Seeing a Future for Clarke County – CCDC Hosts 2026 Strategic Planning Day

clarke county economic development planning for 2026

The CCDC and Clarke County community and business leaders recently came together for a day of collaboration, setting bold priorities for 2026 and beyond. By working through challenges and discussing pathways to success, the group prioritized and took a BIG step to making Clarke County a true destination to live, work, and play.

Click through to learn more about the day’s exciting sessions and the future focus for the CCDC…

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CCDC Approves $191,331 Horizon Grant for the City of Murray

Murray Iowa grant

A new Horizon Grant from the CCDC is helping the City of Murray accelerate its vision for parks, housing, and safe community connections. With more than 90% of their project fundraising efforts complete, the Murray community will start seeing some BIG improvements.

Click through to read more about the latest grant and the updates to their projects…

Clarke County, Iowa has so much more to offer. Click to read more...

ORBIT Center Marks a New Era for South-Central Iowa’s Workforce

ORBIT Center Osceola Iowa SWCC

The Clarke County Development Corporation and Southwestern Community College celebrated the grand opening of the new ORBIT Center — an advanced training hub designed to strengthen south-central Iowa’s workforce and prepare students and employees for high-demand manufacturing careers.

Click through to read more about the event and how the ORBIT Center will impact the future of business in south-central Iowa…

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More than $23,000 provided to Osceola Big Chief FFA Greenhouse Project

clarke community schools FFA program

The Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) has awarded a SPARK Grant for more than $23,000 to help the Osceola Big Chief FFA expand hands-on agricultural education at Clarke Community Schools. The funding will support the installation of a new 12’ x 32’ greenhouse, giving students real-world experience in plant science, sustainability, and agribusiness.

This project—supported through CCDC’s new NEXUS Funding Program will grow more than plants; it will cultivate future leaders, innovators, and community builders right here in Clarke County.

Click through to learn more about this exciting venture for Clarke’s students…

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Are You Ready for the 2025 Community Non-Profit Forum?

2025 Community Non-Profit Forum Clarke County Development Corporation

Each fall, the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) organizes and hosts the Community Non-Profit Forum, offering local organizations a platform to network, share their achievements, and outline their plans for the upcoming year. At this event, local nonprofits and community groups are invited to highlight their biggest

Clarke County, Iowa has so much more to offer. Click to read more...

Osceola Prepares to Launch First-of-Its-Kind Mini-Pitch Facility

Mini Pitch Soccer in Southern Iowa

The City of Osceola, in collaboration with Kick It Forward, Osceola Chamber Main Street, and Musco Lighting, is proud to announce the launch of the Osceola Mini-Pitch Initiative. The first of its kind in Clarke County, the Osceola Mini Pitch initiative will offer the chance to play, connect, and grow in a facility that has the quality of a “mini-stadium,” yet the intimacy and accessibility suited for a growing community.

Check out the details surrounding the new initiative and how you can participate…

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Clarke County Historical Society and Museum Honors CCDC for Support of Museum Improvements

Clarke County historical Museum Clarke County Iowa

The Clarke County Historical Society and Museum recently presented a plaque to the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) in recognition of its generous financial support for improvements at the Historical Museum, including critical heating and air conditioning upgrades.

Click through to read more about the award and the latest for Clarke County Historical Museum…

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OCMS and CCDC Partner to Host Small Business Emergency Preparedness Workshop

small business preparedness seminar osceola iowa

Osceola Chamber Main Street (OCMS) and the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) are teaming up with the Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to host a Small Business Emergency Preparedness Workshop on Wednesday, September 17, from 3–5 p.m.

The session will provide business owners and community organizations with practical tools to protect employees, maintain operations, and recover quickly when disaster strikes. With nearly 40% of small businesses never reopening after major disruptions, this workshop is a timely opportunity to build resilience and ensure long-term stability.

Space is limited—local businesses and organizations are encouraged to register early.

Click through to read more about the event and get signed up TODAY!

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City of Murray Receives $1.75 Million Grant to Drive Community Revitalization

Murray Iowa grant

The City of Murray, Iowa has been awarded a $1.75 million grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Comprehensive Neighborhood Revitalization Program—a significant investment for this rural Iowa community of just over 600 residents.

Click through to read more about the grant and the impact it will have on the City of Murray…

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Clarke County Development Corporation Launches New NEXUS Funding Program to Streamline Community Investment

funding grant opportunities in clarke county iowa

The Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) has officially launched the NEXUS Funding Program — a major update to its grant and funding structure, designed to make community investment more consistent and impactful. Replacing legacy programs like the Discretionary and Pillars Grants, NEXUS introduces four clear funding avenues for qualifying nonprofit organizations.

Click through to learn more about the program, view guidelines, and get updates on application availability…

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Preserving a piece of history – The Little White Church

Supporting the community through a Pillars Grant for foundation renovation, the CCDC recently helped the “Little White Church” in Woodburn, Iowa reclaim part of its history and spark a renewed vision for its future.

Check out the latest updates and read the fascinating story of the historic Woodburn landmark…

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New ORBIT Center Hosts Statewide Economic Development Roundtable

Educators and Economic Development professionals, joined local industry leaders last week to hear about the latest activities at the ORBIT (Osceola Regional Business and Industry Training) Center. Through a collaborative roundtable discussion they saw how the center is taking shape, and the potential impact it will have on the future of south-central Iowa’s workforce.

Click the link to learn more the roundtable and the exciting vision for the ORBIT Center…

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Just Say, ‘O-HI,’ City of Osceola Launches Exciting New Housing Incentive Program

Housing Incentives in Iowa

The city of Osceola, in conjunction with the Clarke County Development Corporation, is launching a program to directly address the rising costs of new home construction and spur on new development across the area. Through the Osceola Housing Incentive (O-HI) Program, new home builders and homeowners can apply for 10% back on ALL construction costs for a newly built home.

I mean, what a great way to say “O… HI neighbors!” 😉

Click the link to learn more about the O-HI Program and how it could kick off exciting new community growth…

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CCDC Pillars Grant Brings Innovative P.E. Technology to Murray Schools

new technology-enhanced physical education system called Lü

Murray Community Schools recently received a grant from CCDC for the acquisition and implementation of an exciting new technology-based physical education system called Lü. With the integration of this new system, the Murray district hopes to increase the engagement of all their students beyond the gymnasium.

Click the link to learn more about the new system and Murray’s innovative next steps…

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ORBIT Center Quickly Changing the Osceola Landscape

ORBIT Center Osceola Iowa Shop Space

The Highway 34 landscape on the western edge of Osceola is changing with the addition of the ORBIT (Osceola Regional Business and Industrial Technology Center), a $3.2 million project involving construction of an impressive 9,000 square foot training facility, made possible due to a partnership between the

Clarke County, Iowa has so much more to offer. Click to read more...