Three task forces working on the state’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative have called for prioritized improvements in broadband service and a series of housing assessments. 

Gov. Kim Reynolds assembled the panels, and the overall effort was co-chaired by Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg and Iowa Rural Development Council Chairwoman Sandy Ehrig.

“For Iowa to truly be successful, we have to see growth in every corner of our state,” Reynolds said in a statement. “We’ve seen positive things happening in our rural communities, but there’s still a lot to do.”

The panels proposed an Office of Rural Affairs to assist with rural policy development and the creation of a database where rural communities can share ideas and resources.

Major recommendations include: 

Investing in Rural Iowa Task Force:

• Help rural areas complete studies on housing needs.
• Reform workforce housing tax credits.

Growing Rural Iowa Task Force:

• Create an Empowered Rural Communities recognition program.
• Create leadership pathways for those communities.

Connecting Rural Iowa Task Force

• Improve state broadband grant program to stretch money further.
• Seek consistent funding for state grants.

See all the recommendations.