State officials are launching a new multi-media campaign they hope will attract new residents. Iowa Economic Development Authority director Debi Durham’s agency has used part of its annual five-MILLION dollar marketing budget to produce a YouTube video. It shows New Yorkers viewing real estate they think is nearby, but it’s really in Des Moines, Dubuque, Waterloo and Council Bluffs. The actress portraying a realtor eventually reveals the properties are in Iowa — and the New Yorkers shared their reactions.

The state’s “This Is Iowa” campaign will target travelers, as Iowa Economic Development Authority research indicates about two-thirds of the people who travel to a new place consider moving there — but do not follow through because they don’t have a job lined up.