Spencer, Iowa — The Clay County Fair Association, the Spencer Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), and the City of Spencer have partnered on a land transaction intended to support disaster housing efforts and long-term flood recovery following historic flooding in June 2024.
SEDC is acquiring residential lots owned by the Clay County Fair Association, located one block east of the Fair’s Speedway. The parcels being acquired are situated at the eastern edge of the Silver Lot and include all Fair-owned property east of 3rd Avenue West. The majority of the Silver Lot will remain under the ownership of the Clay County Fair Association. Fairgoers and vendors will continue to have access to parking in the Silver Lot for the 2026 Clay County Fair and for future fairs. The pending transaction will not impact Fair operations or parking availability.
The land acquisition is a key component of ongoing flood recovery efforts stemming from the 2024 disaster. It supports the development of a potential disaster housing project funded through Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds. SEDC will facilitate the project and apply for CDBG-DR funding as part of this recovery initiative. If funding is awarded, the City of Spencer would administer the disaster housing program. No City funds are being used for the land purchase; the transaction is being completed at no cost to the City.
The proposed project includes the construction of nine single-family, one-unit homes intended for occupancy by low- or moderate-income (LMI) households. The housing would support ongoing recovery efforts following the historic June 2024 flooding, when the Little Sioux River crested at a record level of 22.2 feet.
“The Clay County Fair Association has been proud to serve as a community partner in this effort,” said Jason Brockshus, CEO/Manager. “By selling this portion of land to the SEDC, the Fair is able to support Spencer’s flood recovery while ensuring the Fairgrounds remain fully functional for the Fair and future events.”
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program supports community development activities that strengthen and revitalize communities. CDBG–Disaster Recovery funds are appropriated by Congress and allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist communities recovering from Presidentially declared disasters, particularly in low- and moderate-income areas.
SEDC has worked closely with the Clay County Fair Association throughout the process to advance a project that aligns with community needs and long-term recovery goals. “We are grateful to the Clay County Fair Association Board and leadership for their foresight in developing this land,” shared SEDC Chair Jason Warren. “Located close to Spencer’s trails, the Fair, and other local amenities, the location is primed for additional and much needed affordable housing.”
Interested developers may contact SEDC by email at info@spenceredc.com or by calling the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation at 712-264-3474 regarding the properties. SEDC also invites community members to stay informed on this and other Spencer development projects through regular updates on its website, spenceredc.com. Additional details about the proposed housing development will be shared as planning and funding progress, and once the land sale is finalized, SEDC will serve as the primary point of contact for the project.
About The Clay County Fair & Events Center
Rooted in Tradition, the Clay County Fair and Events Center is a year-round facility that annually hosts more than 300 events, including its signature event, the Clay County Fair. Known as “The World’s Greatest County Fair” since 1917, the Clay County Fair attracts more than 300,000 guests each September for nine days of world-class entertainment, competition, food, fun, and the largest farm machinery show at any fair in the United States. Additional information can be found at claycountyfair.com.
About the Spencer Economic Development Corporation (SEDC)
Spencer Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is a local economic development agency for the City of Spencer and surrounding area. The purpose of the organization is to foster, encourage, promote, assist or otherwise aid economic growth and development in the City of Spencer and surrounding area.