March 18, 2024

NDC tapped for larger role in city economic development

The Newton Development Corporation is taking on a larger role in the community’s economic development sector. City council approved NDC to serve as the lead agency on half of the Newton community on industrial and commercial business recruitment and expansion.

“This item is a part of the reorganization that we presented at the last meeting. We eliminated the department of economic development and the position of economic development director,” city administrator Matt Muckler said. “We’ve asked NDC to step up and take on a larger role in terms of economic development than they have done before. We will be asking NDC to be the lead agency on behalf of the Newton community when it comes to commercial and industrial development, whether it is expanding local businesses that are here now or working to bring in new business to Newton and expanding our tax base.”

With the increased role, the corporation will also receive an additional $25,000 in TIF revenues to go along with the $75,000 already allocated for fiscal year 2017-2018. A portion of those funds, approximately $35,000, is slated to come from the 7 percent City of Newton Hotel/Motel Tax.

Primary activities NDC will be expected to lead include helping retain the jobs currently located in Newton, provide expansion opportunities to local industry and business located in Newton, help recruit new industry and business to locate in Newton resulting in an expanded city tax base and increase in job opportunities for residents and assist city staff in residential development within Newton.

“Thank you very much to NDC and your board. It is such an incredible group of individuals who work so hard for this community and have done a lot to bring in businesses and organizations,” councilwoman Miranda Kulis said. “I am looking forward to this moving forward.”

The NDC was established in 1961 as a privet, nonprofit organization to assist the Newton community as a resource for both existing business owners, future industries interested in the city and potential entrepreneurs. It is lead by executive director Frank Liebl, who has been with NDC for more than 10 years.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com