She also included “Opportunity Squared Regional Analysis: Economic Development in Southeast Iowa,” a January 2008 study of workforce characteristics. The document includes laborshed details about occupations, employment, education and median wage.

Foudree said RPC is a voluntary association of member local governments whose “primary purpose” is to cooperate in finding solutions to similar local problems and needs. Any local government in the RPC service area is eligible to participate. The service area includes these counties: Appanoose, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Van Buren, Wapello and Wayne.

The commission is multi-jurisdictional and offers a comprehensive approach in transportation, planning and housing, according to Foudree.

“We respond to the regional angle. Ottumwa is a regional hub, a center of commerce, education and health,” she said. “We reach beyond the corporate limits.”

For first-time home buyers, RPC provided 119 loans totaling $518,000 throughout the region. Thirty-one of the 119 loans are for homes in Ottumwa, Foudree said.

RPC has also loaned $4 million in “business start-ups.” The funds went to 58 businesses that have provided 1,699 jobs. Seven of those businesses are in Ottumwa.

“We work behind the scenes with the city. We’re not highly visible but we’re always accessible,” Foudree said. “I hope we can continue.”

Councilman Keith Caviness said the “presentation was well done and very informative.”

How RPC assists on grants was of interest to Councilwoman Shannon Addison. She wondered if RPC staff members read the grant and answer the questions.

Foudree said her staff can assist by formulating the grant application.

Addison also asked what RPC’s fee would be if requested to write a grant from start to finish.

“Our grant writing services are free to members,” Foudree said.

Councilman Gordon Aistrope said he “originally had concerns” about RPC but the presentation convinced him the city gets a “good return on its investment.”

“Please, don’t assume the council knows what groups do. I suggest we do this more often,” he added.

“At your pleasure,” Foudree said.