Economic Development Plan Request for Proposals

Location:	Iowa
Posted:	Nov 24, 2025
Due:	Jan 9, 2026
Agency:	Waukee city
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	A - Research and development R - Professional, Administrative and Management Support Services
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Economic Development Plan

City of Waukee

230 W. Hickman Rd

Waukee, IA 50263

Date issued: November 24, 2025

Response Deadline: January 9, 2025 at 4:00pm (CST)

Questions: May be directed to Jennifer Brown, Economic Development

Director Jbrown@waukee.org

The RFP is also available online at www.waukee.org/bids.aspx

Introduction

The City of Waukee, Iowa is soliciting competitive proposals from qualified professional

consulting firms to assist with the development of an updated Economic Development

Action Plan with a focus on key growth areas throughout the community, including

Kettlestone, the Alice’s Road Corridor, the Downtown Triangle District, Hickman Road

commercial corridors, and other priority development areas identified by the City in

Imagine 2040.

The plan will establish an economic baseline, provide analysis of market conditions,

outline incentive policies, and define a clear, long-term vision to guide the City’s

economic development priorities, programs, and services for the next three to five

years.

The selected consultants will work with City staff, regional agencies, businesses,

developers, elected officials, and community stakeholders to produce an actionable,

forward-looking strategy.

Background

Waukee is one of the fastest-growing cities in Iowa, located in the Des Moines

Metropolitan Area. Over the past two decades, Waukee has transformed from a small

rural community into a dynamic, high-growth city recognized for its quality of life, strong

schools, and thriving local economy. The city’s population has increased rapidly—from

approximately 5,100 residents in 2000 to over 31,000 today—and projections indicate

that Waukee’s population reach 40,000 by 2030.

• Median Age: Approximately 34 years old, significantly younger than the state and

national averages.

• Educational Attainment: Over 59% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or

higher.

• Median Household Income: Well above the state average at $106,728, reflecting

strong earning potential and a skilled labor base.

• Population Growth Rate: Among the highest in Iowa, with consistent double-digit

growth percentages over multiple census periods.

The community is served by the highly regarded Waukee Community School District,

which continues to expand facilities and programs to meet the needs of a growing

student population. Waukee’s location along major transportation corridors—including

Interstate 80 and Highway 6—provides excellent connectivity to regional employment

centers, amenities, and markets.

The city’s economic base is diverse and includes sectors such as healthcare,

professional services, finance, retail, and advanced manufacturing. However, Waukee

City Council recognizes the importance of targeted industry growth to ensure long-term

fiscal sustainability, diversification of the tax base, and resilience to economic

fluctuations.

In addition to strong residential growth, the community boasts numerous amenities and

development opportunities:

• Kettlestone Development Area: a large-scale, mixed-use district with potential for

office, retail, and entertainment destinations.

• Vibrant Downtown Triangle: currently undergoing revitalization efforts to enhance

business mix, placemaking, and pedestrian appeal.

• Recreation Assets: trails, parks, and sports facilities (Kettlestone Central Athletic

Complex and Triumph Park) that support quality of life and position Waukee as a

potential sports tourism hub.

Key Economic Development Objectives include:

• Strengthening Waukee’s economic vibrancy

• Support, balanced, high-quality growth

• Enhancing the City’s competitive position in the Des Moines Metro

Objectives

The Economic Development Plan should:

1. Assess Waukee’s current economic landscape to identify strengths,

challenges, and opportunities for long-term, sustainable growth.

2. Identify target industries aligned with Waukee’s infrastructure, workforce, land

availability, and strategic direction.

3. Define targeted business recruitment strategies, including industry

identification, outreach strategies, and competitive positioning.

4. Support entrepreneurship and small business development with tools,

resources, and partnerships to strengthen the local business ecosystem.

5. Advance downtown revitalization through business attraction, infill

development, placemaking enhancements.

6. Engage stakeholders and regional partners to ensure community input and

alignment with shared economic goals.

7. Define clear policies and procedures for administering economic development

financial incentive programs competitive with the surrounding metro communities

and with communities of comparable size and scale.

8. Enhance business retention, expansion, and attraction to grow quality

employment and diversify the tax base.

9. Create marketing and positioning strategies to promote Waukee as a premier

destination for investment and innovation.

10. Include competitive strategies to stand out to site selectors, prospects, and

developers in regional and national markets.

11. Address workforce development and quality-of-life needs including housing,

mobility, education, and amenities for talent attraction and retention.

12. Assess sports, recreation, and tourism assets as economic drivers, including

sports tourism opportunities.

13. Develop benchmarks and performance metrics to measure program success

and ensure accountability.

14. Deliver a clear, phased implementation plan with timelines, responsible

parties, and funding strategies.

15. Alignment with existing City plans including the Comprehensive Plan, City

Council Strategic Priorities, Capital Improvements Plan, and regional economic

development efforts.

Desired Skills & Attributes

• Proven experience in municipal economic development strategic planning.

• Strong understanding of suburban growth dynamics in fast-growing metro areas.

• Demonstrated success in entrepreneurial ecosystem building, including support

for startups and small business development.

• Ability to analyze and interpret economic, demographic, and market data.

• Experience with financial incentive policy evaluation and recommendations.

• Proven track record in facilitating diverse stakeholder engagement, including

elected officials, businesses, developers, and residents.

• Strong written, visual, and oral communication skills with the ability to present

findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Innovative, solutions-oriented approach to addressing economic challenges and

identifying opportunities.

Scope of Work

The selected consultant will:

• Conduct data analysis, market research, and stakeholder engagement.

• Facilitate community and business workshops to gather input.

• Prepare draft and final Economic Development Action Plan documents.

• Present findings and recommendations to City staff, elected officials, and the

public.

A more detailed scope of work will be developed in collaboration with the selected firm.

Proposal Requirements

Proposals must include:

• Letter of interest summarizing the firm’s approach and understanding of the

project.

• Project team with roles, qualifications, and relevant experience.

• Proposed methodology and work plan including tasks, deliverables, and

timeline.

• Relevant project experience with examples and references.

• Budget and fee proposal, including a breakdown by task or phase.

• Schedule indicating estimated completion timelines.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated on:

• Demonstrated understanding of economic development best practices.

• Experience with similar municipal projects.

• Quality and creativity of approach.

• Stakeholder engagement experience.

• Ability to deliver actionable, measurable, and implementable strategies.

• Cost-effectiveness.

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.

Bid Title:	Economic Development Plan Request for Proposals
Category:	General Requests for Proposals
Status:	Open