City of Ames’ Podcasts

Streets are one of the most visible and heavily used parts of our community, but maintaining them requires far more than filling potholes. Behind every smooth commute is a long-term strategy built on data, planning, and careful investment.
In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Municipal Engineer Mindy Bryngelson to explore how the City of Ames manages and maintains its street network. They discuss the City's new RMT pavement data system, how engineers determine whether a street needs maintenance or full reconstruction, and the many factors that influence when and where road projects take place.
From Iowa's challenging weather to long-range capital planning, this conversation provides an inside look at the work that keeps Ames moving safely and efficiently every day.
In this episode:
How the City evaluates the condition of its streets
What the RMT pavement data system is and how it improves decision-making
The difference between street maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction
How projects are prioritized based on condition, traffic, and available funding
The challenges of maintaining streets through Iowa's changing seasons
Why road construction happens when it does and what residents can expect
To learn more about current street projects and other City initiatives, visit CityofAmes.org.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart is joined by Assistant City Manager Pa Vang Goldbeck to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting.
The meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 28, beginning with the Ames Conference Board meeting at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Ames City Council meeting 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, without having to read through hundreds of pages of agenda materials.
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:
• A presentation on the Child Care Feasibility Study, including local data and a roadmap for strengthening child care options in Ames• Proposed direction to staff regarding data center research and a timeline for the current pause on new data center development• Contracts for major equipment at the Ames Municipal Energy Center, following discussion during the July 21 City Council Workshop• Planned improvements to the intersection of 13th Street and Grand Avenue to enhance safety and traffic operations
Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.
Are there agenda items or City Council topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode? Send us an email at eric.gebhart@CityofAmes.org.
Watch City Council meetings live or on demand on the City's YouTube page.
View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil.
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.

Wellness at work is about more than fitness programs or healthy snacks in the break room. It is about creating an environment where employees can thrive, feel supported, and bring their best selves to work every day.
In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., host Bailey Dingfield sits down with fellow host Kacie Schumann, Health Promotions Coordinator for the City of Ames, to turn the tables and learn more about the person behind the podcast. Kacie shares how she found her passion for health promotion, what her role looks like behind the scenes, and why employee well-being plays such an important role in building healthy organizations and communities.
The conversation explores the many dimensions of workplace wellness, including the unique challenges faced by employees who work directly with the public, common misconceptions about health and wellness, and practical ways organizations can foster a culture where employees feel supported and empowered to succeed.
As Bailey wraps up her internship with the City of Ames, this episode also marks her final appearance as co-host of Live Well. Be Well. Thank you, Bailey, for bringing curiosity, thoughtful conversations, and a passion for wellness to the podcast. We wish you all the best in your next adventure.
Episode Highlights
Getting to Know KacieKacie shares her journey into health promotion, what inspired her career, and what she enjoys most about helping others improve their well-being.
What Does a Health Promotions Coordinator Do?An inside look at the variety of programs, initiatives, and partnerships that help promote employee wellness across the City of Ames.
Practicing What You PromoteKacie discusses the habits and routines she uses to care for her own physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The Connection Between Work and WellnessA conversation about how workplace culture, personal health, and overall well-being are closely interconnected.
Supporting Public-Facing EmployeesThe discussion explores the unique wellness challenges experienced by employees who regularly serve the public and strategies for building resilience.
Breaking Wellness MythsKacie addresses common misconceptions about health and wellness and explains why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to living well.
Building a Healthier WorkplaceThe episode concludes with a look at the goals of employee wellness programs and how investing in people benefits both employees and the organization as a whole.
Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast?
Send suggestions to Kacie.Schumann@CityofAmes.org

Protecting clean water is one of the most important investments a community can make. The City of Ames is taking a major step forward through its Nutrient Reduction Project, an initiative designed to improve water quality, protect the environment, and ensure sustainable wastewater treatment for generations to come.
In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Water Pollution Control Facility Superintendent Tyler VerMeer and Environmental Specialist Dustin Albrecht to discuss the progress being made on the Nutrient Reduction Project. They explain why nutrient reduction matters, how the project will improve the City's wastewater treatment process, and what residents can expect as construction continues.
Whether you're interested in environmental stewardship, infrastructure, or simply want to better understand where your water goes after it leaves your home, this episode provides an inside look at one of the City's most significant long-term investments.
In this episode:
What nutrient reduction is and why it matters
Where nitrogen and phosphorus come from
How the Nutrient Reduction Project will improve water quality
The role of the new activated sludge pond in the treatment process
Challenges of constructing major improvements while keeping the facility operating
The long-term environmental benefits for Ames and downstream communities
To learn more about the Nutrient Reduction Project and the work happening at the Water Pollution Control Facility, visit CityofAmes.org.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Bill Gebhart sits down with Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, July 28 Ames City Council meeting.
Their conversation highlights several important actions taken by the Council, including updates to the City's approach to future data center development, approval of easements needed for planned traffic improvements at 13th Street and Grand Avenue, and contracts awarded for major work at the Ames Municipal Energy Center. Together, they explain what these decisions mean for residents and how they support Ames' continued growth, infrastructure, and public services.
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 page• View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil
Have a topic you would like us to cover in a future episode? Email Eric.Gebhart@CityofAmes.org.
From Agenda to Action is part of the City of Ames Podcast Network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

National Night Out is back, bringing neighbors, first responders, local organizations, and families together for one of Ames' favorite community events.
In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Community Resource Officer Nate Rivera of the Ames Police Department to discuss this year's National Night Out and why it has become such an important tradition. They talk about the event's mission of building stronger relationships between residents and public safety, what visitors can expect, and how a simple evening of fun helps create a safer, more connected community.
Whether you've attended every year or are thinking about going for the first time, this episode will give you a preview of the activities, organizations, and experiences waiting for you.
In this episode:
• The purpose and history of National Night Out• How the event strengthens relationships between the community and public safety• Family-friendly activities, demonstrations, games, emergency vehicles, and more• Community organizations and resources available during the event• Why building connections today helps create a safer community tomorrow• Nate Rivera takes on the Ames in Focus Lightning Round
National Night Out takes place Tuesday, August 4, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Ames Middle School. The event is free, family-friendly, and open to everyone.
For more information, visit www.CityofAmes.org and follow the Ames Police Department on social media.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart is joined by Assistant City Manager Pa Vang Goldbeck to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting.
The meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 28, beginning with the Ames Conference Board meeting at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Ames City Council meeting 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, without having to read through hundreds of pages of agenda materials.
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:
• A presentation on the Child Care Feasibility Study, including local data and a roadmap for strengthening child care options in Ames• Proposed direction to staff regarding data center research and a timeline for the current pause on new data center development• Contracts for major equipment at the Ames Municipal Energy Center, following discussion during the July 21 City Council Workshop• Planned improvements to the intersection of 13th Street and Grand Avenue to enhance safety and traffic operations
Regular Ames City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, and all meetings are open to the public.
Are there agenda items or City Council topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode? Send us an email at eric.gebhart@CityofAmes.org.
Watch City Council meetings live or on demand on the City's YouTube page.
View agendas and meeting materials at www.CityofAmes.org/CityCouncil.
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.

Rummage RAMPage is back for its 10th year, giving residents an easy way to declutter, shop for bargains, support local nonprofits, and keep thousands of reusable items out of the landfill.
In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Iowa State University Director of Sustainability Merry Rankin and City of Ames Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda to discuss one of the community's biggest sustainability events. They share how Rummage RAMPage has grown over the past decade, why it plays such an important role in reducing waste, and how every donation and purchase helps support local nonprofit organizations.
Whether you're cleaning out your home, furnishing an apartment, or searching for a unique find, this episode will help you understand how Rummage RAMPage benefits both the community and the environment.
In this episode:
The history and purpose of Rummage RAMPage
How the event keeps usable items out of the landfill
How donations and shopping support local nonprofit organizations
What can and cannot be donated
Important dates, donation information, and what's new for this year's event
Tips for shoppers looking for great bargains
The 10th annual Rummage RAMPage runs Friday, July 24 through Saturday, August 1 at the Ames Intermodal Facility, 129 Hayward Avenue. To learn more, view donation guidelines, schedule a pickup, or find shopping hours, visit www.CityofAmes.org/RummageRAMPage.