The Fayette Tree Board is considering submitting an application for the free tree seedlings program through the Iowa DNR. Fayette is eligible to receive free seedlings for residents within city limits but can only submit one application for the city. If you are interested in receiving 11” to 20” or 21” to 30” tall seedlings, please print and fill out the below sheet and return it to Fayette City Hall or the Fayette Community Library before October 31, 2021. You may also stop by Fayette City Hall or the Fayette Community Library to sign-up before October 31, 2021. If there is enough interest, the Fayette Tree Board will apply to the program in hopes for a spring delivery. To see what trees are available through the program, visit https://nursery.iowadnr.gov/spring-delivery.html. If kids will be helping to plant the seedlings, please include that on the sign-up sheet because it is part of the application process. These would be trees planted on residents’ private property and not in the city right-of-way (or the land the city owns between the roads, streets, alley’s to the sidewalks). Contact Fayette City Hall to view the Resolution of recommended trees that may be planted in the city right-of-way, however, permission to plant trees in the city right-of-way must have prior approval from the Fayette Tree Board with guidance from Public Works Director Jerry Hildebrand.

Fayette American Legion Post 339 sponsored a backpack/school supply program donating 100 backpacks filled with school supplies to six area schools and two community organizations for distribution to those children who need them. North Fayette Valley Elementary Schools in Fayette, Elgin, and West Union; West Central Elementary School in Maynard, Starmont Elementary School, and Turkey Valley Elementary School each received some of the backpacks as well as bottles of hand sanitizer and boxes of zip lock bags. Backpacks were also given to the Fayette County Food Shelf and Helping Services of Northeast Iowa.

   In an effort to attract new businesses, the City of Fayette has implemented a number of creative incentives in recent years. These efforts are beginning to pay off as three new businesses have opened their doors in beautiful downtown Fayette since January.

   Fayette started a marketing incentive offering new businesses a reimbursement of up to $1,000 in marketing and advertising expenses. The city is also willing to hand out up to $20,000 for any new construction within the city limits. A low interest revolving loan fund is also available for businesses.

   Crawford Creations was the first business to move into downtown Fayette and offers a variety of goods including handmade crafts, home décor, furniture, antiques, clothing, jewelry and more. A unique, locally owned ice cream and sandwich shop, the Sugar Bowl, opened shortly after. The Sugar Bowl has two other locations in Decorah, Iowa, and added its third location in downtown Fayette. The Visual Element, a marketing and advertising company specializing in graphic design and brand development, was the most recent business to relocate to the recently restored downtown area.  

   Fayette, with a population of around 1400, is home to Upper Iowa University, Klock’s Island Park and Campground and the new Fayette County Freedom Rock. Fayette continues to seek out opportunities to fill available downtown storefronts. Entrepreneurs looking for a great community to locate or expand their business can contact Kris McGrane, Fayette City Administrator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 563-425-4316 to learn more.

(Left to right) Wanda Crawford and Fayette Mayor Andrew Wenthe.  Wanda opened Crawford Creations in downtown Fayette in early 2021.

(Left to right) Nathan Todd, Brittany Todd and Fayette Mayor Andrew Wenthe.  The Todd’s opened the Sugar Bowl in downtown Fayette in early 2021.

(Left to right) Fayette Mayor Andrew Wenthe and Amanda Pasket.  Amanda opened The Visual Element in downtown Fayette in 2021.

Fayette City Hall will be closed on Thursday (8/12), Friday (8/13) and Monday (8/16). We will reopen on Tuesday (8/17). We apologize for the inconvenience.