MCDC’s Ben Lundgren on momentum, resources, and what’s next for Montgomery County

Ben Lundgren, two months into his role leading the Montgomery County Development Corporation, says the biggest transition from banking is the longer runway economic development projects require. He highlighted a new community series, Food for Thought, debuting Thursday, Oct. 9 at the hospital’s Carter Education Center, with a lunchtime primer and an evening deep-dive on using AI across home, work, and school.

Lundgren recapped recent state-level visits: IEDA Director Debbie Durham shared policy updates and international trade outreach, while the State Small Business Credit Initiative outlined credit-enhancement tools and even venture efforts aimed at keeping Iowa startups in Iowa. He also connected with SBDC’s Jamie David, a go-to for entrepreneurs and business plans.

On housing, Lundgren flagged the USDA 504 Home Repair Loan & Grant program for seniors meeting income guidelines—already used three times in the county this year—and encouraged residents to reach out for application guidance.

He closed with an update on BOMGAARS, noting hiring, local contractor activity, and a Nov. 14 grand opening on track.