By Sam Parsons

The Oskaloosa City Council held a regular meeting last night and passed a resolution approving the CORE Downtown Improvement Grant Program.

“CORE” stands for “Community-Oriented Revitalization & Enhancement,” and the grant program will offer a reimbursement of up to $50,000 toward qualifying exterior improvements to existing buildings in the city. All work will require a 50% owner match, except for architectural and engineering services, which will require a 20% owner match. Grant applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of City Staff along with staff from the Mahaska Chamber and Oskaloosa Main Street. City staff said that over a three-year period, this program could generate an additional $1.5 million investment to preserve and enhance Oskaloosa’s downtown area buildings. Funds for the program are included in the city’s Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2026-2028. The resolution was approved unanimously by the council.

In other business, the council passed the second reading of an ordinance adding Alternate Enforcement Action to the Oskaloosa Municipal Code.

The next regular meeting for the Oskaloosa City Council will be held on November 17.