“Idea summits” will be held in September as three new “Empower Rural Iowa” task forces examine ways to elevate rural leaders, boost broadband access and make more housing available in rural Iowa. Nearly 180 Iowans applied to participate and about half were appointed by the governor. Acting Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg is co-chair of the overall effort.
Iowans may submit ideas online, or testify at one of the three “summits.” The first is scheduled for September 6th in Holstein (whole-steen) and will focus on connecting more Iowans to broadband service The second will be held September 7th in Mount Pleasant and explore ways to spark strategic planning and development of new leaders in rural Iowa. The third will be held in Earlham on September 14th and focus on getting more investment into rural Iowa, particularly in housing. Sandy Ehrig, chair of the Iowa Rural Development Council, is a co-chair of the initiative. She says task force members will be asked to come to the summits with at least one written idea on how to address the topic.
Go to the Iowa Governors webpage to see the list of people who’ve been appointed to the three task forces and find out how you may submit ideas online.
