The City of Ellsworth has been awarded a $6,000 Ripple Effect grant from Ellsworth Cooperative Telephone Association (ECTA) and Aureon to support the development of a new Comprehensive Plan that will guide the community’s growth and development over the next decade.
The Comprehensive Plan is being developed by students from the Iowa State University College of Design and will serve as a 10-year roadmap addressing land use, housing, infrastructure, economic development, and quality-of-life priorities for Ellsworth. The planning process is grounded in extensive local engagement, incorporating input from community members, local businesses and industry leaders, and elected officials to ensure the plan reflects shared community goals and values.
“Strong planning is essential to building resilient and thriving communities,” said Ottie Maxey, Executive Director of the Hamilton County Growth Partnership. “This investment allows Ellsworth to take a thoughtful, community-driven approach to future growth while engaging the next generation of planners and designers.”
The grant funding supports research, community engagement activities, and the development of planning concepts and recommendations. Through the partnership with Iowa State University, Ellsworth will benefit from professional-quality analysis and innovative design ideas tailored to the community’s unique character and opportunities.
ECTA and Aureon have a longstanding commitment to supporting rural communities and economic development across Iowa. This grant underscores their shared focus on proactive planning, local capacity building, and collaboration to position communities for long-term success.
The completed Comprehensive Plan will provide guidance to city leaders, residents, and stakeholders as Ellsworth makes decisions about future development, infrastructure investments, and community initiatives over the next 10 years.
For more information about the Comprehensive Plan process or opportunities to participate, please contact the City of Ellsworth at 515.297.1852.
About Aureon
Aureon is a trusted business solutions provider with expertise in IT services, consulting, and customer care. Aureon is a technology partner with ECTA and provides economic development assistance through Iowa Area Development Group (iadg.com) and the Ripple Effect program. For details, please call 800-469-4000 or visit www.Aureon.com for more information.
