Guidebooks or Reports/Memos

A guidebook from the University of Wisconsin Extension Office that provides community residents with a process for thinking about and planning for their mutual future.

From Iowa State University - A wide variety of free and low cost memos on administrative and procedural topics, which are available for download at the extension online store.

The Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) system is used to assess land for agricultural use and economic potential. It is being used in seven Iowa counties. 

A hub for information pertaining to agriculture law. Contains links to agricultural law journals and law databases. Some sources require a Drake University student ID to access.

Area Development Iowa Resource Page

Handbook provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This document is a resource guide on public involvement best practices and strategies. Better Decisions Through Consultation and Collaboration U.S. EPA Better Decisions Through Consultation and Collaboration 15.00

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

The West Des Moines, Iowa Board of Adjustment (BOA) offers a guide for people interested in understanding the finer details of how a BOA operates.

The West Des Moines, Iowa Plan and Zoning Commission (PZC) offers a guide for people interested in understanding the finer details of how a PZC operates.

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

From Iowa State University - Soil survey and digital soil data: soil suitability and interpretations.

A guide to preparing the economic development element of a comprehensive plan.

Guidebook from the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) and the American Planning Association (APA).

A guide for local governments on implementing a comprehensive plan.

A list of programs including the Urban Conservation Program and the Abandoned Mined Land Reclamation Program.

Iowa’s central location for advanced research and education focused on floods. The Iowa Flood Center's website provides links to flood resources, including publications, a photo gallery, and data sources.

The main website for the Enterprise Green Community Criteria.

The Iowa Stormwater Management Manual. For a complete overview and a link to the manual please use the link given here.

From Iowa State University - An online store full of resources such as land use guides and memos.

From the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - The Local Government Climate and Energy Strategy Series gives an overview of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction strategies that local governments can use.

Manual providing guidance on achieving balanced street design that accommodates cars while ensuring that pedestrians, cyclists and transit users can travel safely and comfortably.

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.

From Iowa State University - A memorandum on how and why to preserve farmland.

Rainscaping Iowa's website offers extensive info on best management practices related to stormwater management, including links to publications.

Statewide Urban Design And Specifications (SUDAS) manuals provide common urban standards for public improvements such as sanitary sewers, water mains, streets, sidewalks, utility locations, signalization, drainage and erosion control.

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

Handbook sponsored by Omaha by Design. The handbook sets out to improve the appearance of Omaha’s streets and create a setting that is welcoming to pedestrians and cyclists as well as drivers and transit users.