Community Character and Amenities

Overview and guidebook to Iowa's Certified Local Government Program.

Found here is a publication of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), and Main Street Iowa.

Tools and resources related to gathering public input and increasing public participation. Provided by PlanIowa.com.

Links to examples of farmer's markets in Iowa - The Freight House Farmer's Market in Davenport, Iowa and the Downtown Farmer's Market in Des Moines, Iowa.

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition builds partnerships, educates Iowans, and helps to establish safe and enjoyable bicycle transportation and recreation networks throughout Iowa.

Overview and detailed description of Iowa Code Chapter 28E: Joint Exercise of Governmental Powers.

The Iowa Park and Recreation Association's mission is to support the enhancement of park, recreation and conservation opportunities through education, resource tools and advocacy. A link to their website is provided.

KoBooM! is a nonprofit supports bringing active play into daily lives of kids, particularly the kinds living in poverty.

The Main Street Iowa Program's mission is to improve the social and economic well-being of Iowa's communities. Please follow the link for more information.

This case study provides an overview of Dubuque's Millwork District Revitalization Project. Also included is the executive summary of the master plan for the project in addition to the complete master plan.

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) website provides information about grants, education opportunities, and links to parks and recreation publications.

The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) website provides information on how to nominate a historic place, a historic places database, guidelines for evaluating historic places, and more.

Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area preserves and tells the story of American agriculture and its global significance through partnerships and activities that celebrate the land, people, and communities of the area.

The NIFF Coalition was the first pilot community selected by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture's Regional Food System Working Group (2006)

Here website users will find video, a reference guide, and resource links for community storytelling.

The City of Dubuque's Unified Development Code (UDC).

Walkscore.com is a website that rates the “walkability” of any neighborhood.

This link provides a video that summarizes the components of the St. Paul, Minnesota Way-finding Master Plan.

The West Des Moines Pattern Book is a resource for homeowners on the basics of updating or renovating a home using good design practices.