The Iowa Extension Council Association is made up of a 25-member board of directors who represent the 900 county extension council members in the State of Iowa. Extension council members are elected officials who oversee the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach efforts in their county. These elected officials are responsible for the county's Extension and Outreach budget, directing the county's Extension and Outreach program, and hiring the employees to carry out the work that serves the needs of Iowans.
Legislative Update
Iowa Legislature Approves Tax Reform Bill
May 3 marked the final day of Iowa’s 2026 Legislative Session, as the Legislature officially passed the Adjournment Sine Die resolution at 7:07 PM after working through the night on Saturday, May 2.
Perhaps most important for extension districts, the House and Senate both passed an amended Senate File 2472 for property taxes. Once leadership reached an agreement, they quickly moved to get the plan approved in both chambers. The property tax reform bill passed 41-1 in the Senate and 61-22 in the House. This bill changes Iowa Code 176A to:
- remove the levy rate cap
- remove the dollar cap, and
- add the 2% growth cap (replacing the incremental increase of $6K, $7K, $15K, or $25K)
What comes next?
Some language changed in the 11th hour so we’ll review the entire bill to ensure we understand what it all means. The bill will be sent to the governor for signature. The new property tax calculations would be implemented July 1, 2027. Once it is signed into law, IECA will begin working to calculate implications for county budgets and coordinate some webinars to guide councils how to prepare for these tax changes.
IECA is committed to helping councils understand the new levy and how to strengthen Extension for the future. Feel free to direct any questions to your IECA Board of Directors representative or IECA Executive Director Jennifer Vit.
Extension Council Day on Campus
Save the Date: September 18, 2026
Mark your calendars for the 3rd Annual Extension Council Day on Campus. We'll be meeting in Ames on Friday, September 18, 2026. The day will be full of behind-the-scenes tours of Iowa State University where you can see extension research in action and learn about programs to meet the needs of Iowans. More information coming in June.
Video: Understanding Roles within Extension
Video: Understanding Roles within Extension
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is a big organization with a complex partnership between ISU and your county extension district. This session will help outline "who's who" and "who does what" at the county, regional, state, and federal levels, as well as how it impacts you as a council member. And, no, there won't be a quiz at the end of the session.
Video: How Councils Can Co-Create the Future of Extension
Video: How Councils Can Co-Create the Future of Extension
Hear Vice President Henderson's explanation of the current funding climate for extension and learn how county extension councils can position their county programs for sustainability in the future.
Video: Reading the Monthly Financial Reports
Video: Reading the Monthly Financial Reports
Watch Video and View Resources
Your county extension council was created as a taxing authority to collect and allocate dollars, according to Iowa Code Section 176A. But do you know how to read the monthly reports you receive? Learn what to look for and how to use the information to ensure your budget is progressing as planned throughout the year.