New Grants and Training Programs Aim to Strengthen Iowa Communities

Your contribution today guarantees Decorah News is asking the questions tomorrow. Act now. DECORAH — Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is encouraging local officials, community leaders, nonprofit organizations and economic development professionals to take advantage of several upcoming grant opportunities, webinars and leadership workshops designed to support Iowa communities. Rural Housing Grants Open July 1Applications open July 1 for two housing programs offered through the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The Rural Housing Readiness Assessment Grant supports communities seeking to evaluate housing needs, identify development barriers and explore updates to local codes, ordinances and incentives. Since 2020, 63 Iowa communities have participated in the program, helping generate nearly $160 million in housing investments, with an additional $118 million planned. More information is available at: Rural Housing Readiness Assessment Grant: https://opportunityiowa.gov/community/revitalization/center-rural-revitalization/rural-housing-readiness-assessment Communities participating in the program: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ae46a7961edf446eaece187ee98c8ae5/#data_s=id%3AdataSource_6-18cda24f351-layer-3%3A34 Rural Innovation Grant: https://opportunityiowa.gov/community/revitalization/center-rural-revitalization/rural-innovation-grant-program The Rural Innovation Grant supports creative housing projects in rural communities that are ready to move into implementation. Applications for both programs are due by 4 p.m. CDT Aug. 26 through IowaGrants.gov. Eligible projects must benefit Iowa communities with populations of 20,000 or fewer and meet additional program requirements. Iowa Government Finance Initiative WebinarsExtension and Outreach will host two virtual webinars in July through its Iowa Government Finance Initiative. Overview of New Property Tax Legislation in Iowa will be held July 7 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and will examine Senate File 2472 and its potential effects on local fiscal planning. Registration information Urban Renewal and Urban Revitalization Legislation in Iowa will be offered July 15 from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Representatives from Ahlers & Cooney will discuss recent legislative changes and provide practical examples. Registration information More information about the Iowa Government Finance Initiative is available here. Leadership Workshops Scheduled in JulyThree virtual leadership workshops will be offered for local government officials, nonprofit professionals, board members, educators and community leaders. Leading Effective Meetings — July 15 Participants will learn strategies to improve productivity and engagement in public meetings, nonprofit board sessions and collaborative projects. Information and registration: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/communities/leading-effective-meetings Community-Powered Engagement — July 16 The workshop focuses on identifying participation gaps and developing engagement strategies that bring more voices into community decision-making. Information and registration: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/communities/community-powered-engagement Demographics in Your Community — July 28 Participants will learn how to interpret and apply demographic data to inform decisions in government, education and nonprofit settings. Information and registration: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/communities/demographics-your-community Additional information on leadership workshops is available at: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/communities/leadership-workshops Community Matters Live WebinarThe next Community Matters Live webinar will be held July 22 from noon to 1 p.m. and will focus on distributed wind energy. The monthly series highlights timely issues affecting housing, planning and community development in Iowa and features experts and Extension specialists sharing practical tools and examples. More information and registration. Additional information about the Community Matters Live series is available here. Stay connected and informed! Join the free newsletter for curated news, trending topics, and insider perspectives you won't find anywhere else.