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Mayor Phillips and city planners are tackling the hot topic of data center regulations, addressing concerns from energy use to noise pollution—will Norwalk's future be powered by tech or hindered by it?

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Norwalk mayor, staff outline data‑center regulations and seek council direction
At a Sept. 17 work session, Norwalk staff reviewed draft rules for data centers—covering electricity and on‑site generation, water use, noise and lighting, air quality, aesthetics and decommissioning—and asked council for direction before bringing ordinance amendments to the planning commission and council.
citizenportal.ai
September 26, 2026 at 2:36 PM
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Norwalk City Council has taken a significant step in approving a development agreement for the ambitious 282-acre Project West data-center campus, raising both excitement and concerns among residents.

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Norwalk council approves development agreement to enable Project West data‑center campus after lengthy public hearing
After two hours of staff presentations and nearly three hours of public comment, the Norwalk City Council voted to approve a development agreement with IALCO, Warren County 2 LLC to enable infrastructure for a proposed 282‑acre data‑center campus (Project West); the agreement authorizes certain TIF‑backed appropriations and requires future site approvals.
citizenportal.ai
March 7, 2026 at 4:10 AM
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A heated debate in Norwalk City could reshape the future of local businesses as council considers a new zoning amendment allowing up to 70% of retail space for storage!

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Showroom‑retail zoning amendment debated; council advances measure after amendment
Council considered a zoning amendment to create a 'showroom retail' use in C‑2 zoning (to allow larger on-site storage and smaller public showroom area), discussed its implications for 1711 Sunset and similar properties, and ultimately advanced an amended motion after debate.
citizenportal.ai
September 7, 2026 at 3:01 PM
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Norwalk's City Council just took a major step to regulate e-bikes and scooters, setting a minimum age of 12 for use on public property—what does this mean for young riders?

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Norwalk council advances e-bike, scooter rules with minimum public-use age set at 12
On first reading, Norwalk moved to regulate electric bicycles and other personal transportation devices; council adopted an amendment setting the minimum public-use age at 12 and referred a helmet requirement back to staff after public safety testimony.
citizenportal.ai
July 3, 2026 at 2:57 PM
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Norwalk City Council has just approved significant changes, including a horse barn rezoning and amendments for a school fire escape—what's next for the community?

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Norwalk council adopts ordinances on rezoning, yard exceptions and permit fees
On final readings the council approved rezoning of a parcel to agricultural reserve, exceptions to yard requirements for Main Street School, and changes to building permit valuation fees; all motions carried on roll call.
citizenportal.ai
June 9, 2026 at 9:59 AM
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Norwalk residents are being urged to cut outdoor irrigation by 50% as the city implements a new water-use plan amidst falling reservoir levels.

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Norwalk urges households to cut irrigation as council adopts regional water-use plan
The Norwalk City Council adopted an updated water-use plan aligning with Central Iowa Water Works and reiterated a voluntary 50% irrigation reduction under a stage-two advisory as local reservoir levels fall.
citizenportal.ai
June 9, 2026 at 1:40 AM
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Norwalk City Council moves to draft a golf cart ordinance aimed at enhancing safety and circulation on local streets, sparking a heated debate about pedestrian safety and neighborhood needs.

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Norwalk council orders draft ordinance after lengthy golf-cart work session; debate centers on 25-mph limit, age and safety upfits
After a two-hour work session and public comments, the Norwalk City Council directed staff to draft a golf-cart ordinance. Councilmember Kelsey Porter proposed allowing carts on streets 25 mph or less with safety upfits and age/license requirements; residents and council questioned enforcement, sidewalks, and neighborhood exceptions.
citizenportal.ai
May 26, 2026 at 2:06 AM
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Norwalk is making waves with a staggering $5.7 billion in active investments and new talent programs aimed at boosting local businesses!

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Regional economic development group thanks Norwalk and highlights $5.7 billion in local investments
The Greater Des Moines Partnership told Norwalk City Council the region has $5.7 billion in active capital investment and another $2 billion in the pipeline, highlighted workforce and talent programs, and thanked Norwalk for participation in regional projects and advocacy.
citizenportal.ai
May 25, 2026 at 6:21 AM
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Norwalk City Council just approved a $6.54 million bond sale, directing a $457,160 premium to enhance the crucial North River sewer main project!

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Norwalk approves $6.54 million bond sale; council directs $457,160 premium to North River sewer main
The council approved a $6.54 million general obligation bond sale with a winning bid reporting a 3.5417% true interest cost. Council accepted a $457,160 premium and amended the resolution to place those funds into the North River sewer main project fund; the city’s AA rating was affirmed by S&P.
citizenportal.ai
May 15, 2026 at 11:24 PM
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Norwalk's Planning & Zoning Commission has voted to transform the Rosewood North area into low-density residential, prioritizing quality development over outdated plans, despite mixed reactions from residents.

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Norwalk commission recommends changing Rosewood North future‑land‑use to low‑density residential after developer and neighbors testify
After developer Dan Cruz and several nearby residents testified, Norwalk's Planning & Zoning Commission voted to amend the comprehensive plan for the Rosewood North area to low‑density residential, citing the existence of a 1979 final plat and a preference for a higher‑quality replat over building the old plat as‑is.
citizenportal.ai
April 17, 2026 at 6:06 PM
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Big changes are coming to Norwalk as the Planning & Zoning Commission recommends adding 282 acres to the urban renewal plan, paving the way for a development that could generate over $400 million in new value!

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Planning & Zoning Commission recommends adding 282 acres to City of Norwalk urban renewal plan
The Planning & Zoning Commission voted Feb. 9 to recommend that City Council amend the City of Norwalk urban renewal plan to add 282 acres tied to a development project; staff said the annexation hearing is scheduled with the state this week and the city council will hold a public hearing next Thursday.
citizenportal.ai
February 10, 2026 at 11:24 PM
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Norwalk's council has just approved a crucial amendment to the Dunn Industrial Condominiums project, paving the way for delayed TIF rebates and smoother financing!

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Council approves amendment to Dunn Industrial Condominiums development agreement, delays TIF rebates
Norwalk approved a resolution to amend the Dunn Industrial Condominiums development agreement and terminate a $5 million minimum assessment requirement that hindered project financing. The amendment delays TIF rebate payments and schedules partial rebates to begin in 2028, per staff and bond counsel advice.
citizenportal.ai
February 8, 2026 at 10:05 PM
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EveryStep's Healthy Homes program is at risk of ending, but local support could help keep families safe from asthma triggers and environmental hazards.

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EveryStep asks Norwalk for help to sustain Healthy Homes program as HUD grant ends
EveryStep CEO Trey Wade told Norwalk council that the HUD‑funded Healthy Homes program — which remediates housing hazards for families with asthma — is ending and the nonprofit is seeking local partners to continue services; the council agreed to add a deeper discussion to a future agenda.
citizenportal.ai
February 8, 2026 at 9:33 PM
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Norwalk City is facing critical staffing needs and ambitious capital projects as they prepare for the FY2027 budget, with parks seeing a staggering 48% surge in memberships and fire services falling short of national benchmarks.

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Norwalk reviews FY2027 budget; parks, fire and public works outline staffing and capital needs
At a Feb. 5 work session, Norwalk City staff presented final FY2027 department budgets. Parks reported a 48% jump in field-house memberships and asked for an additional full‑time technician; the fire chief outlined staffing shortfalls (0.93 firefighters per 1,000 residents) and grant efforts; public works detailed $900,000 in street maintenance and multimillion-dollar sewer projects.
citizenportal.ai
February 8, 2026 at 5:57 PM
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Norwalk City Council has taken a significant step by approving the voluntary annexation of nearly 282 acres, but residents are raising crucial questions about the land's future use and ongoing legal uncertainties.

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Norwalk council approves voluntary annexation of roughly 280–282 acres southwest of city limits
After a public hearing and public comments, the Norwalk City Council approved a resolution to annex about 280–282 acres southwest of the city. Residents raised questions about future uses and ongoing legal appeals related to a prior annexation.
citizenportal.ai
January 16, 2026 at 6:39 PM
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Norwalk is booming with 24 new businesses and 350 jobs added in just one year, but will the council reconsider its incentive strategies to keep the momentum going?

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Norwalk economic development staff tout growth while council weighs TIF and incentive policy
Officials reported strong commercial and industrial growth and new jobs; councilors debated whether to scale or limit TIF rebates and tax abatements, noting a large data‑center prospect could change revenue outlook and policy choices.
citizenportal.ai
January 16, 2026 at 5:37 PM
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Norwalk's City Manager has unveiled a strategic budget plan for FY2027 that balances growth opportunities with tough decisions on taxes, staffing, and vital infrastructure projects.

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Norwalk City Manager outlines FY2027 budget priorities as taxable value climbs
City Manager Luke presented the fiscal year 2027 budget framework on Jan. 15, citing strong taxable‑valuation growth, a recommended 3% base wage adjustment, and competing priorities on capital projects and staffing amid state rollback changes that limit revenue capture.
citizenportal.ai
January 16, 2026 at 5:33 PM
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Norwalk City Council just approved a groundbreaking ordinance that raises the bar for new street construction, paving the way for safer, more durable infrastructure while easing the financial burden on developers.

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Norwalk council approves amended subdivision standards with three-year cost-sharing phase-in
The Norwalk City Council adopted revised subdivision rules requiring subdrains and a granular subbase for new streets and approved a three-year phase-in that would offset developers’ added costs with a city contribution starting at about $432,750 in year one, tapering over three years.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 6:08 AM
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Norwalk City Council just approved a $5.924M loan to secure a stake in Central Iowa Water Works, ensuring a brighter future for regional water infrastructure!

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Norwalk approves $5.924M loan to finance Central Iowa Water Works buy‑in
Council approved a State Revolving Fund water revenue loan to finance Norwalk’s $5.924 million purchase of membership/equity in Central Iowa Water Works, with a marketable rate near 3.26% and closing scheduled in mid‑December.
citizenportal.ai
November 7, 2025 at 8:04 PM
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Norwalk City Council takes decisive action by approving immediate repairs to a crucial aerial ladder truck while planning for a long-term solution and securing a new sewer vacuum truck!

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Council authorizes immediate repair to aerial ladder truck, adds funding for longer‑term plan; buys sewer truck
Council authorized immediate mechanical repairs (~$50,000) to return an out‑of‑service 2008 aerial platform to service, directed staff to add $500,000 to upcoming bond financing for refurbishment/replacement options, and approved purchase of a 2025 combination sewer truck using available fund balance and a trade allowance.
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November 7, 2025 at 7:11 PM
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Norwalk City Council has postponed a critical vote on new subdivision regulations that could significantly impact construction costs and developer responsibilities.

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Norwalk council tables subdivision ordinance after developers warn of costs, bonding concerns
After hours of testimony from the home‑building industry and city staff, the City Council on Nov. 6 tabled a first reading of an ordinance that would tighten road construction standards (mandatory subdrains and granular subbase) and change bonding requirements for new subdivisions. Council directed staff to refine bonding language and explore a ph­
citizenportal.ai
November 7, 2025 at 4:46 PM
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Norwalk City Council takes a bold step towards safety and growth by approving the final plat for 36 new townhomes at Shadow Creek Estates while addressing urgent property safety concerns.

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Council Approves Final Plat for Shadow Creek Estates Townhomes Development
Council passes resolution for 36 townhomes in Shadow Creek Estates along Prater Place.
citizenportal.ai
September 19, 2025 at 11:25 PM
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Norwalk's City Council is paving the way for a sustainable future with new zoning amendments and infrastructure improvements that promise to enhance community life.

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Norwalk City Council Approves Zoning Amendment for Accessory Dwelling Units
Council adopts zoning changes to comply with new state legislation on accessory dwelling units.
citizenportal.ai
September 19, 2025 at 11:24 PM
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Norwalk City Council has taken bold steps to enhance community safety by amending open burning regulations and aligning fireworks laws with state standards.

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Norwalk City Council Approves Changes to Open Burning and Fireworks Regulations
Council adopts amendments on recreational fire safety and aligns fireworks use with state law.
citizenportal.ai
September 19, 2025 at 11:23 PM
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As Norwalk City officials grapple with new state mandates on accessory dwelling units, the future of local control hangs in the balance.

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Norwalk City Council Holds Public Hearing on Accessory Dwelling Unit Zoning Amendment
Council discusses state regulations and local control on accessory dwelling unit zoning amendments.
citizenportal.ai
August 26, 2025 at 4:56 AM