Politics
Stanley City Council Passes 2026 Infrastructure Bond for Transit and Workforce Centers
The measure directs $78 million toward road repairs, new bus routes and a downtown job training facility that will serve 1,200 residents each year.
How we reported this
The Stanley City Council voted 7-2 on July 7 to approve a $78 million general obligation bond that funds road resurfacing, three new bus routes and a workforce training center at the former rail yard site on Elm Street.
The bond follows the city manager’s May budget update, which showed a 14 percent drop in local construction permits and a waiting list of 870 residents for city-sponsored skills programs. Council documents state the measure draws on existing property tax authority without raising rates for the next five years.
Changes to Transit and Daily Commutes
Under the approved plan, the Public Works Department will add bus service on the Northside corridor and extend evening hours on the Riverline route, affecting an estimated 22,000 weekday riders who currently transfer twice to reach the industrial park. The resolution requires the first new buses to enter service by March 2027.
Residents living within two blocks of the new Elm Street training center will gain access to free certification courses in welding, commercial driving and HVAC repair, with the city projecting 400 completions in the first full year of operation. The facility will also host weekly hiring events with Stanley-based employers.
Next Steps for Implementation
City staff must complete environmental reviews and issue construction bids by October. Quarterly progress reports will be posted on the municipal website, and the first public update session is scheduled for the council’s September 2 meeting.
Finance Director records show debt service will total $6.2 million annually, paid from the existing general fund allocation for capital projects. No new fees for water, sewer or trash collection are included in the bond ordinance.