The Cities of Windsor Heights, Clive, Urbandale, and Waukee are working together on a regional Fire and Emergency Medical Services study. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how fire and ambulance services are delivered today and to explore opportunities for future collaboration that could improve service for residents across all four communities.
This is a planning and information gathering effort only. No decisions have been made and no changes will occur as a result of this study without formal City Council action in each city.
Why This Study Is Being Done
Over the past several years, the four cities have increased collaboration in fire and EMS services. This includes shared emergency dispatch through Westcom, closest unit response, joint training, and mutual aid.
At the same time, cities across Iowa are being encouraged by the State to look for ways to deliver services efficiently while maintaining high quality emergency response. By working together proactively, the four cities can better understand current services, future needs, and possible opportunities to strengthen emergency response for residents.
For Windsor Heights, this study will also help inform future decisions related to the Public Safety Building improvements and long term planning for fire and EMS facilities.
What the Study Will Examine
The study will take a comprehensive and data driven look at fire and EMS services in each city. Areas of review include:
Emergency response times and service demand
Staffing levels and service models
Fire stations and equipment locations
Financial sustainability and long term costs
Community risk and emergency needs
Opportunities for collaboration or shared services
Governance and organizational models
The goal is to understand what works well today and where improvements or efficiencies may be possible in the future.
Who Is Conducting the Study
The study is being conducted by the Center for Public Safety Management, also known as CPSM. CPSM is a nationally recognized public safety consulting firm with more than 15 years of experience and over 500 public safety studies completed across the country.
CPSM specializes in fire and EMS analysis and works with local governments to provide objective, fact based recommendations grounded in national standards and best practices.
How the Study Will Be Conducted
The study will include several phases over approximately eight to nine months. These include:
Meetings with city leaders and fire and EMS staff
Review of emergency call data and response times
On site visits to fire and EMS facilities
Evaluation of current operations and future needs
Throughout the process, the study will emphasize transparency, data analysis, and stakeholder involvement.
Cost and Funding
The cost of the study is shared among the four cities based on population. Windsor Heights share is approximately five percent of the total study cost. The City of Clive is serving as the fiscal agent for the project and will manage the contract with CPSM.
What Happens Next
CPSM will prepare draft and final reports outlining findings and potential options for future collaboration. These reports will be shared with each City Council.
Any recommendations from the study are advisory only. Each city will independently review the findings and determine next steps through its own public process. No changes will be implemented without City Council approval.
Who to Contact
If you have questions about the Fire and EMS study or would like more information, please contact:
It is a regional review of fire and emergency medical services in Windsor Heights, Clive, Urbandale, and Waukee to better understand current services and future needs.
Why are the cities doing this together?
The cities already share some services and want to explore whether additional collaboration could strengthen emergency response and long term planning.
Will this change fire or ambulance services?
No. The study does not make changes. Any future changes would require City Council approval.
Is this about cutting services?
No. The study focuses on service quality, efficiency, and planning, not reductions.
Who is conducting the study?
The Center for Public Safety Management, a national public safety consulting firm.
How long will the study take?
Approximately eight to nine months.
How much does it cost Windsor Heights?
Windsor Heights share is about five percent of the total study cost.
Will emergency response be affected during the study?
No. Fire and EMS services will continue as normal.
What happens after the study is complete?
Each City Council will review the findings and decide on next steps through a public process.