Shaping A Community Culture
When you think about the North Iowa area, and all it has to offer, are you thinking about its culture? In September, the board members of the Greater Mason City Chamber of Commerce came together for a strategic planning retreat. Like-minded individuals coming together, for the “greater good” of our community, discussing our strengths and our opportunities for growth, planning for an even stronger chamber for the future. Toward the end of the day, the conversations shifted from small business engagement and membership expansion to the community’s culture. As the day wanes on, more sensitive topics float to the surface, participants who are already passionate about the work they’re doing, really start to speak up – there’s a comfort in the room that allows the space for this.
This very thing happened in the room that afternoon while discussing our community’s culture. The question: “Are we doing everything we can as a Chamber, a chamber member, to fully promote the area we live and really communicate to our employees, our families and friends, how great our community and workforce really is?” When we can inspire a shared vision of what we believe our community’s culture is to our colleagues and potential business candidates, we can create a positive environment for workforce retention and recruitment. We are able to bring our High School graduates back home after college, we can attract high-performing job candidates to our area, where it truly is the greatest place to raise a family. When we can collectively show others how proud we are to live where we do, that’s when the magic happens. A community culture statement will be drafted in the coming months to be shared with all of you, along with community-wide marketing. Get ready to be PROUD, North Iowa, it’s about to get “greater.”
Written by: Danielle Pace, Clear Lake Bank & Trust
Housing in North Iowa
North Iowa’s housing landscape has seen meaningful momentum this year as regional partners, developers, and local leaders work together to expand options for current and future residents. Strengthening our housing pipeline remains essential to supporting workforce needs, business growth, and long-term community vitality. Here’s a look at the progress underway across the region.
Building Knowledge & Expanding Partnerships
To bring more stakeholders into the conversation, the Corridor hosted two major educational events in November: Homes for Iowa and a developer panel with Core Real Estate Group, Community Housing Initiative, and Hubbell Realty. These events drew participants from across North Iowa, including local economic development groups, utilities, higher education, and community partners. The conversations helped strengthen relationships and create a more consistent understanding of housing development and availability, setting the stage for more coordinated development in 2026.
Thriving Community Designations
The Iowa Thriving Community initiative recognizes forward-thinking communities that are proactively addressing workforce housing needs. Selected communities demonstrate best practices in planning, financial support, targeted development, leadership and employer engagement. The designation provides valuable scoring advantages for tax credits and grant programs. Mason City, designated in 2024, is working with developers for spring 2026 groundbreakings on four multiresidential projects totaling 82 units. Clear Lake, designated in 2025, is working with a variety of existing and new developers to submit tax credit and grant applications to support single family homes and multifamily residential developments. Housing remains one of the top factors influencing North Iowa’s workforce competitiveness. The work happening now is laying the groundwork for the homes our region will need in the years ahead.
Written by: Shelley Oltmans, North Iowa Corridor EDC