Bondurant: 2022 Iowa Community of Character

The City of Bondurant thanks the Ray Center at Drake University for naming Bondurant as Iowa’s 2022 Community of Character. The Bondurant community consistently embraces the pillars of Character Counts. So many community organizations (the City of Bondurant, the School District, the Chamber of Commerce, Bondurant Community Foundation, the Men’s Club, the Lion’s Club and many others) collaborate closely for the greater good of the community. Community members also help each other.

Character of the Bondurant Community

During the global health pandemic, members of the community knew they could trust the City and School District to deliver services, no matter what. Bondurant Emergency Services delivered medical care for those in need. The Bondurant-Farrar Community School District and the Bondurant Community Library collaborated to meet student internet access needs. When Bondurant was hit by an F2 tornado in 2018 that charted a swath through the entire width of the town, residents came together so quickly to help their neighbors and their community that by the time representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency arrived, it was difficult to assess the damage because it had been cleaned up so well.

The City of Bondurant has a program to assist low-income elderly and disabled people with their snow removal. Under the program, Public Works will help people with snow removal, however, the vast majority of the time when Public Works arrives at the property, a neighbor has already cleared the sidewalk for them.

The Bondurant Community Foundation, the Men's Club, the American Legion, Lion's Club, the Chamber of Commerce — all these organizations in Bondurant are extremely active and contribute significantly to the quality of life and to our hometown feel. The Foundation spearheaded the effort to designate Bondurant as one of Iowa's Great Places and hosts events throughout the year to bring neighbors together. They also work to incorporate art throughout Bondurant and have started a historical society. The Men's Club hosts Summer Fest each year and does good work throughout the city all year long. The American Legion brings people together each month with their community breakfast. The Chamber is extremely active in hosting community events and supporting business growth and expansion. Chamber members also organize volunteers to assist residents unable to take care of their yards on their own.

These are just some of the examples of the type of caring community, filled with character (and characters!) that Bondurant is. Again, we say thank you to the Ray Center for recognizing all the great people and organizations that make Bondurant a Community of Character.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.