Villisca Initiative Invites Community to Town Hall Wednesday Night

Villisca Initiative Invites Community to Town Hall Wednesday Night

 

 

Residents, business owners, parents, and anyone with a connection to Villisca are invited to a town hall meeting this Wednesday, November 11, at 6:00 p.m. at the Villisca Community Building. There is no registration, no fee, and no formal signup—just show up. Organizers plan to keep the meeting focused and efficient.

 

The Villisca Initiative is a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed over the past 18 months to two years specifically to work with the Charles E. Lakin Foundation’s Revitalize Southwest Iowa effort. The foundation has set aside significant funds for about 50 communities across six Southwest Iowa counties to help address population decline and strengthen local economies. Villisca has been allocated $3.7 million intended primarily for a revolving loan fund, with up to 5 percent of the year-end balance available each year for grants.

 

At the meeting, board members will bring attendees up to speed on the Lakin funding priorities—economic resilience (including housing), education, and children and families—and share some of the ideas they have been exploring. Most of the time, however, will be reserved for listening. They want to hear what residents see as the community’s biggest needs, challenges, and opportunities. Burton emphasized that the invitation is not limited to people who live inside city limits. Anyone who works in Villisca, lives in the surrounding countryside, stops in town for coffee, or has any other connection to the community is welcome to share their perspective.

 

The long-term vision is generational. The money is meant to go out as low-interest loans or other investments, come back with a return, and continue working rather than slowly dwindle. Housing is a frequent focus in other communities involved in the Lakin effort, but Villisca’s approach may look different depending on what residents prioritize—possibly rehabilitating tax-delinquent properties, partnering with contractors, and returning homes to the tax rolls, for example.

 

The meeting is open to everyone.

Wednesday, November 11 • 6:00 p.m.

Villisca Community Building

Just show up.