Rural Workforce Housing
In May of 2023, AEDC was one of 27 organizations across the state awarded funds from the Nebraska Rural Workforce Housing Fund. The 1 million dollar award for Albion will be combined with over $550,000 to create a revolving loan fund for housing development. Application is available to builders, developers and other organizations by clicking the current projects and opportunities link below. Those interested can also view the floor plans of current projects, as well as a request for proposals for two additional properties ready for development in Albion.
Current Albion Rural Workforce Housing Projects and Opportunities
Facade Improvements
We know small business owners need support to keep their storefronts inviting and updated. Our facade improvement initiative has made a visible impact on businesses across Albion and include projects such as: new windows, new awnings, repaired sidewalks, signage, new doors, lighting improvements, and more.
Downtown Revitalization (DTR)
Albion has been granted $350,000 to revitalize our downtown area. Studies have been done and work is in the initial stages for helping local businesses take advantage of the available dollars to make the most of our improvements. To bring this opportunity to Albion, AEDC contributed $107,450 of matching funds in order to meet grant requirements.
Boone County Trails System
A 2016 community survey showed that a recreational trail system is a primary need for Albion. A committee of various organizations and interested individuals came together to spearhead this initiative. The phase I trail includes a 1.8-mile concrete trail to be constructed around Fuller Park, through the Boone County Fairgrounds, and along South 8th Street. More information can be found on Facebook @BCTrailSystem.
Dilapidated Building Assistance
For many years, AEDC has offered assistance to demolish business buildings and homes in order to improve the image of the community, as well as create opportunities for new businesses and families to relocate to our area. These projects sometimes lead to the purchase of lots so we can take the lead in investigating possible business opportunities.
Impacting Local Success
More than 50% of Albion downtown businesses have utilized facade funding from AEDC.
2017 Projects:
- Worked to receive $350,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for Downtown Revitalization (DTR) project. AEDC put up $107,450 of matching funds to meet the grant requirements.(2017)
- Assisted in starting the Boone County Trails committee (with staff currently serving on said committee) that has currently raised over $200,000 for the project that was stated as a number one priority on the last Community Survey.
- Assisted through a grant/loan program to get an in home Childcare Center started (2017) – $2500
- Sponsored the Jon Schallert Business Seminar (2017) – $1,000
- “The Dunes Motel” rehab assistance grant (2017) – $75,000
- Purchased the Albion Manor Properties (2017) – $60,000
2016 Projects:
- Assisted paying administrative fees for the Boone County Big Give through the Boone County Area Foundation (2014-2016) – $5,000
- Downtown Vacant Lot Purchase (2016) – $6,000
- Kiwanis Park Improvements and Maintenance (2016) – $2,167
- Dilapidated House Demolition Assistance (2016) – $5,000
- Residential Housing Development Infrastructure Assistance (2016) – $100,000
- Retail Recruitment Assistance of Hometown Shopko (2016) – $75,000
- Business Customer Appreciation Ad Sponsorship (2016) – $1,545
2015 Projects:
- Asbestos Removal Assistance during Demo of Downtown Building (2015) – $11,227
- Dilapidated House Demolition Assistance {2015) – $5,000
- Christmas Customer Appreciation Ad Sponsorship (2015) – $1,833
2014 Projects:
- Dilapidated Downtown Business Demolition (2014) – $49,600
- Assistance with Albion Chamber Downtown Flag Program (2014) – $1,000
- Downtown Dilapidated Property Purchase (2014) – $35,145
- Dilapidated House Demolition Assistance (2014) – $3,150
- Cardinal Inn Motel Signage Assistance (2014) – $25,000
- Website Development Assistance (2014) – $9,500
- Cardinal Inn Building Permit Assistance (2014) – $3,500
Additional Past Projects:
- Albion Radio Shack
- Albion True Value
- Albion Thriftyway
- Wells Drug
- The Gray Haired Trout
- Tip-n-Top
- Bygland’s Dirt Contracting
- Heatland Jewelry
- PF Repair
- Creative Window Designs
- Thrivent Financial Services
- Ed Liss
- Barber Family Hair Center
- Applied Connective
- Cruise & Associates
- Gateway Theatre
- Connect Now
- Bob Stopak
- Zoucha Hay Grinding
- J’s Auto Repair
- 3 C’s Catering & More
- Boone County Historical Society
- The Boot Rack
- Shorty’s Ice Cream Shoppe
- Leifeld’s Furniture
- B & G Auto
- Schalk Auto
- Neiwohners (Spiegel Building)
- Kier Dane Harner