Rachel Kilburg Varley selected as Iowa City’s economic development coordinator

The city of Iowa City has tapped Rachel Kilburg Varley to serve as the next economic development coordinator, filling the vacancy created by Wendy Ford’s retirement from the role in August.

Kilburg has worked for the city since June 2020, according to a news release, where she has served as assistant city manager. She has been the interim economic development coordinator since Ford’s departure, and officially will begin Wednesday as the permanent coordinator. She’ll be paid just over $120,000 a year.

In her role, Kilburg will work to strengthen relationships with Iowa City’s business and arts and cultural communities. She will lead targeted economic development efforts and look to leverage resources with partner organizations to spur innovative and inclusive economic development opportunities, according to the news release.

Kilburg also will partner with Greater Iowa City Inc. and Iowa City’s two self-supported municipal improvement districts to support mutual goals and identify solutions that fuel the city’s economic growth. She will be a key liaison with arts and culture groups and look to build Iowa City’s reputation for supporting the arts as part of the city’s economic development strategy.

Before working for the Iowa City, Kilburg worked for the city of Dubuque, where she served as senior budget and financial analyst. There, she also worked in the economic development department and transportation services department, and co-led an effort on equity and high-performing government. As Iowa City’s assistant city manager, Kilburg served as the city’s Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator, spearheaded numerous special projects and served as part of the budget team.

Kilburg earned a master’s in strategic communication from the University of Iowa and a bachelor’s in politics and Spanish from Loras College. She has served on numerous community boards including the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County and the Iowa City Downtown District. She has previously volunteered as an English language tutor for adult immigrants and as a volunteer grassroots organizer.

“I am pleased to name Rachel Kilburg to the position of Economic Development Coordinator,” City Manager Geoff Fruin said in a statement. “Rachel’s past municipal work experience, training and proven ability to build and nurture community partnerships make her well-positioned to excel in this position. I am incredibly excited to see Rachel take on this role and have full confidence in her ability to be an outstanding economic development advocate and leader for the Iowa City community.”

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