Enterprise Zone Programs

The Jackson County Board of Supervisors and the Jackson County Enterprise Zone Commission have designated the entire City Limits of City of Maquoketa an "Enterprise Zone" for both economic development and housing development.

With this city-wide designation, if the developer meets the minimum requirements and if the development is approved by the County Enterprise Zone Commission and the Iowa Dept of Economic Development prior to starting a project, the following incentives are available:

Economic Development Enterprise Zone Projects

1.) Property tax exemptions on up to 100% of new taxable value on land and buildings for up to 10 years.

2.) An investment tax credit of up to 10% against corporate income taxes for machinery and equipment, buildings and improvements.

3.) Refunds of sales, services, or use taxes paid to contractors or subcontractors during construction.

4.) A 13% research and development activities credit (refundable) against corporate income taxes.

5.) Double the income tax withholding credit for community college job training programs.

6.) The following contains the basic eligibility requirements:

create at least 10 jobs

pay 80% of employee health and dental insurance

pay 90% of average regional or county wage, whichever is lower ($7.50 per hour minimum)

make capital investments of at least $500,000

not be retail establishments

Housing Enterprise Zone Projects

1.) Refunds of sales, services, or use taxes paid to contractors or subcontractors during construction.

2.) The following contains the basic eligibility requirements:

The city or county Enterprise Zone Commission and Iowa Department of Economic Development must approve the proposed housing development project.

The housing project must be built within a certified Enterprise Zone.

The project must be undertaken by a housing developer or housing contractor.

The project may involve construction of new housing or rehabilitation of existing housing.

The project must include at least four single-family houses or at least one multi-family building containing three or more units.

The per unit appraised value of assisted housing units, either new or rehabilitated, cannot exceed $120,000.

The project must be completed within two years of the start of construction.

The housing units must meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 8 Quality Housing Standards and local housing codes.

Anyone wishing to obtain an application to qualify a project under the Enterprise Zone Program should contact Stacy Driscoll at the Maquoketa Chamber of Commerce, 563-652-4602 or at maqchamber@qwest.net