(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development continues to explore housing options for the city.

HFED Director Kristen Hillyer says she and City Administrator Mike Nichols met October 19th with the Excel Development Group,  which broke ground earlier this year on a housing project in Falls City.

Hillyer says HFED started looking into the issue in July after Hiawatha-based businesses identified the lack of housing as a key concern during a roundtable discussion. “From where we started back in July, it's kind of evolving, I guess is the best way to think about it,” Hillyer told Commissioners last week. “Kind of  a work in progress on what we're thinking about doing with them and what we might be able to do here in town, but we're going to keep having more meetings to keep exploring what we might be able to work out.” 

Hillyer also told the City Commission last week that HFED has put together a booklet to help promote the city.  It includes information about Hiawatha along with incentive available to businesses wanting to locate in the community and available properties.  The booklet will be placed in different locations throughout the city.

Hillyer said HFED co-hosted a transition seminar last month for businesses or individuals who might be looking at retiring. “It was also for people to just start thinking about the 'what ifs' that could happen in a business if someone unexpectedly leaves or passes away. This was an opportunity for them to think about what kind of plans they need to have in place for their business.”

Hillyer said she’s working with Hiawatha High School students in one of the classes on writing different articles on some of the member businesses in town. “It's also giving those students an opportunity to learn more about the businesses that we have here.” 

HFED plans to hold their annual meeting on January 14th at the Klinefelter Farm.