Connecting Brooklyn Businesses with Downtown Revitalization Resources

Poweshiek Development, Region 6 Resource Partners, the Brooklyn Economic Development Group, and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce brought Brooklyn business and building owners together on August 10 at First National Bank in Brooklyn to learn about a potential resource for downtown building improvements.

Julie Winter with Region 6 Resource Partners shared information about the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Commercial Façades Program, including how the program works, potential eligible improvements, and what would be involved if Brooklyn chooses to pursue the opportunity.

The meeting was an introduction and an opportunity to gauge interest. A façade program has not been launched in Brooklyn, and no funding has been awarded or committed.

If pursued, the program could help eligible downtown building owners make exterior improvements such as façade restoration, windows and doors, awnings and signage, tuckpointing, and other improvements. Building owners would contribute toward the cost of improvements, with grant funding potentially covering a portion of eligible project costs.

The next step is to determine whether there is enough interest among Brooklyn building owners to continue exploring the opportunity.

Bringing resources like this to communities is an important part of Poweshiek Development’s countywide work. We connect communities and businesses with partners, programs, and expertise that can help move opportunities forward. By working alongside local economic development groups, chambers, cities, and regional partners, we can help ensure communities across Poweshiek County have access to resources that support investment and continued growth.

Brooklyn building owners interested in learning more about the potential Commercial Façades Program should contact Julie Winter with Region 6 Resource Partners at 641-752-0717 or jwinter@region6resources.org.