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2023 altoona community development annual report header and aerial view of Altoona
2023 altoona community development annual report header and aerial view of Altoona

in 2023, we reached new heights.

Altoona once again demonstrated why we're Iowa's business-friendly home for growth. Despite nationwide challenges like interest rate uncertainties, our community saw steady, valuable economic development in 2023.

Large commercial and industrial projects helped drive Altoona's impressive growth in 2023, and will continue to do so in 2024. The City issued more than $160 million in new building permits this year (5th highest total), approving site plans for over 318,000 SF of new development space. Meanwhile, our population grew to 21,500+ residents, a 10% increase since 2020.

The future is looking increasingly bright here in Altoona. Families, businesses and industries are thriving. Big things are coming. Keep reading to learn more.

Graphic showing that Altoona issued building permits for 139 new residential units.

Graphic showing info on new single-family plats: 110 lots, 38.84 acres

Graphic showing a statistic of 73 new commercial permits issued for new business, additions and alterations valued at $130 million.

Graphic showing statistics on site plans with building permits totaling 318,868 square feet.

Graphic showing statistics on final plats totaling 6 new lots and 84.43 acres.

Graphic showing statistics on 2 land use plan amendments.

Graphic showing statistics on 9 rezonings totaling 530.72 acres.

Graphic showing statistic about 1 new annexation totaling 78 acres.

The City annexed more than 928 acres (roughly 1.5 square miles) of new land in 2023. Of this, 653 acres are designated for office and industrial park development to the north, while 275 acres to the southeast are set aside for residential use.

A graphic showing the words Residential Tax Abatement

In 2023, the Altoona City Council amended the Altoona Revitalization Area Plan to reauthorize tax abatement through Dec. 31, 2032, for single-family, owner-occupied homes.