Posted 18 November, 2025
Six Iowa communities — Forest City, Imogene, Lake Mills, Manchester, West Burlington and the Clarion Development Alliance — have each received a $20,000 Empower Rural Iowa grant to assess local housing needs in partnership with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
The grants, awarded by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, will help local leaders use the Rural Housing Readiness Assessment program to better understand housing challenges, engage residents and identify next steps for community growth.
“Strong housing options are the foundation of strong rural communities,” said Omar Padilla, community development specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “The RHRA process helps local leaders turn data into action and create plans that attract investment and improve quality of life.”
More than 60 Iowa communities have participated in the RHRA program since its creation. Together, they’ve sparked over $132 million in housing investment, with another $104 million in progress. Implementation projects have included zoning updates, downtown housing plans and neighborhood revitalization efforts.
“These grants give communities both structure and momentum,” Padilla said. “It’s not just a plan on paper; it’s a roadmap that helps local people move forward.”