Greene County Development Corporation met Tuesday in regular session.

President Sid Jones began the meeting with a report from the Iowa Rural Summit. There were 70 rural communities in attendance. The City of Jefferson and Jefferson Matters: Main Street were spotlighted with an award for Best Practices for Community Development Block Grant. Greene County resident Chris Deal was also on a panel and highlighted Pillar Technology’s arrival in Jefferson and passing the bond referendum for a career academy.

Jefferson Building Official Nick Sorensen reported that interest has been generated for available lots in the city to build houses on. And the City Council is planning to expand the urban renewal plan to include the White House Apartments to receive Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds.

Wild Rose General Manager Travis Dvorak said the the casino had its best month ever in March. He also touched on the fact that the state of New Jersey is challenging the US Supreme Court to allow them to do sports betting. If they are successful, Dvorak said sports betting could happen in Iowa, which would be a huge draw to the casino.

GCDC Executive Director Ken Paxton gave a couple of updates. He said the Vision 2020 Steering Committee is looking to make a list of project priorities, along with establishing ideas for funding streams. He also mentioned the Shopko Hometown in Jefferson is closing. Their lease goes through December, but they will be closed later this summer.