East Central Iowa Council of Governments
Community Development
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Housing
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Transportation
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Economic Development
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Environmental Services
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Business Loans
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What can we help you with?
Planning & Technical Assistance
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Facilitation
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Grant Writing & Administration
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Data Analysis & Mapping
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Project Management
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AnnouncementsPATCH Program Launches
ECICOG is proud to announce the launch of the Providing Assistance to Community Homeowners (PATCH) Program! The Program aims to fill a gap in resources following the Derecho storm. The program will provide support, referrals, and financial assistance to low-to-moderate income Linn County homeowners impacted by the storm. Please visit the PATCH Program page to learn more and find out how to apply! Regional Funding Open for Transportation Project
ECICOG announces the opportunity for local governments to apply for regional Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) and Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) funds. Eligible projects will occur in federal fiscal years 2022-2025. You can find more information on these programs here. Congratulations to Anamosa on their
Downtown Revitalization Grant! The City of Anamosa, was awarded a Community Development Block Grant of $500,000 for a downtown revitalization project in the fall of 2020, having worked in partnership with ECICOG, Martin Gardner Architecture, and Jones County Economic Development. The funds will address blighting features with facade improvements on 10 buildings in Anamosa's Main Street Historic District. Project activities will include revitalizing store entrances, brickwork, painting, replacing/rehabilitating windows, and more. The project is estimated to cost $1.049 million, with $250,000 in match from the City and the remainder coming from the building owners. This exciting project will provide a visual uplift to Anamosa's downtown while following the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation to preserve the historic character of the District. For more information on CDBG downtown revitalization grants, contact Community Development Specialist Tom Gruis at tom.gruis@ecicog.org! Belle Plaine Launches Organics Management Program
ECICOG worked with the Benton County Landfill and the City of Belle Plaine to launch a residential organics management pilot program for Belle Plaine residents in October. The goal of the program is to encourage residents to reduce and properly manage their organic waste while saving money and reducing their environmental impact. The program includes a $50 rebate toward a composting container of the resident’s choice or the supplies to build their own. All program information, rebate form, and videos will be available on the program website. This program is funded with the support of a Solid Waste Alternatives Program grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Solid Waste Alternatives Program grant program aims to reduce the amount of solid waste generated and landfilled in Iowa. Through a competitive process, financial assistance is available for a variety of projects such as source reduction, recycling, and education. Local governments, public or private groups, and individuals are eligible to apply for program funds. Applications are due January 2nd and July 1st. Visit the Iowa DNR's website for more information. To learn more about the Solid Waste Alternatives Program or how organics management can benefit your community, contact Alicia Presto at alicia.presto@ecicog.org! Central City Takes Proactive Approach to Nuisance Enforcement
Earlier this year, Central City approached ECICOG for assistance with nuisance enforcement. Like many communities, City leaders felt that a few unkempt properties were negatively impacting their town. The City wanted to take a more proactive approach but lacked staffing capacity to do so, which is where ECICOG Housing Specialist Mark Culver stepped in. Based on City-established priorities, Mark spends roughly 6 hours a month checking for code violations, sending citations, and working with homeowners on corrective actions. The program wasn’t without controversy as homeowners were not accustomed to being asked to comply with city code. Thanks to a steadfast City Council, 12 violations have been resolved after only two months in action. If you want to learn more about how ECICOG can help you with nuisance enforcement, contact Housing Specialist Mark Culver at mark.culver@ecicog.org! 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. Vertical Divider
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Funding OpportunitiesCommunity Catalyst Building Remediation Pre-applications due: January 1 The Community Catalyst Building Remediation Program assists communities with the redevelopment, rehabilitation or deconstruction of buildings to stimulate economic growth or reinvestment in the community. The maximum grant award is $100,000 and 40% of funds will be awarded to cities with populations under 1,500. Pre-applications must be submitted by January 1, 2021. Learn more here. Contact Economic Development Specialist Adam Bentley at adam.bentley@ecicog.org for assistance. CDBG Water/Sewer Grant
Due: January 1 This competitive program offers grants to assist cities and counties with water and sewer infrastructure improvements including sanitary sewer system improvements, water system improvements, water and wastewater treatment facilities, storm sewer projects related to sanitary sewer system improvements and rural water connections. Winter applications are due January 1. Learn more here. Contact Environmental Specialist John Bruce at john.bruce@ecicog.org for assistance. Rural Heritage Revitalization Grant
Due: February 1 Properties on the historical register or listed as a national historic landmark may be eligible for Iowa’s Rural Heritage Grants. Grant awards will be between $75,000 and $125,000. Local governments or non-profits with 501(c)3 status are eligible to apply. Properties must be located in an area of 50,000 or fewer residents. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2021. More information can be found here. Contact Economic Development Specialist Adam Bentley at adam.bentley@ecicog.org for assistance. Derelict Building Grant Program
Due: February 26 The Derelict Building Program through the Iowa DNR is available for Iowa towns of 5,000 or fewer residents. The program will address neglected commercial or public structures that have sat vacant for at least six months. The Program has two primary focuses: landfill diversion through the recycling and reuse of building materials, and the elimination of hazards posed by empty structures. The application deadline is Friday, February 26, 2021 for applicants seeking: funding assistance with asbestos inspections, asbestos abatement, structural engineering analysis, site assessments, building deconstruction, and building renovation expenses. Learn more here. Contact Environmental Services Director Jennifer Fencl at jennifer.fencl@ecicog.org for assistance. |
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.
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.
Check out how our region compares to similar communities across the country! View the scorecard here.
