Strategic Planning and Goals

The Waukee City Council plans to hold yearly goal setting sessions as well as intermediate reviews to stay abreast of current trends and be responsive to current and future needs of the community.

Vision

Waukee is a community for a lifetime. Waukee is safe and beautiful with enrichment amenities for all to enjoy. Waukee has quality housing, a growing and thriving economy and easy, safe mobility options.

Mission

We provide excellent municipal services in a resident-focused and fiscally responsible manner and engage residents in creating a vibrant community.

Goals

  • Financially sound city providing excellent service value
  • Managed and planned growth and development
  • Thriving Waukee economy
  • Expanded enrichment opportunities

2025-2026 Strategic Priorities

Each year, the mayor, City Council and department directors go through a strategic planning process to set priorities for the coming fiscal year. This process evaluates the needs for Waukee now and into the future and what resources we have to work with. Based on timing, resources available (funding, staff time, etc.), the mayor and City Council lay out key areas of focus and the work to be done in the coming fiscal year. The City’s fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30, so the budget and strategic priorities follow that timeline rather than the calendar year of January-December. The City is often tackling complex projects that can span several years from exploring a new initiative to design to building or completion, so you may see the same initiative on the priority list for several years to focus on different stages from idea to execution. 

Priorities for the Policy Agenda

After thorough review of information provided by City staff and guided discussion of needs, opportunities and challenges, the mayor and council set their priorities in the Policy Agenda. This agenda tends to focus on big initiatives that require more direction, funding strategy or policy formation from City Council. Ideas can come from many different sources, such as current City projects, initiatives or programs they see happening in other communities, national trends, staff recommendations or suggestions they’ve heard from Waukee residents. The mayor and City Council individually rank their top priorities, and those with the most “votes” become the Policy Agenda for the coming fiscal year.

For fiscal year 2026, Council and Staff will focus on:

1. Waukee Civic Campus Development Implementation Plan: Now that we have a master plan to serve as a directional vision for what the civic campus can be, the City will form the plan to bring it to life. This year, we will determine funding resources, including grants, and craft a plan to phase in construction of the Waukee Civic Campus over the next 10 to 15 years.

2. Affordable Housing Initiatives: Having enough affordable housing options is a challenge in many communities, including Waukee. The first phase of our Affordable Housing development is under construction by Habitat for Humanity. This year we will look at options and concepts for developing the second phase of this development. The City will also discuss development incentives for future multi-family projects that can help address the gap in lower cost housing options.

3. Human Services Action Plan: The City will work with the Waukee Community School District, Dallas County and other area partners to take a look at potential employment services, after-school programs for teens and social services.

4. City Services and Staffing 5-Year Plan: With the rapid growth of our community, the City is planning for staffing needs of each City department, so we can maintain the high service level that Waukee residents appreciate while responsibly managing financial resources.

5. Economic Development Plan Update: The commercial landscape in Waukee is evolving as the community grows. The Economic Development plan sets goals and priorities that guide efforts, incentives and policy making related to business recruitment and retention for Waukee. We will analyze City needs and explore options for business diversification and incentive policies to attract more jobs, support existing employers and encourage a balanced mix of businesses.

6. Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Strategy Update: Our current plan has been in place since 2011. Parks, trails, recreation programs and community events are a huge part of life in Waukee. This year, we will ask for input from community members to update the plan to address and prioritize future growth, amenities, and trail and park development.

7. Experience-Based/Entertainment Business Recruitment: Waukee is growing and our residents and visitors are always looking for new ways to have fun. As a part of the Economic Development Plan update, we will explore the impact that sports and entertainment venues have on the community. Staff will work to identify ways that Waukee can take advantage of the influx of visitors, which in turn provides opportunities for residents and local business owners.

8. Strengthen Intergovernmental and Community Partnerships: Maintaining positive relationships among local, state and federal organizations enables agencies and groups to work together to find solutions to common concerns and issues. This year, we will focus on opportunities to work more closely with federal government agencies, the State of Iowa and the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce.

9. Kettlestone Corridor Enhancements: We are putting together a design and phasing plan to beautify and define the Kettlestone area. Specifically, we are focusing on Grand Prairie Parkway, the main road within the Kettlestone area, which is a key entry point into Waukee. Enhancements may include signage, public art, landscaping and other unique amenities for people driving or using the trails along this road.

10. Comprehensive Grant Strategy: The City applies for many grants to help fund everything from new roads to public art. Applying for grants can be a complex and time-consuming process, so a working group will look into the most effective ways to find grant opportunities and successfully apply for funding for City projects.

11. Sports Tourism Strategy: Waukee has a growing number of sports facilities like Triumph Park and the new Kettlestone Central fieldhouses, which can host tournaments and other sporting events. The City will put together an inventory of local sports facilities and work with regional partners to promote Waukee as a sports tourism destination to draw more events.

12. Comprehensive Environmental Sustainability Plan Implementation: The City recently adopted the Comprehensive Environmental Sustainability Plan to reduce negative impact on the environment and save tax dollars through more efficient buildings and equipment. After doing an audit of all City buildings, we’re working out when and how to implement small things like swapping out more efficient lightbulbs to big things like installing solar panels or replacing old equipment with electric versions of mowers or vehicles.

13. Dallas County Collaboration Strategy: City leaders will work with the Dallas County Supervisors and Sheriff to find efficiencies and strengthen coordination for things like emergency dispatch, property tax levy rates, local option sales tax funds and human services.

14. Hotel and Conference Center Development Attraction: With our recent boom in commercial development and our evolving role as a sports tourism destination, Waukee is an increasingly desirable place for hotels. Our Economic Development team will create information resources for hotel and conference center developers to consider locating their next project in Waukee.

Priorities for the Management Agenda

The Management Agenda typically includes initiatives that are the implementation or execution of things previously noted on the Policy Agenda. It also highlights staff-led projects that update or refresh important operational plans or processes.

1. Repurpose Public Safety Building (L.A. Grant Parkway): Waukee Police moved into the new Public Safety building in northwest Waukee along with half our Fire Department. We are remodeling the prior facility, which will continue to function as a second fire station, to better serve the crew stationed there and house other City departments.

2. Pavement Management Program/Existing Streets Repair and Replacement Plan: Public Works will inventory current street conditions and determine which streets are most in need of repair or replacement, so the City can prioritize work and plan for funding.

3. Civil Rights Commission Formation: State code requires cities of 29,000 people or more to establish a City civil rights commission. We will work on defining the commissions duties and operations, and the mayor will appoint local residents to serve on the commission.

4. Bond Capacity and Long-Term Financial Plan: City leaders will review the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and look for the most fiscally responsible ways to fund those projects over the next 3-5 years.

5. Comprehensive Plan Update: The Comprehensive Plan, which guides decision making about land use within Waukee, needs an update to keep up with the rapid growth in Waukee. Community Development is gathering data and public input to revise our current plan, so it reflects the vision and goals for land use regulation for Waukee’s future.

6. Hunter Hollow Annexation: City leaders will work with Hunter Hollow residents to bring this area into the City of Waukee. This enables to allow for continued expansion of city limits in surrounding areas as other properties and developments join Waukee.

7. Central Iowa Water Works Budget and Capital Improvements Plan: Waukee and 11 other government bodies formed Central Iowa Water Works in 2024. Now, we are working with our fellow members to further define the budget and Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) needed to ensure a safe, long-term water supply in the years to come.

8. Building Code Update: Staff will do a review to clean up and update our codes to meet new regulations and are consistent with other metro area communities.

9. Residential Rental Code Update: The City will amend the current Residential Rental Code to include new regulations and better define processes and procedures related to rental units.

10. Revenues and Expenses Landscape Review: We will work with the City’s financial advisors to identify predictable revenues and expenditures to help us more effectively develop the budget in upcoming fiscal years.

11. Utility Rate Annual Review: Wastewater: Each year, City leaders do a deeper review of one City utility to keep rates as low as possible. For FY2026, they will review the wastewater utility, which is the sewer system.

12. Kettlestone Development Agreement (South of Ashworth): The City will update or create new Urban Renewal Areas to include development along the Kettlestone corridor south of Ashworth Road and north of I-80. In this case, the Urban Renewal Areas are defined spaces that enable the City to attract and support development and finance public improvements, such as roads or sewer lines. Or enables us to use TIF to finance infrastructure projects like major road improvements or laying new sewer lines. The goal is to stimulate investment in the community and foster a sound economic base from tax revenues to housing options to job creation.

13. City Use of Basketball Facility: Staff will work with All Iowa Attack representatives to determine how and when the City can use these new field house facilities for City-sponsored programs, such as leagues, camps or events.