Under Mayor Matt Walsh’s leadership, Council Bluffs has seen historic growth, safer neighborhoods, and stronger infrastructure.

Matt’s Accomplishments

Since taking office in 2014, Mayor Matt Walsh has delivered real, measurable progress for the people of Council Bluffs. His leadership has combined common sense decision making with a bold vision for the future and the results are clear across our neighborhoods, streets, and local economy.

Matt’s approach has always been simple: listen to the people, lead with integrity, and get things done.

Delivering for Council Bluffs. Every Day, Every Year.

  • Stronger Public Safety

    * Hired more police officers and firefighters to meet growing city needs

    * Modernized police and fire equipment and facilities

    * Expanded community policing and emergency response capabilities

  • Major Infrastructure Improvements

    * Rebuilt and repaved over 60 miles of city streets

    * Led major flood protection and levee system upgrades

    * Oversaw revitalization of parks, trails, and public spaces

  • Economic Growth & Job Creation

    * Brought in hundreds of millions in private investment and new development

    * Championed key projects like River’s Edge, South Main Corridor, and West Broadway

    * Supported local small businesses and streamlined permitting

  • Smart Housing & Neighborhood Development

    * Expanded affordable and workforce housing options

    * Revitalized older neighborhoods through cleanup and housing rehab initiatives

    * Promoted balanced growth across all areas of the city

  • Fiscal Responsibility

    * Balanced budgets every year without raising city property taxes

    * Maintained one of the healthiest city reserve funds in Iowa

    * Increased transparency and accountability in city spending

  • Community Engagement & Transparency

    * Launched town halls, neighborhood listening sessions, and open-door policies

    * Invested in youth programs, senior services, and community partnerships

    * Earned the trust of residents across political and neighborhood lines

A Track Record You Can Trust

With over 30 years of dedicated public service, Matt Walsh has built a reputation for getting results. As a longtime city council member and your current mayor, Matt has led Council Bluffs through significant growth, revitalization, and progress. His deep experience, steady leadership, and commitment to the community make him the proven choice to keep moving our city forward.

Matt’s commitment to Council Bluffs

For me, serving Council Bluffs has always been about more than holding office — it’s about being present, giving back, and working side by side with our community. Over the years, I’ve been honored to serve in many different roles that allowed me to support education, healthcare, families, the arts, and economic growth. Here are some of the organizations I’ve had the privilege to serve with:

Leadership Roles

  • Bluffs Arts Council (Past President)

  • Morning Rotary (Past President)

  • Metropolitan Area Planning Association (Vice Chair)

  • Metropolitan Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless (Past Treasurer)

  • The Volunteer Bureau (Past President)

  • Visiting Nurses Association (Past Treasurer)

  • The Neighborhood Center (Past Treasurer)

  • Council Bluffs Community Education Foundation (Past President)

  • Pottawattamie County Nurses Association (Past President)

  • Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (Past Treasurer)

  • Crime Stoppers (Past President)

  • United Way of the Midlands (Past Treasurer)

  • Family Inc. (Past President)

  • Iowa Western Student Housing (Board Member)

  • Council Bluffs Business Association (Past President)

  • Iowa League of Cities (Past President)

  • Iowa Mayor’s Association (Past President)

  • Keep Council Bluffs Beautiful (Board Member)

  • Council Bluffs Growth Alliance Economic Development (Board Member)

  • Von Maur Victim’s Assistance Fund (Committee Member)

Community Involvement & Alumni

  • Citizen’s Police Academy (Alumni)

  • Leadership Council Bluffs (Alumni)

  • Leadership Iowa (Alumni)

Event Chairmanships

  • St. Albert Schools Auction

  • Lutheran Family Services Annual Fundraiser

  • Heartland Family Services Strike-A-Chord

  • Juvenile Diabetes Walk

  • Iowa Western Black Tie Fundraiser

  • CHI Hospital Mercy Heritage Dinner

  • PACE Interactive

  • Children’s Square Jason Awards

  • Bluffs Arts Council Renaissance Faire