MASON CITY — Area residents and business leaders are invited to attend the State of North Iowa event later this month, focusing on growth, housing, and community pride across the region.
The annual event will be held January 22nd from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Surf Ballroom Music Experience Center. The program complements the Vision North Iowa strategic planning efforts and provides an opportunity to hear directly from city and county leaders representing Mason City, Clear Lake, and Greater North Iowa.
This year’s theme is “Love Where You Live.” Presentations will center on housing development and pride-in-place, highlighting efforts to expand both single-family and multi-family housing options. Since 2020, North Iowa has added an average of 100 new housing units per year.
Organizers say both Mason City and Clear Lake have recently been designated as Thriving Communities, a status that helps attract increased private and public investment. Attendees will hear how those investments have led to new housing projects currently under development.
Community leaders will also discuss how quality-of-life projects play a role in population growth. Recent investments such as the Prairie Rock Trail system, Bill Schickel Plaza and Riverwalk, and the Surf District will be highlighted as examples of placemaking initiatives designed to strengthen community identity.
In addition, discussions will focus on developing a community culture statement and upcoming marketing efforts aimed at encouraging residents to take pride in where they live.
Tickets are $25 for members and $35 for non-members, and include a light breakfast. Tickets can be purchased online at masoncityia.com or by calling 641-423-5724.
