Ankeny.

Iowa is a national leader in wind production, and that leadership has brought real benefits to rural counties like Adair and Howard.

As local governments work to stretch limited budgets to keep roads drivable, bridges safe, and parks well-maintained, wind energy tax revenue has become a valuable tool. These two counties demonstrate how pairing private investment with thoughtful local planning can turn tax revenue from energy projects into public improvements that strengthen entire communities.

More than 500 turbines represent roughly a quarter of Adair County’s total property valuation. That tax base translates into miles of resurfaced county highways, upgraded gravel roads, and bridge and culvert replacements without shifting additional cost onto residents. Using tax-increment financing (TIF), the county directed millions toward transportation, effectively increasing the transportation budget by more than 50% in some years.

Howard County’s experience underscores the same community payoff, but with only a third of the number of turbines. Wind revenue makes up roughly 14.5% of county funds and has financed $21.5 million in special projects: 30 bridge replacements, 20 miles of paving, and essential equipment that keeps future projects moving. Investments didn’t stop at transportation. Parks, conservation areas, and local trails received improvements that strengthen water quality, boost outdoor recreation, and make the county more attractive to families and employers. School districts benefited from additional funds for facilities, technology, and transportation, while reducing the tax burden on local residents.

For rural communities, wind energy can offer a path to resilience by bolstering county revenues that fund safer infrastructure, support local schools, and enhance public amenities. Wind may be harvested in farm fields, but its returns show up on main streets, in classrooms, and across public places we share.

Read more about Adair and Howard County’s experiences at cfra.org/clean-energy-policy.

Val Ankeny is a policy associate at the Center for Rural Affairs.