The Hiawatha Economic Development Corporation (HEDCO) will host the 2026 State of the City on Thursday, Aug. 13, from 3:45-5:30 p.m. at The Can Shed, 2112 Robins Rd.
HEDCO Executive Director Liz Mathis and Mayor Steve Dodson are scheduled to speak at the event, which carries the theme “Hiawatha: Refined, Redefined and Real.” The two will highlight the city’s economic development progress, infrastructure improvements and community milestones from the past year.
Mr. Dodson will also present the Faye Clark Hall of Fame Award to a community member recognized for leadership and service to Hiawatha.
The city is on track to record its second-largest development growth in its history this fiscal year, with nearly $60 million in economic development activity across 18 completed, in-progress or planned projects, according to a HEDCO news release.
Among the developments to be spotlighted is The Core of Hiawatha, a mixed-use project from Merit Development featuring workforce housing and commercial space at the intersection of Center Point Road and Robins Road. Phase I of the project represents a $12 million to $13 million investment.
The program will also feature video segments from Troy Willard, owner-operator of The Can Shed; Wes Schulte, founder and CEO of Merit Development; Sydney Wright, marketing director of Dave Wright Auto Group; and Salma and Shadia Igram, owner-operators of Cedar Graphics.
The Can Shed is the lead sponsor for the event. Registration opens June 29 and is available through Eventbrite.com. Additional information is available through HEDCO’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
