Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response & Information
On Friday, July 17, 2020, four months will have passed since Governor Kim Reynolds formally declared a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency in Iowa. It was the first of several declarations that would be issued in the following weeks that closed businesses, limited public gatherings and took other steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. A lot has happened since then. Everyone has been affected in some way. Above all else, everyone involved with the Johnston Economic Development Corporation wishes for the health and safety of every person in our community and extended families. We encourage everyone to continue the recommended best practices for social distancing, hand-washing, and yes, wearing some type face covering when going to the store or being in a group setting. Consider this to be an act of being polite if nothing else.
We continue to be grateful for the work of our health care providers, first responders, and everyone who has been performing essential function. Soon we’ll be grateful to our teachers and administrators who will be implementing their “return to learn” plans to ensure the education of the young people attending our community schools.
Meanwhile Johnston Economic Development Corporation will continue to work to support development and to communicate best practices for reopening and keeping everyone safe. On this page, we have compiled a list of programs and resources, and we will continue to update this list as additional resources become available.
Small Business Recovery Grant Program
The Greater Des Moines Partnership, Polk County and the City of Johnston have awarded grants to Eighteen Johnston businesses. Awards were up to $5,000. The total amount being granted was $85,000.00. Businesses were required to demonstrate the adverse impact of COVID-19. Businesses which had already received support from the Iowa Economic Development Authority were not eligible to participate.
Applications for assistance were accepted until May 20, 2020, and then were reviewed by Iowa Center for Economic Success. The initiative was organized by Polk County, the Greater Des Moines Partnership and the City of Des Moines with financial support coming from area cities (including Johnston and Urbandale). The Johnston City Council had pledged up to $50,000.00 to the effort, and those funds were matched by resources from Polk County and private sector contributors. JEDCO also contributed $2,500.00 to the cause.
Resources for the Business Community
Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Des Moines Partnership is continuing to monitor the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout the region, providing updates and resources to the working community of the Des Moines metro. From learning opportunities to business assistance, they are doing their best to help employers and employees be prepared.
U.S. Small Business Administration
Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy, and the SBA is committed to assisting businesses during this time. As the situation with COVID-19 remains ongoing, business owners should continue to check in on what options may be available to them.
Iowa Economic Development Authority
Due to the economic impact of COVID-19 closures and postponements, Iowa Economic Development Authority continues to gather resources and information that may be of use to partners and businesses statewide.
Iowa Workforce Development
To combat many of the negative economic effects of COVID-19, Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Workforce Development have implemented an assistance program aimed at employers facing layoffs and the employees impacted by them. Additionally, IWD provide various resources for finding temporary employment and understanding unemployment insurance.
Iowa State University Center for Industrial Research and Service
As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, there are a number of measures manufacturers can take to stay safe and slow spreading. ISU’s Center for Industrial Research an Service (CIRAS) has provided various educational guides and direct support to those in industrial businessmen in order to help them plan, prepare, protect and recover their operations.
What Locals Need to Know
City of Johnston
The health and wellness of the City of Johnston residents and employees is a top priority. The City continues to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak and will follow guidance from the Polk County Health Department.
Johnston Chamber of Commerce
Your Johnston Chamber of Commerce is working diligently to serve the community in a positive and encouraging way. Please visit their website to learn about which businesses are operational in Johnston, including restaurants, churches, grocery stores, etc.
Johnston Partnership
The Johnston Partnership has altered its operation procedures In order to protect the community and volunteer staff. Please visit the website to learn more about opportunities to volunteer or donate, or visit to learn about receiving services and goods from the pantry during this time.
DART
In order to promote health and safety throughout the Des Moines metro, DART has made changes to operation procedures and has suspended collecting fares. These efforts will help operators and riders practice social distancing while still serving the population that relies on this service.
Stay Healthy. Stay Safe. Stay in-the-Know.
COVID-19 in Iowa
For information about employment, education, transportation and travel, public safety and more, this website has links to all the resources and maps you need to stay informed.
Governor’s Newsroom
Follow important updates from Governor Kim Reynolds as COVID-19 continues to spread throughout Iowa, impacting the day-to-day life of citizens and the economy,
Iowa DPH
Learn more information about the global outbreak of COVID-19, and find resources with information about its impact and about prevention.