Webster City Community Vitality Director Lindsay Henderson

“What I want people to understand is that I am interested in hearing about every segment of this community,” said Lindsay Henderson, Webster City Community Vitality Director. “What their ideas are. What they would like for our community. What matters to them. How we can help improve the engagement and energy of the community.”

The goal of the newly-created position at the city is to build a sense of solidarity and agency within the community. Henderson will be a connector, catalyst, and support role in moving the ideas and talents and resources of the community together towards a common future.

“It’s right there in the job description that I am to help increase communication, improve community relations, volunteerism, engagement between city leadership and the community,” said Henderson.

Henderson took on this role Nov. 1

“Really what it encompasses is both community and economic development. The principles of community development emphasize broader community engagement and decision making and more inclusive planning for a community,” Henderson said.

“There’s a lot to take in and many of the projects are going to be more long-term in scope,” said Henderson. “The most important thing I want the community to keep in mind is I am here to serve them directly and want to hear what their hopes and dreams are for the community.”

Henderson, who is in the process of completing her master’s degree in Community Development from Iowa State University, believes her education will benefit her in this new position. Henderson also has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from ISU.

“Throughout the time in my studies, I have been studying Webster City as my focus community,” Henderson said. “I have been exposed to many different facets of the community and have that background and in-depth knowledge to help me jump right in.”

According to Henderson, the goals of this position will be evolving constantly.

One of her main focuses is sprucing up the downtown and getting empty buildings filled. This would also include possible facade repair and other aesthetic improvements.

“We have some funding that may be able to be used for downtown revitalization,” Henderson said, “which is one of the goals of the City Council and city management.”

“We’re trying to figure out what resources we have to move forward with such a project,” said Henderson.

She’s is also working closely with a Community Diversity group to help knock down silos and bridge the cultural gaps found in Webster City and Hamilton County. The group hopes to create inclusion in the community and create opportunities for stronger connections. Another goal of this group is to ensure that the resources the city and service providers have are accessible and can overcome language barriers.

Henderson will also be working close with the chamber and city to market the region more cohesively.

“We’re always thinking about the long-term health and sustainability of the community. I think that’s why this position was created,” said Henderson, “to understand the economic vitality of a community is interconnected to many different things: housing, quality of life, amenities, childcare. It all ties in together. In order to attract talent and a workforce that meets the needs of our employers, we need to be an attractive place to live.”

According to Henderson, qualities of an attractive community include good schools, ample housing, activities and amenities to support families.

“Anytime that you’re kind of putting the future of the community into the hands of the people themselves – that they have a say – that’s a positive,” Henderson said. “Having somebody whose focus is making sure that the community is engaged in that process is crucial to seeing that through.”

She encourages residents in Webster City and Hamilton County to call or stop by her office with ideas on how to better the community.

“If there is a need that you see needs to be filled and you have an idea for doing it, come talk to me,” said Henderson. “I’m going to always be trying to map out and identify the people, the energy, the resources that could be brought together for collaboration to make things happen.”

Anyone interested in reaching out to Henderson can contact her at (515) 832-9151 or email lhenderson@webstercity.com. Henderson noted residents can also drop by her office at city hall.

“I believe that this community and region already has everything it needs. The assets are there,” Henderson said. “I see a lot of people taking it upon themselves to do great things in this community. If I can just play a role in supporting and elevating that, then hopefully I’ve done my job for Webster City.”

Henderson, 36, resides in Webster City with her husband, Scott, and three children; Tucker and Karina Murray and Brody Henderson.

Prior to becoming Community Vitality Director, Henderson was the Workforce Programs Director at Iowa Central Community College.