Connecting, Growing and Investing in Iowa's Rural Communities

The Center for Rural Revitalization, housed within the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Empower Rural Iowa (ERI) initiative, implementing ERI task force recommendations, acting as a liaison to rural communities, and helping small communities access programs that support rural areas.

Empower Rural Iowa Annual Report

• FY'22 and FY'23 Annual Report

The Governor’s ERI initiative was created by executive order in 2018. It is a partnership with the Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC) and co-chaired by Lt. Governor Adam Gregg and IRDC Chair Sandy Ehrig. The Empower Rural Iowa Act also created three task forces, which develop recommendations for Gov. Kim Reynolds in advance of each legislative session. Over the years, the task forces have addressed the following topics:

• Investing in Rural Iowa Task Force – rural housing shortage, derelict and dilapidated buildings, online business presence, business transition planning, and entrepreneurship.
• Growing Rural Iowa Task Force – leadership development in rural communities, creating welcoming communities, and attracting and retaining residents or workers.
• Connecting Rural Iowa Task Force – financing broadband connectivity, leveraging connectivity, and remote worker readiness.

In addition to providing funding assistance for projects and initiatives across the state, the Center for Rural Revitalization also provides technical assistance to rural communities in a variety of ways. Options include community visits for discussion on projects, challenges, and opportunities; "scale-up" conversations with a team of partners focused on a specific initiative for a community, organization, or business that is taking that next step; or a "Strategic Doing" (strategicdoing.net) facilitation process for groups looking to generate innovative solutions and collaborative outcomes. Contact rural@iowaeda.com for additional information.

The Center also supports existing rural leadership programs through the Rural Leadership Exchange. The Exchange is an annual in-person opportunity for leadership programs to learn and collaborate as well as ongoing training and support through webinars and resources.

IEDA's community development programs provide support for downtown development projects. For more information on best practices and resources for revitalizing rural communities, visit the Iowa Rural Development Council. For updates on ERI meetings and resources, follow Empower Rural Iowa on Facebook and Twitter.