This publication is designed to assist cities begin their annual budget process. Learn about revenues, expenditures, legislation and other budget issues.

Interested in running for a city office? Learn what the requirements are and resources available.

This guide has been prepared for the cities of Iowa to assist the city clerks, finance officers as well as other personnel in their municipal duties.

City governments large and small have collaborated with a host of public, nonprofit and private partners to deliver services to citizens. Learn the specifics of these kinds of partnerships.

We’ve created a 2025 content calendar designed to bring your city to life for your residents, helping them feel more engaged and informed. This calendar offers flexible content ideas you can share in various ways: through social media, your city’s website, newsletters, or even as fun activities at city hall.

Learn why and how Home Rule came to be in Iowa and examine more recent court decisions regarding local control.

The League publishes a monthly magazine, Cityscape, which covers issues of interest to city officials in Iowa.

The League’s biennial printed Directory includes city hall contact information, simple listing of selected roles,  service directory listing of participating businesses and organizations by category.

This report reviews the requirements cities have under the Code of Iowa, how fire and emergency services are provided and best practices for working with partners in the efficient delivery of those vital services.

This index is intended to answer one of the most frequent questions asked of the League: “Where in the Iowa Code does it talk about…?”

Property taxes play a significant role in municipal government as the primary funding source for city budgets. Check out a variety of special reports regarding this topic.

One of the key services a city provides its citizens is law enforcement. While all cities in Iowa are required to provide effective law enforcement services, the method to deliver the service can vary from city to city.

The Iowa League of Cities Advocacy Toolkit equips city leaders with the knowledge and resources necessary to effectively engage with legislators, ensuring that Iowa’s cities have a strong voice in shaping policy and promoting local priorities.

The Iowa League of Cities has focused on the topic of local option sales and service tax (LOSST), the mechanics of how it works and the importance to the communities.

This document lists all Cities in Iowa with their membership status, past dues invoiced, and projected dues owed by the most recent Census estimate. This document is to help cities budget for their membership dues. Invoices will be sent in June 2025.

A guide for Iowa Mayors and Council Members.

Review our New Laws of Interest where we highlight recently passed legislation that could impact your city.

A guide to assist cities in identifying and abating nuisance property issues.

City officials need to be aware of requirements relating to open meetings and open records and develop plans to efficiently manage these important topics.

This records manual is intended to assist officials in the management of records created and received in the conduct of city business.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a tool cities can use to enhance a wide range of development efforts. Find helpful information regarding this topic.

This series covers many aspects of transportation including funding sources, comprehensive planning, road operations and maintenance, conditions of road and bridge infrastructure, and legislative aspects.