As I approach my six-month mark as the Housing and Community Development Director for the City of Marshalltown, I’m honored (and let’s be honest — still learning something new every day) to serve this incredible community. After shopping and working in Marshalltown for over 20 years, I’ve developed deep roots here. With one of my children living in town, I’m even more invested in making this a place where our kids want to grow up, stick around, and maybe even take the baton someday. Our department’s work — though it may not always make the headlines — is about building strong neighborhoods, safe homes, and partnerships that leave a lasting impact.

Taking on this role has stretched me, challenged me, and reminded me that calendars and caffeine are two of life’s greatest tools. Thankfully, my background in leadership, social work, and Main Street has come in handy. Housing and community development is, at its core, about people and place. Knowing how to balance vision with practicality — and sprinkle in a little empathy — goes a long way.

I get to work with the best crew in the business: Clayton (Assistant Housing & Community Development Director), Joe (Code Enforcement Inspector), Matt (Parking & Code Enforcement Officer), Geri (Housing Administrator for Section 8 Housing), Becky (Housing Inspector), Jackie (Lead Grant Program Manager), and Celina (Office Manager). Each one brings their own talent, smarts, and spark to the office. They’ve helped me settle in and haven’t run for the hills (yet) despite my questions and post-it note habits. I look forward to coming in each day, which is saying something in a world of overflowing inboxes and city codes.

Clayton, our Assistant Director, is the calm in our daily storm. He knows zoning and planning like the back of his hand and still manages to keep a level head while chasing down code interpretations and data. He, along with Joe and Matt, led a survey identifying 190 noncompliant properties. Clayton has worked hard on the JBS expansion and Marshalltown Mall redevelopment, and somehow still remembers every detail. Strategic, smart, and steady — he’s a huge asset.

Matt and Joe make up our dream team for nuisance and code enforcement. Matt brings his hearty voice, sharp eye, and fairness to everything he does — plus, he’s got a sense of humor that lightens the load. Joe is just as committed, treating everyone with fairness and professionalism while adding good energy and fun to the office. Together, they keep things in check — sometimes with a legal pad, sometimes with charm. These two guys have their work cut out for them trying to keep an eye on the entire community.

Jackie and Celina run our Lead Hazard Reduction and Healthy Homes programs. Jackie’s nursing background means she doesn’t just talk about the importance of safe housing — she gets it. She explains risks with heart and humor, making families feel cared for while getting things done. Celina, the master of calm, keeps our office organized and our community connected. She’s bilingual, which is a game-changer for our work with the Latino population. Also, her smile brightens every room.

Geri, who leads Section 8 housing, might have the busiest phone line in the building. She supports families, older adults, and folks with disabilities — all while balancing drop-ins, appointments, and the occasional stack of paperwork that looks like it belongs in a courtroom drama. She’s sharp, fiercely dedicated, and somehow still manages to smile through it all. Geri helps people find not just a roof over their heads, but stability.

Becky, our Housing Inspector, knows something about everything in the housing department and keeps the rest of us in the loop with policy history and updates. Her laugh is legendary around here, and her inspections keep residents safe while encouraging landlords to keep at it. Being a landlord is not for the faint of heart. Becky’s sharp, fair, and always willing to jump in.

As a team, we’ve tackled everything from preparing for affordable housing builds, launching housing studies, and advancing the Lead Reduction Program, to closing out our Brownfield Grant (goodbye, contaminated lots) and improving nuisance processes. We’re looking for ways to bring neighbors together, support vulnerable neighborhoods, and spark progress block by block. From grant writing to zoning reviews to mediating a dispute about fence height–we’re on it.

I’ve also felt supported by my fellow department heads, our city administrator, the mayor, and council members — who’ve welcomed me with encouragement, advice, and the occasional, “You’re doing great!” (which always helps).

And while I’ve passed the torch at the Marshalltown Central Business District, I’m still cheering from the sidelines. Danielle’s doing awesome work, and I’m proud to see MCBD shine under her leadership. Downtown belongs to all of us — and when we all pitch in, it becomes something truly special.

Leadership isn’t always tidy, and transitions come with growing pains. But what doesn’t change is our love for this city and the people who call it home. I look forward to learning, growing, and doing this work for as long as I’m lucky enough to do it.

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Deb Millizer is the housing and community development director for the city of Marshalltown.