Carroll County leaders highlighted downtown investment, housing needs and long-term growth strategies during a recent visit by Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Director Debi Durham.
Durham and Anne McMahon, IEDA business development manager, met Thursday with business owners, elected officials and economic development representatives from across the county.
Their tour included the {span}Painted Pony Quilt Shop{/span}, Thomas Plaza, renovated storefronts, upper-story housing projects and the former J.C. Penney building. Stops at Fusion Dance, Scoops & Co., Midwest Style & Co. and A Head of the Times showed efforts to reuse historic properties and add downtown activity.
Carroll County Growth Partnership Executive Director Adam Schweers said the tour demonstrated how public programs and private investment can return underused properties to productive use. Facade grants, workforce housing tax credits and historic preservation incentives have supported redevelopment while preserving downtown character.
Durham said visible improvements often spur neighboring owners to invest, a ripple effect that helped inspire Iowa’s Community Catalyst Building Remediation program.
“When peopl...