Matt Muckler has been Newton’s City Administrator since January of 2017, and a local economic development official credits his work in helping the city recover after the loss of Maytag. 

Muckler left the same position in West Branch, Iowa to lead Newton City Government after the retirement of previous CIty Administrator Bob Knable. Newton Economic Development Specialist Craig Armstrong moved to Newton in 2006, a year prior to Maytag shutting down their manufacturing facilities in the community, and says Muckler’s work to help the city recover from the loss of a major corporation has been an inspiration to the staff.

“He has great vision for the development of this community. Things have improved dramatically since he’s been here. I don’t know anyone who has lived here awhile who can’t honestly say the difference from before and after is pretty dramatic.”

Armstrong also says Newton City Council members over the years have made decisions that have allowed the city to move forward over time and increase the community’s population, housing, and retail. Newton Community Development Specialist Craig Armstrong talks more about Newton’s progress since the loss of Maytag on today’s Let’s Talk Newton.