East Central Intergovernmental Association

10/07/2026

The October 2026 ECIA Spotlight Newsletter Has Arrived!

This month's edition is packed with updates from across Eastern Iowa, including community development success stories, transportation initiatives, housing and economic development projects, funding opportunities, and highlights from communities making a difference throughout the region.

See how ECIA is helping local governments, organizations, and community partners turn ideas into action while building stronger, more vibrant communities.

Read the full newsletter at: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/5592b5efde.html

We appreciate the partnerships that make this work possible and invite you to stay connected with the latest news and opportunities from across the region.

Created with the Heyzine flipbook maker

10/07/2026

🚍 Help Shape the Future of Mobility in Eastern Iowa!

The Delaware, Dubuque, and Jackson County Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is seeking qualified consultants to assist with the MOVE Initiative (Mobility Outreach, Visibility & Education). The initiative is designed to increase awareness, understanding, and use of public transportation services throughout the region while strengthening community outreach, rider education, and driver recruitment efforts.

Through the MOVE Initiative, RTA aims to develop clear passenger information, improve community partnerships, enhance website and outreach resources, create educational materials and videos, and support the recruitment of paid and volunteer drivers. The ultimate goal is to make public transportation more accessible, understandable, and visible across Delaware, Dubuque, and Jackson Counties.

📅 Proposals Due: November 20, 2026, by 12:00 PM CT

Learn more and submit a proposal by reviewing RTA MOVE Initiative RFP at: https://rta8.org/bid_detail_T22_R8.php

The Delaware, Dubuque, and Jackson County Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is a nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors. RTA provides and promotes public transportation services in Delaware, Dubuque, and Jackson counties in Iowa and is recognized by the Iowa Department of Transportat...

10/06/2026

Last week, we were honored to welcome Lorin Ditzler and Andy Frantz from Keep Iowa Beautiful as they toured Hometown Pride projects across the region and saw firsthand the impact of community-driven improvements.

One of the highlights of the visit was the Luxemburg Trail with Keep Luxemburg Beautiful , where community partners and volunteers have worked to create a recreational asset that promotes health, connectivity, and quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The trail continues to serve as a great example of what can be accomplished when a community comes together around a shared vision.

The tour also included a stop at the Kelly Oaks Pavilion in Peosta, showcasing another outstanding investment in outdoor recreation and community gathering space. Projects like these provide lasting benefits for residents while helping make our communities more vibrant, welcoming, and attractive places to live and visit.

Thank you Keep Iowa Beautiful for taking the time to visit Eastern Iowa, learn more about these projects, and support the work being done throughout our Hometown Pride communities. We appreciate Keep Iowa Beautiful's partnership and commitment to strengthening communities across Iowa.

10/04/2026

🍂 Attention Cascade and surrounding communities!

Stop by the Cascade Community Senior Wellness Fair and learn how the ECIA Home Repair Older Adult Home Modification Program can help make your home safer, healthier, and more accessible.

🏡 Aging in place starts at home. Come see what resources may be available to you!

📅 October 8 | ⏰ 9 AM - 12 PM
📍 American Legion Hall, Cascade

We look forward to seeing you there!

09/28/2026

📢 Public Hearing Notice - DMATS Transportation Improvement Program Amendment

The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) invites the public to attend a hearing on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. regarding a proposed amendment to the FFY 2027-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

📍 Location: ECIA Community Room, 7600 Commerce Park, Dubuque, IA

The TIP outlines transportation projects planned for the next four fiscal years and serves as the City of Dubuque's Section 5307 Program of Projects requirement.

View the proposed amendment at the DMATS Planning Documents page at: https://www.eciatrans.org/dmats/organizational_information/planning_documents.php.

Public comments are welcome at the hearing or may be submitted to Chandra Ravada at [email protected] or 563-556-4166. Written comments must be received by 9:00 a.m. on October 8, 2026.

Below are the descriptions of each DMATS planning document, , links to the planning document can be found below their description, please scroll to the document archives to view older planning documents.Title VI: Affirmative Action ProgramDMATS Quiet Zone StudyThe purpose of this document is to prov...

09/28/2026

A vision for Riverfront North is becoming reality!

The Sawmill Museum has completed its Riverfront North Redevelopment & Implementation Plan, bringing together ideas for expanded museum space, riverfront views, recreation, events, trails, and more opportunities for people to enjoy this special part of Clinton. This plan was made possible through a great partnership between the The Sawmill Museum, East Central Intergovernmental Association, KSU TAB - Technical Assistance to Brownfields, City of Clinton, Stantec, and Eocene Environmental Group, with input from more than 75 community members. The plan is available at: https://www.ecia.org/.../Riverfront%20N%20Redev-Implement...
And the work is already underway! 🌱

The Museum recently hosted a Woodland Workday, where more than 40 volunteers planted 27 trees, created mulched trails, and made improvements around Helmut, the giant troll. What started as a vision is beginning to take shape!

The next big step is fundraising for the Museum's proposed expansion and new gathering space overlooking the Mississippi River.

Want to learn more or help build the Museum's future? Contact Andy Green at 563-242-0343 or visit The Sawmill Museum.

09/28/2026

We are partnering with Chipotle for a fundraiser benefitting 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐈𝐨𝐰𝐚 on Monday, October 12th.

Mark your calendar, tell your friends, and plan to skip cooking on this night! 𝟐𝟓% 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐒𝐄𝐈 to support our mission to provide homeless prevention resources and essential supplies needed.

09/22/2026

Transformation Tuesday

What a difference! This garage received FREE lead hazard reduction repairs, including new siding, wrapped casing, soffit, and fascia.

By addressing deteriorated exterior materials, these improvements help create a safer, healthier home environment while protecting the structure from further deterioration.

Every repair brings us one step closer to safer, healthier homes across our communities. 💙

09/15/2026

🏡✨ Transformation Tuesday ✨🏡

A fresh look is great, but the real transformation is a safer, healthier home. Through ECIA Home Repair Programs, homeowners and tenants can address critical repair needs that help keep their homes safe, secure, and livable for years to come.

💙 Stronger homes. Safer families. Stronger communities.