East Central Iowa Council of Governments

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Community Development
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Housing
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Transportation
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Environmental Services
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Business Loans

What can we help you with?

Planning & Technical Assistance
Facilitation​
Grant Writing & Administration
Data Analysis & Mapping
Project Management
Click on the stories below to learn more about how we serve you! ​
Rehabilitated house
Waste Becomes PPE
Belle Plaine's downtown
Downtown Revitalization
Pinoy Cafe
Supporting Start-Ups
Citizens boarding the 380Express
Commuter Solutions

Announcements

ECICOG Secures Almost $6 Million in Federal and State Grants Over Summer Months
Despite COVID-19 and a derecho, ECICOG staff have been working hard to bring federal and state funds back to our region – a critical component of our organization’s mission. Recently awarded grants include:
  • $4.25 million in revolving business loan funds from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) through the CARES Act, effectively doubling the size of the program
  • $400,000 planning grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) through the CARES Act. The funds will be used for planning and capacity building to help support economic recovery from COVID-19.
  • $704,982 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) housing rehabilitation grants available through the Iowa Economic Development Administration (IEDA). Congratulations to the cities of Coralville, Washington and Central City! Grant funds will be used to rehabilitate six homes in each community.  
  • $540,145 in CDBG home buyer assistance grants available through IEDA. Congratulations to Vinton, Coralville and Washington County! Funds will be used to assist five low-income buyers in each community with a home purchase.
If you need help evaluating funding opportunities or writing a grant application, don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team!
0% Interest Loans Now Available
ECICOG was awarded $4.675 for the revolving business loan fund as part of the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) CARES Act Recovery Assistance. This award will effectively double the size of the revolving loan program and allow ECICOG to provide more financing assistance to businesses as they navigate the unique challenges and opportunities presented by COVID-19. Additional details will announced after new lending guidelines are approved. Learn more about these programs here.
ECICOG Rural Recovery Challenge Coming Soon
ECICOG will be seeking proposals from communities and economic development organizations to support rural economic recovery and resilience following COVID-19. Up to $5,000 will be available to implement proposals from selected organizations. Interested parties will be asked to include an overview of their project, goals of the project, how the project positively impacts our rural communities, and how the project ties back to economic recovery and resiliency in their proposal.  Additional information about the challenge and submission instructions will be provided in the next few weeks. The $25,000 challenge is being funded through the CARES Act and EDA. Find more information here or contact Senior Planner Adam Bentley for more information.
ECICOG Accepting Marketing Proposals
The Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is seeking RFPs for marketing and promotion. Interested parties can find more information here and should contact the RLF program administrator Robyn Jacobson with any questions. Proposals are due September 23 , 2020 at 1:00pm.

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Funding Opportunities

Transportation Funding Available
ECICOG is now accepting applications for STBG and TAP funds. Find more information here or contact Transportation Director Mary Rump with any questions.
Grants for Derecho Response
Due to the federal disaster declaration, impacted areas are also eligible for disaster grants from the Economic Development Administration. EDA grants generally target public infrastructure improvements that result in job creation. Examples include industry parks, business incubators or expanded waste or waste water treatment capacity. EDA will occasionally support staff-driven initiatives, such as studying how to expand a certain cluster of industries. Contact Senior Planner Adam Bentley for more information.
CDBG - Water/Sewer Funds
Funds awarded through this annual competitive program assist cities and counties with projects such as sanitary sewer system improvements, water system improvements, water and wastewater treatment facility projects, storm sewer projects related to sanitary sewer system improvements and rural water connections. The program is funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The goal of this program is to provide economic opportunities for people, especially those of low- and moderate income. Click here for more information.
State Trail Funding
Iowa DOT has a number of funding programs available for trail projects. Funding programs with October 1 application due dates are the Federal Recreational Trail Program, the statewide Transportation Alternatives Program and Iowa’s Clean Air Program. Descriptions of these programs and application details are available on Iowa DOT’s website. Click here for more information.
2019 Annual Report
See what changes we've made and how we've been making an impact in our region throughout the year. View ECICOG's 2019 Annual Report here.
​Regional Vision Scorecard
Check out how our region compares to similar communities across the country! View the scorecard here.
700 16th St. NE Suite 301
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-365-9941
Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 and other nondiscriniation authorities, it is the policy of the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) that discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or income status shall not occur in connection with any of its programs or activities. For more information on Title VI, or to file a complaint please see the Title VI section here.