Pottawattamie County, Iowa, was established in 1847 and is named after the Native American tribe Potawatomi. Potawatomi is a Native American term meaning “Keepers of the Council Fires” or “Makers of Fire,” and the county is honored to carry on this name as it inspires residents and visitors to stay, play, and find their fire in Pottawattamie County.

Cities in the county include Avoca, Carson, Carter Lake, Council Bluffs (county seat), Crescent, Hancock, Macedonia, McClelland, Minden, Neola, Oakland, Shelby, Treynor, Underwood, and Walnut. The county is administered by a Board of Supervisors who are elected and include five members. Other elected officials include the Attorney, Auditor, Recorder, Sheriff, and Treasurer.