Commitment to Community
At UIU, we recognize that the University's growth and well-being is linked to the health and vitality of the city of Fayette. We are dedicated to working with the city and its businesses to create a flourishing economic environment that mutually benefits our institution and our community. As stated as the ninth strategic initiative of the University's current strategic plan, we will "develop strategies and plans to enhance the quality of greater-Fayette as the residential, life-style and economic center of UIU's future.
UIU has lived out this commitment to its hometown through a variety of initiatives, from annual service projects on "Fayette Appreciation Day" to collaborating on the "Master Plan for Downtown Fayette." Other projects have included collaboration on grants and the Upper Iowa Business Development (UIBD) grant.
Recent projects have included:
- A $700,000 grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation for the enhancement of the Fayette Volga River Multiuse Trail. The money will extend the Fayette bike trail about 2.5 miles. An engineer has been chosen for the project and bids will be let in March. The extension is slated to be complete in October 2013. Upper Iowa University is also working to develop attractive interactive signage that will be a part of the trail project.
- A $500,000 grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority for façade improvement in the downtown area. As part of the grant agreement, Upper Iowa University provided funding for the architectural drawings, while the city committed funds to the project. Business owners in the downtown area also pledged a 20 percent buy-in for the grant.
- A land exchange initiative that resulted in development of eight condominium units, which are all currently occupied. An additional five condos are in the works with construction to begin this year as part of the ongoing University/city partnership to improve housing in the community.
In addition to its commitment to Fayette, the University is working to support the economic development of other communities in which it is located. For example, the permanent home of UIU-Mesa is being developed in the Fiesta District, which has been targeted by the City of Mesa for redevelopment.
For additional information on UIU economic development efforts contact Andrew Wenthe, vice president for external affairs (564-425-5348 wenthea@uiu.edu) or Justin Marchant, Coordinator for Community Development and Continuing Education, (563-425-5891 marchantj@uiu.edu).