East Washington St. Improvement Project
The East Washington Street Improvement Project consists of improvements from Carthage Street to Eastside Drive. These improvements include a water main replacement between Carthage Street and Fairview Street, new asphalt surface from Carthage Street to Eastside Drive, and new sidewalks in the downtown corridor. The engineer for this project is Snyder & Associates. On April 21st, 2025, the contract for this project was awarded to Blacktop Services Inc. This project is being funded in part by Surface Transportation Block Grant Funds and tax increment financing by the City of Exira. The anticipated construction start date is after July 7th, 2025. The completion date has yet to be determined.
Down Town Revitalization (DTR)
With the assistance from Region XII Council of Government and Franks Design Group, The City of Exira was awarded the Iowa Economic Development Authority Downtown Revitalization Grant in March of 2025. The DTR grant is intended to improve 11 facades on Washington Street including: Hairbenders, Studio Samantha, a development property at 109 W Washington, Main Street Salon, TJ's Pour House, Exira Flower Supply, Exira Lions Community Center, and 106 E Washington Street. This project includes $650,000 in IEDA grant funding along with a 25% match by both The City of Exira and property owners. Currently, Region XII is working on environmental and historical reviews before construction is anticipated to begin in early 2026.
Catalyst Grant
In early 2024 Blake and Claire Asberry of the Asberry Sustainability Project approached the City of Exira for support with the Iowa Economic Development Authority Catalyst Grant. With the assistance of Region XII Council of Governments, the Catalyst Grant was successfully awarded in July of 2024. Construction is currently ongoing at 107 W Washington St, formally known as the American Legion Building. The future plans for this space include a coffee and sustainable goods shop on the main level and two apartments upstairs.
Community Visioning
Exira was one of 10 communities selected to participate in the 2024 Iowa’s Living Roadways Community Visioning Program. A group of local individuals known as the steering committee identified a number of goals and priority areas during the visioning process. These goals and priorities were reflective of what residents identified during their participation in the focus-group workshops. The four major projects areas include pedestrian amenities, way finding, safety and accessibility, and outdoor recreation. The community visioning group is working with the City of Exira to complete the numerous projects linked below. In Spring of 2025, The Audubon Community Foundation awarded The City of Exira $18,885 in grant funds to complete the wayfinding and signage portion of this project. The Community Foundation also awarded the Exira Community Club $10,500 for the T-Bone Trailhead improvement project. The City has also developed a cost-share program to promote the installation and repair of sidewalks around town. The community visioning group continues to meet regularly, check Facebook for updates!
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