Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Spencer public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in environment
South-end demolition and flood recovery
The first round of demolitions will take down seven apartment quadplexes near Consumer Lumber, three properties south of Lincoln School, and two near Hardee's — all former FEMA 403 properties. A state forgivable loan covers the cost, so no property tax dollars are spent, with more buyout demolitions coming in November.
Flood Home Buyout Program Progress
A voluntary program letting owners of flood-damaged homes sell to the city through FEMA's hazard mitigation program. Officials can now run the program and close on properties.
NASA Flash Flood Prediction Partnership
Spencer is the only Iowa municipality in a NASA, Rutgers, and University of Iowa study aiming to predict flash flood rainfall earlier. It uses the 2024 flood as a model, kicking off this fall.
NRCS River Clean Up and Bank Stabilization Project
A federally supported grant project to remove log jams and garbage from the river and restore shorelines is moving forward, with completion expected by the end of 2026. It should mean cleaner, safer waterways for recreation.
2025 Landfill Cell E2 Expansion
The council spent on the regional landfill: a $301,636 used John Deere truck, spray foam project award, lift station engineering, and final driveway retainage.
Flood Response Activation
Spencer has moved into a Level 1 flood response as water levels rise, putting city crews on alert. If you’re near low-lying areas, pay attention to updates and be ready for changing conditions.
Little Sioux River flood study by Army Corps of Engineers
The Corps is launching its first river system study since 1971. The resulting cost-benefit analysis is the key to future federal funding for berms and flood protection, but the timeline runs to 2028 for data and 2029-2030 for project applications.