Troy Weary Joins IDM Advisory Council Annual Meeting
December 18, 2025 | Midwest
On November 19, 2025, Local Government and Community Affairs Director Troy Weary participated in the annual meeting of the Institute for Decision Making (IDM) Advisory Council, held at the University of Northern Iowa’s Business & Community Services Building. This event brought together economic development leaders from across Iowa to share insights, collaborate on strategies, and address emerging challenges.
Each fall, IDM convenes its Advisory Council at UNI. The primary purpose of the Advisory Council is to provide IDM with valuable input on economic development trends, challenges, and opportunities that Council members observe in Iowa’s communities and regions. Council members are also encouraged to offer suggestions on how IDM might best assist these communities and regions in addressing their needs.
The Advisory Council is composed of a diverse group of representatives, including:
- Local and regional economic development organizations (such as chambers of commerce, economic development corporations, Main Street programs, regional economic development organizations, and councils of governments)
- Rural electric cooperatives
- Investor-owned utilities
- Community college officials
- Iowa Economic Development Authority
- Iowa Workforce Development
- Iowa Department of Education
- State legislators
The meeting featured updates from IDM on current initiatives and research, followed by collaborative discussions focused on planning, implementation support, and identifying new opportunities for growth. Council members, including Troy Weary, played a key role in providing input that shared statewide economic development efforts. These perspectives surrounding implementation and innovation guide decisions that impact communities and organizations throughout Iowa.

“Collaborative input from leaders across Iowa is essential for driving innovation and guiding economic development decisions that truly impact our communities. By working together, we can identify new opportunities and implement strategies that foster sustainable growth throughout the state.”
— Troy Weary