Linn County to hire first rural economic development director

Decision spurred by ‘several really big projects’ in county’s rural areas, including proposed Duane Arnold reopening, proposed new Google data center

By: John LohmanRichard Pratt|November 20, 2025

|5 min read

Linn County supervisors (left to right) Kirsten Running-Marquardt, Brandy Z. Meisheid and Sami Scheetz are shown at a board meeting in August 2025. CREDIT RICHARD PRATT

For the first time ever, Linn County will be hiring a rural economic development director, the county Board of Supervisors decided Wednesday, Nov. 19.

According to the job description, presented to the board by Linn County human resources director Lisa Powell, “the focus of this position (will) be on strategic leadership and professional expertise for Linn County’s economic development function,” noting that it “focuses on large-scale developments, such as data…

Want to Read More?

Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more.

Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.

Subscribe

OR

Login

Unparalleled business coverage of the Iowa City / Cedar Rapids corridor.Immediate access to subscriber-only content on our website.26 issues per year delivered digitally, in print or both.Support locally owned and operated journalism.

Do you want to read and share this article without a paywall?

Click here to purchase a paywall bypass link