Posted 2 April, 2026
Five Iowa communities have been selected to participate in the 2026 First Impressions program: Avoca, Manchester, Sibley, Sioux Center and Waverly. This year’s application process was especially competitive, with twice the number of applicants as program slots.
Developed by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Community and Economic Development unit, First Impressions gives communities fresh perspectives on their tourism assets, resident engagement and visitor appeal. The program is offered in partnership with the Iowa Economic Development Authority/Iowa Tourism Office.
“We’re excited to work with these communities in 2026,” said Ann Vogelbacher, state tourism specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “First Impressions provides meaningful, actionable insights — helping communities recognize their strengths and challenges and identify improvements that can make a big difference. Our goal is to help communities create vibrant, thriving places that attract visitors, new residents, and long-term development.”
Trained evaluators visit each community and assess more than 80 key attributes, including attractions, amenities and the overall visitor experience. The data collected forms a comprehensive report that outlines both immediate and long-term strategies to enhance community vitality. Findings are shared at a public community forum, sparking local conversations about priorities and next steps.
Since its pilot in 2024, the program has worked with seven Iowa communities. Past participants have used the feedback to improve signage and wayfinding, strengthen marketing efforts and launch new initiatives to enhance tourism and community vitality.
“The feedback communities receive leads to real changes,” Vogelbacher said. “We’ve seen communities use these recommendations to make themselves more welcoming to visitors and more attractive to new residents and businesses.”
The 2026 communities will begin their assessments in the coming months, with reports and recommendations released later in the year.