The Urbandale City Council meeting on July 1, 2025, focused on several key initiatives, particularly in the areas of mental health support and school safety.

One of the most significant discussions centered on the hiring of a new mental health professional, who is set to start on July 15. The council expressed enthusiasm about this addition, highlighting the importance of mental health services in the community. The collaboration with Windsor Heights was noted as a positive step towards enhancing these services, with plans to seek additional funding to support mental health initiatives further.

Another major topic was the approval of a 28E agreement for school resource officers (SROs). The Urbandale School District requested an additional SRO for the middle schools, expanding the existing program that has provided security at the high school for over 30 years. The council approved the funding arrangement, which allocates 75% of the costs to the schools and 25% to the city. This agreement aims to enhance safety and support within the school environment, with a focus on maintaining continuity by keeping officers in their roles for extended periods.

The council also discussed the training requirements for SROs, emphasizing the specialized training officers receive to effectively serve in schools. The new officer selected for the middle school position will undergo this training before the school year begins.

In addition to these discussions, the council reviewed a real estate purchase agreement for properties on Douglas Avenue, which is part of ongoing efforts to develop the downtown area following the approval of the Urbandale downtown master plan.

Overall, the meeting underscored Urbandale's commitment to improving community safety and mental health resources, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing the needs of residents and students alike.