Lyons, Neb. – The Center for Rural Affairs recently opened an Iowa office in Nevada, at 1210 Sixth St.
The organization has advocated for national legislation benefiting rural Iowans since it opened in 1973. With an increasing supporter base in Iowa, staff have recently become more involved urging state lawmakers to consider their rural constituents.
The expanded work prompted a move from Dyersville.
?As we began to focus more on Iowa state policy, we recognized that a centralized location would broaden our impact,? said Johnathan Hladik, Center for Rural Affairs policy program director. ?As the state grapples with questions surrounding clean energy, water quality, farm policy and immigration, we see an opportunity to advocate for solutions that strengthen vibrant Iowa communities.?
The Center for Rural Affairs? home office is located in Lyons, Neb. Since its inception, the organization has worked to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities across the United States. The private nonprofit addresses social, economic and environmental issues.
?I?m thrilled to be back in central Iowa,? said Stephanie Enloe, policy program associate. ?Not only because I grew up here, but our proximity to Des Moines opens new opportunities for us to engage on state policy and maintain a line of communication between rural Iowans the capitol.?
Enloe focuses on renewable energy policy and projects, transmission infrastructure and water quality policy. She is joined in Nevada by Anna Johnson, policy program associate.
?Many of the most pressing issues facing the Midwest and the Great Plains are being debated right now in Iowa,? said Johnson. ?I couldn?t pass up a chance to work with Iowans on agricultural policy.?
Johnson learned about agriculture while working on small farms and living in rural Iowa after graduating college. At the Center for Rural Affairs, she works on farm and conservation policy, with a focus on strengthening conservation programs, reforming federal crop insurance and leveling the playing field for beginning farmers and ranchers.
Visitors are welcome at the Nevada office, and are encouraged to schedule an appointment as office hours may vary.
Learn more about the Center for Rural Affairs at cfra.org.
