Walford Cityline - July 2026
Parks and Rec:
The Parks and Rec board wants to remind residents of a message from the mayor about keeping an eye out for children and slowing down in town, especially around parks in the summer. If you are on a bike, scooter, etc. please wear a helmet. Parents, please review safety rules with children to make sure we all have a fun and safe summer!
Upcoming Events:
- 8/11 – Parks and Rec Meeting
- 8/11 – City Council Meeting
Reminders:
- Sign up for TextMyGov by texting “WALFORD” to 91896 to receive city alerts via text!
- Join morning pickleball at the city park Monday–Friday from 8–10:30 am! All ages are welcome!
- New Walford Website launched 7/15! Our goal was to make this more user friendly and are open to any comments regarding the update.
- Recently, there have been instances of residents dumping yard waste outside the gate of the city brush pile when gates are locked. We have a locked gate system because a few were dumping trash and grass clippings that are not brush. If you have brush or small branches, please call maintenance staff @ (319) 560-6780 or (319) 521-3330 and they will unlock the gate for you.
City Council:
From the Mayor–
Data Centers: I have received a few emails as well as seen Facebook posts regarding the rumor of a possible data center north of Walford in Linn County adjacent to our northern city limit. The city did have an inquiry from a site selector representing a data center about the possibility of annexation into the city of Walford. The city council had discussions in both the May and June council meetings and concluded that it is not in the best interest of the city to annex land into the city limits to accommodate such a request. We also discussed adopting a data center moratorium, but because there is no available land within our city limits and the city can deny annexation requests, Walford effectively has a data center moratorium. The city has also had a discussion with Linn County regarding development of a Fringe Area Agreement to at least have a seat at the table as the county considers development near Walford. Linn County has similar agreements with other cities in Linn County. At the July council meeting, the city engaged legal counsel that has assisted other cities and counties in Iowa with similar issues.
Dangerous Buildings: The council approved an agreement with Linn County to provide building inspection services for enforcement of Chapter 145 of Walford Code of Ordinances, Dangerous Buildings. Chapter 145 constitutes a dangerous building. Linn County provides these services to other cities in Linn County.
Asphalt: We have been told by LL Pelling that the 2026 asphalt program is tentatively scheduled to begin mid-August. The 2026 program consists of 2nd Street S from 1st Avenue W to 4th Avenue W, B Avenue W from Highway 151 to 5th Street N, F Avenue W from 5th Street N to 6th Street N, and 6th Street N from F Avenue W to G Avenue W. There may be very short periods where access may be limited. If you desire asphalt of your driveway, etc. Pelling will be reaching out with a number to contact them to make arrangements. Pelling encourages you to reach out early.
