DeGeest for Ames

12/15/2021

I have been advocating for a long time that we should rethink our waste to fuel process and the usefulness of the Resource Recovery Plant. This issue is coming up again with a new study be started and with recent Climate Action Plan work. Please see this interesting report on reducing RDF usage and increasing true recycling.

10/25/2021

Ames has taken many steps in the right direction for addressing climate change. Please read more about how you can get involved.

The ACAT vision is to help create a resilient, inclusive, equitable, and vibrant future for all people in the Ames, ISU, and Story County community.

10/20/2021

Last night I attended a City Council workshop focused on future bike and pedestrian planning. It felt good to re-engage in the process after a bit of a break and of course the very strange last two years with the pandemic. Multi-modal, complete streets, whatever you choose to call it, has a come a long way over the last five years and it is exciting to see the council chambers full of advocates and lots of plans being made by the City for more complete street infrastructure and specifically more bike and pedestrian facilities. More details -

11/10/2020

Linked below is a very interesting recap of the City of Ames - City Government response to the Derecho event in August. It is interesting to read and understand that as we were lighting candles and putting our food in coolers, the City was scrambling to save our water and electrical infrastructure while simulataneously trying to restore individual service, clear roads for emergency vehicles, keep traffic flowing safely, and so on.

There is room for increased disaster preparedness but overall I think the City deserves a community High Five!

09/21/2020

Bike to Somewhere sounds better than Bike to Work anyway!

09/15/2020

Sixteen or so years ago I emailed the City to suggest paving the "VetMed" trail which gives bikes and pedestrians a protected route to and from downtown Ames and the Research Park thus starting my advocacy for improving and expanding bicycle infrastructure in Ames. Nearly 2 decades later the first half is now paved and I took my first bike ride on it yesterday.

It's a good reminder that change and progress take time, sometimes it moves at a frustrating pace, but if you don't give up, things can and will change.

So many important issues need our attention, 2020 has made that abundantly clear. I encourage all of you to continue to advocate and push for the changes you want to see in our community and world, don't give up, it's more important than ever.

DD>>

Ames Bicycle Coalition - Ames, IA
City of Ames - City Government

12/03/2019

Nothing underscores how valuable each and every vote is in an election than a runoff vote. There was a clear popular vote winner in November and just a handful of votes prevented a majority win.

Ward 4 friends, please remember to get out again today and vote for your preferred City Council representative for the next four years.

Voting takes place at your normal location.

Thanks,
DD>>

10/03/2019

It is hard to believe it has been 4 years since my run for Ward 4. I have been actively engaged in various other community efforts, including my continued volunteer work renovating the old Doboy Mill on Reliable St. I'm excited to announce that as of this week Lockwood Cafe has passed inspections and open for business serving delicious, gourmet crepes and coffee.

I have been watching the recent candidate forums and wish each candidate good luck. Elected or not, it takes a lot of time and commitment to run and I have much respect for all involved.

Ward 4 is again the mostly contested race, please take some time to learn about the 3 candidates and of course get out there and vote!

11/06/2017

Remember to VOTE tomorrow. Everyone running has given up huge amounts of their free time and worked hard to earn your vote. Thank them by taking a few minutes to participate in the process and cast your vote November 7.

09/28/2017

My review of the September 19, 2017 City Council Workshop on Complete Streets via the Iowa Informer.

http://iowainformer.com/ames/2017/09/dan-degeests-council-review-september-27-2017-complete-streets-workshop/

Commenting on the Sept. 19 meeting of the Ames City Council. Hello Friends, Earlier this year the council approved an agreement to work with Toole Design Group to create a complete streets plan for…

06/29/2016

We will be trying a lot of new things and approaches to improving the community at Reliable Street. Here is one.

Painted up six for the looking forward to releasing the herd:)). If you want to donate a bike let us know!

04/06/2016

I am excited to share this project that my friends from Alluvial Brewing Company and I are working on right here in Ward 4 - Reliable Street - http://reliablestreet.com/

The Reliable Street site is a derelict grain mill. Developing this unique site into a center for arts and culture, will transform urban blight into a locus of activity in a neighborhood lacking community-based infrastructure.

The vision is to create a space for artists, entrepreneurs, students, and community members to make connections, build relationships, and collaborate. To build Ames’ cultural capital we seek to elevate our thriving arts community with an exhibition space, locally owned cafe, music venue, artist studios, and makerspace; to actively engage the community through exhibitions, performances, and workshops for all ages; to host community sponsored events; and to bring visiting artists and musicians to Ames.

We are currently applying for a grant from ArtPlaceAmerica to help fund the project and actively working now on cleanup and utility upgrades. Like the Reliable Street page and stay updated.