Marshalltown is closing out 2025 with significant momentum, fueled by visible construction projects, neighborhood reinvestment, and long-range planning efforts that are shaping the future of the community. From major infrastructure improvements to strategic internal initiatives, 2025 was a year defined by progress — and 2026 promises even more.

One of the most visible signs of that progress is in the Linn Creek District, where construction on the new Apgar Family Water Plaza is nearing completion. While not yet officially open, the excitement is building for a 2026 opening that will deliver a unique regional attraction for families and visitors.

Nearby, work on the Ann C. Keyser Trailhead and Emerson Bridge is also approaching completion. Once open, the improvements will serve as a key connection in a regional trail network, enhancing recreation and tourism opportunities.

Downtown, Phase 1 of the Main Street Reconstruction project is well underway. Work began this spring with the construction and reopening of the Center Street/Main Street intersection in September. The second phase of the project, extending east from Center Street to 1st Avenue, is currently under construction. When complete, Main Street will feature new pavement, sidewalks, landscaping, and pedestrian amenities designed to support a vibrant and walkable downtown.

This fall, the City launched Reimagine Marshalltown, a comprehensive rewrite of its long-range comprehensive plan. The process will guide future land use, growth, housing, transportation, parks, economic development, and community character. Public engagement has already begun, with hundreds of residents sharing their ideas for Marshalltown’s future at events, online, and through surveys. The process will continue into 2026, culminating in a new roadmap for the next 10 to 20 years of community development.

In tandem with the Comprehensive Plan, the City also kicked off a housing study, designed to identify gaps in housing supply, opportunities for infill and redevelopment, and strategies to support housing at a variety of price points. The final study will equip the City and its partners with actionable tools to drive new development and reinvestment in existing neighborhoods.

As the community reflects on what has been accomplished, the City Council is already looking ahead. Newly adopted 2026 goals emphasize:

• Long-term financial stewardship

• Housing and neighborhood vitality

• Public infrastructure investments

• Community image and quality of life

• Improved public communication

We are not just maintaining what we have — we are investing in what Marshalltown can become. The work happening today, both above and below ground, is laying the foundation for the next generation of growth.

With construction advancing, major planning initiatives underway, and a shared vision for the future, 2026 is positioned to be a year of delivery — one that turns plans into action and continues Marshalltown’s transformation into one of Iowa’s most vibrant and welcoming communities.

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Carol Webb is the Marshalltown city administrator.