City of Ames’ Podcasts

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, July 14 Ames City Council meeting.

Their conversation focuses on two significant topics from the meeting. First, they discuss the City Council's actions regarding proposed policies for future development in Ames and what those decisions mean moving forward. They also review the approval of staining the exterior facade of the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center, explaining why the work is needed and how it will help preserve the facility.

From Agenda to Action is designed to give residents a clearer understanding of how City Council discussions translate into real-world impacts across Ames.

Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.

Get involved:

• Watch meetings live or on demand on the City's YouTube page
• View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil

Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode? Email Eric.Gebhart@CityofAmes.org.

From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

Screens are everywhere. From work and school to entertainment and social media, the average person spends hours each day looking at a phone, tablet, computer, or television. But what does all that screen time do to our brains and overall well-being?

In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., hosts Kacie Schumann and Bailey Dingfield explore the growing impact of screen time on our daily lives. They discuss how much time people actually spend on screens, the mental fatigue that can come with constant digital stimulation, and practical strategies to create healthier habits without giving up technology altogether.

The conversation also gets personal as Kacie and Bailey compare their own screen time habits, share what surprised them, and talk about the changes they're trying to make.

Episode Highlights

How Much Screen Time Is Too Much?
Learn what current research says about the amount of time adults and children spend on screens and how those numbers have changed over the years.

Why Screens Can Feel So Draining
Discover why extended screen use can leave your brain feeling tired, even when you're not physically active, and how constant notifications and multitasking contribute to mental fatigue.

Simple Ways to Reduce Digital Fatigue
From taking regular breaks to adjusting screen settings and creating intentional tech-free moments, the hosts share practical tips to help reduce the strain of daily screen use.

Screen Time and Mental Well-Being
Explore how screen habits can influence sleep, focus, stress, and overall wellness, and why balance matters more than perfection.

Checking Their Own Habits
Kacie and Bailey take a look at their personal screen time reports, discuss what surprised them, and share realistic goals for creating healthier digital routines.

Resources

Screen Time Statistics and Trends
https://explodingtopics.com/blog/screen-time-stats

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Computer Vision Syndrome (Digital Eye Strain)
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/computer-usage

CDC: Sleep and Sleep Disorders
https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/

Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast?

Send suggestions to Kacie.Schumann@CityofAmes.org.

How do federal dollars help improve neighborhoods, support affordable housing, and strengthen the Ames community? More importantly, how can you help decide where those funds go?

In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Housing Coordinator Vanessa Baker-Latimer to discuss the 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Annual Action Plan. They explain what the plan is, how federal funding can be used for neighborhood revitalization, housing, community facilities, and economic development, and why public input plays an important role in shaping the City's priorities.

Whether you're interested in housing, neighborhood improvements, or simply want to have a voice in how federal funding is invested in Ames, this episode will help you understand the process and how to get involved.

In this episode:

What the CDBG and HOME Annual Action Plan is
How federal funding supports housing, neighborhoods, and community projects
The national objectives that guide funding decisions
How to submit comments and help shape the Annual Action Plan
Where to review the draft plan and learn more

Residents can submit comments on the draft Annual Action Plan through Thursday, July 23. Visit www.CityofAmes.org/Housing for more information, to review the draft plan, and to learn how to provide feedback.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Mayor John Haila to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 14, beginning at 6 p.m. with the Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting, immediately followed by the Ames City Council meeting in the Ames City Hall Council Chambers, located at 515 Clark Ave.

This episode highlights several agenda items that may be of interest to residents and the community. While it does not cover every topic, it offers a closer look at a few of the discussions Council will be considering and what they could mean for Ames. Think of it as your meeting preview, without having to read through hundreds of pages of agenda materials.

From Agenda to Action is designed to give listeners a clearer understanding of what is on the agenda, what decisions Council will be asked to make, and how those decisions may impact daily life in Ames.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Community events, including the upcoming Octagon Art Festival and Turkey Trot
• A staff report from the City Attorney regarding limitations that can be placed on proposed data centers
• A proposal to hire a project consultant for the design and construction of the new Fire Station #2
• Downtown Façade Grant applications and how they support improvements to downtown buildings

Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.

Are there agenda items or City Council topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode? Send us an email at eric.gebhart@CityofAmes.org.

Watch City Council meetings live or on demand on the City's YouTube page.

View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil.

City Council agendas may change up to 24 hours before the meeting time. This podcast reflects the agenda as it exists at the time of recording.

From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

Thinking about finishing your basement, building a deck, replacing windows, or tackling that long overdue home project? Before you pick up the tools, make sure you know when a permit is required and what the 2026 Building Code updates mean for you.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Assistant Building Official Scott McCambridge to break down the latest code changes in plain English. They discuss why building codes are updated, the City's first permit fee increase since 2013, common projects that do and do not require permits, and important safety improvements involving smoke alarms, electrical protection, decks, accessibility, and more.

Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, or DIY enthusiast, this episode will help you build smarter, safer, and with fewer surprises.

In this episode:

Why the 2026 Building Code updates matter

Which home projects require permits and which do not

Changes to smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements

New electrical and deck safety standards

What contractors and business owners should know

Where to get answers before you start your next project

Have questions about permits or inspections? Contact the City of Ames Building Division or visit the City's website for more information.