Council Bluffs Chamber reports strong business support for potential Dodge Riverside housing development
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Summary
The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce updated the council on member outreach about a proposed Dodge Riverside redevelopment, reporting broad support from employers and more than 100 members signing a letter backing study of the project.
Chris LaFirla, a representative of the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce, told the City Council on April 21 that the Chamber has been briefing members about a potential redevelopment at Dodge Riverside and collecting feedback.
LaFirla said the Chamber’s 2025 strategic plan centers on three goals: grow the local economy, grow the population and enhance quality of life. He described the Dodge Riverside concept as one of this year’s “community impact initiatives” intended to drive jobs, investment and housing opportunities.
Why it matters: Chamber leaders said local employers and service providers repeatedly raised the city’s housing shortage as a constraint on hiring and retention. LaFirla told the council hospital CEOs and the school district superintendent reported employees live across the river in Omaha because of a lack of housing options in Council Bluffs; that turnover hampers recruitment and continuity.
LaFirla said the Chamber held two informational meetings open to members (March 5 and March 11) and presented on the idea at multiple partner and networking events. He estimated the outreach reached “well over 200 people” and reported that more than 100 Chamber members signed a letter of support submitted to the city the same day.
Members’ feedback, as summarized by LaFirla, included enthusiasm that a residential development could help grow the tax base, support schools and attract young professionals. Concerns raised during the outreach included potential loss of green space and the golf course currently on the site, plus skepticism about market demand and whether a development would make Council Bluffs appear to be “trying to be more like Omaha.” LaFirla said developers have expressed interest in responding to an RFP if the city proceeds.
LaFirla framed the Chamber’s role as informational and supportive: the Chamber sought to inform members, gauge sentiment and indicate willingness to support city-led action that aligns with the Chamber’s three strategic goals.
The presentation concluded with LaFirla offering to take questions. Mayor and council members thanked the presenter and placed the briefing on the record.
LaFirla declined to present a formal proposal or timeline; no council action was taken during the item.
