ABOUT US
Iowa’s rural communities are important economic engines in our state but face many common challenges, including declining populations, inadequate housing, fewer available workers, and higher rates of certain chronic diseases. These challenges have led to a change in the quality of life and access to resources for rural Iowans, making it more difficult for the people and the economies they depend on to thrive.
The Iowa Rural Vitality Coalition was formed as member organizations, separately working in this space, recognized the value of pooling resources, expertise and ultimately working together to create sustainable solutions. The coalition is a collaborative initiative of the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative, the Iowa Rural Development Council, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the Institute for Decision Making at the University of Northern Iowa, the University of Iowa College of Public Health and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
The Iowa Rural Vitality Coalition announced on April 12 a partnership with Van Buren County and the community of Manchester to launch a pilot program aimed at improving the health and vitality of rural communities. This initiative will focus on building and refining a process that can be replicated to benefit other rural communities throughout the state.
THE APPROACH
Iowa Rural Vitality Coalition
In this video, Bill Menner introduces the Iowa Rural Vitality Coalition, why and how a group of state-wide leaders and organizations are coming together to improve the health and vitality of rural Iowa communities.
Wealth Capital Framework
In this video, Bill Menner introduces the Comprehensive Rural Wealth Capital framework. Learn what it is, why it matters and how it helps a rural community assess, plan, and improve their community in a measurable and balanced way.
Planning with the Wealth Capital Framework
In this video, Bill Menner walks through how a rural community can effectively utilize the Wealth Capital Framework. Learn the steps a rural community can take to effectively plan and execute change in their community in a way that improves the health and wealth for generations to come.
Resources
News
QUOTES
Pilot quotes
“Manchester is excited for this fantastic opportunity to enhance our community and quality of life for its residents,”
-Sarah Maurer, Manchester Rural Vitality lead
“It’s an honor to be chosen as a pilot community, It means our volunteer efforts have paid off, and we are on the right track. We have not only improved our community but are now being recognized for those efforts. There is still much to be done. We hope to create a welcoming, lively, livable community with more places to live, things to do and resources to grow. We want to inspire others that rural revival is possible.”
–Joy Padget, president of Engage Keosauqua
Coalition quotes
“…most rural communities face the biggest issue, which is they have fewer people. They’re more sparsely populated. And a lot of times that means they have less capacity, capacity in terms of dollars and capacity in terms of leadership, maybe a lack of capacity when it comes to just knowing everything. In a big city, you have teams, and cities have lots of employees working on stuff. And in a small town, it’s often the city clerk and maybe a volunteer mayor and sometimes a chamber director…that issue of capacity is a challenge.”
-Bill Menner, Executive Director IRDC
Partners
