Clear Lake among five chosen as “Iowa Thriving Communities”

CLEAR LAKE — Clear Lake is one of five communities that have been chosen to receive the “Thriving Communities” designation from the Iowa Finance Authority and Iowa Economic Development Authority.

The designation allows developers seeking funding for housing projects in designated communities priority scoring for things such as tax credits for workforce, market-rate and affordable housing.

Clear Lake was among 22 applicants from around the state seeking the designation, with Clear Lake, Sioux Center, Ottumwa, Waukon and Urbandale winning approval.

Mason City was chosen as a Thriving Community for 2025, with Charles City receiving the designation for 2024.