City government is the government closest to most citizens and the one with the most direct daily impact upon its residents. With that in mind, municipal officials feel a responsibility to pass along their understanding of public services and their benefits. City Week is sponsored by the Iowa League of Cities to showcase and celebrate cities and the many services they provide. “City week is part of an ongoing effort to help promote good government and to help our members showcase the important role cities play in the lives of Iowans,” said League Executive Director Alan Kemp.

Area cities have been very active this year. Below are a few of the highlighted services and projects being offered by some area communities:

· Avoca: The City of Avoca has been growing steadily through the City’s Housing Grant and Loans program. In order to keep the community a nice place to live, the City of Avoca has been focused on quality of life projects such as a pedestrian bridge, 1.5 miles of trails, a dog park, and enhancements at Edgington Memorial Park. The City is nearing completion of a large road rehabilitation project funded in part by the CITIES grant program and the Iowa West Foundation.
· Macedonia: The City of Macedonia is beginning a project to upgrade their aging water delivery system; funding has been acquired from various sources including a CITIES grant from the Iowa West Foundation. “Come over to Macedonia”, it’s a great place to live.
· McClelland: The City of McClelland is currently improving stormwater drainage by replacing several street drainage sewers and ditches. The rain storms that came earlier this summer in such a fast & furious way and at quite frequency brought the problem of flooding of the lower part of McCelland to light.
· Neola: The City of Neola is focused on a beautification project along Front Street, which is Neola’s main street. The street enhancements and appearance will make the downtown more inviting.
· Underwood: The City of Underwood has been in growth mode, focused on Phase 3 of Fieldcrest Housing Development and planning for a new lift station and main to serve a newly annexed area. The Friends of Underwood Community and an Eagle Scout also worked with the City to place “Little Lending Libraries” in city right-of-way.
· Walnut: Walnut’s top priority is to make improvements to the downtown.  The City Council will address the issue of renovation, repair and restoration of existing building facades of properties in the downtown area.  The Streetscape Enhancement Project will include curb and gutter, sidewalk replacement, brick parking area improvements, and commercial facade restoration.  In that same vein, the City has hired a part-time marketing intern.

The Iowa League of Cities is the oldest, continuously operating municipal league in the country. Founded in 1898, the League is a not-for-profit organization that advocates for issues affecting cities throughout Iowa and provides cities wide-ranging services. Avoca City Manager Clint Fichter and Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh are on the League’s Executive Board.

(Press Release)