Home Base Iowa

Welcome Home to Iowa

The Home Base Iowa (HBI) program is an initiative put forward by Governor Terry Branstad and Major General Tim Orr, the Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard. The HBI mission is to provide veterans and transitioning service members and their families with opportunities and benefits for a successful transition in Iowa--a place to call home. HBI envisions Iowa as the "State of Choice" for veterans and transitioning service members for employment, education and/or continued service; and service members are valued in communities which are welcoming, affordable, safe and family-friendly.

Home Base Iowa is a public-private partnership to recruit veterans and transitioning service members for private-sector careers in Iowa. The Home Base Iowa Community designation demonstrates local government and local business support for the Home Base Iowa initiative.

The Home Base Iowa Act was passed by the Iowa Legislature in a broad bi-partisan manner and signed by Governor Branstad on Memorial Day, May 26, 2014. To learn more about the provisions of the Home Base Iowa Act, visit www.homebaseiowa.gov.

Welcome Home to Waukee

Waukee has earned the Home Base Iowa Community designation to demonstrate our support for veterans and transitioning service members. On June 20, 2016 the Waukee City Council unanimously passed a resolution in support of the Home Base Iowa initiative. Governor Terry Branstad will recognize Waukee as a Home Base Iowa Community on September 15, 2016.

Home Base Iowa Community Incentives

In support of the Home Base Iowa Initiative, the City of Waukee has established a set of community incentives to facilitate a smooth transition from active duty to civilian life in Waukee. Waukee provides these benefits to veterans relocating to Waukee after September 15, 2016. Apply

BenefitDescription
Building Permit Fee WaiverA waiver up to $250 on building permit fees for new homes or remodels, including fences, pools and accessory structures.
Utility Deposit WaiverA $100 waiver on gas and water utility deposit upon move-in.
Utility CreditA $200 credit applied upon move-in to city utility account (includes water, sewer, gas and garbage).
Parks and Recreation Credit$100 credit upon move-in toward any Parks and Recreation program administered by the City of Waukee to be used by Veterans or their immediate family members. (Must register for programs in person).
Sugar Creek Golf Course CreditA free 10-hole punch card to golf at the Sugar Creek Municipal Golf Course.
Free Portable Irrigation MeterA free portable irrigation meter for homeowners to save sewer charges on water used for irrigation or other outside purposes.

Veterans may access the community incentives by

Call (515) 978-7909 or email with questions.

Special Opportunity from Animal Rescue League

In support of the local Home Base Iowa initiative, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) is committed to assisting military veterans with pet resources and incentives including reduced adoption fees, specially trained Pets for Vets, and discounts on training classes and supplies. Visit the ARL website to learn more.

Home Base Iowa Businesses

The community designation is supported by a public-private partnership. A number of Waukee businesses have signed on as Home Base Iowa Businesses, pledging to hire veterans in Iowa. For a full list of Home Base Iowa Businesses.

  • Animal Rescue League
  • Atlantic Bottling Company
  • Casey's General Store
  • City of Waukee
  • Edward Jones
  • Fareway
  • Farm Bureau
  • Heartland Cooperative
  • Hy-Vee
  • Iowa Clinic
  • Kum & Go
  • Mercy Clinic
  • People's Trust and Savings Bank
  • Shottenkirk Chevrolet
  • UnityPoint Clinic
  • Waukee Community School District
  • Waukee YMCA
  • Wells Fargo

Learn more about the Waukee Community

We want you to feel right at home in Waukee. Learn more about our community and how to get involved.