Our Focus Is On
Community Development
An Impact You Can See
Please be advised: UCDA offices now open to the public - however, appointments are encouraged as we work towards a new normal due to COVID-19.
Below Are Some Additional Resources For You:
Follow Our Facebook Page For Additional Resources, Zoom Meetings & Updates.
Welcome to Union County, Iowa. We invite you to Rise Up with us, as we are located in the southern part of Iowa at the highest point of the BNSF railway between Galesburg, Illinois and Lincoln, Nebraska.
Creston is the county seat of Union County and is the largest city west of I-35 and south of I-80 in Iowa, making it a regional retail hub. Creston has many unique shops and boutiques where hospitality is of the highest priority. Creston continues to be a growing hub city for southwest Iowa.
Union County is the home of Greater Regional Health, Southwestern Community College (SWCC) and Buena Vista University (BVU). Union county has a strong manufacturing, retail and service base. We have a variety of outdoor amenities, ideal for hiking, hunting, fishing and general outdoor enjoyment.
Our second largest city, Afton, features a newly renovated fairgrounds for our county fair and serves as a multipurpose venue location as well.
Union County truly has something to offer for everyone - we look forward to your visit!
Rise Up UC
Laborshed Analysis
Here is an update on the Laborshed studies being conducted in the South Central Iowa region. The employer survey is complete and that data is used to produce the commuting pattern and Laborshed area maps which dictate where the residential surveys are conducted. This information is collected by residential surveys through an online survey tool. Additional information is being collected for residents in Corydon, Creston, Leon and Osceola.
In the meantime, here are the customized Laborshed wage reports created for each area. Click on the photo or here for easy comparison and reference.
Investment Opportunities
Choosing a location for your business has never been easier. Browse through current listings and contact us to facilitate a tour today.
Labor
Reports
If you are considering starting or expanding your business, here is a snapshot of the labor market for Union County. With unemployment at such low rate, we are committed to help you obtain the best talent for your growing business.
Education Pathways & Future Ready
Union County offers a wide range of educational opportunities for all ages. Schedule a tour at these schools to find the best fit for you or your family members.
Entrepreneurs
Start Here
Find out more about our On Ramp Program - just start: an introduction to entrepreneurship. These sessions will help you with your business from start to success.
Help Us
Help You
We are here to consult with you on a confidential basis an serve as a liaison with appropriate local, regional and state agencies.
Small Business
Development
The Small Business Development Center promotes rural entrepreneurship and job creation throughout its service area.
Grow
Arts & Culture
Creston:Arts serves as the voice for the arts community. We strive to connect and support the arts in the community as a means to create transformation and believe the arts are a public good critical to our region’s success.
Recreation
Fishing, golf, trails, camping, we have it all! If you are an outdoor enthusiast, Union County will not disappoint. Click on the link to view information regarding our many outdoor amenities.
Transportation
Whether it's a day trip to Chicago or overnight to Denver, your next getaway has never been easier. Our restored depot, located in the center of our Uptown District is the starting point for your next adventure!
Discover
Connect
Intern
IT UP
A program designed to help area summer interns network with community and business leaders and experience more of what Union County, Iowa has to offer.
When your business signs on an intern for the summer months, we want them to experience more of the community than where they work and where their temporary housing is. This program helps them meet similar aged individuals and network with community members, while seeing some of the amenities we have to offer.
Area Business & Open Coffee UC
UCDA organizes Area Business Coffees with a new business host each Friday morning. We are guaranteed to be wrapped up by 9am, so everyone can get back to their business day.
Looking for monthly coffee group? Open Coffee - UC is opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners to discuss business related topics. Learn and share and advocate for small business ownership and growing local businesses.
Union County Young Professionals
Our goal is to attract and retain Young Professionals in this region, volunteer within the community and provide a networking opportunity for Young Professionals.
UCYP participants are from a variety of backgrounds and industries ranging from education, manufacturing, banking, agriculture and entrepreneurs.
Work
Lead UC
Increasing the community vitality through leadership engagement and diversity. Our leadership program has graduated over 100 successful alumni. Lead UC challenges individuals in all sectors of the community for identification of local issues, engagement in positive community change and shared leadership.
Home Base Iowa
HBI is a one of a kind program connecting veterans and transitioning service members with HBI partners and rescources. This program helps connect Iowa businesses with qualified veterans looking for career opportunities. Countless resources are available to help veterans and their families with education and in transitioning to a new community with focused support and individuals who want to help. HBI's private - public partnership provides a high quality of commitment for our veterans and transitioning service members.
Lead UC Youth
Encouraging youth to be motivated to lead while serving others. This approach to youth leadership naturally creates relationships. Our goal is for youth to feel connected to their community and feel empowered to make a difference.
At Home
James
Sub Division
6 lots remain available in the James Subdivision. Enjoy easy access to the Park To Park trail system in this neighborhood.
Development
Guide
If you are considering building a spec home or multiple homes, this is a resource you will find useful. Also featured in this section, is data from the Housing Study, completed by JEO Consulting in 2017. Contact UCDA for these resources.
Attainable
Housing
UCDA is proud to partner with SWCC to construct new or rehabilitated homes for our communities. Many of these homes are along the Elm Street Corridor in Creston. The newest home being constructed is located at 409 W Filmore St in Afton.
ABOUT UCDA
The Mission of UCDA is to seek to strengthen the economic base and well being of Union County through a commitment of "service" in the areas of industrial retention and recruitment, housing programs and inspiring collaboration for total community development.
CONTACT US
Union County Development Association
BLDG 301
301 W Montgomery
Creston, Iowa 50801
641.782.2003