COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – Iowa Western Community College is asking voters in southwest Iowa to support a $55 million bond referendum on November 5, 2024, that will fund critical expansions to the college’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. This bond will enable the construction of a state-of-the-art Transportation and Logistics facility at the Council Bluffs campus and renovate CTE facilities in Atlantic and Clarinda. It will also expand dual enrollment programs for high school students throughout the college’s service area, providing them with hands-on training in high-demand fields such as construction, welding, HVAC, and more.
No Increase in Property Tax Rates
One of the key highlights of the bond referendum is that it will not increase the property tax rate. This is made possible by replacing expiring bonds, ensuring that southwest Iowa residents will see no increase in their property tax rates while enabling Iowa Western to make these vital improvements.
Addressing Regional Workforce Needs
The new 86,000-square-foot Transportation Building will house the college’s Diesel and Automotive Technology programs, CDL training, and a new Logistics program, helping to address the critical workforce needs in these high-growth industries. By expanding capacity, the facility will allow Iowa Western to train nearly double the number of students, ensuring that the region remains competitive in transportation, logistics, and related fields.
“Iowa Western has long been a leader in career and technical education, and this bond will enable us to meet the increasing demand for skilled workers across southwest Iowa and the Midwest,” said Dr. Dan Kinney, President of Iowa Western Community College. “With no increase in property tax rate, this is a fiscally responsible investment in the future of our students and our communities.”
Expanding Opportunities for High School Students
The bond will also support the expansion of dual enrollment programs, allowing high school students throughout the region to earn college credit and gain early exposure to career and technical fields. This gives students a head start on their education and career, saving them money on tuition and providing them with the skills they need to enter the workforce sooner.
“Dual enrollment is a game-changer for high school students,” said Kinney. “This bond will allow us to reach more students and help prepare the next generation of workers for high-demand careers that are essential to our local economy.”
Facility Renovations in Atlantic, Clarinda, and Council Bluffs
In addition to the new Transportation Building, the bond will fund much-needed renovations to Iowa Western’s existing CTE facilities in Atlantic, Clarinda, and Council Bluffs. These upgrades will ensure that students across the region have access to modern, high-quality training environments, keeping IWCC’s programs on the cutting edge of education and workforce development.
Election Day
The bond referendum will take place on November 5, 2024, coinciding with the General Election. Iowa Western encourages all residents of its service area to vote and learn more about how this bond will benefit the entire region without increasing taxes.
For more details on the bond referendum, please visit www.iwcc.edu/2024-bond-referendum .