The Iowa Economic Development Authority has awarded technical assistance and grant funding for two pilot communities, Woodward and Creston, through its new rural-focused Building Ownership & Organization by Strengthening Teams program.

Administered by IEDA’s Center for Rural Revitalization, the BOOST program helps connect experts to rural Iowa community and business leaders to provide direction and develop intentional plans for growth.

Through the pilot program, rural communities will receive personalized action steps toward the goals identified in their applications, in areas such as downtown revitalization, housing development and workforce attraction.

Local steering committees in the cities of Creston and Woodward will meet with a BOOST team and receive a $10,000 grant for implementing outcomes.

Creston is seeking to address top concerns identified through public input on the city’s comprehensive plan, which include improving the physical appeal of Uptown Creston, adding affordable housing and improving infrastructural conditions and amenities of the West Adams Street Corridor.

According to a news release, Woodward has lost over 10% of its population since 2011 and is at a “pivotal point in determining the trajectory of their future.” The city’s steering committee has identified the need for a new strategic plan, a business incentive strategy and a corridor study as potential outcomes from its participation in the BOOST program.

The BOOST program was created in 2022 and is funded through an appropriation from the Iowa Legislature for Empower Rural Iowa initiatives.

Applications were scored based on criteria that include economic need, partners, readiness and strategic goals.