Extensions and expansions suppport the immediate and ongoing needs of homeowners who are experiencing economic impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Increasing access to affordable, quality housing has long been a top priority for the City of Decorah and economic development officials. UERPC has resources that can help low- to moderate-income homeowners maintain their homes.

UERPC and the Northeast Iowa Business Network are hosting the Northeast Iowa Housing Summit for economic development, construction, housing finance, real estate and local government professionals on Wednesday, March 24th. Two virtual sessions will be offered. 

The first session (10:00am-12:00pm) will have information for local government officials and area real estate finance professionals and will cover programs available in Northeast Iowa through UERPC.

The second session (5:00pm-6:00pm) will cover state programs that could benefit local communities.

Anyone working with the field of housing in Northeast Iowa is encouraged to attend one or both of the sessions. Both sessions will be held via Zoom. To RSVP for one or both of the Northeast Iowa Housing Summit sessions, email Katelyn Peterson at kpeterson@uerpc.org.

UERPC is thrilled to assist Howard County and Upper Iowa Beef (UIB) with a Career Link Transportation Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in an amount of $109,200. 

This program provides funding to support transportation for individuals to travel to job activities or job education opportunities. Funding is provided through local governments to non-profit transportation service providers for operational expenses (not for purchasing buses or other equipment).

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) recently awarded the City of Waukon a Housing Rehabilitation Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in an amount not to exceed $253,000 for the exterior rehabilitation of six homes within the city limits.

New Homeowner Assistance Pre-Applications Available in Decorah

Decorah homeowners may have a new way to pay for home improvements later this year. The City of Decorah and UERPC are partnering to apply for a Community Development Block Grant that will assist low- to moderate- income homeowners with critical home repairs. UERPC is seeking pre-applications from Decorah homeowners to determine interest in the program. Applicants must own a home in the City of Decorah and income-qualify to participate.
 
Pre-applications are now available by calling 563-864-7551 or by emailing nthompson@uerpc.org. Pre-applications can also be picked up at Decorah City Hall (400 Claiborne Dr.) from 9am-4pm or at UERPC’s Decorah office (325 Washington St.) from 9am-4pm.

Pre-applications can be returned to UERPC's Decorah office, to Decorah City Hall or mailed to UERPC Housing (134 W Greene St, PO Box 219, Postville, IA 52162).
 
Any interested homeowners are urged to fill out a pre-application, since UERPC has additional programs that can assist homeowners with repairs and rehabilitation. For more information, call UERPC Housing at 563-864-7551 or email nthompson@uerpc.org.

Decorah homeowners may have a new way to pay for home improvements later this year. The City of Decorah and UERPC are partnering to apply for a Community Development Block Grant that will assist low- to moderate- income homeowners with critical home repairs. UERPC is seeking pre-applications from Decorah homeowners to determine interest in the program. Applicants must own a home in the City of Decorah and income-qualify to participate.

 
Pre-applications are now available by calling 563-864-7551 or by emailing nthompson@uerpc.org. Pre-applications can also be picked up at Decorah City Hall (400 Claiborne Dr.) from 9am-4pm or at UERPC’s Decorah office (325 Washington St.) from 9am-4pm.

Pre-applications can be returned to UERPC's Decorah office, to Decorah City Hall or mailed to UERPC Housing (134 W Greene St, PO Box 219, Postville, IA 52162).
 
Any interested homeowners are urged to fill out a pre-application, since UERPC has additional programs that can assist homeowners with repairs and rehabilitation. For more information, call UERPC Housing at 563-864-7551 or email nthompson@uerpc.org.

The UERPC February 2021 Newsletter is here! http://uerpc.org/newsletters.html 

Highlights include:

• OPEN HOUSE EVENT:  Homes for Iowa Open House on February 25th in Oelwein
• OPEN HOUSE EVENT:  Housing Resource Open House on February 23rd in Decorah
• MARK YOUR CALENDARS!  Northeast Iowa Housing Summit Taking Place on March 24th
• Howard County and Upper Iowa Beef Awarded CDBG Funding
• City of Waukon Awarded Housing Rehabilitation CDBG Funding
• New Homeowner Assistance Pre-Applications Available in Decorah
• ICOG Legislative Update- February 8, 2021
• Reminder:  UERPC is Open
• Employee Spotlight:  Jodi Gray
• Free LED Lightbulbs from Winneshiek Energy District
• Northeast Iowa STEAM Festival Plans for 2022
• NICC Virtual Training Opportunities
• Pick Up Iowa 2021 Happening March 26th through June 30th
• February SRTS Monthly Motivators:  Share your love of walking and kindness!
• February 5-2-1-0 Feature:  Sweet ways to show your love without food!

Want to receive our newsletter in your inbox? Sign up here:  http://uerpc.org/newsletters.html 

The UERPC January 2021 Newsletter is here! https://uerpc.org/newsletters.html  

Highlights include:

• Call for Applications for Multimodal Transportation Grants
• SBA and Treasury Announce PPP Re-Opening and Issue New Guidance
• ICOG Legislative Update - January 14, 2021
• NICC Virtual Training Opportunities
• The 411 on UERPC's Housing Programs
• UERPC is Open
• NOTICE:  UERPC office will be closed on Monday, February 15th for Presidents Day
• Employee Spotlight:  Katelyn Peterson
• Hotline to Housing Event at West Union Library on Jan. 27th
• Rural North Waukon Broadband Project Receives Funding
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) Still Available
• Iowa Safe Routes to School Conference Happening in January
• January SRTS Monthly Motivators:  New Year New You!
• January 5-2-1-0 Feature:  'Water' You Drinking This Year?

Want to receive our newsletter in your inbox? Sign up here:  https://uerpc.org/newsletters.html  

The Public Participation Plan (PPP) of the Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) Transportation Policy Board is now available for public review and comment. The document will be available for public review for a minimum of 45 days prior to adoption, and will be considered for adoption at the Board’s March 2021 meeting.

The PPP is developed and used to define a process for providing the public with reasonable opportunities to be involved in the transportation planning process for the five-county region of northeast Iowa consisting of Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard, and Winneshiek Counties.

For more information and to review the PPP, please follow this link: http://www.uerpc.org/public-comment.html

The Transportation Policy Board of Regional Planning Affiliation 1 (RPA-1) in northeast Iowa is pleased to announce the call for applications for Iowa’s Transportation Alternatives Program (Iowa’s TAP) and Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding for diverse transportation projects in our region and communities.

Eligible projects for Iowa’s TAP funding include construction of walking and bicycling infrastructure such as sidewalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps, bicycle facilities, and paved multi-use trails, as well as certain community improvement and environmental mitigation activities. STBG funding can be used for all of the previously mentioned Iowa’s TAP eligible projects, as well as construction and reconstruction of roads, streets, and bridges. Because all projects eligible for Iowa’s TAP funding are also eligible for STBG funding, applicants for Iowa’s TAP eligible projects may apply to both programs for the same project. Applicants may also apply to both programs for a single eligible project that would include funding from both sources if awarded.

Eligible applicants include all public agencies and local governments within RPA-1 that have jurisdiction over public rights-of-way for transportation (including walking and bicycling facilities); public transportation agencies; and agencies with transportation planning responsibilities. The RPA-1 geographic region includes the Counties of Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard, and Winneshiek.

The current application cycle is for funding in federal fiscal year (FFY) 2025, which begins on October 1, 2024. RPA-1 is expected to have approximately $2.2 million in STBG and $179,000 in Iowa’s TAP funding available for distribution. Applications for both programs will be accepted beginning January 31, 2021 and are due by February 28, 2021.

For full eligibility criteria and information on how to apply, please contact Aaron Detter at adetter@uerpc.org or 563-419-6126.

Are you struggling to find enough money for housing repairs? Find out how you can benefit from local programs that have helped hundreds of Northeast Iowa homeowners make needed repairs to their homes. City of West Union and Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) invite West Union residents to “Hotline to Housing,” a free event on Wednesday, January 27th at 6:00pm at the Heiserman Room of the West Union Public Library, 210 N. Vine Street in West Union.

Happy Holidays from UERPC!

Click here to view our holiday greeting.

The UERPC December 2020 Newsletter is here! https://uerpc.org/newsletters.html  

Highlights include:

• Reflecting on 2020- From the Desk of Executive Director Rachelle Howe
• UERPC Hosts Virtual Legislative Forum
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Project "Charges" into Northeast Iowa!
• UERPC Awarded Iowa Finance Authority Grant
• 10 Year Impact of the Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund
• I Zoom, You Zoom, We All Zoom for Holiday Fun!
• UERPC is Open
• NOTICE: UERPC offices will be closed on Thursday, December 24th and Friday, December 25th for the Christmas holiday. Happy Holidays!
• Employee Spotlight:  Aaron Detter
• Thank You for Your Service to UERPC!
• Homes for Iowa House Arrives in Oelwein
• Workforce Update
• Iowa Safe Routes to School Conference Happening in January
• NICC Virtual Training Opportunities
• December 5-2-1-0 Feature:  Bundle Up and Try These Outdoor Winter Activities! 

Want to receive our newsletter in your inbox? Sign up here:  https://uerpc.org/newsletters.html  

The draft 2020 Allamakee County comprehensive plan, All in Allamakee, is now available for public review and comment. To view the draft document in PDF form, and for instructions on submitting comments, please click on the following link.

http://www.uerpc.org/allamakee-county-comprehensive-plan.html

The Allamakee County Supervisors will hear public comments and consider adoption of the plan at upcoming meetings. For contact information and information on upcoming Board of Supervisor meetings, please visit https://www.allamakee.us/supervisors.

The UERPC November 2020 Newsletter is here! https://uerpc.org/newsletters.html 

Highlights include:

• Northeast Iowa Collaboration Recognized Nationally for Environmental Education
• NICC Virtual Training Opportunities
• Meet the Iowa Safe Routes Partnership Team!
• UERPC is Open
• NOTICE:  UERPC offices will be closed on Thursday, November 26th and Friday, November 27th for the Thanksgiving holiday.
• Employee Spotlight:  Michelle Barness
• UERPC Hosting Virtual Legislative Event on December 10th
• IEDA Community Catalyst Building Remediation Program Virtual Application Workshop
• Iowa Workforce Development Information
• November 5-2-1-0 Feature:  Serve Screen-free Connections During This Holiday Season

Want to receive our newsletter in your inbox? Sign up here:  http://uerpc.org/newsletters.html

The UERPC October 2020 Newsletter is here! https://mailchi.mp/f96982376c0a/uerpc-august-2020-newsletter-3317734

Highlights include:

• Happy "Walk"tober from UERPC!
• Iowa Workforce Development Information
• Food Hub Helps Farmers, Pantry Clients During Market Closure
• REMINDER:  UERPC is Open
• NOTICE:  UERPC offices will be closed on Wednesday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day
• Employee Spotlight:  Valerie Reinke
• Make Your Voice Heard--Vote!
• Safe at Work Information and Business Helpline
• October 5-2-1-0 Feature:  It's Healthiest State Month!

Want to receive our newsletter in your inbox? Sign up here:  http://uerpc.org/newsletters.html

The UERPC September 2020 Newsletter is here! https://mailchi.mp/c345401f2d53/uerpc-september-2020-newsletter-3294762 

Highlights include:

• EDA Award Allows UERPC to Add New Monies to Current RLF
• UERPC Receives Community Facilities TAT Grant
• Limited In-person Services Now Offered by IowaWORKS
• Dedicated Maynard Walking School Bus Volunteer Featured in Oelwein Daily Register
• Employee Spotlight:  Karen Cooper
• UERPC Announces New Housing Department Head
• Lost Wage Assistance Now Available
• Virtual Live Business Summit 2020:  Culture of Service, the Zappos Story
• Walk to School Day is October 7th
• Family Business Forum to Launch Breakfast Series
• UERPC Featured as Iowa Safe Routes to School Guest Blogger
• September 5-2-1-0 Feature:  Try Healty Back-to-school Snacks

The Iowa Department of Transportation has recently released an update to the Iowa Public Transit Long-range Plan.

The Iowa Public Transit Long-range Plan update has been under development over the last 18 months, including researching the historical trends in demographics and passenger transportation usage, forecasting future projected needs within the public transit system, and devising strategies to address challenges.

Please visit https://iowadot.gov/iowainmotion/Modal-Iowa Public Transit Long Range Plan for more information.

The Community Housing Assistant will represent our organization being the first line of contact with visitors. Responsible for providing community development, administrative, and technical assistance to Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) including answering incoming phone calls, assisting individuals with questions, maintaining a strong inventory of office supplies, and assisting housing staff with projects. Other duties include assisting in oversight of two low rent apartment complexes. The candidate should have a strong attention to detail, good communication skills and ability to multitask efficiently. Basic knowledge of computer skills including Microsoft Word, Publisher, and Excel are recommended. Qualifications: Associates Degree or an equivalent combination of training and experience in administrative or clerical.  Upper Explorerland offers a full benefit package including health insurance, dental, vision, retirement, short term, and long-term disability. A full job description and application may be found at www.uerpc.org.  Email a resume and three references to rhowe@uerpc.org   EOE

UERPC is accepting bids for a used fleet vehicle:  2010 Dodge Caravan, 3.8 L engine, V6, Front wheel drive with current mileage of 145,750, color is gold.

Please submit a written bid to Rachelle Howe at rhowe@uerpc.org or by mail to 325 Washington Street, Decorah, IA  52101 by Friday, September 4, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Bidders will be notified by Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Minimum bid required is $3,500. 

The UERPC August 2020 Newsletter is here! https://mailchi.mp/6d62417c014b/uerpc-august-2020-newsletter-3222318

Highlights include:
•Another Investment Award Secured for Region by UERPC
•Back to School...Back to Walking and Biking!
•COVID-19 Iowa Eviction & Foreclosure Prevention Program Eligibility Criteria Expanded
•Iowa Nonprofit Recovery Fund Application Period Extended, Eligibility Expanded
•UERPC Open by Appointment
•NOTICE:  UERPC Offices will be closed on Monday, September 7th for Labor Day
•Employee Spotlight: April Bril
•It's Not Too Late! Take the 2020 Census Today!
•Iowa Workforce Development on Coursera
•COVID-19 Best Practices and Resources
•Support for Child Care Providers
•August 5-2-1-0 Feature: Farmers Markets

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Iowa's Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) is pleased to announce registration is now open for the “Countermeasures for Pedestrian Safety” virtual workshop. This free workshop will be held via webinar on August 26 and 27, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM each day. Attendance both days is required to receive a certificate. Workshop information and registration can be found at: https://iowaltap.iastate.edu/events/pedestrian-countermeasures/. If you have any questions, please contact David Veneziano at dvenez@iastate.edu or 515-294-5480.

The Iowa Department of Transportation will hold a meeting to accept public comments about the draft Iowa Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20.

In order to maintain adequate social distancing, public participation in the meeting will be limited to conference call. Live audio will be made available via telephone. Dial 866-685-1580 and use conference ID 4908246093 to join the public meeting.

A brief overview of the STIP and its development process will be provided beginning at 2 p.m. and will be followed by time for comments and questions on the STIP. Should discussion be ongoing at 2:30 p.m., additional time will be made available to accommodate all comments on the document.  

The draft STIP identifies all projects proposed to be authorized for funding provided by the Federal Highway Administration or Federal Transit Administration during federal fiscal years 2021-2024. It includes projects for state, county, city, and federal transportation systems. Development of the STIP is required by federal law. The draft STIP can be viewed on the Iowa DOT's website at:

https://iowadot.gov/program_management/stip/2021-2024_STIPDraft.pdf

Comments on the draft STIP can be provided at the meeting or by contacting Matt Chambers, of the Iowa DOT's Program Management Bureau, at 515-239-1409 or Matthew.Chambers@iowadot.us. Comments on the draft STIP will be accepted through Sept. 7, 2020. You can also contact Chambers if you would like a printed copy of the draft STIP.

The Assistant Finance Manager is involved in/responsible for a variety of day to day accounting and administrative duties as well as monthly, quarterly and fiscal year end closes. The ideal candidate will have experience in governmental accounting, payroll and tax reporting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoice and billing, budget review, journal entries, general ledger, account reconciliation, cost allocations, monthly closing, annual audits as well as administrative duties.  Qualifications:  Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, or an Associate's Degree in Accounting or an equivalent combination. The candidate must have strong attention to detail, ability to organize work, determine priorities and meet deadlines, work harmoniously with co-employees and interact with the general public in a tactful and courteous manner, good verbal and written communication skills, proficient in Microsoft office, (word, excel and outlook), a solid understanding of generally accepted accounting principles; knowledge of Uniform Grants Guidance and local government accounting a plus. Must be able to maintain a valid driver’s license. Upper Explorerland offers a full benefit package including health insurance, dental, vision, retirement, short term and long term disability. A full job description and application may be found at www.uerpc.org. Email a resume and application to kcooper@uerpc.org   EOE