15.109 - ADDITIONAL DUTIES. - Iowa Statutes

15.109 ADDITIONAL DUTIES. The department of economic development shall coordinate the development of state and local government programs in order to promote efficient and economic use of federal, state, local, and private resources. The department shall: 1. Provide technical and financial assistance to local and regional government organizations in Iowa, analyze intergovernmental relations in Iowa, and recommend policies to state agencies, local governments, the governor, and the general assembly. 2. Apply for, receive, administer, and use federal or other funds available for achieving the purposes of this chapter. For purposes of this subsection, the term "federal funds" includes federal tax credits, grants, or other economic benefits allocated or provided by the United States government to encourage investment in low-income or other specified areas or to otherwise promote economic development. The department may enter into an agreement pursuant to chapter 28E, or any other agreement, with a person, including for-profit and nonprofit legal entities, in order to directly or indirectly apply for, receive, administer, and use federal funds. As part of such agreements and in furtherance of this public purpose and in addition to powers and duties conferred under other provisions of law, the department may, including for or on behalf of for-profit or nonprofit legal entities, appoint, remove, and replace board members and advisors; provide oversight; make its personnel and resources available to perform administrative, management, and compliance functions; coordinate investments; and engage in other acts as reasonable and necessary to encourage investment in low-income or other areas or to promote economic development. The department, including department officials and employees in their official and personal capacities, are immune from liability for all acts or omissions under this subsection. 3. At the time the department approves assistance for an applicant, provide the person with information regarding the nature and source of other technical assistance available in the state to assist the applicant on design and management matters concerning energy efficiency and waste reduction. The department shall review the extent to which recommendations made to grantees are in fact implemented by the grantees. 4. Establish a sustainable community development initiative. The purpose of the initiative is to improve the sustainability of Iowa communities by ensuring long-term economic growth and fostering environmentally conscious growth and development. In establishing the initiative, the department shall: a. Create a plan to ensure that all of the department's current community growth and development programs, efforts, and initiatives incorporate an environmentally conscious approach and policies that promote sustainability. b. Cooperate with local governments by providing information, technical assistance, and financial incentives to communities pursuing sustainable growth.          Section History: Early Form [C71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, § 7A.3, 7A.7; 82 Acts, ch 1210, § 5]          Section History: Recent Form C83, § 7A.3 86 Acts, ch 1245, § 101, 102 C87, § 15.109 90 Acts, ch 1252, § 2; 2004 Acts, ch 1175, §318; 2008 Acts, ch 1190, §31