While populations in the metro grow, rural areas in Iowa have lost people every decade since 1920. Many small towns are struggling to survive after losing schools, businesses and a workforce.
But, in southwest Iowa, some cities are finding a rebirth by specializing.
‘Antique City’
A new program is looking to revitalize the old in Walnut.
Taking a walk through the city is like going back in time. In fact, much of the local economy is driven by antique shops.
"It all ties in. Everything promotes everything else," said Mayor Gene Larsen. "Antique City, that's what we are here"
More than a dozen shops on Main Street are getting their storefronts updated, as part of a program aimed at giving the towns an economic boost. The cobblestone road and sidewalks downtown will also get updates to improve safety and accessibility.
Dave Bradley, the owner of Corn County Antiques, says the town is buzzing about the façade updates. He thinks it will keep the tourists coming.
"I think everybody's excited about it. There’s no question about it,” Bradley said. “How can you not be? Bring the whole front of the building back up to the way it was back when the buildings were originally built in 1920."
Finding the Niche
Walnut’s project is estimated to cost $1.9 million. Around $700,000 in grants is coming from the Iowa West Foundation and the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Local option sales tax dollars will contribute another $335,000. Business owners are also chipping in.
Iowa West Foundation President and CEO Pete Tulipana says many small towns are finding success in finding a specialty.
"The Walnut example is a great example of identifying a niche that makes sense and building on that niche," Tulipana said. "Trying to keep our young people in our communities across the whole region is a critical component of what we're trying to do."
The organization spends around a million dollars a year helping these towns fix infrastructure and boost economic stability.
Tulipana says many towns have been successful in keeping businesses and bringing in new ones by promoting qualities unique to the city and creating a tourism base that brings people and money into town.
"Play that niche to attract visitors and create businesses that can survive," Tulipana said.
Success in Cyclists
Malvern Mayor Mike Blackburn says his city caters to cyclists by taking advantage of the wabash trace running through town.
"We don't want this just to be a pass-through," Blackburn said.
Restaurants, bed and breakfasts and festivals play to cyclists who roll in. The city has also improved signage around the path and invested in a hostel for bikers to stay over and shower.
Additionally, it’s become a hub for art, offering cyclists various entertainment options during their stop in town.
"Every dollar we bring in is a dollar we wouldn't have,” Blackburn said. “So it has been successful."
Maintaining the Population
Malvern has a population of around 1200 people and has added about 100 new homes near the city in the past 5 years. Plans for another 35 to 40 new homes near a newly-annexed golf course are underway.
Walnut is a little smaller with about 775 people - and a smaller tax base as well.
"It's tough for small towns right now,” Walnut Mayor Larsen said. “It has been for many years."
In addition to the façade and streetscape updates, the city of Walnut also has to replace a $2 million well. Town officials are also hoping to turn the shuttered school into a community center within the next few years.
Larsen says he's hoping their big investments pay off and keep the city going for years to come.
"We've got really good people that are forward thinking and trying to move forward," he said.
