15.109 - ADDITIONAL DUTIES.
15.109 ADDITIONAL DUTIES.
The department of economic development shall coordinate the
development of state and local government programs in order to
promote efficient and economic use of federal, state, local, and
private resources. The department shall:
1. Provide technical and financial assistance to local and
regional government organizations in Iowa, analyze intergovernmental
relations in Iowa, and recommend policies to state agencies, local
governments, the governor, and the general assembly.
2. Apply for, receive, administer, and use federal or other funds
available for achieving the purposes of this chapter. For purposes
of this subsection, the term "federal funds" includes federal tax
credits, grants, or other economic benefits allocated or provided by
the United States government to encourage investment in low-income or
other specified areas or to otherwise promote economic development.
The department may enter into an agreement pursuant to chapter 28E,
or any other agreement, with a person, including for-profit and
nonprofit legal entities, in order to directly or indirectly apply
for, receive, administer, and use federal funds. As part of such
agreements and in furtherance of this public purpose and in addition
to powers and duties conferred under other provisions of law, the
department may, including for or on behalf of for-profit or nonprofit
legal entities, appoint, remove, and replace board members and
advisors; provide oversight; make its personnel and resources
available to perform administrative, management, and compliance
functions; coordinate investments; and engage in other acts as
reasonable and necessary to encourage investment in low-income or
other areas or to promote economic development. The department,
including department officials and employees in their official and
personal capacities, are immune from liability for all acts or
omissions under this subsection.
3. At the time the department approves assistance for an
applicant, provide the person with information regarding the nature
and source of other technical assistance available in the state to
assist the applicant on design and management matters concerning
energy efficiency and waste reduction. The department shall review
the extent to which recommendations made to grantees are in fact
implemented by the grantees.
4. Establish a sustainable community development initiative. The
purpose of the initiative is to improve the sustainability of Iowa
communities by ensuring long-term economic growth and fostering
environmentally conscious growth and development. In establishing
the initiative, the department shall:
a. Create a plan to ensure that all of the department's
current community growth and development programs, efforts, and
initiatives incorporate an environmentally conscious approach and
policies that promote sustainability.
b. Cooperate with local governments by providing information,
technical assistance, and financial incentives to communities
pursuing sustainable growth. Section History: Early Form
[C71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, § 7A.3, 7A.7; 82 Acts, ch 1210, § 5] Section History: Recent Form
C83, § 7A.3
86 Acts, ch 1245, § 101, 102
C87, § 15.109
90 Acts, ch 1252, § 2; 2004 Acts, ch 1175, §318; 2008 Acts, ch
1190, §31