Community Matters Live Webinar Series Begins New Sessions in April

By Andi Anderson

The next three sessions of Community Matters Live, a monthly webinar series from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development, will begin on April 22.

The program is designed for individuals involved in community planning, housing, and development work across Iowa. These sessions bring together specialists, local experts, and practical resources to help communities strengthen their planning efforts.

Community Matters Live focuses on topics that matter most to Iowa residents and local leaders. The series highlights real examples, useful tools, and strategies that communities can apply immediately in their local projects.

It serves a wide audience, including elected officials, city and county staff, housing partners, planners, economic development professionals, and nonprofit boards or commission members.

“Community Matters Live is built around the questions we hear from communities across Iowa,” said Jen Hargrove, community development specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Each month we highlight programs and projects that offer clear, usable insights communities can apply in their local work.”

The upcoming three sessions will each address an important area of community development:

April 22 – Understanding Tax Credits:

Participants will receive a clear overview of current tax incentives. The session will explain how communities can use these credits to support local development and encourage investment.

May 27 – Iowa’s Living Roadways:

This session will highlight how the Community Visioning program blends transportation planning, landscape design, and community input. Participants will see real examples of how the program has shaped projects in communities across Iowa.

June 24 – Preparing Your Community for Housing Success with the Rural Housing Readiness Assessment Program:

This webinar will explain how the Rural Housing Readiness Assessment helps communities identify their local housing needs and create strategies that support long‑term progress.

“CED works with communities of all sizes across Iowa,” Hargrove said. “Community Matters Live is another way for us to share what we’re learning and support the work happening on the ground.”

For questions or more information about the webinar series, participants can email cedcml@iastate.edu.

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