January 30, 2026 10:16 am
Published by irdceditor
Some 80 attendees heard Iowa Economic Development Authority City Development Board Manager Jessica Drake talk about the board’s work, rules and regulations regarding annexations and insights into boundary change processes. IEDA has recently updated information and resources available to cities regarding boundary changes – annexations, severances, discontinuances, and incorporations and... Read More →
December 19, 2025 12:01 pm
Published by irdceditor
More than 75 IRDC members and partners watched live on December 19th as ISU Extension’s Himar Hernandez presented on the elements of servant leadership. The Zoominar can be viewed by using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/3T18zPnA8TWLtyyQZOElwIuPglYratJHwFuosj_DQu15Lr49N1V8RbO-RywWj3Mk.bEPRDSkOheR6mfA- Passcode: &6QmdqTQ Himar’s slide deck is HERE., Our next IRDC Zoominar is Friday, January 30th at... Read More →
November 21, 2025 10:41 am
Published by irdceditor
The November episode of the IRDC Zoominar featuring Michael Wagler and Robert Lyons of AARP Iowa is available. The intersection of rural livability and age-friendly communities has huge implications for small towns across the state. And they have grant dollars to help empower that work!! See the recording: Click HERE. ... Read More →
October 31, 2025 11:38 am
Published by irdceditor
The recording of the October 31st IRDC Zoominar on the Onsite Energy Program run in the Midwest by the University of Illinois-Chicago is available by clicking here. https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/Hcws2z8tOJIjYj_t_EYUV0mriJ8QfUAF0ZVmbIYp8JM0GR2Igye3fdBYwBE5QrCw.Uk8xB3t7Oxnf66B4 Passcode: 7*rj8srP Graeme Miller’s slidedeck is HERE. Join us in November for a look at AARP’s Age Friendly Communities!
October 16, 2025 11:08 am
Published by irdceditor
The Zoom recording of the October 16th webinar on the application process for the 2025 round of Rural Business Initiative grant funding is available. Chatbox notes and pilot project best practices are also included. The RBI 2.0 application window closes on November 7th. Four or five applicants will be selected... Read More →
September 29, 2025 4:15 pm
Published by irdceditor
The September IRDC Zoominar highlighting the successes of Keep Iowa Beautiful’s “Hometown Pride” program is available to view. KIB’s Lorin Ditzler as well as Hometown Pride coaches Sara Jones and Tricia Wagner shared information and insights into the program and suggestions on engaging volunteers in rural communities. See the recording... Read More →
September 29, 2025 3:12 pm
Published by irdceditor
For Immediate Release September 29,2025 Wells Fargo Foundation Grant to Support Rural Small Business Development Des Moines, Iowa – Building on the success of a pilot program focused on supporting small businesses in rural communities, the Wells Fargo Foundation has awarded a $250,000 grant to the Iowa Rural Development... Read More →
July 10, 2025 3:39 pm
Published by irdceditor
The Newton-based Homes for Iowa program took the spotlight during the IRDC’s June, 2025 monthly Zoominar. The recording of the session can be found at: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/xJjaWa7R3NKGnSFsvT9lPtoWB0BXjqnMr9T5u-lSGq5XII9H0PKsJLcDprf9hyxK.plu2PMlaRmSidaE_ Passcode: h9+Q2dKB The presentation slide deck is HERE.
May 30, 2025 1:12 pm
Published by irdceditor
The May 2025 IRDC Zoominar featuring Dan Pfeiffer of the Midwest Chapter of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) drew more than 70 attendees, and the virtual session is now available for viewing. Dan discussed public participation as an essential tool for empowering communities and building trust, especially in... Read More →
April 30, 2025 3:44 am
Published by irdceditor
The University of Northern Iowa-led Iowa Center for Employee Ownership (IA-CEO) took center stage at the April 2025 IRDC Zoominar, with Senior Project Manager Stacy Mullinex leading an hour-l0ng conversation. Find the link to the Zoom recording here Use Passcode: TVBQ4xF! See Stacy’s slide deck here And find an overview... Read More →
