City Statistics
City Statistics
The City of West Burlington is located in southeastern Iowa near the natural and scenic bluffs of the Mississippi River. The City is situated within Des Moines County and is adjacent to the City of Burlington that has a population of approximately 27,000. A well maintained housing stock on tree lined streets provide for West Burlington's 3,161 residents with new housing subdivisions in progress. The area features 178 businesses, a premier health care system, an advanced public school system, and a growing community college. A significant retail base, historical sites, 19th and early 20th century architecture, and the presence of the Mississippi River serve to create a strong tourism base for the Burlington/West Burlington area.
Commerce & Industry
The Cities of West Burlington and Burlington have been identified as one of highest areas for commercial and manufacturing growth in Iowa. From 2005 to 2011, the total value of all properties in West Burlington grew 14%. A majority of the growth has come from retail and service sectors with manufacturing employment strong and steady. Many new restaurants, stores and businesses, including two recently built strip malls with filled outlets, have opened in the area over the past few years. Major retailers such as Target, Menards, Super Wal-Mart, Staples, Lowe's, Kohl’s and Farm King are located in the community. West Burlington is becoming a center for retail automobile outlets. Shottenkirk Automotive Group and Deery Brothers are located here, as well as a new Honda Dealership opening in 2011. From large national companies on the commercial corridor to charming downtown businesses, West Burlington ranks high in the ability to attract retail shoppers. The largest indoor shopping mall is the 55-store Westland Mall featuring a wide variety of clothing, jewelry, department and specialty stores, restaurants, and a brand new 10 screen movie theater opening in fall 2011.
The largest single source of income in Des Moines County is from manufacturing and the strategic location between Chicago and St. Louis and near Des Moines and Kansas City enhances the City's manufacturing environment. Burlington and West Burlington have the unique distinction of serving as home to one of Iowa's oldest manufacturing operations – Dresser Rand, formerly Murray Turbo Machinery. Manufacturers include Case Corporation - one of the world's leading manufacturers of agricultural and construction equipment; Federal Mogul Ignition Products - manufacturer of a majority of North America's spark plug supply; General Electric Distribution and Control - manufacturer of switch gear; and Winegard - a leader in the industry of satellite and television communications. Other prominent employers in West Burlington and Burlington are Great River Medical Center, American Ordinance Company, COBO, Borghi, Alfagomma, and Vista Bakery.
The Flint Ridge Business Park was developed through public/private cooperation and is a joint effort between the Cities of Burlington and West Burlington and Des Moines County. West Burlington's portion of the park is filled by Borghi and Cobo - two manufacturing companies whose headquarters are located in Italy, along with local companies, physician offices and a restaurant.
The Southeast Iowa Regional Airport Authority is an independent entity supported by the Cities of Burlington and West Burlington and Des Moines County. The commercial service airport serves areas in Iowa and Illinois.
Greater Burlington Partnership (formerly called Grow Greater Burlington) was organized in 1971 to advance development and improve the economic environment of Des Moines County. In 1996, the organization merged with the Burlington/West Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce to become the area's main development organization. Major development functions and operations fall under the Economic Development Division of the Chamber. The 18-member Board represents the Cities of West Burlington, Burlington and Des Moines County.
Health Care
A major project in the City of West Burlington was the completion of the $140 million Great River Medical Center, a health care complex at the Healthwest Campus. With 115 physicians and 1,500 employees, the Great River Medical Center is one of the most advanced and patient-friendly hospitals in the country. Over $40 million in remodeling and new additions will provide for a variety of patient services and the addition of Life Flight Helicopter services provide a tremendous asset to the region.
The 102-acre Healthwest Campus in West Burlington is home to many outpatient services of the Great River Medical Center as well as the Burlington Area Family Practice Center, Burlington Neurology, Healthwest Clinic, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Education
The West Burlington Independent School District has two schools for students in Grades K-6 and Grades 7-12. Total enrollment for both schools is 715 students. There are 62 teachers, counselors, and administrators and 22 educational aides. Both schools feature science laboratories with attached computer labs. The High School has a fiber optic classroom and a 400 seat fine arts auditorium.
Southeastern Community College enrolls 3,235 day and evening students and offers 31 career education programs and two year degrees.
Recreation
Opened in 1999, the RecPlex Regional Family Sports Complex, located jointly in Burlington and West Burlington, features tournament-class facilities for soccer, softball, sand volleyball and a guest services building including a restaurant and spectator plazas. The facility accommodates weekly league play, tournaments, and special events.
The 12.3-acre city park system has recently benefited from over $200,000 in major park improvements. The City is an active partner and participant in helping to sponsor the annual Fourth of July Celebration.
City Services
The City employs 24 full-time employees. Public Safety is provided by a ten-member Police Department and a volunteer Fire Department, which also serves an area outside of the City. There are five administrative staff members, eight employees in the Public Works Department and a building inspector / fire chief.
The City operates a sanitary waste water collection and conveyance system, a waste water treatment facility, and a water distribution system. Water is purchased from the City of Burlington for resale to West Burlington water users. The City's Enterprise Fund consists of water and sewer revenue funds to make improvements to the water distribution system. A new waste water treatment facility was constructed in 2001.
In 2011, it is anticipated the City's TIF district will generate $1.8 million in revenues, which will be used to fund various street storm water improvements and pay debt obligations. The TIF District geographically encompasses a majority of the City.
The Organization
The City of West Burlington operates under a Mayor/Council form of government with the Mayor serving a two-year term and five Council Members serving four-year terms.
The mission statement for the City of West Burlington is: West Burlington city government exists to provide quality services that are responsive to the needs of the community.
The City's General Fund Budget is $2.3 million and the total budget is $5.5 million. The City has budgeted General Fund revenues sufficient to cover all projected General Fund expenditures.
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