Support your local businesses

Quality journalism needs your support to thrive. Donate and keep the facts flowing. DECORAH —The city of Decorah has been named one of 16 finalists in the 2025 Strongest Town Contest, a national competition that recognizes communities excelling in financial resilience, transportation, and housing. Decorah is competing in the "Building a Better Budget" category against Albuquerque, New Mexico; Bellingham, Washington; and Calgary, Alberta. The nomination came from local resident Denise Lana, who has been involved with Strong Towns, the nonprofit organization that hosts the contest. Lana, who spoke at a recent city council meeting, said she had long considered nominating Decorah before finally submitting the application—just hours before the deadline. "I sat down and wrote from the cuff. I don't even know what I wrote," Lana told council members. "But we made the top 16 across the country, and I think that speaks volumes about what our community is and what we want to be... There's just no better place on earth." The contest features a five-round bracket-style competition, culminating in a championship round where the final two towns will compete in a live webinar. The winner will be honored at the Strong Towns National Gathering in Providence, Rhode Island, in June. The council thanked Lana for submitting the nomination and encouraged residents to vote and help advance Decorah to the next round. "I've been a member of Strong Towns for quite a few years, I'm an enthusiast as well," said Councilmember Steve Zittergruen. "I'm excited about the chance that this will spark some conversations about how Decorah is already a strong town and how we can continue to grow into an even stronger community." Councilmember Emily Neal asked City Manager Travis Goedken if it would be possible to share the nomination on social media to spread awareness and give residents a chance to vote, which Goedken confirmed was something that city staff could do. Voting for the first round runs from March 3-6, with subsequent rounds occurring throughout the next several weeks. The contest does not include monetary awards, but officials say winning would highlight Decorah's efforts toward sustainability and community planning. Past winners of the Strongest Town Contest include Maumee, Ohio (2024), Brattleboro, Vermont (2023), and Jasper, Indiana (2022). Residents can vote and learn more about the contest at www.strongesttown.com. Join the community of savvy subscribers (for free)! Get the latest updates, tips, and insider information by subscribing to the free newsletter today.

Support your local businesses

Small Town, Big Impact: Decorah Earns Spot in Strongest Town Contest