The City of Jefferson and Denison were awarded a $20,000 grant through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Empower Rural Iowa Grant programs. Rural communities across the state have been selected to receive between $10,000 and $20,000 to support rural initiatives, including housing, childcare, and business or community growth. Jefferson and Denison received funding through the Rural Housing Readiness Assessment Grant to study housing needs through a partnership with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Denison is looking to use the grant to address overcrowding in the city’s affordable housing units. Empower Rural Iowa grants are funded through appropriations from the Iowa Legislature for Empower Rural Iowa initiatives. Applicants are required to provide a financial match, and were scored based on economic need, partners, readiness, and strategic goals, and be in a community with a population of less than 20,000. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says, “Rural communities are at the heart of who we are as a state, and we’re committed to ensuring they continue to grow and prosper. These grant opportunities will provide the tools that leaders and innovators need to build vibrant communities in all corners of the state, making Iowa an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.” A complete list of this year’s Empower Rural Grant recipients is included below.
