Fort Dodge without TIF is a weaker Fort Dodge

April 22, 2026

Fort Dodge’s conversation about tax increment financing should begin with a simple question: What would our community look like without it? TIF is an Iowa urban renewal tool that allows communities to reinvest new tax value created in a designated area back into that area. For Fort Dodge, it has been one of the most important tools available to encourage job creation, expand our tax base, and move redevelopment projects from ideas to reality. That is why the “without TIF” question matters so much. In Fort Dodge, we do not have to imagine what TIF has made possible. We see it ...

Tax season delivers historic tax refunds

April 20, 2026

Q: How is the Working Families Tax Cuts Act helping families make ends meet? A: The tax law delivered a welcome boost to family budgets this tax season. According to the IRS, the average tax refund is up 11 percent compared to last year. Estimates show the average tax cut for Iowans is more than $3,000, equating to an extra $250 a month. That’s a financial lift families can use to buy groceries, pay for child care, put gas in the car and invest in home repairs. President Trump’s signature on July 4th enacted the landmark law, stopping the largest tax increase in U.S. history. ...

A reminder to take a break

April 18, 2026

There’s nothing quite like being knocked down by sickness to humble you in a hurry. Recently, I came down with whatever has been making its way through our community, and for several days, I had no choice but to stop. Not the usual “take the day off” where I still check messages, return calls, or keep an eye on what’s coming in. This time, it was a full stop. No emails, no meetings, no multitasking from the couch. Just… rest. Admittedly, it’s not something I’m particularly good at. Never really have been. And I know I’m not alone in that. There are a lot of people ...

Don’t let poverty destroy a child’s hope

April 15, 2026

It is hard to imagine a child growing up in our community with little or no hope for a bright future. Unfortunately, we know that living in poverty can destroy hope in the hearts of children. United Way of Greater Fort Dodge believes that one of the worst things about childhood poverty is the slow acceptance that there is no way out and that there is nothing they can do to change or break from the hopelessness of being poor. Those who live in poverty often experience high rates of chronic and acute health problems, depression and mental illness, hunger, homelessness, low self-esteem ...

Strengthening Iowa agriculture in global markets

April 13, 2026

Over the last several years, farmers across Iowa have endured challenging market conditions as they dealt with weather, rising input costs, and other countries targeting American agriculture to gain unfair advantages. These conditions affect their families, operations, and our rural economy, which is built on our strong agricultural sector. Growth in our agricultural industry starts with strong markets. That is why it’s critical that Congress gets the Farm Bill across the finish line and onto President Trump’s desk to be signed into law to deliver certainty and opportunity for our ...

Honored to serve, focused on Fort Dodge’s future

April 11, 2026

As I begin my fourth month serving as mayor of Fort Dodge, I want to begin with a simple but heartfelt thank you. I am deeply grateful to the citizens of our community for the trust you’ve placed in me to lead. It is truly an honor, and I will do my best to make our city and region a better place to live, work and recreate. I would also like to recognize two individuals who helped shape this community, former Mayor Terry Lutz and former Mayor Matt Bemrich. Having served alongside Mayor Lutz for two years and Mayor Bemrich for 16 years, I witnessed firsthand their dedication to Fort ...