City of Ames’ Podcasts

Ames in Focus: Mayor John Haila Returns

In this New Year’s episode of Ames in Focus, host Bill Gebhart welcomes back Mayor John Haila, who begins his third term leading the City of Ames. Mayor Haila reflects on the highlights of 2025, discusses major City initiatives, and shares his vision for 2026. From the relocation of Fire Station No. 2 and the planning of a new recycling facility to the early stages of Ontario Community Park and growing opportunities for civic engagement, this conversation offers an insightful look into where the City has been and where it’s going.
Episode Highlights:
Reflections on 2025 milestones and proud moments in Ames
How Mayor Haila’s leadership perspective has evolved entering a third term
The impact of relocating Fire Station No. 2 to State Avenue
Preparing for the new Resource Recovery and Recycling Campus (R3C)
Why community input matters in shaping Ontario Community Park
Priorities for 2026 including the proposed Recreation Center
Encouragement for residents to stay involved with their local government
Resources & Links:
Learn more and get involved: CityOfAmes.org
Apply for a Board or Commission: CityOfAmes.org/BoardsandCommissions
Follow us on social media for updates and opportunities to engage with your City

Ames in Focus: Power Moves with Nolan Sagan and DiMaucia Phanfil

In the final episode of Season One, we focus on how to reduce energy use, save money on your utility bills, and make your home more comfortable. Nolan Sagan, Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Ames, returns to the podcast. He is joined by DiMaucia Phanfil from Green Iowa AmeriCorps. Together, they explain how free home energy audits work, what common problems they find in local homes, and how the City’s rebate program can help residents take action.
Episode Highlights:
What a free home energy audit includes and how to sign up
Common sources of energy loss in Ames homes
How rebates support improvements such as new appliances and insulation
Small changes that can lead to big savings
A look ahead to a public event focused on understanding your utility bill
Important reminders about City office closures and Library events during the holiday week
Helpful Links:
Free Home Energy Audits: greeniowaamericorps.org/energyaudit
Ames Electric Services Rebates: CityofAmes.org/Sustainability
Programming Notes:This episode marks the end of Season One of Ames in Focus. We will return next week with Season Two, beginning with a new conversation with Mayor John Haila.

Up Close: Daniel Pixley, Julie Saxton, and Jonathan Anderson

This week on Up Close, host Casandra Eames welcomes back three familiar voices: Daniel Pixley, Julie Saxton, and Jonathan Anderson. In this special reunion episode, the guests meet each other for the first time and share thoughtful, funny, and revealing reflections on life in Ames.
From their personal faith journeys to what keeps drawing them back to this community, Daniel, Julie, and Jonathan open up about the work they do and the unique ways Ames has shaped their stories. They also each share a “hidden gem” in town, those special spots that make Ames feel like home.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, this episode is a warm reminder of the connections that thrive in our city.
 
Want to be featured on Up Close?Reach out to Casandra Eames in the City Manager’s Office or email her at Casandra.Eames@CityofAmes.org.
 
The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views of the City of Ames or its employees.

Ames in Focus: Inside ASSET with Pa Vang Goldbeck

In this episode of Ames in Focus, we take a closer look at ASSET, the Analysis of Social Services Evaluation Team. Assistant City Manager Pa Vang Goldbeck joins us to explain how this local partnership works to fund essential human services throughout Story County.
Launched in 1985, ASSET brings together the City of Ames, Story County, United Way of Story County, and Iowa State University Student Government to evaluate funding requests and support programs that meet real community needs. From mental health care and food assistance to housing and child care, these investments touch the lives of thousands of residents.
We explore how the funding process works, the key role of trained volunteers, and how residents can get involved in shaping the local safety net.
 
Episode Highlights:
ASSET's mission:Supporting community wellbeing by evaluating and funding local human services based on need and performance.
Who is involved:Four funding partners work together to review proposals and allocate funds: City of Ames, Story County, United Way of Story County, and ISU Student Government.
Scale of support:For fiscal year 2026/27, 29 agencies have applied for funding. Last year, over $5 million was allocated, including $2 million from the City of Ames.
Decision-making process:Volunteers receive training, attend agency presentations, and help make recommendations based on community priorities and available resources.
Services funded:Includes a wide range of support such as food programs, mental health services, housing assistance, child care, and crisis response.
How to learn more:Visit StoryCountyASSET.org to see meeting schedules, agency details, and opportunities to get involved.
 
Be sure to subscribe for more conversations about the people and partnerships shaping Ames.

Up Close: Jonathan Anderson

In this heartfelt episode of Up Close, host Casandra Eames sits down for the first time with Jonathan Anderson, a creative soul with deep roots in Ames. Born into a large family and homeschooled through his formative years, Jonathan shares stories of growing up in a bustling household, the simple pleasures he once took for granted (like vegetables!), and how those early experiences shaped the journey he’s on today.
Together, Casandra and Jonathan explore the intersection of memory, identity, and imagination. They talk about the role movies have played in his life, the joys and challenges of being a creative person, and the unexpected paths that lead us to where we are.
Whether you're from a big family, a fellow homeschooler, or just someone who appreciates a good story, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and a little more up close to the people around you.
 
Want to be featured on Up Close?Contact Casandra Eames in the City Manager’s Office or email her at Casandra.Eames@CityofAmes.org.
The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views of the City of Ames or its employees.

Ames in Focus: The Show Must Go On with Craig Kaufman

In this episode of Ames in Focus, we step into the world of live events, historic venues, and community connection with Craig Kaufman, who manages the Ames City Auditorium, Durham Bandshell, and other Parks and Recreation facilities. Craig shares what it takes to keep these spaces running year-round, from booking performances and supporting local groups to balancing indoor and outdoor programming.
Whether you're a music lover, community performer, or just curious about that big stage downtown, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at one of Ames’s cultural gems.
 
Episode Highlights:
A brief history and unique features of the Ames City Auditorium
What kinds of performances and events are hosted throughout the year
The role of the Durham Bandshell in summer programming
How the City partners with schools, nonprofits, and community groups
Managing the logistics and planning of public venues
Accessibility, amenities, and how residents can book or attend events
Future upgrades and opportunities on the horizon for these facilities
Subscribe and Stay Connected:Don’t miss an episode! Follow Ames in Focus wherever you listen to podcasts, and stay up to date on community stories, local government initiatives, and the people shaping life in Ames.

Up Close: Julie Saxton

In this episode of Up Close, host Casandra Eames sits down with Julie Saxton, whose story in Ames spans more than three decades. Casandra and Julie talk about how they first met, what originally brought Julie to Ames, and how her path through various roles eventually led her to her current position as the Mental Health Advocate for the Ames Police Department.
They explore the winding route of public service, the quiet impact of long-term community work, and the way Julie’s curiosity, especially for obscure bits of knowledge, has shaped how she approaches her life and career. Julie also shares her pick for the best view in Ames, and why, after all these years, this town still feels like home.
If you'd like to be featured on Up Close, contact Casandra Eames in the City Manager’s Office or email her at Casandra.Eames@CityofAmes.org.
The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views of the City of Ames or its employees.

Ames in Focus: Lifeguards (and More) Wanted with LeAnn Hawk

This week on Ames in Focus, we welcome back LeAnn Hawk, Aquatics Manager for Ames Parks and Recreation, for a splashy update on all things aquatics. From lifeguard recruitment to swim lessons that double as the perfect holiday gift, LeAnn dives into the many ways the community can get involved in the water.
With job openings now live at both the Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center and Furman Aquatic Center, there are opportunities for everyone, whether you're a teen, college student, or retiree looking to stay active and connected. Plus, we talk about the big transition: the final swim lessons at ISU State Gym before everything moves full time to the brand new Fitch facility.
Whether you’re looking to make a difference poolside or just need a last-minute gift that actually matters, this episode has something for you.
Highlights:
🌊 Job opportunities at Fitch and Furman Aquatic Centers
🛟 No certifications? No problem, training is provided
🎓 Who should apply, from students to retirees
🎁 Swim lessons as meaningful holiday gifts
📅 Last swim session at ISU starts January 18
🏊‍♀️ What to expect from the new Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center