Urbandale voters showed strong support for public safety infrastructure on Tuesday, approving a $25 million bond measure to build a new police station. Unofficial results indicate roughly 62% of voters voted in favor of the funding, reflecting community confidence in expanding law‑enforcement capabilities.

Funding and project scope

The $60 million total project will be financed through a combination of voter‑approved bonds, tax increment financing, city reserves, and local‑option sales‑tax revenue. City officials emphasized that the financing plan will not increase property taxes for homeowners.

Why a new facility is needed

Urbandale’s current police headquarters, constructed in 1982, was designed for a city of about 18,000 residents and a force of 26 officers. Today, the city’s population has grown to nearly 50,000 and the department now employs 62 officers. “The current facility just doesn’t meet the needs of the police anymore in order to do the work that they do every day,” said City Manager David Jones.

Features of the new station

The new building will be located at the intersection of Douglas Avenue and 100th Street and is projected to open in 2028. Jones highlighted that the modern facility will allow for expanded training opportunities and a variety of new capabilities that the older structure cannot accommodate.

Impact on the community

Local leaders anticipate that the upgraded station will improve response times, enhance officer safety, and provide a more welcoming environment for community interaction. By investing in a purpose‑built headquarters, Urbandale aims to strengthen public‑safety services while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Regional context

Urbandale’s bond approval joins a series of recent municipal financing decisions across central Iowa. Voters in Norwalk approved up to $65 million for a new elementary school and related facility upgrades, while Madrid voters supported a $4.3 million addition to its junior‑senior high school. In contrast, voters on the Interstate 35 corridor rejected a $12.3 million plan for school renovations and a new football field.

Next steps

With the measure passed, the city will move forward with design finalization, contractor selection, and permitting processes. Residents can expect periodic updates as the project progresses toward its 2028 opening date.

Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.