Communications and Media Inquires

The City of Bondurant values the opportunity to communicate and provide information. 

The Communications Team ensures that the Bondurant community is well informed by helping to promote awareness of projects, events, programs, initiatives, services, and opportunities in Bondurant.  If you would like to receive press releases or media advisories from the City of Bondurant, please email Nicole Van Houten and request to be added to the list.

Communications Annual Report
2020   

2021

 

 

 

2022 (2022 Communications Stats)   

Media Inquiries, Interviews, and Requests

Reporters, film crews, editors, producers, and persons in similar occupations should contact and work directly with Nicole Van Houten, Bondurant's Communications and Events Coordinator. Nicole will assist you in scheduling interviews with staff and elected officials, as well as allocating resources and finding locations for filming in Bondurant. Please email your requests to Nicole Van Houten or text/call 515-556-3549.

Connect with us on social media:

Electronic newsletter

The City's newsletter, The Bounce, is sent monthly. This newsletter includes information about upcoming events, project updates, urgent alerts, and reminders. 

The library's newsletter is sent out bi-monthly. Sign up to receive their publications

Print-to-Mail

The Bondurant Living Magazine is sent to all residents in Bondurant monthly. The City of Bondurant publishes a spread each month. Find the archived magazines here

History and Role

A communications role was formally added to the City organization in 2019.

Communications is responsible for planning and implementing a strategic communications program that includes news releases, social media, City website, community surveys, media relations, advertising, and public awareness messaging. Communications is also responsible for brand management on behalf of the City and partners with the City Council and City departments.

Nicole Van Houten
Get to know Communications and Events Coordinator Nicole Van Houten.
e-mail: nvanhouten@cityofbondurant.com
office: 515-630-6982

Nicole joined the City of Bondurant in 2015 as an Administrative Specialist. When she began, she managed the website, all social media platforms, the newsletter, the print-to-mail publication, processed city permits, answered all telephone calls, and helped all city hall visitors while assisting with special projects, recordkeeping, and assisting with utility accounts. How businesses and residents receive information today differs from how they received it ten years ago. Nicole has seen a significant increase in those visiting the City's website and social media platforms for information. Think about how you receive updates from friends and family -- it's mostly through social media, and the City works similarly.

Today, Nicole serves as the Communications and Events Coordinator for the Communications Department and Parks and Recreation Department. She received her Bachelor's Degree from William Pen University in 2008, and at Drake University received her master's degree in communications with a concentration on public affairs and advocacy in 2022. Before joining the Bondurant team, she served in other marketing, communications, and leadership roles and participated in several philanthropy efforts. Today she manages the website, all social media platforms, the newsletter, the print-to-mail publication, and all Parks and Recreation events. She is a park ambassador assisting the Parks and Recreation Board. Nicole works closely with the media about positive stories happening within the community. She understands the impact that positive stories can make on our daily lives. 

Effective communication is a jigsaw puzzle of words, visuals, and strategies to develop and implement an organization's goal. Bondurant's goals are to provide expedient, courteous service to new and prospective residents and businesses, establish cost-effective administration practices, implement policies and projects which improve the City's image, expand public safety services, continually update the City's infrastructure, reduce the City tax rate, improve recreation facilities and activities, support planned and organized growth, and promote economically feasible commercial development. 

As our City has grown, so have the communications needs across all departments. Therefore, a communications department is critical to ensure we continue communicating at the level needed.

When Nicole is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family and participating in different fitness journeys. Living a healthy lifestyle is important to ensure she can keep up with her two kids, her husband, two fur babies, and houseplants.