(Villisca) A new community development organization is taking shape in Villisca, with a vision for strengthening the local economy, supporting families, and creating opportunities for the community’s future. Residents, business owners, community leaders, and anyone interested in the future of Villisca are invited to attend a town hall-style informational meeting on Wednesday, November 11, at 6:00 p.m. at the Villisca Community Building.
The event will introduce the organization’s mission, its board members, its plans for the future, and opportunities for community involvement. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the resources available to Villisca, ask questions, share ideas, and discover how they can help shape the community’s future.
The Villisca Initiative was born out of an exciting opportunity being launched in Southwest Iowa. In October 2024, the Charles E. Lakin Foundation dedicated $165 million to 50 communities across six counties in Southwest Iowa to help address population decline and strengthen the region. The Villisca community has been allocated $3.7 million to establish a revolving loan fund for investing in projects to benefit the community. In addition to these investments, up to 5% of the fund’s year-end balance is available for grants each year—approximately $185,000 annually based on the initial allocation.
These resources present an opportunity to invest in projects that strengthen economic resilience, support children and families, and improve educational outcomes. The Villisca Initiative, a new 501(c)3 organization, was established in order for Villisca to move forward in the process of receiving these funds from the Lakin Foundation. Since its inception, the Villisca Initiative has been working to identify community needs and pursue strategic investments, with the goal of making meaningful, long-lasting improvements for Villisca and its residents.
The Villisca Initiative’s inaugural board members bring together individuals with diverse professional backgrounds and connections to Villisca’s businesses, families, public agencies, and community organizations. Current board members include:\
● Chad Jacobs, President chad.jacobs@fcsamerica.com
● Amber Mullen, Vice President amullen@southwestvalley.org
● Misti Yates, Treasurer myates@fmtcnet.com
● Alex Burton, Secretary villiscacba@gmail.com
● Christina Solt, Member at Large csolt@clarindahealth.com
Looking ahead, the organization hopes to make a meaningful impact through grant opportunities, encourage innovation and economic development through low-interest loans, build connections among community leaders, increase residents’ economic resilience, and improve family well-being and educational outcomes.
“Villisca’s future is something we all have a stake in, and this is an incredible opportunity that we want to be good stewards of. This town hall is an opportunity for our community to come together, learn what is possible, ask questions, and share ideas. Community members, new or lifelong, young and old, and from all walks of life are encouraged to attend.” – Villisca Initiative president, Chad Jacobs.
What: Community Organization Town Hall and Informational Meeting When: Wednesday, November 11, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Villisca Community Building
Who: All interested community members
Officials ask the public to come learn about the organization, meet its members, ask questions, and be part of the conversation about Villisca’s future. Whether you are a longtime resident or new to town, a local business owner, a parent, a young person, or anyone else who cares about the future vitality of the Villisca community – you’re encouraged to join us! Community involvement will be imperative to the success of the Villisca Initiative, and ultimately, the return on investment for the money being invested there.
In addition to sharing the purpose and vision of the organization as a whole, the Villisca Initiative will also be unveiling its proposed first “keystone project”. We hope you’ll join us and be inspired as we imagine the possibilities, share input, and celebrate this amazing opportunity!
For more information, please contact any of the current board members listed above.
