From Grants to Groundbreaking: How Area 15 RPC Helps Communities Turn Funding into Finished Projects
- Jul 28
- 10 min read
Newsline | July 2026
For those new to city/county government in the area, Area 15 Regional Planning Commission is your local government organization formed since 1974 to assist with economic development and planning needs of the 6-county region also known as the Council of Governments (COG). As members of Area 15 RPC, our programs and grant writing and administrative services are available to you. We help partner our communities with local, state, and federal programs to help fund projects.
A Grant Award Is Just the Beginning
Receiving a grant award is an important milestone, but it marks the start—not the end—of an infrastructure project. Before construction begins, communities must complete requirements such as environmental reviews, procurement procedures, and coordination with funding agencies.
Once construction is underway, ongoing oversight ensures projects remain on schedule and meet funding and regulatory requirements. Even after construction is complete, final inspections, reporting, and project closeout activities are necessary.
Area 15 Regional Planning Commission supports communities through every stage of the process, from grant application to project completion.
For more information, contact Area 15 RPC at (641) 684-6551.
***Upcoming County Foundation Grant Deadlines
Local organizations and community groups are encouraged to explore upcoming county foundation grant opportunities. Funding supports projects that strengthen communities, including programs, facilities, youth activities, community improvements, and other local initiatives.
Wapello County Foundation
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Keokuk County Foundation
Deadline: October 30, 2026
Davis County Community Foundation
Deadline: November 1, 2026
www.daviscountycommunityfou
Area 15 RPC staff are available to assist communities and organizations with identifying funding opportunities and navigating the grant application process.
Construction Season Underway Across the Region
Several Area 15 communities are moving from planning to construction on major infrastructure improvement projects this season. Communities including Ottumwa, Farmington, Birmingham, and Bonaparte are advancing sewer system upgrades designed to improve reliability and address aging infrastructure.
These projects represent years of planning, engineering, and funding coordination and are now becoming visible improvements for residents and businesses. While construction may bring temporary disruptions, the long-term benefits will support stronger, more sustainable utility systems for years to come.
Area 15 Regional Planning Commission is proud to assist communities through funding, grant administration, and project development services, helping bring these important investments to completion.
Congratulations to Brandon Dicks on Completing Ottumwa Leadership Academy
Area 15 Regional Planning Commission congratulates Brandon Dicks on his recent graduation from the Ottumwa Leadership Academy. The program provides participants with opportunities to learn more about the community, develop leadership skills, and connect with local leaders and organizations.
Through the academy, Brandon gained valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the Ottumwa area while building relationships with fellow community members committed to making a positive impact.
We are proud to have Brandon represent Area 15 RPC and appreciate his continued commitment to leadership, collaboration, and strengthening our region.
Meet the Area 15 RPC Team
The Area 15 Regional Planning Commission team works every day to support communities across Southeast Iowa through planning, transportation, housing, and economic development initiatives.
Pictured are Chris Bowers, Executive Director; Brandon Dicks, Regional Planner; Hector Hernandez, Transportation Planner; and Matt Naumann, Housing Director.
Together, our team is committed to helping communities identify opportunities, secure resources, and move projects forward.
New Sharon STRIDE Workshop
Area 15 Regional Planning Commission hosted a workshop in May that included representatives from Mahaska County, IDOT, Pathfinders RC&D, and city officials. The purpose of the workshop was to identify and prioritize projects within the City of New Sharon.
Some of the projects identified included wayfinding signage, sidewalk and ADA improvements, and trail connectivity planning.
Area 15 Regional Planning Commission will continue working on the STRIDE plan and will plan another workshop to review and further prioritize the City's project list.
Homes for Iowa: Building Homes, Creating Opportunities
Homes for Iowa is a nonprofit program that partners with Iowa Prison Industries to address Iowa's housing shortage while providing construction training and workforce skills to incarcerated individuals.
The program offers affordable, quality-built modular homes in 1,000- and 1,200-square-foot models. Since 2020, more than 150 homes have been delivered across 51 Iowa counties, helping meet housing needs in communities throughout the state.
Current pricing through December 2026 is $99,000 for the 1,000-square-foot model and $108,000 for the 1,200-square-foot model.
For more information, visit Homes for Iowa or contact Matt Naumann at 641-814-8400.
Disaster Proclamation for 11 Counties Following Severe Weather
Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation on June 12, 2026, for 11 Iowa counties, including Wapello County, following severe weather that began June 5.
The proclamation activates state resources, the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program, and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program to support recovery efforts.
The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants up to $7,000 for qualifying households to assist with repairs, replacement of personal property, food losses, and temporary housing expenses.
The Disaster Case Advocacy Program helps individuals experiencing disaster-related hardship by providing guidance, referrals, and recovery planning.
For assistance information and applications, visit the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Area 15 RPC Provides Grant Support to Help Communities Move Projects Forward
Grant funding plays an important role in helping communities throughout Southeast Iowa achieve local priorities. From infrastructure improvements and housing initiatives to trails, public safety projects, and community facilities, outside funding resources can help turn community goals into completed projects.
Area 15 Regional Planning Commission works with cities, counties, and local organizations to identify funding opportunities and support successful grant applications. Staff monitor state and federal programs and assist communities with funding sources through agencies including IEDA, Iowa DOT, USDA, HUD, and other partners.
Grant assistance includes:
Identifying grant programs that align with community needs
Assisting with project development and application strategy
Preparing grant narratives, budgets, timelines, and supporting documents
Reviewing applications for compliance
Assisting with resolutions, letters of support, and post-award requirements
Area 15 RPC partners with communities throughout the region to strengthen applications, maximize funding opportunities, and advance projects that improve quality of life.
Communities are encouraged to contact Area 15 RPC early in the planning process to discuss potential projects and available funding resources.
REDI Inc. Revolving Loan Fund Available for Business Expansion
Regional Economic Development Investments Inc. (REDI Inc.) offers low-interest revolving loan funding to support business expansion and job creation throughout Southeast Iowa.
Eligible projects include machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures, and working capital. Loans are available up to $25,000 per job created or retained, with a maximum loan amount of $250,000.
Priority is given to projects creating skilled, higher-paying jobs in manufacturing, technology, and bioprocessing industries.
The program serves ten Southeast Iowa counties.
For more information, contact Chris Bowers at Area 15 RPC.
Speed Limit to Increase July 1
Iowa is moving forward with increasing the statewide default speed limit on rural two-lane highways from 55 mph to 60 mph following recently approved legislation signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds.
According to the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT), the change will require updated roadway signage across affected corridors, with statewide costs estimated at nearly $800,000 for sign replacement and installation.
Counties will also incur additional expenses for local sign updates and coordination, with costs varying based on the mileage of eligible roadways within each jurisdiction.
Supporters of the change say it reflects modern driving conditions and rural travel needs, while transportation officials note that implementation will be coordinated between IDOT and county secondary road departments ahead of the July 1 effective date.
Regional Trail Plan Update
The draft RPA 15 Regional Trail Plan Update is now available for public review and comment.
The official public comment period begins July 13 and ends August 26, 2026. The plan will be considered for adoption by the RPA 15 Policy Board on August 27, 2026.
The draft plan is available on the Area 15 RPC website. For questions or additional information, contact Hector Hernandez at hector.hernandez@area15rpc.com or call 641-814-8401.
Iowa League of Cities Workshops
The Iowa League of Cities is offering two upcoming workshops designed to provide training and resources for local government officials.
28E Agreements and Service Sharing Workshop
Learn how local governments can use 28E agreements to share services, staff, and equipment while creating partnerships to address limited resources and community needs.
Date: July 23
Location: Chariton Community Center
Time: 5:30–8:00 p.m.
Cost: $50
City Finance 101 Workshop
This workshop covers city finances, including fund accounting, municipal revenues and expenditures, and financial reporting. Training is geared toward newer city clerks, finance officers, and administrators but is open to all city officials.
Date: July 30
Location: RecPlex, West Des Moines
Time: 1:00–5:00 p.m.
Cost: $50
Housing Iowa Conference
The Housing Iowa Conference is Iowa's premier housing event, bringing together nearly 1,000 housing professionals, community leaders, developers, and advocates to explore housing solutions across the state.
Matt Naumann will attend representing Area 15 RPC and the AHEAD Regional Housing Trust Fund.
Date: September 9–10
Location: Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
Cost: $375
AHEAD Regional Housing Trust Fund Webinar
Area 15 RPC will host a virtual webinar highlighting the AHEAD Regional Housing Trust Fund Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program.
The session will provide communities with information on how the program helps homeowners access funding for essential repairs, improve housing safety, and preserve existing housing stock.
Topics include:
Program overview
Eligibility requirements
Eligible improvements
Community involvement
Successful project examples
Date: September 16, 2026
Time: Noon–12:30 p.m.
Format: Virtual (Teams invitation to follow)
Agassiz Lofts Receives Funding to Transform Historic Ottumwa School into Senior Housing
CBC Financial of Fairfield has been awarded Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from the Iowa Finance Authority for the development of Agassiz Lofts, a new affordable senior housing community in Ottumwa.
The project will transform the historic former Agassiz Elementary School, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, into 32 modern one- and two-bedroom apartments for seniors.
The redevelopment combines historic preservation with new, energy-efficient housing through Federal and State Historic Tax Credits, along with support from local partners. The City of Ottumwa has committed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance, and the project also received support through Ottumwa's designation as an Iowa Thriving Community.
A loan through the Regional Housing Trust Fund administered by Area 15 Regional Planning Commission provides another important piece of financing to help move the project forward.
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with completion anticipated in 2028. The project represents a significant investment in Ottumwa's future by preserving a historic landmark, expanding affordable housing options, and supporting community revitalization.
Vogel Heights Housing Development Breaks Ground in Ottumwa
A groundbreaking ceremony was held May 14 for Vogel Heights, a new housing development on the former St. Joseph Hospital site in Ottumwa.
The project will add 58 new housing units, including single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and a quadplex, helping address the community's growing housing needs.
The development is the result of a strong public-private partnership between the City of Ottumwa, Greater Ottumwa Development Foundation, Ottumwa Legacy Foundation, and Wapello County.
Ottumwa's designation as a 2026 Iowa Thriving Community by the Iowa Finance Authority and Iowa Economic Development Authority has provided additional support and momentum for this important community investment.
Alliant Energy Foundation Community Grants
Through its Community Grants program, the Alliant Energy Foundation helps fund local nonprofits and initiatives that strengthen quality of life and meet critical needs throughout the communities it serves.
Funding is focused on four key areas:
Hunger and housing
Workforce readiness
Environmental stewardship
Community safety and engagement
The application deadline is September 15, 2026.
Planning Today for Tomorrow's Infrastructure Needs
Water and wastewater systems are essential to public health, economic growth, and quality of life. Many Iowa communities rely on aging infrastructure that will eventually require repair or replacement.
Planning ahead for infrastructure improvements helps communities manage costs, reduce service disruptions, and prepare for future growth. Because projects often take years to develop and fund, early planning is key to identifying needs and pursuing available grant and loan opportunities.
Area 15 Regional Planning Commission works with communities across the region to identify infrastructure priorities, develop long-term plans, and explore funding options. By investing in planning today, communities can help ensure reliable infrastructure for years to come.
For more information, contact Area 15 RPC at (641) 684-6551.
Recently Completed Project
The Monroe-Wapello Road (T61) project recently reached completion, improving 3.4 miles of roadway from Blakesburg north to the city limits and Highway 34.
Funding included $300,000 in Farm-to-Market funds and $1.2 million in Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funds, for a total project cost of $1.5 million.
Transportation Improvement Program: Upcoming FY 2027–2030 Projects
The draft RPA 15 FY27–30 Transportation Improvement Program is available for public review and comment.
Upcoming projects include:
Mahaska County
The G29 Lacey East Overlay Project received $2.3 million in Surface Transportation Block Grant funding. The project includes hot mix asphalt paving on approximately 4.8 miles of roadway east of U.S. 63 and has an estimated total cost of $2.9 million.
Jefferson County
The Cedar View Paving Project received $498,000 in Transportation Alternatives Program funding to pave approximately 1.2 miles of trail. The total estimated project cost is $886,000.
Ottumwa
The North Court Street Project received $2.5 million in STBG/SWAP funding. The project will replace Portland cement concrete pavement along approximately 0.4 miles of North Court Street and has an estimated total project cost of $3.2 million.
Transportation Planning Work Program Approved
The Area 15 Regional Planning Commission Policy Board approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation Planning Work Program (TPWP) on May 21, 2026.
The TPWP serves as the annual guide for transportation planning activities throughout the region and supports implementation of the Long-Range Transportation Plan, Public Participation Plan, Passenger Transportation Plan, and Transportation Improvement Program.
The FY27 work program coordinates transportation planning efforts, project development, public engagement, and regional transportation initiatives in partnership with local communities and the Iowa Department of Transportation.
For questions regarding transportation planning activities within RPA 15, contact Hector Hernandez at hector.hernandez@area15rpc.com or call 641-814-8401.
Thank you for your membership
A BIG THANK YOU to all the cities and counties in our region who committed their annual membership to support Area 15 Regional Planning Commission! Your membership dues help provide the matching funds for our U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development planning grant. This program supports our staff to answer your calls and questions and provide technical assistance such as project development and grantwriting. The following is the list of RPC member cities and counties for FY2026 –
Agency | Barnes City | Batavia | Beacon | Birmingham | Blakesburg | Bloomfield | Bonaparte | Cantril | Chillicothe | Delta | Eddyville | Eldon | Fairfield | Farmington | Fremont | Harper | Hayesville | Hedrick | Keomah Village | Keosauqua | Keota | Keswick | Kinross | Kirkville | Leighton | Libertyville | Lockridge | Maharishi Vedic City | Martinsburg | Milton | New Sharon | Ollie | Oskaloosa | Ottumwa | Packwood | Pleasant Plain | Pulaski | Richland | Rose Hill | South English | Sigourney | Stockport | University Park | Webster | Davis County | Jefferson County | Keokuk County | Mahaska County | Van Buren County | Wapello County
AREA 15 REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
STAFF
Chris Bowers, Executive Director
Hector Hernandez, Transportation Planner
Brandon Dicks, Regional Planner
Matt Naumann, Housing Director
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mike Hadley, Chairperson - Keokuk Co.
Dale House, Vice-Chair - Van Buren Co.
Bryan Ziegler, Treasurer - Wapello Co.
Dave Henderson - Davis Co.
Lee Dimmitt - Jefferson Co.
Mark Gronendyk - Mahaska Co.
Jimmy Morlan - Sigourney
John Helgerson - Private Sector
Emily Starnes - Economic Development
Matt Greiner - Private Sector
641-684-6551
PO Box 1110 | 224 E Second Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501
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