Section 261.1.1. History and mission.

The Iowa department of economic development was established in 1986 pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 15. The authority delegated to the department had previously been delegated to the Iowa development commission and the office for planning and programming. In 2011, the general assembly reorganized the delivery of economic development services to the state of Iowa by creating a formal collaboration between the public and private sectors. As part of this reorganization, the department was eliminated and the economic development authority was created as the successor entity to the department. All existing duties, responsibilities, and obligations of the former department are assumed by the authority.

The mission of the authority is to foster the economic vitality of the state by working in focused partnerships with businesses, entrepreneurs, communities and educational entities. The authority’s primary responsibilities are in the areas of finance, marketing, local government and service coordination, exporting, tourism, job training and entrepreneurial assistance, and small business.

[ARC 0441C, IAB 11/14/12, effective 12/19/12]