Manchester One of Two Communities Chosen for Rural Vitality Pilot Program

Manchester is one of two communities selected to launch a pilot program through the newly formed Iowa Rural Vitality Coalition. 

The program will focus on building and refining a process that can be replicated to benefit other rural communities throughout Iowa. Sarah Maurer, Manchester Rural Vitality lead, says this is a fantastic opportunity for Manchester to enhance the community and quality of life for its residents.

Maurer says right now, they’re looking for people in those eight categories – intellectual, human, social, cultural, political, physical, natural and financial – who would like to be involved with the process for Manchester.

Iowa’s rural communities are important economic engines in the state of Iowa but face many common challenges, including declining populations, inadequate housing, fewer available workers, and higher rates of certain chronic diseases. These challenges have led to a change in the quality of life and access to resources for rural Iowans, making it more difficult for the people and the economies they depend on to thrive.

Van Buren County was the other community chosen for the pilot program. Maurer says to be one of two hand-picked for the process is exciting.

If you’d like to get involved, email Sarah Maurer at sarah.maurer@gnbbank.com.

contributed photo (L to R) – Mark Reinig, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; Donna Boss, Delaware County Economic Development; Maggie Sommers, Delaware County Tourism; Sarah Maurer, GNB Bank/Manchester Representative; Julie Frick, Manchester Representative; Connie Behnken, Mayor of City of Manchester; Tim Vick, City Manager – City of Manchester; James Hoeschler, University of Northern Iowa