May 13, 2026 - News

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst helping Urbandale get a ZIP code

Linh Ta

Exterior of a municipal building with beige brick and a glass entry. A wall sign reads "CITY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES" and a blue diamond sign says "Uniquely Urbana" beside the stairs. — The outside of Urbandale City Hall. Photo: Courtesy of City of Urbandale

For decades, Urbandale has endured a ZIP code problem, but a new bill led by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst may finally allow the suburb to have its own unique five digits.

Why it matters: Residents and businesses near the city's limits have experienced missing packages, mail delays and confusion over which government agencies to turn to.

Driving the news: Ernst is co-sponsoring a bill along with Democratic U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla of California that would help 75 communities, including Urbandale, get their own ZIP codes.

How it works: Urbandale has six different ZIP codes within its city limits, but some of those are assigned to Johnston, Grimes and Waukee post offices.

That's led to problems and delays in getting mail, including for local businesses and an elementary school.
The city has been paying a lobbyist $1,000 a month to help advocate for a new ZIP code, which requires congressional approval.

What they're saying: "It's frankly unacceptable that residents of Urbandale and other cities across the nation have dealt with delayed and misdirected mail for years because of ongoing disputes over ZIP code boundaries," Ernst told Axios in a statement.

"I know we can finally seal the deal. It's time this issue is fully addressed so Iowans can rest assured that their mail is being delivered accurately."

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U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst helping Urbandale get a ZIP code

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