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Economic Development

Please Click Here To Apply For Commercial Tax Abatement (see details below)

Commercial Tax Abatement

Partial property tax exemption will be applied to new commercial real estate construction or improvements on existing construction provided that the improvements increase the property’s valuation by 15% or more. The amounts for eligible tax exemption will be applied on a sliding scale program:

  1. For the first year, seventy-five percent (75%)
  2. For the second year, sixty percent (60%)
  3. For the third year, forty-five percent (45%)
  4. For the fourth year, thirty percent (30%)
  5. For the fifth year, fifteen percent (15%)

The commercial tax abatement program ends after 2025. More information about the program can be found here.

Southbridge Urban Renewal Area & TIF

In 2018 and 2019, the City adopted the Southbridge Urban Renewal Plan for Southbridge Plat 3 (i.e., a mixed-use PUD just south of 302nd Place and in between HWY 169 and Old Portland Road).

Please Note: The City’s Commercial Tax Abatement Program does not apply in the Southbridge Urban Renewal Area.

This area functions as an Urban Renewal Area and a Tax Increment Financing District. The City has a separate development agreement with Cramer & Associates, Inc. for Cramer to use incentives to develop the property.

Please review the documents below for details:

Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

The City of Adel uses tax increment financing (TIF) to subsidize redevelopment, infrastructure, and other community improvement projects. Through TIF, property tax revenue increases are reallocated toward a district of economic development or a public improvement project in our community. Please see the Urban Renewal Plan below to learn more about specific options related to TIF projects.

Industrial Property Tax Exemptions

Partial property tax exemption will be applied to industrial real estate by the new construction of industrial real estate, research-service facilities, warehouses, and distribution centers. The amounts for eligible tax exemption will be applied on a sliding scale program:

  1. For the first year, seventy-five percent (75%)
  2. For the second year, sixty percent (60%)
  3. For the third year, forty-five percent (45%)
  4. For the fourth year, thirty percent (30%)
  5. For the fifth year, fifteen percent (15%)

More information about the industrial property tax exemption can be found in Chapter 8 of the Adel City Code.

East Annex Sanitary Sewer Connection Fee District

On May 12, 2020, the Adel City Council approved a sanitary sewer connection fee district ordinance for the “East Annex” area east of the river to R-16.

This ordinance requires certain fees for developments and construction in this area that connect to the City’s sanitary sewer system.

Please contact Adel City Hall with any questions.

Past Residential Tax Abatement (Updated 11/30/2021)

In 2017, the Adel City Council voted unanimously to phase out the City’s residential tax abatement program after 2020.

New homes built between 2011 and 2020 may still have some tax abatement remaining. The abatement goes with the property, not the property owner.

While the residential tax abatement program has ended, the City’s Community & Economic Development Committee is tasked with, in part, periodically evaluating the City’s growth and potential incentives.

If interested for historical purposes, the full, final version of the old Plan, along with exhibits and application materials, may be found by clicking here.

LOIS – LocationOne – Buildings & Sites

In partnership with the Greater Dallas County Development Alliance and the Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce, please use the links below to access information on available buildings and sites in Adel:

Available Sites

Available Buildings

If those links do not list results, please use the general LOIS Website and search for Adel. You may also contact the Alliance at (515) 987-2020 or the Chamber at (515) 993-5472 for assistance.

Historic Preservation Grant

Please click here for details on the City’s Historic Preservation Grant for buildings in the downtown Courthouse Square District. Grants up to $15,000 may be available for specific improvements.

Contacts for Utilities Hookups

MidAmerican Energy – Commercial, Industrial, and Subdivision Development

For gas and electric utilities to your business, contact:

Residential Utilities

For all other utility needs for residents, please visit our utilities page.

Business Resources

Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce

The Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce works with active and prospective members on business referrals, economic development, networking, recruitment and retention, and educational programs.

Greater Dallas County Development Alliance

The Greater Dallas County Development Alliance facilitates economic development and has a variety of resources for small, medium, or large projects.

    • Rachel Wacker, Executive Director
    • (515) 987-2020

Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is an economic and community development organization serving the greater Des Moines area.