MAQUOKETA, IOWA – November 6, 2024 – Jackson County celebrated a significant milestone on Wednesday with its official designation as a Home Base Iowa (HBI) Community. Joined by representatives from Iowa Workforce Development, Home Base Iowa, and local government, Jackson County’s new designation underscores the community's commitment to supporting veterans and their families by offering specialized incentives for employment and housing.
The designation ceremony at 120 S Main Street in Maquoketa included a plaque presentation and addresses from community leaders and key program representatives. Among the speakers were Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development, and Harrison Swift, Program Manager of Home Base Iowa. Dr. Don Schwenker also attended; he shared insights on his transition from military to civilian life during a subsequent “Wednesday is Possible” event.
Home Base Iowa was established to bridge the gap between veterans and communities needing skilled, dedicated professionals. With Jackson County’s new designation, veterans relocating to the area can now take advantage of a tailored incentive package, including a $1,000 home purchase incentive and a $250 employment incentive. These benefits are part of a larger effort by Jackson County to welcome and support veterans as they transition into civilian careers and communities.
“Jackson County’s commitment to becoming an HBI community sends a public statement that the Iowans here value the character and mission-focused determination that Veterans can offer local businesses,” remarked Harrison Swift. “We hope that Jackson County’s leadership helps inspire more communities across our state to take this step and gain an advantage in meeting their workforce needs.”
Becoming a Home Base Iowa community entails meeting three primary standards: creating a custom incentive package for veterans, visibly displaying the HBI designation, and securing a resolution of support from local governing bodies. Jackson County has fulfilled these requirements, joining more than 130 cities and counties across Iowa that have earned the Home Base Iowa designation.
In addition to the local incentives offered through Home Base Iowa, veterans moving to Iowa benefit from state-level perks, including exemptions from state taxes on military pensions, hiring preferences for veterans, and homebuying assistance programs.
Jackson County’s new Home Base Iowa designation symbolizes the community’s appreciation for veterans and a practical step toward strengthening the local workforce and economy. With this commitment, Jackson County joins a growing network of communities across Iowa, working to make the state a welcoming and supportive place for those who have served.
