Proposal would modernize facilities for workforce training; estimated residential property tax impact is $9.35 annually per $100,000 of assessed value
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Oct. 26, 2026)–Voters will consider an $88 million general obligation bond referendum for Kirkwood Community College on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The proposal would fund improvements to classrooms, laboratories, technology and training facilities used to prepare students for careers in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, agriculture, business and information technology.
If approved, the estimated residential property tax increase would be $9.35 annually for every $100,000 of assessed property value — less than $10 per year, or less than $1 per month. Actual costs may be lower depending on available property tax exemptions and credits.
The proposed improvements focus on the learning environments where students develop skills they will use in their careers. At Kirkwood’s healthcare simulation center, students practice responding to medical situations in realistic clinical settings before entering the workplace. Manufacturing and skilled trades students learn to work with equipment and technologies used in industry. These experiences connect classroom instruction to the work graduates may perform in hospitals, clinics, manufacturing facilities and other workplaces throughout Eastern Iowa.
As technology and industry practices change, Kirkwood works with regional employers to align education and training with workforce needs. The proposed projects would update classrooms, laboratories and equipment to better reflect current workplace environments and support hands-on instruction across multiple career fields.
The $88 million proposal includes five primary areas of investment:
- Healthcare: Improvements to Linn Hall and the Katz Family Healthcare Simulation Center, including instructional laboratories and healthcare simulation spaces.
- Advanced Manufacturing and Skilled Trades: Renovations to Jones Hall to update training environments, instructional technology and infrastructure.
- Agriculture: Construction of a new agricultural machinery shop and related facility and infrastructure improvements.
- Business and Information Technology: Updates to Nielsen and Benton halls, including classrooms, computer labs and instructional technology.
- High-Demand Classrooms: Improvements to heavily used instructional spaces, including technology, accessibility and safety enhancements.
Kirkwood’s primary service area includes seven Eastern Iowa counties, while its broader district boundaries extend into portions of 18 counties. The college serves more than 41,000 learners annually and offers more that 140 credit majors, degrees, diplomas and certificates. Students from throughout the region attend Kirkwood and many return to their hometowns to live and work, helping local employers fill critical positions and providing the skilled workforce communities throughout Eastern Iowa depend on.
Voters can find detailed project descriptions, estimated tax information and answers to frequently asked questions at www.kirkwood.edu/bond2026.
In-person absentee voting is available through Monday, Nov. 2, at county auditor offices. Iowa also allows eligible voters to register on Election Day with the required proof of identity and residence. Voters can confirm their registration, review voting requirements and find their polling place through the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office at sos.iowa.gov/elections-voting.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Kirkwood encourages all eligible voters to participate in the election and learn more about the bond proposal at www.kirkwood.edu/bond2026.