MASON CITY – Mason City is seeing strong economic growth, made record investment in infrastructure, is experiencing a reduction in crime and is gaining a reputation “as the outdoor recreation capital of the Midwest,” Mayor Bill Schickel said ahead of his annual State of the City address Tuesday. Mayor Schickel spoke at 7 PM Tuesday, January 2, 2024 in the Mason City Room of the Public Library.
He noted four nationally prominent businesses have chosen Mason City in the past year: The announcement that construction will begin in the spring on Chick-fil-A restaurant comes following the opening of Old Navy, Five Below and Ross Dress for Less.
This economic activity is generating record sales tax returns, Schickel said. Mason City took in $7 million last year, pacing nearly $1 million ahead of projections. The hotel motel tax is also on track with last year’s record pace. This allowed Mason City residents on average to see a nearly 2% drop in their most recent property tax bill.
Mason City’s five year capital improvement plan calls for $125-million dollars in planned projects, including the beautification and reconstruction of two major gateways: Highway 122 West and Highway 65 South. A modern $13 million airport terminal opening this summer will mostly be paid for with Federal Aviation Administration grants. “Roads are smooth as silk” with the reconstruction of 12th Street and Winnebago Way this past summer, Schickel said.
Construction will begin in the spring on Mason City’s River Walk and $4-million Destination Iowa Bike Park, designed to rival the nearest similar venues in Northern Arkansas.
Schickel said despite a perception that crime is on the increase, the reality is much different. He said crime has dropped 9 percent in the last reporting period. He also noted arrests have increased despite the Mason City Police Department facing staffing shortages.
Schickel is also excited that a company named New Energy Freedom is partnering with Dow Incorporated to build a first of its kind in the US refinery and research campus. In addition, a local coalition has raised money to boost wages of child care workers, high speed fiber internet will soon be an option for every home, and neighborhoods are more peaceful with the activation of silent crossings along the Union Pacific Railroad.
“More important than the physical infrastructure is the human infrastructure we’re building in Mason City,” Schickel said. “Our greatest source of community pride is the successful River City way of finding solutions through community dialogue.”
“Put simply, River City is booming,” he said.
MAYOR BILL SCHICKEL’S FULL REMARKS:
7 p.m. 1-2-24
Welcome to Mason City’s annual State of the City Address.
Here’s the State of the City: Teamwork is up. Trouble is down.
Ladies and gentlemen, members of the city council,
members of the city staff, distinguished guests, fellow citizens.
Let me show you tonight just what that means:
ECONOMIC GROWTH:
One indicator is economic growth: Four nationally prominent businesses have chosen Mason City in the past year. These companies use criteria to identify successful markets.
It’s notable one of the nation’s highest volume quick service restaurants is opening this summer. Construction begins in the spring on the only Chick-fil-A between Ames and Rochester. It’s been one of the top restaurants people have requested in this area. It comes on the heels of the opening of three nationally prominent retailers: Old Navy, Five Below and Ross Dress for Less anchoring the busy Willow Creek Crossing Center.
These new businesses are centered on ‘Mason City’s million dollar highway’—Iowa 122 West. Our five year capital improvement plan calls for 125-million dollars in planned projects including the reconstruction and beautification of this major Mason City gateway and US Highway 65 South. Imagine these community doorways with tree plantings, green space, better lighting and pedestrian access.
HISTORIC MC:
Meanwhile, historic Mason City is a symphony of sights and sounds showcasing restored buildings, beautiful housing and vibrant breweries. Live music, recreation options or a quiet moment in the park are all within walking distance. Three Bell Books is the first locally owned independent bookstore in more than a decade.
All of this economic activity is generating record local sales tax returns. Mason City took in $7 million last year, pacing nearly $1 million ahead of projections. The hotel motel tax is also on track with last year’s record pace.
(Thank you, City Council and staff. For your great work)
INFRASTRUCTURE:
The availability of high-speed internet is key for attracting new residents and businesses. Metronet is finishing installation of high speed fiber available to every home. Roads are as smooth as silk and safe as a fortress with the reconstruction of 12th Street and Winnebago Way. Neighborhoods are more peaceful with the activation of silent crossings along the north-south UP Railroad. Long overdue renovations to the city’s nerve centers of protection, our police and fire headquarters are underway. A modern utility facility will help keep historic Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery beautifully maintained in perpetuity.
AIRPORT:
Construction will be done this year on a state of the art airport terminal. On schedule. And on budget. The grand opening for this key gateway to Mason City and the world is scheduled for mid-summer. Stay tuned for details on the ribbon cutting.
(Thank you David Sims, Gary Wattnem and Airport Board. Thank you also Tyler Anderson and the Cemetery Board).
EDC:
New Energy Freedom is partnering with Dow Incorporated to build a first of its kind in the US refinery and research campus, to be located in a newly annexed area in southwestern Mason City. The world will be invited to Mason City to learn how to expand the green replacement of everything provided by oil refineries today. Engineering work has just been completed. Ground breaking will be early this year with operations to begin in late 2025. We’re excited about the partnerships with NIACC and ISU. We’re excited about the high paying jobs. We’re excited North Iowa is once again leading the way.
(Let’s recognize Chad Schreck and EDC team).
ECONOMY:
Property taxes can be one of the largest expenses for homeowners. Keeping them low gives working families much needed financial relief. Low property taxes also contribute to economic stability by attracting businesses to the area.
On average, Mason City residents saw nearly a 2% drop in their most recent property tax bill. Mason City’s overall budget this year is $82 million, down $14 million from the previous year. Largely the result of anticipated completion of major capital improvement projects.
By the way, the average annual budget increase in Mason City in the last 10 years has been 2%, below the Midwest Consumer Price Index, and well below the State of Iowa budget increase of more than 4% annually.
CHILDCARE
The number one reason women leave the workforce is lack of child care options. Starting today, help is on the way. Although area childcare centers have the physical capacity to accept hundreds more children, a shortage of childcare workers is causing long waiting lists. Forty-four percent of child care positions are unfilled in Cerro Gordo due to vacant staffing positions. To change this, a local coalition has come together and raised nearly a million dollars. It’ll go toward a $2 dollar an hour pay boost for these vital workers. All of this means increased earnings for parents and better health and learning outcomes for children.
(Thank you Child Care Workers Collaborative: Colleen, Chamber, Kelli, CG Public Health, child care providers and others. Please stand and be recognized).
MCPD:
There’s a perception that crime is on the increase, but the reality is much different. The tendency of disturbing crime stories to go viral on social media presents a false but persuasive picture. People never post about how many thousands of packages they successfully receive. Only video of the one that randomly got swiped. In Mason City crime declined significantly over the last year. Data from the Iowa Department of Public Safety shows a 9 percent drop compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, despite Mason City experiencing the kind of staffing shortages police departments are seeing nationwide, the number of arrests increased by 8 percent in the same time period. The data shows a five year trend of decreasing crime in Mason City. I was asked on the KGLO “Ask the Mayor” show about the cause of the drop in crime: Simply put, community partnerships. Or as Chief Brinkley says, “MCPD can’t keep our community safe all on its own. Citizens’ involvement make the community co-producers of public safety with our officers.”
That kind of involvement was on full display last year. A dramatic example came on May 17th when officers, assisted by citizens, saved the life of Joey Shearman.
(Let’s show appreciation for our great public safety and law enforcement).
OUTDOOR RECREATION:
That’s the facts. Now the fun. We’ve seen incredible growth in outdoor recreation. People are flocking to the new High Line Trail following the ribbon cutting last summer. The most recent issue of the rails-to-trails publication describes it as one of five fantastic new trails to opened nationwide in 2023. It’s long been considered the missing link in the city’s existing 20 mile network of trails. The High Line offers a paved and elevated north-south trail linking downtown with picturesque natural areas. Including the 440 acre Lime Creek Conservation Area, East Park, Georgia Hanford Park and the Destination Iowa Bike Park.
Construction begins this spring on the bike park. The Midwest’s newest mountain bike destination will feature a beautiful Prairie School style two story shelter and trail network. On Mason City’s north side near Zirble Trail.
(TOM START VIDEO)
The closest similar attraction is northern Arkansas, which draws up to 1000 bikers a week. Let’s take a look:
(…VIDEO ENDS AT :40)
Meanwhile, design is nearly complete on our River City Riverwalk—to be a mirror reflecting the soul of our city. Construction also begins this spring, just south of Southbridge. We dedicated a second new kayak launch along the Winnebago River in East Park and opened the historic Scrip Road trail. It’s amazing to say that in one breath. Any one of these gems deserve a state of the city address on their own.
(Thank you Matt and North Iowa Human Powered trails. Thank you Steve & Active Living and Transportation Commission. Thank you Jay & Parks and Recreation staff and board. What you’re doing will change lives for the better for decades. Please stand and be recognized).
HPI STORY:
Mason City is receiving national recognition as a destination for the arts. A new PBS documentary describes the Historic Park Inn as ‘a mecca for art and architecture lovers.’ A project that was scheduled to take five years actually took 10. Overcoming obstacles and persisting through adversity, visionaries like former Mayor Jean Marinos have given us one of most transformative historic restorations in the United States.
MMS STORY:
Yet another new television special, Meredith Willson: Americas Music Man, showcases the legendary Music Man Square. How did this happen? It started small with former Mayor Carl Miller and a band of passionate people, past and present. Tonight, it draws tourists from across the country. Most recently thrilling Tony Award Winning actress Sutton Foster during her visit.
((Thank you Mayor Marinos, President Perry Buffington and Wright on the Park board members. Thank you also Nick and MMS board members. Would all please stand and be recognized).
MACNIDER:
The PBS documentary also tells the incredible story of our historic Charles H. MacNider Art Museum. The television special describes it as showcasing “one of the best American art collections in the Midwest.”
A sidebar: Growing up in Cincinnati, my only knowledge of Mason City before moving here was the art museum. My dad, the late artist William Schickel, exhibited his stained glass there in the 1970’s, which influenced my decision to take a job here. Don’t tell me art doesn’t attract people to our community! Indeed, it has transformed Mason City. It’s no wonder this area draws nearly $100-million in tourism spending annually.
(Let’s show our appreciation to Director Edie Blanchard, President Scottt Borcherding, board members Julie Kim and Kimber Kleven. By the Way, admission always free).
LISTENING:
More important than the physical infrastructure is the human infrastructure we’re building in Mason City. Our greatest source of community pride is the River City way of seeking solutions through dialogue. What a shining example! The key is listening. “He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that,” the 19th Century British philosopher John Stuart Mill wrote in “On Liberty,” his classic work on the blessing of freedom. The Mason City way is to make our differences the key to coming up with answers. Again, Mill: On every subject on which difference of opinion is possible solutions can be found in the middle.
SCHOOLS:
We also see this kind of understanding in our schools.
The Globe reports there’s been significant improvement in student to student and adult to student relationships. As Associate Superintendent Bridgette Exman noted, “That’s not to say there isn’t plenty of room to improve, but it is evidence that when we target an area or improvement, we can and do make positive change.”
(A shout out to Lincoln Intermediate Principal Dan Arjes for his great work transforming school culture. Teachers, Lisa Huge and Heidi Grafton, were also relentless in their efforts to make Lincoln an incredible place to work and learn).
CHALLENGES:
In addition to so many great things happening, there are, of course, hard truths we must face: Drug addiction and mental health challenges. The devastating impact of inflation on hard working families. Projects that must be completed. We’ll work toward solutions to the challenges one by one. The way we always do in Mason City: Together.
STORY:
We’ve seen evidence tonight of how the actions of ordinary people are changing the course of our community. Never underestimate your ability to be an influence for the good. If you don’t mind, a personal story to illustrate the point.
Once upon a time, the most influential people in my life was my neighbor. At a time when I was struggling in elementary school, Ed Ritter shared his love of ham radio. We built a crystal radio set. Hearing crackling static change to Cincinnati Reds play-by-play on 700 WLW was the thrill of my young life. My friendship with Ed didn’t just help me improve as a student. It set my life’s course.
KZ:
Once upon another time there was a shy young fifth grader. She was selected to be part of the leadership program, “Mayor for the Day.”
Unbeknown to the mayor, the shy young girl was going through a very tough time at home. Flash forward: the girl and the mayor reconnect. She tells him how the experience changed her life and gave her the first sense of confidence in her leadership gifts. Today, that no longer shy young girl is a leader in our community. As Campus Life Director for YFC, she’s transforming young peoples’ lives. Young people not much different than her many years ago.
(Katie Zickefoose would you stand and be recognized).
CHALLENGE:
Tonight I’m challenging you to find the Ed or Katie in your life. Better yet, be the Eds and Katies of our community. Never sell short the power of your example. Your positive influence improves our entire community.
CLOSE:
Let me end my address tonight by going back to where I began. I opened by announcing the State of the City:
Teamwork is up. Trouble is down.
But we also learned tonight what that means:
Jobs are up.
Crime is down.
We’ve seen record investment in our infrastructure. And River City is quickly becoming the Recreation Capital of the Midwest.
Simply put, River City is booming.
Thank you, congratulations and God Bless!
