The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed a full room of business and community leaders for its 2025 Mid-Year Meeting and Leadership Council Bluffs Class 37 Graduation on Wednesday, June 18, at the Mid-America Center.

The meeting centered around a critical question facing our region: Why hasn’t Council Bluffs experienced significant population growth in recent decades?

To help find answers, the Chamber—in partnership with the Iowa West Foundation and the City of Council Bluffs—announced the launch of a new community-wide survey. The initiative aims to gather insights from those who live and work in Council Bluffs, as well as those who work here but choose to live elsewhere.

“This stagnation is concerning,” said Chris LaFerla, President & CEO of the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce. “While the Omaha metro area has nearly doubled in size since 1970, our population has remained nearly unchanged. If we’re not growing, we’re falling behind.”

LaFerla emphasized that population growth is directly tied to economic sustainability. A larger, more diverse tax base helps reduce the financial burden on residents and keeps pace with rising costs for city services.

Dr. Josie Schafer, Director of the Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Nebraska Omaha, presented data illustrating the challenge. Over the last decade, western Iowa counties have seen a 3.6% decline in population. While Pottawattamie County experienced a modest 0.5% increase, nearby counties in Nebraska—Douglas and Sarpy—grew by 11.6% and 19.2%, respectively.

The data also revealed a troubling trend: the median age of those leaving western Iowa is 34.2—prime working and child-rearing years. “These are people in their careers, often with families,” Schafer said. “And it’s not just Florida or Arizona drawing them away. It’s Illinois and other states with stronger job markets.”

Additional findings included:

• 56% of those who moved away were homeowners.

• 32% of employed Council Bluffs residents commute to Omaha, compared to only 19% of Omaha workers commuting into Council Bluffs.

• The local economy has a higher share of low-wage jobs compared to high-wage employment.

“This data presents both a challenge and an opportunity,” Schafer said. “If we can improve housing and quality-of-life offerings, we may better retain and attract young professionals and families.”

Brenda Mainwaring, President and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation, echoed the urgency: “We can’t leave here and do nothing. We’re not growing our population or tax base, and we have to understand why our kids are leaving.”

LaFerla emphasized that the community’s voice is critical to the survey’s success. “We want to understand what people love about Council Bluffs—and what we need to improve. This effort is about shaping a future where more families, workers, and young leaders choose to stay and invest in our city.”

To share your input, take the Council Bluffs area growth survey at: tinyurl.com/cbareasurvey

Celebrating Leadership Class 37

The Mid-Year Meeting also recognized the 23 graduates of Leadership Council Bluffs Class 37. This distinguished program identifies and develops emerging leaders who are committed to strengthening the Council Bluffs community. Congratulations to this year’s class for their dedication and service.