Economic Development

INRCOG supports regional economic development through the Iowa Northland Regional Economic Development Commission (INREDC). Designated as a Regional Economic Development District by the U.S. Department of Commerce in 1990, our region has secured annual Economic Development Administration planning assistance funds to provide technical assistance and assist other agencies secure grants and loans for local communities, development groups, and expanding businesses. The INREDC serves the INRCOG region which includes Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw, and Grundy Counties in Iowa.

INREDC is managed by a Board of Directors consisting of elected officials and representatives of labor, business, industrial, educational, economic, professional, and minority interests in the INREDC region and Black Hawk Economic Development. Professional staff of regional Economic Development Organizations and cities and counties in the INREDC region advises on concerns and opportunities throughout our region.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 

The INREDC’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) sets goals and objectives and establishes a process that will help create jobs, attract public and private investments, foster a more stable and diversified economy, and improve living conditions in the region. The INREDC Board of Directors governs these economic development efforts and INRCOG staff supports them.

Business Revolving Loan Fund

Financial assistance for businesses is available via the INREDC Revolving Loan Fund.

Tax Increment Financing and Tax Abatement

Tax Increment can be used for multiple community development purposes such as the purchase of land, demolition of existing structures, financial assistance, financial incentives, infrastructure including water, sewer and road improvements and many other ways to make a local project a reality. INRCOG provides Urban Renewal Plans, mapping, public hearing information, consultation services, resolutions, ordinances and sample agreements for the establishment of an Urban Renewal area and the implementation of a TIF project. 

Cedar Valley Regional Partnership

INRCOG also serves as the grant writer, administrator, and fiscal agent for The Cedar Valley Regional Partnership, an economic development marketing partnership focused on attracting business investments to Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw and Grundy counties in Iowa.

Cedar Valley River Partnership

INRCOG plays a key role in the Cedar Valley River Partnership, a regional non-profit organization formed to oversee and identify the economic development opportunities associated with the Cedar River. The mission of the organization is to implement the regional placemaking plans developed in coordination with local governments, private and public entities, environmental and recreational organizations, and citizens; these plans are identified in The Cedar Valley River Experience Vision. The CVRP is governed by a Board of Directors made up of elected and appointed officials.

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