City of Ames’ Podcasts

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, May 26, beginning at 6 p.m. 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, minus the need to clear your evening or master parliamentary procedure.

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:

• Parklets on Main Street and how they could shape the downtown experience
• The work of ASSET and how funding supports local organizations and services
• The Alliance annual report and what it highlights about community partnerships
• Roadway improvements and what is planned across the city
• Ongoing budget discussions and what they mean for City priorities

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

Have a question or topic you would like covered?

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

Important note

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.

Community is more than just where you live. It is how you connect, belong, and feel supported.

In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., hosts Kacie Schumann and Bailey Dingfield sit down with Casandra Eames, Engagement Coordinator for the City of Ames, to talk about community wellness and what it really means to build a thriving, connected community. From her journey into working with the City to practical ways to stay engaged, Casandra shares insight on why connection matters and how small, everyday interactions can make a big difference.

The conversation also highlights how the City of Ames is actively creating opportunities for connection, including the upcoming Neighborhood Connections Initiative and its Road Trip through Ames. Keep an eye out for when a neighborhood block party might be coming your way.

Episode Highlights

Casandra’s Journey to Community Engagement
Casandra shares how her passion for working with people led her to her role with the City of Ames and why it is such a natural fit.

What Is Community Wellness?
A conversation about the meaning of community wellness and the key factors that help individuals and neighborhoods thrive.

Why Connection Matters
The hosts and Casandra discuss the importance of relationships, belonging, and staying engaged in your community.

Finding Your Third Place
What it means to find your “third place” and how having a go-to spot outside of home and work can strengthen your sense of connection.

Building Stronger Neighborhoods
Casandra shares her vision for bringing back strong, connected neighborhoods and why that matters for the future of Ames.

How the City Is Helping You Connect
A look at programs and initiatives designed to bring people together, including the Neighborhood Connections Initiative and the Road Trip events happening across Ames.

Simple Ways to Stay Connected
Ideas and encouragement for getting involved, meeting people, and building stronger connections right here in Ames.

Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast?
Send suggestions to [email protected].

Summer at the Ames Public Library is more than just books. It is a hub of activity, learning, and connection for all ages. In this episode, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Brianne Anderson, Youth Services Manager, and Danielle Ziegler, Youth Librarian, to explore how the library transforms during the summer months. From the popular Summer Reading Program to weekly events and special celebrations, they share how the library supports families, prevents summer learning loss, and creates meaningful experiences for the community.

Episode Highlights

Why Summer Matters at the Library
A look at how programming expands during the summer to meet the needs of families when school is out and routines change.

Summer Reading Program Explained
How it works, who can participate (all ages), and how it encourages consistent reading through fun incentives.

Combating the “Summer Slide”
Why continued reading during the summer is critical for maintaining learning and how the library helps support it.

Special Events and Celebrations
Details on Smyles’ 20th anniversary celebration on June 9 and what families can expect.

Terrific Tuesdays
Weekly performances and events that bring excitement to the library every Tuesday morning.

Programming for Everyone
How the library designs inclusive activities that appeal to a wide range of ages and interests.

A Welcoming Community Space
Encouragement for new and returning visitors to explore everything the library has to offer this summer.

Key Takeaways

The library becomes a central gathering place for families during the summer.

The Summer Reading Program supports learning while keeping things fun and engaging.

Programs and events are intentionally designed to be inclusive and accessible to all ages.

The Ames Public Library plays a vital role in preventing summer learning loss and strengthening community connections.

Looking for ways to stay engaged, entertained, and cool this summer? The Ames Public Library has something for everyone. Explore programs, sign up for the Summer Reading Program, and plan your visit at www.AmesPublicLibrary.org.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Ames in Focus, follow along on social media, and leave a review to help others discover the show.

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, May 12 Ames City Council meeting.

Their conversation highlights several topics related to growth, planning, and community services. Susan and Mayor Haila break down what was discussed, why it matters, and how these decisions may impact residents across Ames.

We discuss:

• The newly appointed Ex-Officio representative from Iowa State University and the role this position plays in connecting the university and the community
• Development and traffic planning considerations along Stange Road in the Somerset area
• Requests and discussion surrounding a proposed four story apartment complex between Downtown and Old Town
• Plans for a new facility for Ames Animal Services and what it means for the future of animal care in the community

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

Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode? Email [email protected]

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.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with City Forester Gabriele Edwards to talk about one of the simplest ways residents can make a lasting impact: planting trees.

Spring is prime time for tree planting, but success starts long before the shovel hits the ground. Gabriele walks listeners through how to choose the right tree, pick the best location, and avoid common mistakes that can affect long term growth. From proper planting techniques to early care and maintenance, this episode offers practical guidance for anyone ready to put down roots.

Beyond aesthetics, trees play a vital role in the health of the community, providing shade, improving air quality, managing stormwater, and contributing to long term sustainability. As discussed in the episode, planting a tree is not just about today, it is an investment in the future.

Episode Highlights

Why spring is one of the best times to plant trees

What to consider before choosing a tree including location, space, sunlight, and utilities

How to select the right species for your yard and community

Step by step basics of proper tree planting

Early care tips including watering, mulching, and monitoring

Common tree planting mistakes and how to avoid them

The long term environmental and economic benefits of trees

Planting a tree is a small action with long term impact. Whether you are adding one to your yard or joining a community event, you are helping Ames grow today and for generations to come.