The City of Leland Shows Support for Iowa Veterans by Becoming an HBI Community

The city of Leland has joined more than 125 other Iowa entities who have chosen to show their support for Iowa Veterans by becoming an HBI community. Home Base Iowa is a one-of-kind program designed to connect veterans and service members with more than 2,300 businesses statewide who have pledged
to hire veterans.

At the same time, Michaelis partnered with the cities of Northwood and Forest City to kick off the start of obtaining the designation for each of the 14 communities Michaelis serves within both Winnebago and Worth counties. Each county incentive package includes $1000 in relocation assistance to veterans moving to either county. Winn-Worth Betco has budgeted to assist with up to six veterans per year to choose either county as their home.

Michaelis noted the partnership she has created in Winnebago County with Mary Lou Kleveland, Winnebago County’s Veterans Service Officer. “She has been a tremendous help attending the city council meetings with me. It is important for city officials to hear how this program has really made a difference,” Michaelis stated.

Michaelis and Kleveland worked together to help establish all Winnebago County communities to become dedicated as a HBI community. Leland was the last city in the county to be honored with the designation.

The City of Leland has officially been awarded the designation of a Home Base Iowa Community on Thursday, November 13th, 2025 offering a variety of incentives:

• One free rental fee of the Community Center
• Fence permit fee waived
• Free recycling for 3 months
• Mosquito Spraying Fee Waived for 1 year
• Water Connection Fee Waived for New Home Built
• Sewer Hook-Up Fee Waived for New Home Built

“It will be a great accomplishment to see all 14 of the communities I serve obtain this designation,” said Michaelis.

By Melissa Michaelis, Executive Director Winn-Worth Betco