City Officials Set Out to Lobby in Washington D.C. SUMMER 2003
members. Also attending were Ron Stallman, representing the Chamber of Commerce, and Jody Gunderson, Waukee's Director of Community Development. The Waukee contingent met with all of Iowa’s Congressional delegation, seeking support for additional federal funding for the Alice’s Road I-80 interchange.
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 2
Special Interest Articles: Waukee Contingent Lobbies Congressional Delegation ..............................1 Latham Secures Federal Earmark for Waukee...............1
Congressman Tom Latham, Mayor Tony Oberman, and Council members Don Bailey, Jr. and Darlene Stanton
Study Reveals Information About Waukee’s Workforce ....2
In June representatives of Waukee attended the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s annual lobbying trip to Washington, D.C. Waukee sent a contingent consisting of Mayor Tony Oberman and the five City Council
New Developments: Country Clinic Opens New Medical Facility .......................3 New Census Statistics Reveal Steady Growth............3 Waukee Home to New Recreation Facility ..................4 Legacy Pointe Begins Construction ...........................5
"It went very well," Gunderson said. "When representatives of Waukee meet with our Congressional delegation, whether in Washington, D.C. or back in our district, they immediately know the topic we intend th to discuss…the Alice’s Road/105 Street I80 interchange.” The Waukee contingent presented legislators with a two-page bullet-point summary and a packet of information outlining the progress that had been made …Continued on page 4
House Bill Allocates $3 Million for I-80 Interchange Project Latham secures $5.5 million in federal funds to date for the project WASHINGTON, D.C. – Iowa Congressman Tom Latham has secured $3 million in federal funding for the I-80 Interchange project at Alice’s Road/105th Street in Waukee. The funds are included in a U.S. House transportation and treasury funding bill approved by Latham’s Appropriations Committee. “This project is absolutely vital to fostering residential and commercial growth in the State of Iowa,” said Latham. “It will alleviate congestion, allow for greater economic growth, and increase traffic safety.” The project will address transportation infrastructure problems that have stemmed from the city’s population growth and that of the Des Moines metropolitan area.
To date, Latham has secured a total of $5.5 million in federal funds for the project. The legislation now awaits consideration by the full Senate, which is expected to take place in early October. Congressman Latham Press Release
W AUKEE C OMMUNITY D EVELOPMENT Did You Know…
Waukee Financial Services Labor Availability Facts
Page 2 of 6
Study Reveals Information about Waukee’s Workforce Economic impact extends beyond corporate boundaries
Waukee Laborshed Employee Frequency by Zip Code
Quick Facts Source: Iowa Workforce Development
Education ¾ 79.6% have education/training beyond High School ¾ 39.8% have an undergraduate degree ¾ 5.7% have a postgraduate/professional degree
Age Characteristics ¾ Average age: 40 years ¾ 60.5% are age 25 to 44 years
Out-Commuters ¾ Willing to travel an average of 17 miles one way ¾ 48.4% of those commuting out of Waukee are willing to change employment ¾ 99.9% are employed within the other communities in the Des Moines MSA ¾ Employed primarily in finance, insurance, & medical
Out-Commuters Education ¾ 87.2% have education/technical training beyond High School ¾ 54.9% of the out-commuters have at least a college degree
Estimates of the number of individuals available/willing to accept employment with skills in the Financial Service Sector Respondent’s Potential Total Current Occupation In Laborshed Managerial & Adm..............................4,227 Business & Financial .........................6,038 Computer & Mathematical..................4,226 Sales & Related..................................1,208 Clerical & Adm. Support ...................14,492
The City of Waukee recently partnered with the Iowa Workforce Development (IWD), Greater Des Moines Partnership, and the Greater Dallas County Development Alliance to complete a laborshed survey for the Des Moines Metropolitan Area. A Laborshed is defined as the area or region from which an employment center draws its commuting workforce. The studies also identify underemployment, the availability and willingness of current and prospective employees to change employment within the workforce, current and desired occupations, wage and benefit criteria, age cohorts, the number of hours worked, residence/work location, employment requirements/obstacles, and distance willing to commute to work. The purpose of collecting information for the laborshed analysis is to measure the availability and characteristics of the workforce within the region. This is accomplished in part through telephone surveys, employer information, and census data. The laborshed data generated will aid local development officials in their facilitation of industry expansion and recruitment. Waukee’s Director of Community Development, Jody Gunderson said, “Current and accurate information is the
most valuable commodity a Community Developer has at his/her disposal when marketing a community or region to new or expanding companies. Businesses seek to mitigate risk when making decisions involving location…concise workforce information is one factor companies consider during their site selection process.” Gunderson was also impressed with Workforce Development’s ability to customize the laborshed data for the business sector Waukee was attempting to attract to the community. A labor center will have an impact on the size of the area’s labor force and on the attraction of workers from within the laborshed area. The laborshed studies complement existing sources of labor data, …Continued page 6 Total Potential Workforce: Total Potential Workforce: Estimated Number of Individuals Very Estimated NumberLikely of Individuals Very Likely or Somewhat to Change or LikelyEmployment or Somewhat (79,034) Likely to Change or Accept Accept Employment (79,034)
243,949 243,949 Unemployed Unemployed 6,388 6,388 Homemakers Homemakers 8,383 8,383 Retired Retired 2,127 2,127
Employed Employed 62,136 62,136
Unemployed: This number includes individuals who are either underemployed, possess This number includes who are eithermore underemployed, possess Unemployed: incomes below the poverty rate,individuals or are available to work hours than offered incomes below the poverty rate, or are available to work more hours than offered
W AUKEE C OMMUNITY D EVELOPMENT
Page 3 of 6
Country Clinic Opens Its New Medical Facility Doctor expands practice to address growing demand for services As Waukee has grown, so has Dr. Countryman's practice, totaling more than 12,000 active patient files. In October 2002, Dr. Countryman made a decision to expand her practice to include another doctor. Dr. Glenace Shank left her practice in Urbandale to join the staff at Country Clinic. John Aunan, vice president of the Waukee Chamber of Commerce, is impressed with Countryman's entrepreneurial endeavor. In 1997, Dr. Kim Countryman became the first doctor in 40 years to practice medicine "With the rapid growth the community has experienced in recent years, there in Waukee when she opened her practice in a strip mall on Highway 6. The Clinic and continues to be a strong demand for professional services," Aunan said. The her practice have come a long way in a Waukee Chamber is working closely with very short period of time. In September, Country Clinic opened the doors to its new the City officials to attract more professional medical facility located just a block north of services to the community. Highway 6 on Dartmoor in Waukee.
New Census Statistics Reveal Steady Growth Waukee remains the fastest growing community in the Metro New population estimates released by the Census Bureau in July show Waukee continues to hold the highest percentage growth rate in the Des Moines metro area.
Waukee has come to be known to prospective residents and developers alike as a rapidly expanding community - the place to be. Waukee continues to use its growth to its advantage. In June City The neighboring communities of Urbandale, officials met with Iowa's Congressional Clive, and West Des Moines are also …Continued on page 6 experiencing significant population growth.
Place
Census 2000 Population
July 2001 Population Projections
July 2002 Population Projections
Percent Change from 2000 to 2002
Waukee
5,126
5,869
6,579
22.1%
Johnston
8,649
9,290
10,011
13.6%
What they’re saying About Waukee "This is not the first time I have stayed there…there are friendly people, and wide open space. It’s got everything we need as a young family." Author Brad Herzog, responding to a question from a Des Moines Register reporter as to why, in his quest to traverse across the United State, he has chosen to stay in Waukee. Des Moines Register 9/02/03
"Sales are brisk…Waukee is like West Des Moines years ago…It's the up-and-coming community." Ron Grubb, President Jerry's Homes Des Moines Register 5/20/03
Dallas County Population Growth 2000 to 2002 Clive Urbandale
12%
Norwalk
6,884
7,470
7,605
9.5%
Ankeny
27,117
28,593
29,866
9.2%
Other Dallas County Communities
5,070
5,292
5,557
8.8%
27%
West Des Moines
46,403
47,728
49,961
7.1%
Urbandale
29,072
30,071
31,152
6.7%
Bondurant
1,846
1,919
1,956
5.7% 5.6%
Pleasant Hill
Grimes
5,098
5,345
5,399
Altoona
10,345
10,583
10,953
5.6%
Clive
12,855
13,246
13,557
5.2%
Des Moines
198,682
199,031
198,076
-0.3%
Carlisle
3,497
3,457
3,465
-0.9%
Windsor Heights
4,805
4,805
4,756
-1.0%
Source: United States Census Bureau
6%
West Des Moines
13%
Waukee 42%
Dallas County remains the fastest growing county in the state of Iowa. It grew by 3,472 residents or 8.5% from 2000 to 2002.
W AUKEE C OMMUNITY D EVELOPMENT Waukee’s 2003 th 4 of July Parade
Page 4 of 6
Washington D.C. Lobbying… within the last year, as well as preliminary development plans for the area. "Overall, I think we were well-received and it was very positive," Oberman said. "They appeared to be supportive and understanding of the project, and I think we communicated the needs for growth and economic development very well." City Council member Bill Peard said, "The thing I brought away from the trip this year is that we are becoming more effective at presenting Waukee’s agenda. If you look at where we were three years ago and now, it's a difference of night and day."
Other area city officials were also in Washington during the week as members of the Greater Des Moines Partnership's delegation. Oberman said the interchange is a priority because it will affect not only Waukee, but also the surrounding communities that most likely will see more traffic when the interchange is complete. Iowa’s Congressional delegation urged the community to stay involved in the development process. "It's important for everybody to let their elected officials know how they feel," Council member Don Bailey said. "I think this was our best trip yet." Des Moines Register
Waukee Home to New All Purpose Recreation Facility Sports Plex West site plan approved by Waukee City Council On August 18, 2003, the Waukee City Council approved the site plan for the new Sports Plex West. Sports Plex West will be located in the Westgate Business Park. The Park is located on Alice's Road, between Hickman Road and University Avenue. The 35,338 square foot structure will consist of a 12,000 square foot astro-turf playing field that can be used for various field sports such as soccer, football, baseball, or softball. Rendering by David Laugerman Architect & Associates The playing field has a drop net that serves as a divider, allowing two separate available. The developers plan to facilitate practices to occur simultaneously. A fullsports camps and clinics, and size, regulation basketball court is part of baseball/softball hitting and pitching the plan, which will also be used as two lessons, as well as Corporate Teambuilding regulation size volleyball courts. Programs. Also in the plan are batting cages, tanning beds, and a 35 foot, indoor rock-climbing wall. Other services that will be offered at the facility include personal training, nutritional counseling, physical therapy, massage therapy, a pro shop, and a nutrition center. Mitch Johnson, one of the three owners of Sports Plex West, stated that there are plans to host lock-ins for various youth groups, and birthday party packages will be
Johnson also stated that Sports Plex West will offer Speed City, a program that he described as "an established youth enhancement program, which has been around for about four or five years. Sports Plex is primarily a family-oriented sports facility. These types of facilities are common in bigger cities. We think that it's the right time for a Sports Plex in the Des Moines area, and especially in Waukee," Johnson said. Waukee Press Citizen
W AUKEE C OMMUNITY D EVELOPMENT
Page 5 of 6
Legacy Pointe Begins Construction Master Planned Senior Community first of its kind in Waukee
Waukee Welcomes New Businesses
Senior housing needs are changing, and so are the ways people transition into housing as they enter their senior years. In August, construction began on Legacy Pointe, a master planned senior community located on the eastern edge of Waukee along Highway 6. Legacy Pointe is designed to fit the lifestyle of adults 55 and older. The planned community offers townhome, apartment, and assisted care living accommodations. In addition to the senior housing there will be commercial development located on Highway 6.
Legacy Pointe Townhomes • 108 senior-friendly single level townhomes • Three models available with a number of customized plans • Sizes ranging from 1,540 to 3,190 square feet
Legacy Pointe Towne Centre Apartments • 78 apartment homes in a three story building • One and two bedroom models • Sizes ranging from approximately 807 to 1,261 square feet
Los Tres Amigos offers a large selection of authentic Mexican dishes prepared using only the freshest of ingredients.
Legacy Pointe Towne Centre Assisted Living • 40 homelike apartments • Studio, one and two bedroom options • Sizes ranging from 807 to 1,261 square feet • 24-hour Home Care Services • Meals, Housekeeping, Laundry Service, Call System, Transportation All Legacy Pointe residents have access to the Towne Centre and its amenities.
Towne Centre • • • • • • •
Two story atrium Library Lounge Area Restaurant Style Dining Barber shop and beautician Meeting rooms Multi-media center
Domino's Pizza offers crunchy thin crust, ultimate deep dish and classic hand tossed pizzas with a variety of toppings. Side items include Domino's Pizza Buffalo Chicken Kickers, Bread Sticks, Cheesy Bread, Cinna Stix, Domino's Dots and Buffalo Wings.
W AUKEE C OMMUNITY D EVELOPMENT
Page 6 of 6
City of Waukee New Census Statistics...
230 Highway 6 Waukee, IA 50263 PHONE: (515) 987-4522 FAX: (515) 987-1845 E-MAIL:
jgunderson@waukee.org
delegation and presented them with a document highlighting the growth that has occurred in the community and requesting additional funding for the Alice's Road I-80 interchange project.
Population Growth from 2000 to 2002
Waukee officials continue to plan and address the growth that is occurring in the area. Waukee City Administrator Mark Arentsen said, "I wouldn't be surprised if we have 200 to 300 more acres platted in the next year."
Urbandale*
416
12%
Clive*
213
6%
465
13%
1,453
42%
Population Change Dallas County
West Des Moines* Waukee Other Communities
Percent of Dallas County Growth
3,472
925
27% 100%
* Population growth occurring in Dallas County
Laborshed Survey Conducted…
Contact Us on the Web www.waukee.org
CITY OF WAUKEE 230 HIGHWAY 6 WAUKEE, IA 50263
such as the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Employment Statistics and Labor Market Information Bureaus of IWD, that concentrate on geographic areas based generally on a county or groups of counties. The executive summary and complete survey can be downloaded from Waukee’s website. (www.waukee.org)
Community Development Board Chairman: Board Member: Board Member: Board Member: Board Member: Mayor: Director: Director of Planning
Council member Bill Peard Michelle Durand-Adams Jeff Mertz Todd Noah John Aunan Tony Oberman Jody T. Gunderson Chad Weaver