City of Ames’ Podcasts

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Mayor John Haila to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting.
The meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 14, beginning at 6 p.m. with the Ames Area Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting, immediately followed by the Ames City Council meeting 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:
• Community events, including the upcoming Octagon Art Festival and Turkey Trot• A staff report from the City Attorney regarding limitations that can be placed on proposed data centers• A proposal to hire a project consultant for the design and construction of the new Fire Station #2• Downtown Façade Grant applications and how they support improvements to downtown buildings
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.

Thinking about finishing your basement, building a deck, replacing windows, or tackling that long overdue home project? Before you pick up the tools, make sure you know when a permit is required and what the 2026 Building Code updates mean for you.
In this episode of Ames in Focus, Bill Gebhart sits down with Assistant Building Official Scott McCambridge to break down the latest code changes in plain English. They discuss why building codes are updated, the City's first permit fee increase since 2013, common projects that do and do not require permits, and important safety improvements involving smoke alarms, electrical protection, decks, accessibility, and more.
Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, or DIY enthusiast, this episode will help you build smarter, safer, and with fewer surprises.
In this episode:
Why the 2026 Building Code updates matter
Which home projects require permits and which do not
Changes to smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements
New electrical and deck safety standards
What contractors and business owners should know
Where to get answers before you start your next project
Have questions about permits or inspections? Contact the City of Ames Building Division or visit the City's website for more information.

Peptides are everywhere right now. From social media influencers and fitness communities to medical clinics and weight-loss advertisements, these compounds are generating a lot of attention. But what exactly are peptides, and do they live up to the hype?
In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., hosts Kacie Schumann and Bailey Dingfield take a closer look at peptides, how they work in the body, and why they have become one of the most talked-about topics in health and wellness.
From life-saving medications like insulin to newer treatments such as GLP-1 drugs, peptides play an important role in modern medicine. Kacie and Bailey explore the science behind peptides, discuss legitimate medical uses, and examine some of the risks and misconceptions surrounding products being marketed online for weight loss, muscle growth, recovery, and anti-aging.
Episode Highlights
What Are Peptides?Learn how peptides function as the body's chemical messengers and why their ability to target specific receptors makes them both powerful and complex.
Why Delivery MattersMany peptides are fragile and easily broken down by the digestive system. The hosts explain why injections and specialized delivery methods are often necessary and why product quality matters.
Trending Peptides and Social Media BuzzFrom GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic to collagen supplements, BPC-157, and TB-500, Kacie and Bailey discuss some of the most popular peptides making headlines today.
Who Actually Benefits from Peptide Therapy?Peptide-based treatments can be highly effective for certain medical conditions, including diabetes, obesity, hormone deficiencies, and other health concerns. The hosts discuss the difference between evidence-based medical use and online marketing claims.
Potential Risks and Side EffectsPeptides can have powerful effects throughout the body. Learn about possible side effects, hormonal impacts, unknown long-term risks, and why medical supervision is important.
The Rise of Gray Market PeptidesWhat are "research use only" peptides, and why are healthcare professionals concerned about products sold online? Kacie and Bailey discuss quality, purity, dosing, and safety concerns.
Compounded Peptides and Regulatory ChangesThe episode explores recent FDA actions related to compounded GLP-1 medications and what these changes may mean for patients and providers moving forward.
The Future of PeptidesArtificial intelligence is beginning to design entirely new peptides that could one day lead to more precise treatments. The hosts discuss emerging research and what it could mean for the future of medicine.
Peptides as Potential Antibiotic AlternativesAs antibiotic resistance continues to grow, researchers are exploring antimicrobial peptides as a promising new approach to fighting infections.
Resources
Peptides: Types, Applications, Benefits & Safetyhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6271067/
Peptide Therapeutics: Current Status and Future Directionshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8228050/
FDA Information on Compounded GLP-1 Medicationshttps://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-proposes-exclude-semaglutide-tirzepatide-and-liraglutide-503b-bulks-list
Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast?
Send suggestions to Kacie.Schumann@CityofAmes.org.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Megan Klein-Hewett, Adult Services Manager for the Ames Public Library, to explore the history and future of one of Ames' most beloved community spaces.
The conversation begins with the Library's roots as a Carnegie-funded institution, tracing its journey from its 1904 opening to the vital role it plays in the community today. Megan discusses a recent gift from the Carnegie Corporation and how the Library plans to use those funds to enhance services and spaces for residents.
Topics include proposed adult study rooms, outdoor improvements, and the importance of providing welcoming, accessible spaces where people can learn, connect, work, and gather. Megan also shares how these projects align with the Library's mission and the evolving needs of the Ames community.
Whether you visit the Library every week or haven't stopped in for a while, this episode offers a fascinating look at how a historic community institution continues to grow and adapt while staying true to its mission.
Learn more about the Ames Public Library and its programs at www.AmesPublicLibrary.org.
Ames in Focus is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, bringing you conversations with the people, programs, and projects that help make Ames a great place to live, work, and play.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, Communications and Outreach Manager Susan Gwiasda sits down with Mayor John Haila to recap key discussions and decisions from the Tuesday, June 9 Ames City Council meeting.
Their conversation covers an overview of a data center development request by Lightedge. They also cover traffic control and pedestrian safety in the Lincoln Way and South Russell intersection neighborhood. 
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 Podcasts network, offering residents a clear and approachable way to stay informed about local government and community decisions.

In this episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Layne Fober, Energy Services Coordinator for Ames Electric Services, to talk about one of everyone's favorite topics: saving money.
The conversation focuses on the City of Ames Smart Energy rebate program and the many ways residents can reduce the cost of energy-efficient home improvements. From smart thermostats and heat pumps to electric vehicle chargers and high-efficiency HVAC systems, Layne explains what rebates are available, who qualifies, and how residents can take advantage of these opportunities.
Bill and Layne also discuss why the City offers rebates in the first place, how energy efficiency benefits the entire community, and the role these programs play in maintaining a reliable and affordable electric system for Ames residents.
Whether you're planning a major home upgrade or simply looking for ways to lower your utility costs, this episode offers practical information that could help you save money while improving your home's energy performance.
Learn more about the City of Ames Smart Energy programs and available rebates at www.CityofAmes.org/SmartEnergy.
Ames in Focus is part of the City of Ames Podcasts network, bringing you conversations with the people, programs, and projects that help make Ames a great place to live, work, and play.

In this episode of From Agenda to Action, host Bill Gebhart sits down with Mayor John Haila to preview key items scheduled for discussion at the upcoming Ames City Council meeting.
The meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 23, beginning 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:
• The annual report from Discover Ames and a look at tourism, events, and visitor activity in the community• A staff presentation regarding a proposed data center project and the information being provided to Council• An upcoming public input meeting on June 30 focused on data centers and future development considerations• A proposal to install solar panels on select City facilities as part of ongoing sustainability efforts• A staff report examining a pedestrian crossing and potential improvements for safety and accessibility
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 can take many forms. Sometimes it is building healthy habits, and sometimes it is simply knowing that support is available when you need it most.
In this episode of Live Well. Be Well., hosts Kacie Schumann and Bailey Dingfield sit down with Sergeant Amber Christian of the Ames Police Department and her four-legged partner, Crisis K9 Penny. Together, they explore the important connection between personal wellness, community wellness, and the unique role Penny plays in helping people through difficult moments.
Amber shares how she found her way into law enforcement, the challenges and stressors that come with police work, and the intentional steps she takes to care for her own mental and physical well-being. The conversation also offers an inside look at the Ames Police Department's Crisis K9 program and how Penny helps build trust, provide comfort, and support both officers and community members in times of need.
Episode Highlights
Amber’s Journey into Law EnforcementAmber shares what inspired her career in policing and how serving the community has shaped her perspective on wellness.
Wellness in a High-Stress ProfessionA conversation about the unique challenges of police work, the importance of self-care, and the strategies Amber uses to stay healthy and resilient.
Meet Crisis K9 PennyLearn about Penny, her specialized role within the Ames Police Department, and why a Crisis K9 is different from the traditional police K9 many people picture.
The Power of Connection and ComfortAmber and the hosts discuss how Penny helps create meaningful connections, reduce anxiety, and provide support during stressful or traumatic situations.
Supporting Community WellnessThe conversation explores how programs like the Crisis K9 initiative help strengthen relationships between first responders and the community they serve.
Breaking the Stigma Around Mental HealthAn honest discussion about the importance of talking openly about stress, seeking help when needed, and creating a culture where wellness is a priority for everyone.
The Human Side of Public SafetyA behind-the-scenes look at the people behind the badge and the shared goal of building a healthier, more connected community.
Have a question, topic idea, or someone you would like to hear on the podcast?Send suggestions to Kacie.Schumann@CityofAmes.org.