Now eligible for more additional state funding
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs announced Friday that 13 Iowa communities, including Jefferson, will receive the state’s support through two creative placemaking programs that put the arts, culture and history at the center of creative community development.
The department designated new Iowa Great Places in Jefferson, Oskaloosa, Washington and Woodbine, and re-designated Appanoose County/Vermillion Township, Bondurant, Council Bluffs, Malvern, Maquoketa and the Turkey River Recreation Corridor.
The department also designated new Iowa Cultural & Entertainment Districts in Iowa City, McGregor and Winterset.
“The Iowa Great Places and Iowa Cultural and Entertainment Districts form the backbone of our state’s overall community building and tourism strategy,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said. “Each place tells an authentic story, and we’re proud to support their proud community spirit and hard work.”
“As is the case with so much of the success this community has seen in recent years, we must acknowledge that many, many people, organizations, and businesses contributed to Jefferson earning this designation,” said Jefferson Matters: A Main Street & Chamber Community tourism and events coordinator Matt Wetrich, as spokesperson for the organization. “The citizens of Jefferson and Greene County have developed a reputation for working together for the greater good of the community. Because of this, we are being recognized all over Iowa and beyond. This newest designation is one more feather in our growing cap of positive momentum.”
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs designates Iowa Great Places to support new and existing infrastructure that cultivates arts and culture, architecture, business, community diversity, historic assets, housing options and the natural environment in their neighborhoods, communities and regions.
This was the second application Jefferson Matters: Main Street submitted for the Great Places designation. The first application was denied.
Friday’s announcement brings the total number of Iowa Great Places to 42 communities, which have collectively received more than $22 million in state support – while leveraging millions more in local investments – since the program started in 2005. Funding for the program comes from the Iowa Legislature through an annual appropriation from the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund.
