Department of Community and Regional Planning
Programs Offered
County Bioeconomy Assessment
Department of Community and Regional Planning
Expansion of the bioeconomy has the potential to benefit
rural communities.
However, there are also negative impacts of the bioeconomy. To maximize the
positive impacts and minimize the negative impacts of the bioeconomy, it is
important to assess the current conditions important for bioeconomic growth,
and consider the opinions and preferences of rural residents who would be
affected by it. This program will identify the potential impacts of the
bioeconomy and make recommendations for growth based on a feedstock assessment,
transportation infrastructure analysis, and community survey.
Introduction to Planning & Zoning workshops
Extension Community and Economic Development, Office of State and Local Government Programs, College of Design, Department of Community and Regional Planning
This three-hour program is designed to introduce the basic concepts of planning and zoning to local officials. Topics include the comprehensive plan, the zoning and subdivision ordinances, and the roles of elected councils and boards, the planning commission and the board of adjustment in land use decision-making.
keywords: land use, law
Introduction to Planning and Zoning DVD
Extension Community and Economic Development, Office of State and Local Government Programs, College of Design, Department of Community and Regional Planning
This three-hour DVD is a recording of the July 19, 2005 Introduction to Planning and Zoning workshop held in Ames. It is designed to introduce the basic concepts of planning and zoning to local officials. Topics include the comprehensive plan, the zoning and subdivision ordinances, and the roles of elected councils and boards, the planning commission and the board of adjustment in land use decision-making.
Neighborhood Investment Analysis
Department of Community and Regional Planning
Many cities and organizations invest in the revitalization of distressed neighborhoods. What are the effects of these investments? Do they work to change the economic trajectories of target neighborhoods? This program will answer these questions using a quantitative geographic information systems-based approach. Data on economic indicators like employment, average wage, among others, will be assessed relative to investments made in a neighborhood. A qualitative approach is also available on request.
Planning Officials Academy
Institute for Design Research and Outreach, Office of State and Local Government Programs, College of Design, Department of Community and Regional Planning
This one-day certificate program will use hands-on case studies and practice scenarios to educate participants in the essential principles and practices of managing the land use process. Topics include the legal framework for planning and zoning, finding and working with planning information, meeting management and record keeping, the operation of the zoning ordinance, subdivision plat and site plan review.
keywords: zoning, land use
Public Works Geodatabase
Department of Community and Regional Planning
Geographic information systems (GIS) provide a powerful alternative to the paper maps many cities have of the public works infrastructure. Unlike paper maps, data stored in GIS can be easily edited to reflect infrastructure modifications or expansion. This program will provide two services. First, paper maps of public works will be digitized and incorporated into a geodatabase. Second, personnel who work with public works data will be trained in the use of a GIS and geodatabase.
Special Topics Workshops
Institute for Design Research and Outreach, College of Design, Department of Community and Regional Planning
These two- to three-hour programs will be offered as evening programs to alert local officials to changes in legislation, important court cases, “hot topics” or new and innovative planning practices. These workshops will be marketed through the ISU Extension website and county extension offices, the Iowa League of Cities and the Iowa State Association of Counties. They will be scheduled in response to local interest.
Urban Growth Assessment
Department of Community and Regional Planning
As cities continue to expand, it is important to examine patterns of urban growth to determine if they are developing in the most compact and efficient manner. This program will use geographic information systems (GIS) to asses a city’s growth based on seven spatial measures. The result of these spatial analyses will be used to make recommendations for future growth, land use, and zoning, with the goal of protecting farmland, avoiding leap-frog development, and promoting infill development.