Recognize an Outstanding Iowa Rural Leader – Nominations Open
The Iowa Rural Development Council is looking to tip its hat to those who are making a tremendous impact on rural Iowa! And it will use the 2020 Iowa Rural Summit as a venue for that recognition! Nominate Iowa businesses, nonprofits, individuals, and communities that have had a significant impact... Read More →
2020 Iowa Rural Summit Postponed Until August
March 19, 2020 For Immediate Release Contact: Bill Menner, 641-990-4757 2020 Iowa Rural Summit Postponed Until August Virus Prompts New Date, Highlights Likely New Topics GRINNELL, IOWA – The Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC) executive committee is pushing back its 4th annual Iowa Rural Summit until August in... Read More →
SBA: Important Information for Small Businesses in Iowa Affected by COVID-19
Important Information for Small Businesses in Iowa Affected by COVID-19 – Latest Update on SBA Disaster Assistance (as of March 16, 2020 – 5:00 p.m. CST) IOWA COORD_Public_List For Homeland Security and Emergency Management printed March 16 2020 HANDOUT_SBA Disaster Assistance_Resources for Businesses Spanish March 16 2020HANDOUT_SBA Disaster Assistance_Resources for... Read More →
Governor Reynolds Declares State of Public Health Disaster Emergency
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR Governor Kim Reynolds ★ Lt. Governor Adam Gregg FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, Mar. 17, 2020 CONTACT: Pat Garrett, (515) 802-0986 Amy McCoy (IDPH) (515) 240-0530 Gov. Reynolds issues a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency DES MOINES – Gov. Reynolds issued a State of Public Health... Read More →
Registration Opens for 2020 Iowa Rural Summit
February 7, 2020 For Immediate Release Contact: Bill Menner, 641-990-4757 Registration Opens for 2020 Iowa Rural Summit Gathering to Focus on Small-Town Challenges, Opportunities CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA – Registration opens January 20th for the fourth annual Iowa Rural Summit, to be held April 29-May 1 at the... Read More →
IRDC Launches New Website
The Iowa Rural Development Council is pleased to unveil its new website, which was created by the talented team at Big Imprint, a West Liberty-based websites and marketing firm. “We are thrilled to have Ethan Anderson and the Big Imprint designers on our team,” said IRDC Chair Sandy Ehrig. “We... Read More →
ITC Midwest, IRDC Launch New Grant Program
ITC Midwest and the Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC) today launched the Power of Connection Community Grant Program to facilitate economic development in rural communities across Iowa. The announcement was made at the IRDC’s meeting held in Perry. This innovative economic development program is designed to pair rural communities seeking... Read More →
Rural Council, Empower Rural Iowa Celebrate Perry at Joint Meeting
The final meeting of both the Iowa Rural Development Council and the Empower Rural Iowa task force was one that left attendees amazed at what a community of 7,500 can accomplish. The day-long gathering was held in La Poste, an event space developed in the city’s historic former post office. ... Read More →

IRDC and IPR Partner for “Iowa in Focus” Series
IRDC has partnered with Iowa Public Radio for their Iowa In Focus series, centered around the state’s shifting population. This series, beginning August 26 and running through August 30, will take a look at some of the factors that affect whether a community grows or shrinks. Visit iowapublicradio.org and follow... Read More →
Mount Ayr Shines – Rural Council and Empower Task Force Hold Joint Meeting
The Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC) and the Empower Rural Iowa (ERI) task force met jointly July 2 – and the host community of Mount Ayr showed both organizations what an active, engaged small town looks like! The joint meeting of IRDC, a non-profit public-private partnership, and ERI, a state... Read More →