As the calendar turns toward 2026, it is worth reflecting not just on what Marshalltown has accomplished in 2025, but on how, and why, we continue to move this community forward.

At its core, local government is about delivering excellent services to every resident, every day. In 2025, that meant providing reliable public safety, maintaining streets and utilities, managing parks and public spaces, and responding to thousands of service requests across a city of more than 27,000 residents. When these services are done well, they build confidence and trust in local government.

This past year, the City of Marshalltown also continued to focus on strong financial stewardship and long-term sustainability. Like many Iowa communities, Marshalltown faces rising costs, aging infrastructure, and limited revenue growth. Addressing those realities requires careful planning, honest conversations, and disciplined decision-making. While not every choice is easy, maintaining a stable financial position is critical to ensuring services remain reliable not just today, but for future generations.

Equally important has been aligning City work with City Council’s adopted goals and priorities. From infrastructure investment and redevelopment efforts to policy discussions about long-term needs, progress happens when there is clear direction and follow-through. In 2025, several initiatives moved from planning to implementation – evidence that steady, incremental action matters.

Behind every City service and project is a workforce committed to public service. City employees are the people plowing streets in winter, responding to emergencies, maintaining streets and utility systems, and supporting residents every day. This year included renewed attention to leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and employee engagement, because strong communities depend on high-performing, supported teams.

Another theme that shaped 2025 was the importance of trust, communication, and partnerships. City government does not succeed in isolation. Progress depends on collaboration with residents, elected officials, County partners, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations. Open communication and transparency are essential to ensuring people feel heard and confident in how decisions are made.

Looking ahead to 2026, the work continues. The City remains focused on positioning Marshalltown for continued growth, reinvestment, and opportunity while being realistic about the challenges ahead. Infrastructure needs will not disappear. Financial pressures will remain. But the City enters the new year with momentum, a clear sense of purpose, and a commitment to continual improvement.

If there is a guiding principle behind this work, it is a simple one: leave the community better than we found it. That means building resilience, improving how we operate, and fostering a culture where residents see their City as responsive, trustworthy, and well-managed.

Progress in local government is rarely dramatic. It is measured in reliability, accountability, and small improvements made consistently over time. As Marshalltown moves into 2026, the goal remains clear – to keep doing the everyday work well, while making thoughtful decisions that strengthen the community for the future.

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Carol Webb is the Marshalltown City Administrator.