Recently, Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced $490,000 in Empower Rural Iowa grants supporting 16 communities across the state. The funding will help expand housing, strengthen child care and encourage business and community growth. 

The City of Kalona received $50,000 to increase and improve housing. With this grant, the city will continue a summer program where high school students build or renovate homes while gaining hands-on job skills and creating affordable housing. In partnership with schools and local contractors, the project will also produce a tool kit to help other rural communities replicate the model.

Administered by IEDA’s Center for Rural Revitalization, Empower Rural Iowa grants are funded through an appropriation from the Iowa Legislature for the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa initiative.