News

May’s IRDC Zoominar Dives into Rural Child Care

Thanks to Angie Duncan of First Children’s Finance for a spellbinding 60-minute “Zoominar” on the steps, partners and pieces necessary for development of child care operations and facilities in a rural place. Some 50+ IRDC partners were on hand for the session.  The recording of (most) of Angie’s Zoom presentation... Read More →

Lt Governor Gregg Speaks at Rural Summit, Discusses Rural EMS

Iowa Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg spent hours with Iowa Rural Summit attendees this week, sharing successes of the Empower Rural Iowa program he co-chairs with the IRDC’s Sandy Ehrig and discussing an intriguing new opportunity for rural emergency medical services. During remarks on Day 2 of the Summit, Lt Gov... Read More →

Final Agenda Set for 2022 Iowa Rural Summit

Rural Summit 2022 Agenda    Monday April 11 Pre-Conference Opportunities (choose one)   12:00-5:00          Rural Housing Readiness Assessment Workshop, Garden Room, Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011.  Lunch included.  Register for this event at https://go.iastate.edu/HBGUGL   2:30-4:30pm:    Tour Iowa State University’s Digital Manufacturing Lab, powered by Alliant... Read More →

Rural Summit Registration Open!

Iowa Rural Summit Registration Open Registration is open for the 6th annual Iowa Rural Summit, to be held April 12-13 in Ames. The Summit brings together rural leaders from across Iowa who share successes and best practices in the areas of housing, broadband, entrepreneurship and community development.  The two-day event... Read More →

Mount Ayr Downtown Project Wins ‘Power of Connection’ Grant

            February 2, 2022 For Immediate Release   Mount Ayr Redevelopment Project Awarded Power of Connection Grant Historic building renovation gains $5,000 Support from Rural Initiative   MOUNT AYR, IA – A local effort to refurbish and redevelop an historic downtown building and a downtown... Read More →

IRDC Partners Gather to Celebrate

The Iowa Rural Development Council brought together supporters and sustaining members to celebrate the work of 2021 and what’s to come in 2022.  A reception at the Surety Hotel in Des Moines on January 4 was a chance to ring in the new! Thanks to all who attended, including Lieutenant... Read More →

Power of Connection Grant Awarded to Benefit Postville

  December 6, 2021 For Immediate Release   Power of Connection Grant Awarded to Benefit Postville Development Project Gains $5,000 Support from Rural Initiative   POSTVILLE, IA – A local effort to develop a comprehensive and inclusive plan to lay the foundation for continued success and future growth in Postville... Read More →

IRDC Remembers Jim Erb

Iowa Rural Development Council Mourns Death of Former Charles City Mayor Jim Erb 2021 Rural Hero Honoree Left Deep Impact The Iowa Rural Development Council – and Iowans across the state – are remembering Jim Erb, whose death November 5 at the age of 80 leaves a void among rural... Read More →

Iowa Rural Summit 2021 A Rousing Success; Rural Heroes Honored

The 5th annual Iowa Rural Summit drew almost 250 rural leaders from across Iowa to the campus of Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids August 18-20 for a 2.5 day celebrating of small-town innovation and vision. Rural leaders from as far away as Glenwood, Hastings, Hull and Primghar came to... Read More →

Rural Summit to Welcome 230 Attendees, 60+ Rural Communities

The 5th annual Iowa Rural Summit will kick off tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday August 18, with more than 200 attendees from every corner of the state. The Summit, hosted by the Iowa Rural Development Council, will feature site visits to rural businesses, keynote speakers, panel discussions and break-out sessions focused on... Read More →