Community Engagement

Voices & Vision

Throughout 2024, Iowa West heard from community members about their concerns that Council Bluffs isn’t growing and we aren’t attracting or keeping young families. 

In 2025, IWF began gathering data and opinions to determine if the concern was widespread and based on reliable data. We had experts examine census data, launched the Council Bluffs Area Survey in the summer of 2025 asking for opinions about Council Bluffs’ quality of life, and talked to local residents to get their ideas. 

All of these elements came together at Voices & Vision – a community luncheon where attendees answered questions in real-time about the research, survey results and community ideas. 

Whether they live in CB, work in CB, or both, attendees agreed on three priorities. 

1. Council Bluffs wants to grow so the community can thrive – growth is essential to maintaining our community’s vitality. 
2. Our small-town vibe combined with access to big city options is our strongest asset, and we should make sure that young families and employees who work here but don’t live here yet  know it’s a great place to live and raise a family. 
3. Council Bluffs is a great community – we need to focus on a positive community image that identifies our position as a unique asset in the greater Omaha metro. 

In case you missed the event, please review the presentations and videos to learn about our community findings and insights from residents.