UNI Institute for Decision Making (IDM)

10/26/2026

We're headed to Pella! 🎉

The 2026 Iowa Leadership Exchange & Bootcamp kicks off tomorrow, bringing together leadership program professionals from across Iowa for two days of learning, networking, and sharing ideas!

IDM's Liesl Seabert has been part of the planning team for this year's event and will be joining leadership professionals from across the state to share ideas, build connections, and explore ways to strengthen leadership programs and pipelines in communities of all sizes.

Will you be in Pella? Be sure to find Liesl and say hello! 💜💛



Iowa Rural Development Council

10/23/2026

🏘️ October is National Community Planning Month!

This month, we're celebrating the urban and regional planners who help shape the places we live, work, and play!

From housing and transportation to economic development, land use, and community revitalization, planners play an important role in helping communities navigate change, balance competing needs, and make thoughtful decisions about their future.

At IDM, we have the opportunity to work alongside planners, local leaders, and community partners across Iowa and beyond. We see firsthand the value of bringing people together, asking important questions, and turning long-term goals into actionable strategies.

Good planning doesn't just shape how our communities look today. It helps create opportunities for generations to come.

Thank you to the planning professionals who do this important work every day!

Learn more about National Community Planning Month: https://www.planning.org/ncpm/

APA Iowa Chapter

10/12/2026

Last week, IDM worked with the Ringgold County Development Corporation Board to revisit their five-year strategic plan. Just over two years into implementation, leadership changes created an opportunity to bring everyone back to the table, evaluate progress, revisit priorities, and build renewed momentum for the years ahead.

Strategic plans are meant to be living documents. Taking time to assess what's working, what has changed, and where to focus next helps keep the plan relevant and actionable.

Thank you to the Ringgold County Development Corporation Board for the thoughtful discussions and continued commitment to moving Ringgold County forward!

10/06/2026

🏭 A funding opportunity to have on your radar for manufacturers.

The Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program provides grants to help eligible small- and mid-sized Iowa manufacturers invest in technology that can improve productivity, efficiency and competitiveness. Eligible investments can include automation and robotics, advanced equipment, cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, sensors, data analytics and other Industry 4.0 technologies.

Businesses can apply for up to $75,000, with a 1:1 match required. But there’s an important step to complete first: applicants must have a CIRAS Industry 4.0 assessment, and the deadline to request that assessment is November 20, 2026. Applications for the grant itself will be accepted January 4–29, 2027. Opportunity Iowa

If your business, or a manufacturer you work with, is considering a technology investment, now is a good time to take a look at the program requirements and start preparing.

Learn more about the Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program:

The Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program provides grants that assist small- and mid-sized enterprises with the adoption and integration of smart tech

09/30/2026

Let's fill the room with new players to the Economic Development game! Tag someone in the comments who you think would be a great fit to join us in Independence, Missouri next spring. 👇

Heartland alumni: it’s time to choose the next player. 🎮

You’ve been through Heartland. Now, who in your network should be next?

Tag a colleague, new team member, or economic development partner who’s ready to build their skills, grow their network, and level up at Heartland 2027.

Who’s your Player 2? 👇

April 27–30 • Independence, MO • Heartland.UNI.edu

09/23/2026

We’re headed to Burlington! 👋

The 2026 PDI Fall Conference kicks off this afternoon, and IDM will be there exhibiting and connecting with economic development professionals from across Iowa.

If you’re attending, stop by the IDM booth to say hello, catch up with our team, and learn more about how we support communities and organizations through strategic planning, applied research, facilitation, training, and technical assistance.

We’re looking forward to a great few days of learning and connection. Who else will be in Burlington? 💜💛

09/22/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday to Drew Conrad! 🎂

Today we’re celebrating Drew and the decades of experience, insight, and dedication he brings to the IDM team and the communities and organizations we serve.

We’re grateful to have Drew as our fearless leader and hope you’ll join us in wishing him a very happy birthday and a great year ahead! 💜💛

09/16/2026

A great planning session can generate energy, ideas and important conversations, but the real work is what happens next!

At IDM, we build implementation into the planning process. That means moving from big-picture conversations to clear priorities, realistic strategies, specific action steps, timelines, and accountability.

Because a strategic plan shouldn’t just capture where you want to go. It should help you figure out how you’re going to get there.

That’s the difference between finishing a plan and having a roadmap you can actually use ✔️

09/10/2026

We’re excited to be part of the 2026 Iowa Nonprofit Summit, September 14–15 in Ankeny! 💜

IDM’s Liesl Seabert and Karla Organist will lead “Flip the Agenda: Building Board Meetings People Actually Want to Attend,” an interactive session focused on shifting board meetings from routine reporting to meaningful discussion, decision-making, and engagement.

Liesl will also join the “Collaborating with Higher Ed” panel to discuss how nonprofits can build stronger partnerships with higher education to access resources, advance their missions, and develop future talent.

We’re looking forward to two days of learning and connection with nonprofit leaders from across Iowa. Let us know if we will see you there!

09/02/2026

Know someone ready to level up their economic development skills? 🎮

Heartland 2027 registration is open! We can’t wait to welcome another class of professionals from across the region!

Tag a future Heartland classmate in the comments or send this their way.

🎮 NEW LEVEL UNLOCKED: Registration for Heartland 2027 is OPEN!

Ready to level up your economic development game? Join us for four days of learning, connections, real-world application and plenty of opportunities to build your ED toolkit.

- April 27–30, 2027
- Independence, Missouri

Secure your spot online, or know someone ready for their next level? Send this their way or share it with your network!

Register now at https://heartland.uni.edu/