12:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Registration Desk Open
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Grant Writing
Presenting this session will be Lindsay Henderson, a Community Development Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Grant Writing 101 is a hands-on workshop that covers the essential skills needed to find and write successful grant applications. This beginner-level program is designed for representatives of nonprofit organizations, local governments, and schools. Participants will learn the basics of effective project planning, tips for finding the right potential funders, key components of a grant application, and strategies for success. Participants will also learn the common pitfalls and how to craft an application for a winning grant proposal.
3:00 – 3:15 p.m. – Break
3:15 – 5:15 p.m. – Excel Intermediate Tips & Tricks
Pamela Smith, Adjunct Instructor, Continuing Education Department, Des Moines Area Community College, will explore tips and tricks in Excel using Databases, Tables, and PivotTables and will work with Intermediate Formulas. Topics will include:
5:30 – 8:00 p.m. -Vendor Party - City Hall Confidential
Behind the front door of City Hall exists a world of secrets, whispers of betrayal, and buried truths. Put on your detective hat and immerse yourself in a world where every handshake hides a secret and every corridor could hold a clue to the potential crime. Who’s pulling the strings —and how far will they go to keep their secrets safe? Are you ready to uncover the truth… before the truth buries you?
7:30 a.m. – Registration Desk Open
8:11 a.m. – First Timer’s Orientation
The Board invites those attending the IMFOA conference for the first time to attend a brief orientation. This is your opportunity to meet other First Timers, receive a welcome bag, and learn about important resources to help you navigate City Government and more!
9:00 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies and Welcome by President Brian Weuve
9:15 – 10:15 a.m. – Understanding USERRA – Supporting Those Who Serve
Learn about veterans’ rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and what rights Reservists and National Guard members have under USERRA. This session, to be presented by James Freese, Iowa ESG Ombudsman Director, will provide information about reemployment rights, health insurance requirements, and the process when violations may have occurred. Information will also be shared about Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and the services they can provide for both employees and employers.
10:15 – 10:30 a.m. – Break
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Changes to the Annual Budget and AFR – What’s New and What’s the Same
Each year, Iowa cities are required to submit an Annual Financial Report (AFR) by December 1, covering the previous fiscal year, and to adopt a budget for the upcoming fiscal year by April 30. Accurate and timely completion of both processes is essential for cities to receive property tax revenues for the new fiscal year beginning July 1. Ted Nellesen, with the Iowa Department of Management, responsible for overseeing the submission of city budgets and annual reports, will present the latest legislative changes impacting the AFR and the budget adoption process.
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Records Retention and Preservation
In our increasingly complex world, the stewardship of records is both a legal mandate and a pillar of public trust. Iowa’s records retention and preservation policies set the foundation for accountable governance, legal compliance, and the preservation of historical memory. Presenting this overview will be Deputy Director Mickey Shields and Membership Services Coordinator Grace Hillock with the Iowa League of Cities. They will detail the principles, statutory requirements, methodologies, and best practices guiding records retention and preservation across the state of Iowa, with a focus on public, governmental, and institutional contexts.
2:00 – 2:30 p.m. – Break
2:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Intersections: Where City and Library Meet”
This session will explore the complex relationship between city governments and public libraries, focusing on ownership, funding, and staffing. Participants will gain a clear understanding of who is responsible for library buildings, budgets, and personnel policies. Key topics include building maintenance, financial accountability, and the distinct yet collaborative roles of library boards and city officials. Presenting this session from the State Library of Iowa will be Bonnie McKewon, Northwest District Consultant and Brenda Hall, Library Program Director.
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Friendship Hour
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. – Banquet/Certifications Presentation
7:30 – 10:00 p.m. – Entertainment -Music/Video Bingo
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. – Iowa League of Cities Update
This session will provide a legislative preview of the 2026 Iowa legislative session, with a focus on issues likely to impact city operations, budgets, and local authority. The League’s Manager of Government Affairs, Cody Carlson and Director of Government Affairs, Chelsea Hoye will also summarize key laws passed during the 2025 session, highlighting provisions that require action or implementation at the local level. Attendees will gain insights into the political dynamics influencing policy decisions and how cities can prepare for upcoming debates. Time will be reserved for questions and discussion to help city officials navigate changes and stay engaged in the legislative process.
9:30 - 11:30 a.m. – Choose to Soar…Navigating Disruption in Business and Life
Devastating storms have been cycling through our economy, healthcare system, businesses, and our families for the past three years, disrupting everything we once thought we could count on. But the truth is, storms of this size weren’t just created overnight. Many of us have been caught up in a whirlwind for a while now. Weathering the Storms is a presentation about personal and professional resilience and the steps you and your team can take to persevere through the eye of the storm with hope, a plan, and Motivational Speaker Annie Meehan’s actionable steps on the other side.
Door Prizes