PACE Drives Economic Impact, Tourism, and Community Growth

Posted February 19, 2026
Posted by Board of Supervisors and Public Relations

Pottawattamie Arts, Culture and Entertainment (PACE) continue to demonstrate they bring both programming and economic impact to the area.

During a recent presentation to the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors, PACE CEO Danna Kehm highlighted the organization’s measurable economic impact, workforce contributions, tourism draw, and community benefit across the county. 

Arts as Economic Infrastructure 

PACE operates the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center in downtown Council Bluffs, a 95,000-square-foot facility that has become both a cultural hub and an economic anchor. 

As outlined in PACE’s presentation, arts and culture support job creation and retention, tourism generation, brownfield revitalization, and public benefit. 

PACE directly supports more than 75 paid positions and income streams, including: 

• 9 full-time employees 

• 21 part-time employees 

• 45 contractors 

• 50+ working artists  

This represents local payroll, local spending, and retained creative talent in Pottawattamie County. 

Research cited in the presentation reinforces that strong arts and culture infrastructure enhances quality of life and helps communities retain families and skilled workers. 

The Iowa Economic Development Authority has specifically recognized Council Bluffs as a placemaking success, with PACE identified as a contributing factor. 

Tourism and Regional Economic Impact 

PACE’s impact extends well beyond its walls. 

According to its economic data: 

• 40,000+ people participate in PACE programming annually 

• 95,000+ people visit the Hoff Center each year 

• The organization generates approximately $2.38 million in annual economic impact 

• Attendees spend an average of $31 beyond their ticket or admission cost  

Visitors support local restaurants, retail shops, lodging, and transportation providers. 

PACE also attracts a regional audience: 

• 28% of attendees come from Nebraska 

• Visitors travel from at least 16 additional states  

This means out-of-state dollars are being brought directly into Iowa and into Pottawattamie County’s economy. 

Upcoming Tourism Drivers 

PACE has several major initiatives planned for 2026–27 that are expected to increase regional and national visibility: 

• Museum of Alternative History 

• 100 Years of Grant Wood Murals celebration 

These exhibitions are designed to generate expanded tourism and position Pottawattamie County as a cultural leader. 

In addition, PACE will host major statewide conferences, including: 

• The Iowa Creative Places Exchange (in partnership with the Iowa Economic Development Authority) 

• The Iowa League of Cities conference (in partnership with the Convention & Visitors Bureau) 

These events will bring civic and economic development leaders from across Iowa to Pottawattamie County. 

Public Benefit at Scale 

Beyond tourism and economics, PACE provides extensive programming for residents of all ages and backgrounds. 

Each year, PACE supports more than 250 events, classes, exhibits, and performances:  

• Chanticleer Community Theater (five productions and 32+ performances annually) 

• Council Bluffs Symphony Orchestra concerts 

• Children’s Chorus performances 

• 150+ educational classes in visual arts, culinary arts, and more 

• Hoff Fourth Fridays featuring live music and food pop-ups 

• 8,500 square feet of gallery space, including the historic Grant Wood murals  

PACE also partners with county museums to help preserve artifacts, host exhibits, and expand educational access. 

Recent survey data reflects strong community support: 

• 96% of respondents agree PACE enriches the community 

• 98% would recommend PACE to a friend or family member  

Last year alone, nearly 45,000 people participated directly in PACE programs. 

From Brownfield to Cultural Hub 

The Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center itself represents a major redevelopment success story. The building transformed a remediated brownfield site into an active downtown anchor, increasing foot traffic and encouraging both private and public reinvestment. 

Since opening in 2020, annual visitation has grown to nearly 100,000 guests, a significant milestone for a facility that first opened just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Through job support, tourism generation, historic preservation, and hundreds of annual programs, PACE continues to serve as both a cultural cornerstone and an economic driver for Pottawattamie County. 

For more information about upcoming events and exhibitions, visit PACE at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center or explore their programming calendar online at https://www.paceartsiowa.org/