UNI assists with northwest Iowa flood recovery efforts

The recovery process for northwest Iowa communities affected by the historic June 2024 floods continues to gain momentum aided by the collaborative efforts of two University of Northern Iowa programs, the Institute for Decision Making and Strategic Marketing Services. UNI communicated extensively with leaders in Rock Valley, Spencer, Rock Rapids and Hawarden throughout initial response and recovery efforts. Recent initiatives include the distribution of two surveys to measure ongoing progress and address evolving needs.

One of these was a follow-up survey sent to flood victims to evaluate their progress in rebuilding and highlight any remaining challenges. The second survey focused on Spencer businesses, gathering data to better understand their interest in relocating if opportunities and financial assistance were made available. These surveys build on initial efforts to provide data that informs local, state and federal responses.

Curt Strouth, president and chief executive officer of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation emphasized the critical role UNI continues to play. "In economic development, we always stress the importance of partnerships, collaboration and relationships. On June 22, 2024, our regions were devastated by a historic flood that impacted hundreds of businesses and displaced thousands of residents. We worked closely with the UNI team to establish business and residential surveys that were vital in achieving a rapid, high-level response and to assess the overall damage. The data collected from these surveys helped us communicate damages and the local impact to FEMA, the Small Business Administration and the State of Iowa, which was essential to access the funding available to help our communities rebuild. We are extremely thankful for the resources that the team at UNI provides and consider them a key partner of ours in all things economic development."

UNI’s service to northwest Iowa is possible because of the dedicated state funding provided through the Regents Innovation Fund, which ensures assistance is offered at no cost to communities impacted by natural disasters. Institute of Decision Making director Drew Conrad explained the significance of this funding: “Dedicated state funding through the Regents Innovation Fund has enabled us to provide this assistance at no cost to these impacted rural communities and therefore not create any further burdens on the communities or the economic development organizations.”

This approach highlights UNI Business and Community Services’ commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships and delivering critical support during challenging times. By offering resources and expertise, the Institute of Decision Making and Strategic Marketing Services continue to play a vital role in helping impacted areas rebuild stronger and more resilient communities.