Join us at the Iowa League of Cities Annual Conference for three days of learning, connection, and conversation with city leaders from across the state. Be sure to stop by the IIHR booth to learn more about our work and say hello! Don't miss a compelling talk featuring IIHR Director and Iowa Flood Center Co-founder Larry Weber and Kevin Robinson from the city of Spencer as they share insights from one of Iowa’s most significant recent flood events, detailed below.

Title

2024 Flood in Northwest Iowa: Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

Description

In June 2024, communities in northwest Iowa were devastated by floods after receiving more than 15 inches of rain in just a few days. In Spencer, Iowa, it is estimated that up to 80% of the city’s 5,100 homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed. Preceding the flood, much of the state had been in a prolonged drought—with more than $248M allocated in crop insurance payments from drought in 2023.Iowa communities need to be prepared for the impacts of extreme weather. This presentation will feature the first-hand experiences of community leaders from Spencer, Iowa, who have been intimately involved in their community's response, recovery, and preparedness efforts following this record-setting flood event. Lessons learned will be shared and experts from the Iowa Flood Center will join to discuss the tools, resources, and technical assistance it is providing Spencer that is available to other communities to help Iowans become more flood-resilient.

Date and Time

Friday, Sept. 19, 9-10 a.m.
Iowa Events Center | 730 Third St., Des Moines, IA 50309