Rebuild Iowa Office
Through Executive Order 7, the RIO has been given authority in a variety of critical areas, including the following:
- coordinating state activities concerning the rebuilding effort;
- securing funding and other resources needed for the recovery, and establishing priorities and disbursal guidelines for any such funds received;
- establishing federal and state legislative agendas associated with the recovery effort;
- establishing principles and policies for redevelopment;
- establishing timelines and benchmarks associated with the recovery effort;
- providing opportunities for public and business input;
- ensuring transparency in the recovery process; and
- speaking with one voice on behalf of all of the State of Iowa, to include advocating for the resources necessary to spur recovery and communicating progress, status and needs of the recovery to officials, community advocates and the public.
What We Do
Since the Rebuild Iowa Office’s creation on June 27, 2008 it has been focused on the response to and recovery from the devastating storms, floods, and tornadoes of 2008. Throughout its initiatives, the RIO is committed to a recovery and rebuilding process that is fair and equitable to everyone. To help the state work towards a full recovery, the Rebuild Iowa Office is engaged in many diverse activities.
RIO’s Community and Regional Recovery Planning team (CaRRP) have been working with some of the hardest hit disaster-affected communities across Iowa to help each individual community develop its own unique recovery and rebuilding plan. CaRRP is also working to extend their expertise to other communities impacted by last summer’s disasters.
RIO’s Disaster Recovery Case Management Coordination team has been working with voluntary agencies and faith-based groups active in helping Iowa communities recover from the disasters. Their work with more than 20 local Long-Term Recovery Committees helps to place Iowans struggling to recover in contact with case workers who will help them navigate the steps to a successful recovery.
The RIO Communications team keeps Iowans informed of the latest disaster recovery information and programs by the following:
- Working with media outlets across the state to ensure an accurate message reaches impacted Iowans.
- Managing the RIO Web site which houses a wealth of information for those interested in Iowa’s recovery process.
- Facilitating discussion between agencies involved in the recovery efforts to encourage cooperation and communication toward a holistic approach to recovery.
- Handling disaster- and recovery-related calls, e-mails and other inquiries from the public.
The RIO also supports specialists focusing on economic, environmental, housing, and infrastructure recovery issues.
To view the Rebuild Iowa Office organizational chart, click here.
Mission Statement
The Rebuild Iowa Office will lead the State of Iowa’s efforts to rebuild safer, stronger and smarter in the wake of the 2008 severe storms and catastrophic flooding.
Vision Statement
We envision a resilient Iowa that will be safe, sustainable and economically strong for its people, reaffirming its ties to the land, rivers, environment and rich cultural history.
Contact the Office:
502 E. Ninth St.
Wallace Building
Second Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (515) 242-5004
Fax: (515) 242-5006
contact@rio.iowa.gov
If you are a constituent with a specific question or concern about your situation, please call our RIO HelpLine at (866) 849-0323 or use the online form on the Contact Us page.