News : Achenbach recognized with ICOG Prometheus Award for leadership

ICOG Honors Excellence with Innovative Project Award, Prometheus Award, and Friend of COGs Awards ---The Iowa Association of Councils of Governments (ICOG) proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 ICOG Innovative Project Award, ICOG Prometheus Award, and the inaugural Friend of COGs Award. These prestigious awards, presented at the May 1 Staff Retreat in Des Moines, IA, recognize outstanding contributions in public service, workforce development, economic development, and related fields. Prometheus Award
Tracey Achenbach of the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) was honored with the ICOG Prometheus Award for her transformative leadership in housing initiatives and community development. Her exceptional work in housing recovery following the 2020 Derecho, particularly through the Providing Assistance to Community Homeowners (PATCH) program, secured $3.4 million in funding, assisted 292 households, and earned multiple awards.
(Editor's note: Tracey worked in Benton County at both the city and county levels to help secure grants to meet housing needs following disasters as well as helping to obtain funding for first-time homeowners in the area.)
Innovative Project Award
The Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA) received the 2025 Innovative Project Award for developing the groundbreaking ICOG Impact Map. Inspired by the vision of MAPA's Executive Director, Mike Helgerson, this innovative tool significantly enhances the visibility and effectiveness of COG projects statewide, increasing public and governmental recognition of COGs' critical role in economic and community development. Learn more about the ICOG Impact Map at https://www.iowacog.com/impact-map. Friend of COGs Award
This year marks the inaugural presentation of the Friend of COGs Award, with two recipients:

• Allamakee County Economic Development and Tourism (ACED): Since 1997, ACED has been a vital force in Iowa's northeastern county, focusing on workforce, housing, community development, business development, and tourism. Partnering with Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC), ACED secured $1 million for the Waukon Apartment Project, addressing the critical housing shortage with local developer Quandahl Construction investing over $5.9 million into 36 apartment units. Their creation of the Allamakee County Child Care Coalition and Child Care Solutions Fund supports wage enhancements for childcare providers, improving retention and quality of care. ACED's collaborative spirit, particularly through Val Reinke's efforts, exemplifies their role as a true friend of COGs.
• Dee Fischer, USDA: Dee Fischer has been a crucial ally for COGs over the past 20 years, leveraging her role at USDA Rural Development to secure vital resources and partnerships. Her efforts have ensured that small towns receive their fair share of funding, overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and addressing challenges posed by natural disasters, leadership turnover, and regulatory changes. Dee's dedication to fostering cooperation and teamwork has led to the successful stacking of USDA and CDBG funds, maximizing the impact of multiple funding sources. Her proactive approach in referring projects to COGs and seeking their input has significantly improved the lives of rural Iowans.

The Iowa Association of Councils of Governments (ICOG) is the trade association for the 17 Councils of Governments (COGs) in Iowa. Since 1988, ICOG has brought leaders and communities together to promote economic growth, improve public sector services, and solve regional issues for the future of Iowa.