Jessica Vanderpool
Age: 36
Occupation: Director of Sales
Email: jvanderpoolforcb@gmail.com
| My name is Jessica Vanderpool, and I’m proud to call Council Bluffs my home for nearly 30 years. I’ve built my career in the hospitality industry, where I focus on creating welcoming spaces, supporting local business growth, and building strong community connections. Outside of work, I’ve served on several committees and board of directors, where I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate on projects that strengthen our city’s future.
I’m running for City Council because I care deeply about the people of Council Bluffs. I want to be a strong, approachable voice. Someone who listens, asks the right questions, and makes thoughtful decisions that benefit our community. At the end of the day, this campaign isn’t about politics, it’s about people and working together to make Council Bluffs an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. |
| Question 1
Population Growth & Economic Vitality Many residents and business leaders believe that growing the population of Council Bluffs is critical to near- and long-term economic vitality, workforce sustainability, and community vibrancy. Others are more cautious or uncertain about the need for growth, citing a desire to keep the community the way it is.
"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." |
| Question 2
Attracting and Retaining Workers and Families Building and maintaining a strong workforce, particularly young professionals and families, is important to ensuring a strong future workforce and a vibrant local economy.
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| Question 3
Role of City Government in Economic Development Economic development is increasingly competitive across the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro, the Midwest, and the nation. Communities are vying for limited business investment, talent, and development opportunities. While these efforts are often driven by private and nonprofit partners, city government plays a vital role in creating the conditions for success through policies, infrastructure, incentives, and collaboration.
"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." |
Question 4
Fiscal Responsibility & City Budgeting Developing and managing the city budget is one of the most important responsibilities of elected officials. A responsible budget must reflect community priorities, comply with legal and financial constraints, and respond to changing economic conditions. Understanding how city revenues are generated, and how those funds can and cannot be used, is critical to making sound decisions.
What experience do you have with budgeting, particularly in government, business, or nonprofit settings? Share your understanding of how a city budget works, including major sources of revenue and how city services are paid for. How would you approach developing and monitoring the city’s budget? What city services or projects would you prioritize?
"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."
| Question 5
Downtown & Corridor Redevelopment Vibrant, well-designed corridors and a thriving downtown are key to a city’s identity, perception, and long-term economic momentum. In Council Bluffs, areas such as First Avenue, West Broadway, the riverfront, and the historic downtown, among others, serve as gateways to the community and focal points for housing, business, entertainment, and civic life. Redevelopment of these areas is central to attracting new investment, residents, and visitors.
"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." |
Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil Questionnaire
1. Why do you want to serve in this office?
"I want to serve because I care about our community and want to help it keep moving in the right direction. We have opportunities to grow, improve our public spaces, and support local businesses, but it needs to be done thoughtfully.
I’m someone who listens first. I want to hear what residents care about and make sure their voices are part of every decision. This isn’t about politics, it’s about making practical choices that help our city thrive.
I love this community and want to see it stay safe, vibrant, and welcoming for everyone. Serving in this office is a way to roll up my sleeves and make a real difference while keeping the things we love about our city intact."
2. What should voters expect if you’re elected?
"If I’m elected, voters can expect someone who actually listens and keeps the community at the center of every decision. I’m about practical solutions, supporting local businesses, improving public spaces, and keeping focus on our future.
I’ll stay accessible and transparent. If you have ideas or concerns, I want you to feel heard, and I’ll make sure those voices matter in the decisions we make.
Bottom line: I care about keeping our city moving forward while protecting what makes it special. Growth matters, but so does quality of life, and I’ll work to balance both so our community continues to be a place we’re proud to call home."
3. What’s the most important issue facing voters?
"I think the most important issue for voters right now is making sure our city grows in a way that works for everyone. That means balancing smart development and new investment with preserving the neighborhoods and character we all value. People want safe streets, strong local businesses, and public spaces that bring the community together.
It’s also about making sure residents have a voice in decisions that affect their daily lives. Listening to people, being transparent, and following through on promises are just as important as the policies themselves.
At the end of the day, the key issue is keeping our city moving forward while protecting the quality of life that makes it a place people are proud to call home."
4. What's something else you plan to focus on?
"Another area I plan to focus on is improving quality of life for everyone in our community. That includes addressing homelessness and making sure people have access to safe, stable housing. I believe we need practical solutions, working with local organizations, connecting people to services, and supporting programs that help residents get back on their feet.
At the same time, I want to protect and enhance the neighborhoods we all value. That means maintaining safe streets, investing in public spaces, and making sure our city feels welcoming and vibrant.
My approach is about balance: addressing immediate needs like housing and homelessness while also creating long-term improvements that make our city a place people are proud to call home. Communication, transparency, and collaboration will guide how I tackle these challenges."
5. Is the city going in the right direction?
"I believe there are many community members and leaders working hard to move our city in the right direction, and I want to support those efforts. There’s a lot of good happening, and I see opportunities to build on that momentum to make our city even stronger and more vibrant.
At the same time, I recognize that not everyone always sees the bigger picture or agrees on the best path forward. That’s why it’s important to focus on communication, collaboration, and thoughtful planning, making sure people understand the reasons behind decisions and feel included in the process.
If elected, I want to be part of that effort: helping the city make progress while listening to residents, balancing different perspectives, and finding practical solutions that benefit the whole community. My goal is to help guide our city forward in ways that preserve what we love while embracing opportunities for growth."
6. What is your position on the streetcar? Is that position firm or flexible?
"I don’t yet have all the details or research on the streetcar project. I do think the idea is interesting and worth exploring, and I can see how it could help grow our community and offer a unique way to connect us.
That said, I don’t want to take a firm position until I have a full understanding. If this comes before Council, I’d want to look closely at the facts, hear from residents, and make sure it’s truly the right fit for Council Bluffs. My goal is to make decisions based on careful consideration, not just ideas or assumptions.
I’m open to learning more and weighing the pros and cons, and I’d love to hear what residents think as well. Any decision like this should reflect the community’s needs, priorities, and long-term vision while helping our city grow in a meaningful way."
7. What’s a realistic timeframe to make housing no longer the city’s top priority?
"Housing is going to stay a top priority for a while. Right now, rental vacancies are only about 1.7% and owner-occupied homes are around 0.6%, well below the 8% that’s considered a healthy market. That means there just isn’t enough housing for everyone who needs it.
Fixing that isn’t quick. Building new homes, fixing up older ones, and making sure there are options for different incomes will take a few years at least. Even with a focused effort, it’ll take time before housing stops being the biggest issue for the city.
In the meantime, the focus should be on smart growth, supporting development, and making sure people have safe, stable, and affordable places to live. Step by step, we can get to a stronger, more balanced housing market that works for everyone."
8. If you could have the state adopt or change one policy, what would you want?
"If I could see one change at the state level, it would be reducing the commercial and industrial tax rate. Right now, it costs significantly more to open a business on the Iowa side of the river compared to Nebraska, and that puts Council Bluffs at a disadvantage when we’re trying to attract and grow businesses.
This isn’t just about big companies, it especially impacts small businesses, which often can’t afford those higher tax rates. By lowering the rate, we could level the playing field, make it easier for entrepreneurs to get started, and encourage more investment right here in our community.
If reducing the tax rate isn’t an option, then I’d like to see more tools or programs in place to help attract a wider variety of businesses, including smaller companies that bring diversity and strength to our local economy.
At the end of the day, I want policies that support growth, create jobs, and strengthen our local economy, and I believe this change would be a big step in that direction."
9. What else should voters know about you?
"What voters should know about me is that I already bring the start of the experience needed to serve effectively on Council. Through my work and involvement in the community, I’ve had the chance to connect with residents, support local businesses, and get a real sense of what’s working and what needs attention in our city.
I’ve seen firsthand how collaboration and practical problem-solving can move things forward, and I’m ready to put that into action at a bigger level. I’m approachable, I listen, and I know how to take ideas and turn them into results.
I have the passion and I have also been building the skills and experience to do the job well. I’m ready to hit the ground running and make thoughtful decisions that truly benefit the people of Council Bluffs."
10. In a sentence, why are you the right choice?
"I care about our neighborhoods, our residents, and our future, and I’m ready to take action to move our city forward."