10/20/2026
GRM Networks and Aureon Support Downtown Revitalization in Lamoni
The City of Lamoni received economic support from GRM Networks and Aureon to help cover preliminary architectural fees for its application to the State of Iowa's Downtown Revitalization (DTR) program. Aureon awarded the city a $4,000 Ripple Effect grant for the project. GRM Networks contributed a $5,000 match through Decatur County Development Corporation using Economic Development Opportunity Funds (EDOF). These funds are unclaimed capital credits of former GRM Networks cooperative members from Iowa and may be donated to promote economic development in the community.
The City of Lamoni is partnering with Decatur County Development Corporation (DCDC) to pursue the DTR grant. The state program funds exterior improvements in traditional downtown districts, with a focus on the front and highly visible side facades of commercial and mixed-use buildings. Eleven downtown property owners in Lamoni have committed to the project, which allows the city to apply for the program's maximum award of $650,000.
The DTR program does not cover preliminary architectural work, so the city is required to fund that phase up front. Those fees are estimated at $18,000. With support from the Ripple Effect award, GRM Networks’ EDOF contribution, and a $9,000 investment from the City of Lamoni, the project can move forward with the initial phase. If the DTR application succeeds, the full facade project is expected to total roughly $1.3 million, with the state award matched by the City of Lamoni and participating property owners.
Presenting the grant are from left to right GRM Networks District Manager Michael Jordison, City of Lamoni Deputy Clerk Tami Shaw and Cierra Fountain, Executive Director of the Decatur County Development Corporation.
