Grow Cedar Valley urges county to formalize economic-development partnership, cites $6.2B in potential projects

Katie Susong, president and CEO of Grow Cedar Valley, told the Black Hawk County Board that the regional economic-development organization seeks a formal partnership with the county to coordinate business attraction, retention, workforce and advocacy efforts.

Susong said Grow Cedar Valley last year represented 38 active attraction projects representing more than $6.2 billion in potential capital investment and about 5,100 potential jobs. She described the group’s five focus areas—attraction, retention/expansion, talent and workforce, advocacy, and regional visibility—and said a formal county contract would provide clarity on expectations, reporting and leveraging private investment.

"Each year, Grow Cedar Valley develops an intentional business plan focused on a defined set of targeted industries," Susong said. She told the board that the group already holds contracts with Cedar Falls ("approximately $70,000") and Waterloo ("approximately $180,000") and noted the Waterloo contract is multi‑year while Cedar Falls’ is renewed annually. When supervisors asked about other public partners and funding levels, she said she would follow up with specific contract details.

Supervisors welcomed the presentation and asked staff to share details. Susong offered to send follow‑up information and to provide meeting materials for an upcoming regional event. The board did not vote on any funding request during the meeting; Susong left her contact information and invited follow‑up questions.