ago when city leaders focused on creating a true community heart. “We decided that we needed a downtown, a social gathering place where people could get together and participate in activities and events,” Mayor Dierenfeld says. The pandemic, which coincided with construction, unexpectedly helped the project. “It kept contractors very focused on the job they had to do,” she observes. Today, the Town Center features a LEED Silver certified city hall with an 184kW solar array, alongside a family fun restaurant like Backpocket Pin and Pixel and a wine bar, The Cork 50131. The centerpiece, known as The Yard, includes a splash pad, synthetic ice rink, and amphitheater hosting farmers markets and summer concerts. A 76-room GrandStay hotel opened in 2023, completing the mixed-use vision, with room for more restaurants and retail to come in future building expansions EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AND WORKFORCE ADVANTAGE Johnston’s remarkable growth stems largely from its exceptional schools, which draw young families and create a skilled workforce pipeline for area employers. “We have an incredible school district here in Johnston,” Mayor Dierenfeld emphasizes.“Our kids excel in everything. They excel in academics, they excel in athletics, and in arts and culture. They’re amazing kids.” The district’s reputation drives population growth, with Johnston Senior High School ranking 13th among Iowa’s best public high schools. The relationship between the city and schools is comprehensive.“We are very supportive of them, very involved with the school and their activities,” Mayor Dierenfeld explains. She mentions police officers serving as school resource officers and her recent invitation to call bingo for the Johnston Scholarship Fund. “We have a relationship that is strong enough that we’re separate governments, but we’re one big government here in Johnston.” This educational foundation creates significant workforce advantages. Wilwerding points to the city’s strategic location near Des Moines Area Community College, Drake University, and Iowa State University. “We’re able to draw a workforce not just from within Johnston but from within all of central Iowa,” he says. 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06
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