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Mayor Juergen urges senators to back federal bill to give Green a single ZIP code
Summary
Mayor Juergen told the Intergovernmental & Utilities Committee that the city supports Senate Bill 4505, which would assign a single unified ZIP code to Green and dozens of other fast‑growing communities; the committee approved first‑reading passage of resolution 2026 R‑28 and will move the item at tonight's council meeting.
Mayor Juergen told the Intergovernmental & Utilities Committee on May 26 that the city is pressing for Senate Bill 4505, federal legislation that would assign a single unified ZIP code to Green and similar cities nationwide.
The mayor said the change is intended to reduce confusion around tax collection, public services and property promotion. "We had a major breakthrough in dealing with the post office," he said, and added that the legislation — Senate Bill 4505 — consolidates prior House measures into a single Senate bill now being championed by Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa. He said the city's lobbyist and a coalition of roughly 75 communities have pushed the effort and that implementation would likely follow a one‑year timetable after presidential signature.
Committee members asked about next steps and logistics. Chair Brandenburg and others sought detail on whether the measure would require reconciliation with the House; the mayor said it likely would if the Senate bill differs from the House language. Committee members also raised operational concerns about mail delivery and whether the city's post office would need to expand or alter operations; the mayor said those conversations have been difficult but that passage would make the topic more urgent.
Committee chair Brandenburg indicated the committee was comfortable with first‑reading passage and said he will present resolution 2026 R‑28 for a council motion at the regular 7 p.m. meeting.
Why it matters: unifying ZIP codes can simplify billing, emergency response and marketing for businesses, and city officials said congressional action is required because the Postal Service has resisted making city‑level changes without federal direction. If enacted this Congress, the mayor said the city would spend the subsequent year educating residents and businesses about the change and working with the Postal Service on implementation.
