Top Iowa economic development official emphasizes ‘placemaking’
December 31, 2024
Iowa Economic Development Authority director Debi Durham says growth in Iowa’s economy not only depends on the state’s tax and regulatory climate, but on community development.
“What is community development? That’s housing. That’s quality of life That’s placemaking,” Durham said during a presentation earlier this month at the Iowa Taxpayers Association’s annual meeting. “All of those things that never used to rise to the importance of just this business climate, but I will tell you today they are equally as important.”
Population trends illustrate the importance of making Iowa communities attractive for newcomers—or Iowans considering a return to the state.
