East Central Intergovernmental Association

06/01/2026

The May 2026 ECIA Spotlight is now available! This edition features community development projects across eastern Iowa, updates on housing and regional initiatives, upcoming events and trainings, and highlights from programs supporting local communities and partners.

See the full newsletter at:

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06/01/2026

CSEI is excited to announce a partnership with Kendra Scott to shine bright and do good!✨

𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟔 - 𝟖 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲!

𝟐𝟎% 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 will directly impact this important cause.

Treat yourself, or someone you love, while making a meaningful difference for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

05/25/2026

Remembering and honoring those who gave everything for our freedom. ECIA Offices are closed today, Monday, May 25th in honor of Memorial Day. Normal office hours will resume Tuesday, May 26th.

05/11/2026

Check out the Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities (IISC) students working with Main Street West Branch!

Throughout the semester, college seniors worked alongside Main Street West Branch to research best practices, develop strategic communications plans, and help streamline marketing and outreach efforts.

University of Iowa students get their first taste of city planning in West Branch

05/11/2026

Interested in strengthening your grant applications or getting started with grant writing? Join us for Grant Writing 101, a FREE, in‑person workshop led by ECIA’s Marla Quinn, Grants & Municipal Coordinator! Reserve your spot today at: https://forms.gle/AeVc8PuaRAT866v37.

05/08/2026

Congratulations to our very own Liz Kemp and Kim Glaser on presenting at the National Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Program Manager School!

05/07/2026

The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, May 14th at 12:00 p.m. to consider an amendment to the FFY 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), draft FFY 2027-2028 TIP, and Final Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation Planning Work Program (TPWP). Please provide your input!

The TIP is prepared and adopted each year and contains projects for the coming four fiscal years. The TIP process is also being used to satisfy the City of Dubuque’s Section 5307 program of projects requirement. . The TPWP is prepared and adopted each year and contains transportation planning activities for the current fiscal year.

Learn more and view the full statement here: https://eciatrans.org/news_detail_T17_R66.php

Notice of Public Hearing Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study For Approval of Amendment to Federal Fiscal Year 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program Draft Federal Fiscal Year 2027-2030 Transportation Improvement Program Final Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation Planning Work Program   ...

04/29/2026

Exciting news for Eastern Iowa! Four giant trolls have landed in Clinton. Dambo Troll - The Sawmill Museum

The trolls were designed and created by Thomas Dambo and community volunteers using reclaimed wood and recycled materials. Helmut is the troll in the attachment. He is located at the The Sawmill Museum. There will be a book reading and signing by Thomas Dambo at 5:00 pm on Thursday, April 30 at the Clinton LumberKings Stadium Art Talk and Book Signing with Thomas Dambo Tickets, Clinton LumberKings, 30 April 2026 and an unveiling of one of the trolls on Friday, May 1 at the Bickelhaupt Arboretum at 10:00 am (Bickelhaupt Arboretum | Eastern Iowa Community College)

In collaboration with KSU TAB - Technical Assistance to Brownfields, Stantec, Eocene Environmental Group, Grow Clinton IA/IL, Choose Clinton, Iowa and The Sawmill Museum, East Central Intergovernmental Association is working on planning activities and environmental assessments for the 12 acres currently owned by the museum. KSU TAB - Technical Assistance to Brownfields and Stantec are leading the effort of developing a Revisioning Plan that will in part include creating an inviting fun, space for visitors to see the troll, enjoy the Mississippi River and visit the The Sawmill Museum. Eocene Environmental Group will then prepare an Implementation Plan that provide the museum with a path forward to bring the final concepts to life. Planning and assessment activities are funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Brownfield Program (U.S. EPA Heartland Region).

Initial plan concepts are available at: https://www.thesawmillmuseum.org/riverfront-north.html The Sawmill is seeking feedback on the draft.

01/23/2026

The January 2026 ECIA Spotlight is now available! This month features major wins across the region, including DeWitt’s $2.9M RISE grant, Maquoketa’s $628K CAT award, and Peosta’s $50K T‑Mobile grant, plus highlights from our regional legislative event, an upcoming Feb. 18 webinar on smarter fiscal decision‑making, celebrations of staff retirements and anniversaries, congratulations to AICP Candidate Jack Studier, and a reminder that the ECIA Fund Alert has moved online at ecia.org/grant_opportunities. Read all about it at: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/162bc6d1cb.html