Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced fifteen rural Iowa communities have been awarded $385,000 in state funding to support housing expansion, childcare improvements, and business growth initiatives. Some communities are receiving $50,000 each to fund specific projects.
Greenfield plans to use the money to relocate 10 affordable and accessible senior housing units to a new site.
Eldora is using the funds to remove up to eight vacant homes to create lots for new housing, with the goal of addressing a gap in homes priced between $150,000 and $250,000.
Centerville is receiving $10,000 to address first-floor vacancies, which the city says are at their highest level in a decade.
Alta, Avoca, Bellevue, Washington and Winterset will receive $20,000 in grants to partner with Iowa State University to assess housing needs and guide local development strategies, according to the IEDA.
