Fairfield, Iowa, Sparks a Community Renaissance through Creativity and Innovation
Located amidst fields of corn and soybeans, Fairfield, Iowa, (pop. 9,600) is far from a typical Midwestern small town. In fact, Fairfield has taken the traditional approach to economic development and turned it on its head. In 1980, no self-respecting economic development consultant would have predicted that Fairfield’s focus on becoming an arts and cultural center would lead to economic development. Yet, by becoming an arts and cultural magnet, Fairfield set the stage for an economic renaissance. And although Fairfield is unique, there are lessons here for all communities seeking to become more creative and innovative.
The series has three parts: Part One, Arts and Culture, Part 2, Entrepreneurship, and Part 3, Sustainability.
Part 1: Arts and Culture
As described by the Chamber of Commerce, Fairfield is a place where “metropolitan-quality culture meets a small community’s approach to life.” In 2006, Mother Earth News named Fairfield as one of “Twelve Great Places You’ve Never Heard Of,” designating it one of America’s ideal places to live in regards to “beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities; civic pride and a healthy economy; and a community of people who care about the environment, sustainability, alternative energy, and fresh, wholesome food.” However, Fairfield did not reach this point by happenstance, it took decades of innovative leadership and citizen participation.
Part 2: Entrepreneurship
Fairfield has seen over $250 million in new investment and the creation of 3,000 new jobs locally, 12,000 jobs globally, and nearly $1 billion in new equity since 1990. According to the Fairfield Entrepreneurs Association, one third of all venture capital raised in the state of Iowa in the past twenty years has been invested in Fairfield-based companies. The National Center for Small Communities awarded Fairfield its inaugural Grass Roots Entrepreneurship Award for cities under 10,000 in 2003. The following year, Fairfield was voted Most Entrepreneurial City in Iowa by the Iowa Community Vitality Center.
Part 3: Sustainability
“People want to jump on a moving train,” says Ken Ross. “If they aren’t seeing things happen quickly, they lose interest.” For Ross, an early entrepreneurials success, something that would be quick, measurable and speak dollars, was imperative. His goal was to act as a one-stop shop to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and energy use by 20 percent.
For the whole story (all three parts), please click here.
A note on the author…
Elizabeth Brown is a freelance writer with a passion for cold-brewed coffee, yoga, leafy greens, and good questions. Brown has a degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies from Furman University, though she spent nearly half of her college career studying in Central America, Spain, and southern Africa. Her experience in grant writing, marketing, development, and community involvement includes a year-long term as an AmeriCorps volunteer with the Green Energy Corps in Austin, Texas, and an ongoing association with LIFE Microlending, Inc. and M Smith Agency in Louisa County, Iowa. This article highlights Brown’s first foray into the field of journalism. Apparently, she was impressed with what she saw in Fairfield. Shortly after conducting the interviews for this article, Brown moved to Fairfield from her hometown of Wapello, Iowa.
