to afford childcare. This will increase the quality of life of these young families. Parents understand that children are the future of our community and it will incentivize parents to invest more into the safety and future of our community.

Dustin Harris

The two main complaints that I hear from people who have left our city are the schools and crime/homeless. A large portion of our city workers no longer live in the city and I know a lot of people that have moved to rural and small towns with long commutes rather than deal with these issues.

We need to ensure our schools have high educational standards and deal with issues that arise so that parents aren’t leaving the city.

As far as crime/homeless issues, we need a multi-layer approach to deal with these issues more effectively. We need to look into the possibility of either adding onto the jail or building a separate specialized facility to house arrests that are too intoxicated, high on drugs, mentally ill or have superficial injuries that the jail generally refuses to take without medical clearance at the ER but aren’t bad enough for the city to pay for thousands of dollars in care at the ER’s and tie up one, sometimes two officers for the ER staff’s safety which causes staffing issues on the street.

We need to increase officers and move code enforcement under the Fire Department to allow for more checks and balances and to ensure that problem housing areas, where criminals tend to hang out, aren’t ignored. If the owners can’t bring these problem locations back up to code then we can look at condemning them and bringing in private funds and grants to bring them up to code to provide housing for local families in need, veterans, and other homeless individuals that are drug free, mentally stable and aren’t causing problems.

More officers means more time to deal with crime prevention and clearing homeless camps.

We also need to require more oversight for the shelters that we let operate in the city. One shelter alone had 879 police and medical calls for service last year while they get large amounts in grant funding. I would also push for requiring positive identification of those living there and have police work to make sure that we aren’t letting violent mentally ill people, active drug dealers and convicted sex offenders stay in our facilities.

Lastly, we need to clear out public spaces of all camps, many that I have personally seen over my almost 24 years as a CBPD officer had sex offenders avoiding registration and many had long criminal histories or active warrants and tend to have violent incidents in and around them by people that are on drugs.

Benjamin Larson

Council Bluffs is in a unique position with its potential for workforce human resources. We have a potential pipeline of young professionals within our city at Iowa Western Community College, but also with other local universities in the metro area like the University of Nebraska Medicine Center and the University of Omaha. We need to be able to encourage these young professionals to make Council Bluffs their final destination instead of a mere stepping stone in their lives. We have lots of potential to increase the talent pool within our workforce, through partnerships with the local colleges, but we lack the healthy vacancy rate that will draw in these young professionals.

After we have achieved the healthy 8% vacancy rate, we will then need to prioritize supporting these new families within our community. We can do that through the creation of walkable living spaces by utilizing mixed spaces in our new infrastructure. This will allow for the organic growth of community engagement and the natural interconnectedness of our citizens as well as natural improvements in the quality of life for our citizens. These new mixed spaces will also allow for business growth to bring in new opportunities for economic development.

Joseph Thornburg

Bring back trade schools and education programs that young people and families can afford and advance their education from a normal blue collar families to the next higher level of the economy. The more a family makes the more a family spends within their community. Which enhances the entire community for everyone.

Brandy Van Riessen

To attract and retain workers and families, Council Bluffs must be a community where people want to build their lives. That means offering affordable housing options that meet the needs of young professionals and families, while also investing in safe neighborhoods, accessible childcare, and strong schools.

Strengthening our workforce means supporting our local businesses and entrepreneurs. Supporting businesses who are creating pathways for job training, and building strong partnerships with our schools and community colleges. By combining these efforts, we can grow a talent pipeline that not only keeps our young people here but also draws new families and professionals to Council Bluffs.

Jessica Vanderpool

I believe one of the best things we can do for the future of Council Bluffs is attract and keep young professionals and families. That means building a community where people want to live, not just work.

A big opportunity is with people who already work here but live somewhere else. If we can offer more housing options, strong schools, and the kind of welcoming community that makes people feel at home, we can turn those workers into neighbors.

I also think about our students who leave for college or other opportunities. If we stay connected with them and show them the opportunities here, they’ll be more likely to come back and start their careers and families in Council Bluffs.

Housing is a big part of this, whether it’s starter homes, rentals, or family neighborhoods, people need choices at different stages of life. On top of that, safe neighborhoods, parks, trails, and strong local businesses make a city vibrant and attractive to younger generations.

For me, it comes down to making Council Bluffs a place where people feel proud to stay and excited to come back.

Cole Button

Economic development is increasingly competitive, and Council Bluffs must position itself as a community where businesses can thrive and families want to live. While private and nonprofit partners play key roles, city government sets the foundation through policy, infrastructure, and collaboration.

First, the city should focus on creating a business-friendly environment. That means keeping taxes and regulations fair and predictable, investing in reliable infrastructure, and streamlining permitting and approval processes so businesses can expand or locate here without unnecessary delays. With my background in finance and banking, I know how much predictability matters when businesses decide where to invest.

Second, we need to support our existing businesses as much as we work to attract new ones. That includes strengthening partnerships with the Chamber, schools, and community colleges to ensure our workforce has the skills employers need. It also means listening to small business owners and entrepreneurs and making sure they have the tools to grow—from access to financing to mentorship opportunities.

Finally, quality of life is a major part of economic development. When workers and families choose Council Bluffs because of our schools, neighborhoods, entertainment, and recreation options, it makes us more attractive to businesses deciding where to invest. City government should see economic development not just as recruitment, but as building a community where people and businesses alike want to put down roots.

By combining fiscal responsibility, business-friendly policies, and investments in livability, we can give Council Bluffs a competitive edge in attracting and retaining both businesses and talent.

Ryan Garrison

The city should be a partner with the chamber in reaching out to attracting business. While working together the city should also be considerate of business needs. Zoning and rezoning should be considered to fit business needs along with TIF and grant options. The city should also do their part in promoting the advantages of being in Council Bluffs. Promotion includes pamphlets, social media, local newspapers and television advertising. These advantages include the previous items I mentioned but, also proximity to desirable attractions for families like parks, entertainment and sporting events.

Steve Gorman

We need a mix use strategy for development. This means that we can have shared spaces for housing, storefronts, and entertainment. This also includes green spaces and public transportation. Walkable communities are a modern attraction for young professionals and to incentivize young people into our community we need to create some within our city.

We want to create our developments in a manner that utilizes both space and structures that we currently have. We can develop and utilize our space better by growing skyward as opposed to urban sprawl. Adding on top of already established infrastructure decreases costs and increases the gain to our community as a whole.

Ultimately, the state, Council Bluffs, and the metro area need to work collaboratively in order to bring in more businesses and economic growth to sustain the standard of living for our community which will in turn attract new young professionals and their families. By attracting these new young professionals, this will create a larger tax base which will help our current small businesses keep their taxes affordable, and will create a larger pool of talented workers within our community. We need to grow in a coordinated structured manner that keeps us within a sustainable budget while pursuing progress for the benefit of the future of our community.

Dustin Harris

One of the biggest issues current business owners have complained to me about is theft and customers being scared away due to the homeless. The downtown, west and south end stores have people passed out on or near their properties or they have what they describe to me as homeless people actively stealing and attempting to burglarize their stores in broad daylight. One cell phone store just caught one of the homeless people that sleep behind their store trying to beat the lock open to gain entry during business hours. They also have health and safety issues like drug use and using sinks to bathe in the bathrooms. If we want to attract new businesses these issues must be addressed immediately using the approach I outlined in the last question.

We also need to get our roads, sewers and water mains repaired. We all know of at least one place in town that smells like raw sewage all day long every time you drive by it. People drive to west Omaha rather than shop locally not to deal with these issues. If we address this and the homeless issues, more businesses will come to the shopping areas we’ve already built, some of which have sat empty for years. We can offer tax free incentives to bring in large companies but we need to be vigilant in not giving them long time frames with no taxes when some of them would come to the city anyway rather than deal with Omaha’s higher taxes. We also need to get promised permanent job numbers in writing to make sure that we aren’t left with a lot less permanent jobs than promised like the first Google project.

Benjamin Larson

A city's government has a particularly vital role to play, not only, in recognizing possible sources of growth and revenue in these markets, but also, in building and maintaining the city’s infrastructure to properly attract such new investments while supporting existing enterprises. Cities must have a long-term vision for the future. This vision needs to include infrastructures that will grow with the existing businesses as well as entice new businesses into the community. The vision also must include insights into sources of skilled labor as well as establishing bases of consumers to help these businesses thrive.

I believe it is also necessary to incorporate multiple forms of access to these businesses. We need to take into consideration the various forms of transportation within our community including walking, biking, public transportation and independent vehicles, as well as the different accessibility needs of our citizens. I also believe that improved infrastructure like fiber optic internet will increase the quality of business ventures within our community. We must utilize a greater allowance on the use of land through mixed-use zoning, and utilize tools like Community Benefit Agreements to keep the new investments from pricing anyone out of their new homes. This way we will create the growth that we need while supporting our current neighbors and their businesses.

Joseph Thornburg

Have a small business type convention/meet and greet for people wanted to change careers, start a career, start a small business or even advance their small business to the next level. A place where other businesses and talk to one another and possible make mergers with one another to help advance the community.

Brandy Van Riessen

City government should help create the conditions for businesses to thrive by supporting existing businesses while also attracting new investment. This means improving infrastructure, streamlining development processes, and keeping neighborhoods safe and welcoming.

I believe the city should work closely with local organizations and schools to connect businesses with resources, training, and workforce development opportunities. With a balance of targeted incentives and strong support for existing businesses, we can grow Council Bluffs in a way that is sustainable and centered on community needs.

Jessica Vanderpool

I believe the city plays a key role in economic development by setting the vision for the community and then working alongside local partners to turn that vision into reality. Economic growth isn’t something the city can do alone, it takes collaboration with businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions to create real opportunities for our residents and companies.

For me, supporting the businesses we already have is a top priority. Helping them thrive and grow strengthens our local economy and creates the kind of momentum that attracts new businesses naturally. That might mean helping businesses navigate city processes, connecting them to resources, or checking in regularly to see what they need to succeed.

We also face competition, neighboring states, like Nebraska, offering lower business taxes, so we need to be creative in finding ways to make Council Bluffs attractive for companies. That could include targeted incentives, workforce development programs, or investments in amenities and quality of life that make our city a place where people want to live and work.

At the end of the day, economic development is about more than just jobs—it’s about building a strong, vibrant community where businesses can succeed, families can thrive, and Council Bluffs can compete for talent and investment. By working together, I believe we can make that happen.

Cole Button

Developing and managing the city budget is one of the most important responsibilities of the City Council, and it requires both technical understanding and a commitment to reflecting the priorities of our community. I bring a strong background in this area. I earned a finance degree from Iowa State University and have spent several years working as a financial analyst, where I studied budgets, analyzed spending, and helped organizations plan responsibly for both short- and long-term needs. This experience has given me a clear understanding of how to balance resources, identify efficiencies, and make data-driven decisions.

A city budget is largely funded through property taxes, local option sales taxes, fees, and state and federal support. These revenues pay for essential services like public safety, infrastructure, parks, and sanitation. The challenge is to ensure that these funds are allocated in a way that maintains core services, invests in growth, and keeps our city affordable for residents—especially retirees and families who are struggling with rising property taxes.

My approach would be rooted in fiscal responsibility and transparency. I would prioritize essential services like police, fire, and public works while also making targeted investments in areas that improve quality of life, such as housing, parks, and community development. I would also work to identify underutilized funds or inefficiencies that could be redirected toward higher priorities, ensuring every tax dollar is used wisely.

In short, I bring both the technical expertise and the community focus needed to develop a budget that keeps Council Bluffs strong, sustainable, and affordable.

Ryan Garrison

My experiencing in budgeting stems from my work at IWCC. As the head head of a program I have to account for costs of instructors, the large expenses of our EMS materials, insurance coverage for our students and breakevens that dictate the money we can make to be able to not only maintain our programming but also to grow it.

Working for the city I have learned quite a bit about budgeting but I also know I have a lot to learn. The city budget is like any other budget when it comes to money in or money it but, it’s the understanding of where money is coming from and where it is going and projecting future income and expenses of the city. Some examples of major sources of revenue are gas tax and TIF payments. Gas tax is income we get from the state that we get paid for fuel sold in the city. This money is a major contributor to money for roads. TIF payments are deferred tax payments that were going to developers that now begin to come to the city. Other major sources of income that are considered for the budget are licensing fees, taxes, investment returns, fines, EMS payments etc.

I think when developing the budget the best process is communication and transparency. The mayor, department heads, union leaders, and the city council should all be involved with developing and maintaining a balanced and effective budget for the city.

The city service I would prioritize the most are streets and infrastructure because ours is so outdated and aging quickly.

Steve Gorman

As a city councilman for the last four years, I have, in cooperation with the rest of the city council, overseen the city budget each year for approval. We have intelligent minds who work out all the details on the city staff. Each department head puts their own budgets together with approval of the mayor, but it is up to the city council to make sure that the budget as a whole stays within our city levy.

Our city levy is determined by the property tax evaluation by the state. In addition, we have an one cent optional sales tax that is essential to spur economic development within our community. We also utilize tax increment financing to help incentivize businesses to come into our community instead of settling on the Nebraska side of the river.

Affordable housing is the top priority within our community. Bigger businesses may look at our community and see that we do not have enough housing availability for their work force, so they choose to settle elsewhere. This is a preventable harm to our community. We have less than 2% availability in each rental and housing availability demographics. This increases the pricing of homes and rents, which decreases the incentive of new young professionals from settling in our community while also increasing the number of our neighbors who become homeless. Our community deserves better, and growth is the answer.

Dustin Harris

I have never run my own corporation or non-profit and I have never directly worked on a government budget. I, like some of the other candidates, have experience limited to personal finances.

My understanding of the city budget is that each department gets their budgets and employee contracts approved by the council. Our sources of income are mainly property taxes, local sales tax, a variety of fees and permits, citations and grants.

I would like to have talks with the Finance Director and heads of all the departments and see where we can improve and where we can cut. I would also seek out city workers, of whom I know many, and get their opinions on current spending and see where we can cut and what we need to spend more on.

We need to prioritize public safety and increasing our tax base, which increasing public safety will help with. Cleaning up the parts of town that detract from our great city is the first step at shedding the image others have for us and help with attracting new businesses and residents to increase our tax base. This will allow us to push broader initiatives like working with the county to build a facility for mental health and add onto our jail so that we can keep the people creating the most public and often reported offenses off the street longer and provide relief to businesses and residents.

Benjamin Larson

Though my experience with budgeting is largely with medicines and resources for ambulances, it shares parallels with the city's budgeting process. It begins with creating inventories of needs and desires; Council Bluffs has the heads of our local departments managing this job. Then it transitions into the process of negotiation with the person in charge of expenditures; the mayor handles this in Council Bluffs. Once that negotiation process is complete, it is then passed onto the board of directors for final approval or denial based on what the board would see in the budget. The city council would be equivalent to the board of directors approval at the hospital. It is important to understand that the council’s job isn't to see the minutial details but the big picture of what is best for our community.

Our community has bright and talented people hired to run its departments. I believe these talented individuals know their departments better than anyone on the council will ever be able to understand. If elected, I will focus on the bigger picture. I will prioritize open forums and direct discussions with the many residents of Council Bluffs to get a better assessment of the issues our citizens are noticing. It is not enough to simply have an open email list. I will have direct discussions with community members to show the people of Council Bluffs the leadership I hope to bring to the position.

Joseph Thornburg

I was the operations manager for an armored car company for 15 years managing large companies funds. I am also a small business owner, and I manger my own funds, accounts and city services according to priority and city constraints. I would have more intense discussions and voting on the items the funds would be for, and also make sure the funds are used for education, training, and services for small businesses and residents to open businesses.

Brandy Van Riessen

I have experience with budgeting in both nonprofit and business settings, including preparing and managing budgets, monitoring expenses, and ensuring accountability to boards and stakeholders. Through my work, I have learned the importance of aligning spending with organizational priorities and being transparent about how funds are used.

I understand that a city budget is funded primarily through property taxes, sales tax, fees, and state and federal funds. These revenues are used to pay for core services such as public safety, infrastructure, parks, and community programs.

If elected, I would approach the budget by focusing on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and community priorities. I would ensure funds are used efficiently and would prioritize essential services that keep our neighborhoods safe, maintain infrastructure, and support quality of life. At the same time, I believe it is important to plan for the future, investing in projects that strengthen our city’s long-term growth and stability.

Jessica Vanderpool

In my role as Director of Sales for two hotels and a catering company, I do not create the full budget, our General Manager does, however I work closely with him on a complex and multi-faceted sales budget. I track revenue goals, analyze results across multiple properties, and help plan strategies to hit our targets. Managing budgets at this level has given me a strong understanding of how budgets work, how to prioritize, and how decisions in one area impact the bigger picture. Serving on the Chamber Board of Directors and the 712 Initiative Board has also given me insight into how nonprofits manage limited resources and make choices that have real impact.

City budgets are more complex, of course, but the same ideas apply. Revenues come from things like property and sales taxes, fees, and grants, and some of those funds have rules about how they can be used. City services, from public safety: police and fire, to public works and more, depend on using those dollars responsibly.

If I’m elected, I’d approach the budget by listening to the community, reviewing the numbers carefully, and focusing on what matters most. Public safety, infrastructure, and quality-of-life projects would stay top priorities, while also looking for ways to invest in long-term growth, like workforce development and amenities that make Council Bluffs a great place to live. Transparency matters to me, too. I want residents to know how their tax dollars are being used and to see that we’re making thoughtful choices that reflect our community’s values.

Cole Button

Vibrant corridors and a thriving downtown are essential to Council Bluffs’ identity and long-term economic momentum. First Avenue, West Broadway, the riverfront, and our historic downtown are gateways to the community and the first impression for visitors, businesses, and potential new residents. My vision is to strengthen these areas in ways that respect our city’s character while attracting new investment and opportunities.

I believe our focus should be on practical, achievable redevelopment of underutilized areas within the city. Examples include older commercial strips along West Broadway, vacant lots near downtown, and former industrial sites near the riverfront. These areas offer real opportunities for new housing, businesses, and entertainment without displacing the community assets residents value most.

To spur redevelopment, I would support tools such as tax increment financing (TIF) when used responsibly, targeted infrastructure improvements that make sites “investment-ready,” and public-private partnerships with developers committed to projects that fit our community’s needs. Just as importantly, I would prioritize corridor beautification and amenities that make these spaces inviting—walkability, green spaces, and family-friendly attractions.

By focusing on smart redevelopment of underutilized areas, we can expand housing options, strengthen downtown, and attract businesses and visitors, all while preserving the landmarks and open spaces that make Council Bluffs a place people are proud to call home.

Ryan Garrison

I think we are off to a great start in these areas and want to continue the push of progress with these developments. My vision for these areas are our residents and visitors enjoying safe comfortable outdoor activities, nightlife entertainment, market rate housing and community events that show the pride and power of Council

TIF, grants, zoning consideration, transparency and communication are our greatest tools in these developments along with changing perceptions of Council Bluffs. I am still learning what other options may be available to us to better develop these areas and I will be diligent in finding even more ways to help bring these developments to life and give residents and visitors of Council Bluffs the best possible experience in our city.

Steve Gorman

I would like to see an enterprise zone down our core, stretching from where we connect to downtown Omaha, continuing through the 100 Block, and ending at Iowa Western Community College. I would like this to be roughly six blocks wide. In this area, we would match the taxation of downtown Omaha. This would eliminate the gap financing challenges we currently have with Omaha and would allow for more growth in business, entertainment, and civic life.

We need help from the state of Iowa; the state needs to work with our community. As a border town, we have to compete with our neighbors in Nebraska, and we need to have policies that can help support the economic differences between our borders. We are the only border city in Iowa that is the minority to the connecting border city. We need the state on our side to expand the tax structure to be able to compete and expand our infrastructure.

This does not mean that we are trying to mimic Omaha. This is a means to obtain the tools we need to incentivize young professionals and businesses to come into our community. We will always be uniquely Council Bluffs, but we can take our small town feel and expand it with the growth of our community.

Dustin Harris

I would like for people to see a clean city free of people passed out on benches and in business parking lots before we get to work on new projects. We have spent a lot of money on areas that are constantly hit with public indecency, vagrancy, theft and violence like the 1 st Ave, River’s Edge, 100 Block and city parks. Once we have that under control and our own citizens feel safe, we can move into revitalization and adding to the business districts at River’s Edge, downtown and in the vacant lots around the Mid-American Center and on S. 24th St. I would like to see open-air shopping centers and a variety of new restaurants that we currently have to travel to Omaha for.

Benjamin Larson

My first priority is to ask myself what is going to make Council Bluffs thrive. The 100 Blocks recent redevelopment has brought in a larger consumer base and has helped boost our local businesses because of its mixed use design. I feel that the West Broadway region, with its large brick buildings showcasing street level businesses with apartments above, looks wonderful and blends modern business with highlights of our history, and I would want to continue to champion its unique appeal showcasing our old downtown district. Turning towards the riverside, the living spaces have a more modern feel but still utilize the same mix use design that allows for its own aesthetic and vibrancy while still creating a walkable consumer base for the local businesses. These store fronts so close to our neighbors across the river open up opportunities to draw in businesses as well as tenants into our tax base which is necessary for us to continue to be able to afford essential services in our community like fire, police, and road maintenance.

I firmly believe that Council Bluffs can keep its beauty and charm while pursuing the growth that we need to thrive as a community in the future.

Joseph Thornburg

Making the entryways to the city is crucial to the long-term advancement to those areas and the city in general, but over paying for fancy gateways takes away from services and policies that can be used for residents or future residents to start new businesses and to keep current businesses from moving to other cities that offer more and safer programs.

Brandy Van Riessen

I see the historic 100 Block as the front door to Council Bluffs. It is often the first place we suggest to visitors for dining and entertainment, and by investing in the businesses already there while preserving their history, we can ensure it continues to thrive.

The Riverfront also holds tremendous potential. With major developments happening across the river, Council Bluffs has a rare opportunity to attract new businesses, residents, and visitors while creating new spaces for our community to enjoy. By blending entertainment, green space, and connections to our history, the Riverfront can become a destination that strengthens our entire city.

To support redevelopment, I would prioritize responsible use of tax increment financing, public–private partnerships, and state and federal grant opportunities. I also believe in working closely with organizations and local developers to encourage investment while protecting affordability and preserving the unique character of our historic areas. With smart incentives and thoughtful planning, our city can continue to grow aa a vibrant center of community and commerce.

Jessica Vanderpool

I see redevelopment in Council Bluffs, particularly along the riverfront and downtown, as an important topic for the city. These areas play a key role in the city’s identity and long-term economic momentum, and I believe it’s important to carefully explore opportunities for new investment while preserving the character of our community. While I am not currently familiar with the zoning details, this is something I would need to explore further if elected, however, one idea I find interesting is the potential for a boutique hotel with event space in downtown Council Bluffs. A boutique hotel downtown could help attract visitors and events looking to be in a more downtown area, while also supporting nearby restaurants, shops, and entertainment, contributing to a more vibrant core.

I want to ensure we are considering all opportunities that can enhance our city and strengthen our tax base. Thoughtful development along the riverfront is one area worth discussing. Done correctly, it could help Council Bluffs grow as a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike, while also providing new opportunities for housing, recreation, and community events.

It’s important to note that the city would not be the developer. The role of the City Council would be to review bids and plans from private developers, while creating an environment that encourages responsible investment. Tools like tax increment financing (TIF), targeted incentives for projects that align with community goals, and zoning that allows for mixed-use development can all help guide this process. Supporting public-private partnerships and engaging the community early are also key to ensuring projects succeed and reflect the vision of our residents.

I believe we need to start having these conversations now and plan thoughtfully for the next 5, 10, and 15 years. Any development opportunities should focus on creating well-designed, vibrant spaces that attract residents, businesses, and visitors while preserving the unique character of Council Bluffs.