March 2026 | Volume 81 | No. 9 CONTENTS FEATURES ALSO IN THIS ISSUE... 16 20 The cities of Pocahontas and Laurens are sharing a police chief, resulting in cost savings, better officer retention and stronger collaboration in community policing. 12 Tax increment financing is a powerful and complex tool for facilitating great development and redevelopment. Learn more of the ins and outs for elected officials. Social media is a tricky issue for local government staff and officials. We’ve identified some best practices and pitfalls to avoid when managing city social media accounts. 14 18 The League commissioned an economic impact study of Iowa cities, finding the contributing factors to economic success for both Iowans and the state. IN EVERY ISSUE: » 4 League Column » 6 City FYI » 10 Questions Answered » 22 In Depth Cities are exploring podcasts as a new way to reach residents. Learn from three cities leading the way. President, Christina Eicher, Council Member, Bennett President-elect, Steve Richardson, Mayor, Indianola Immediate Past President, Brad Cavanagh, Mayor, Dubuque Past President, Ashley Vanorny, Council Member, Cedar Rapids Past President, Donny Hobbs, Mayor, Lohrville Barb Barrick, City Clerk/Finance Director, Huxley Aaron Burnett, City Administrator/Clerk, Mason City Courtney Clarke, Mayor, Waukee LaVern Dirkx, Council Member, Carroll Tammi Goerdt, Mayor, Tipton Laurie Goodrich, Mayor, Coralville Anthony Heddlesten, Mayor, Riverdale Cynthia Loots, Mayor, Pomeroy Dylan Mulfinger, City Administrator, Oelwein Elaine Otte, Council Member, Atlantic Cami Rasmussen, City Administrator, Solon John Westergaard, Mayor, Lake View Tom Wieseler, Mayor, Mount Vernon Executive Board Cityscape Contributors PUBLISHER Alan Kemp EDITOR Mike Armstrong STAFF CONTRIBUTORS Alan Kemp, Mickey Shields, Mike Armstrong, Chelsea Hoye, Cody Carlson, Grace Hillock, Katie Herbert GRAPHICS & PHOTOGRAPHY Larissa Weyer, BigStock Photo, Adobe Stock, Council Bluffs, Mason City, Pocahontas/Laurens Directors Cityscape (ISSN 1088-5951) is published monthly by the Iowa League of Cities, 500 SW 7th Street, Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50309, (515) 244-7282, FAX (978) 367-9733. A subscription to Cityscape is $25/year for members and $60/year for non-members. Periodicals postage paid at Des Moines, IA. U.S.P.S. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Iowa League of Cities, 500 SW 7th Street, Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50309. Iowa League of Cities | March 2026 | 3
Cityscape March 2026: Page 3
