ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Investing in Our Future
Downtown. The Council Bluffs Riverfront. The West End. Mid-America Center Entertainment District. These corridors were the focus of our economic development efforts in 2019. Layering our investments in key areas within our community maximizes the potential for growth of housing, jobs and amenities, also known as live, work, play.
Riverfront Revitalization (River's Edge) F.I.R.S.T. A.V.E. (West End) Iowa West Sports Plex (MAC)scroll to discover
The City of Council Bluffs is grateful to the Iowa West Foundation for their willingness to partner on so many projects aimed at improving the quality of life for our residents. Not many cities are fortunate enough to have a foundation like Iowa West, and we do not take their contributions for granted. We appreciate everything Iowa West has done for Council Bluffs, and we’re sincerely thankful for their continued partnership.
MATT WALSH
Mayor of Council Bluffs
Riverfront Revitalization
A catalyst from the beginning, the Foundation continues to layer its investments at River's Edge, with an additional $1.2 million awarded in 2019 toward the completion of the 700 stall parking garage and future development. By committing $22 million over the past 15 years to develop the Great Lawn at Tom Hanafan Park, incorporate works of public art like “Big Mo” and “Rays,” create a Community Pavillion, and support major events, thousands of people are drawn to the riverfront every year.
FIRST AVE
The Foundation commited half a million dollars to this connecting corridor in 2019. An acronym for Furthering Interconnections, Revitalization, Streetscapes, Transportation, and Aesthetics for a Vibrant Economy, the F.I.R.S.T. A.V.E. project is an opportunity to link downtown Council Bluffs with downtown Omaha with mixed-use and multi-family residential redevelopment. .
F.I.R.S.T. A.V.E.Iowa West Sports Plex
Another great example of layering IWF investments, the Mid-America Center Entertainment District landed another anchor tenant to the area in 2019, with the Foundation committing $5 million for the Iowa West Sports Plex. Combined with the Iowa West Field House, pickleball courts, and growing restaurant options, the MAC is the place for residents and visitors of our community to be.
Iowa West Sports PlexUp Next
Placemaking