In 2004-05, six College of Design faculty and staff worked on more than 280 ISU Extension-related technology transfer and economic development projects in roughly 240 communities and 80 of Iowa's 99 counties. Two projects were done for cities in Illinois (East Moline and Rock Island).

 

Activities included planning and zoning training workshops; technical planning/zoning assistance; geographic information systems short courses; North Iowa Area Development (NIAD) Park Improvement Program; planting design; master plans; assistance to churches, fairgrounds, museums and county extension offices with interior design and accessibility issues; training in healthy community design, etc.

 

Twelve Iowa communities were selected to participate in the Iowa's Living Roadways Community Visioning Program in 2005. Since 1996, 113 communities have benefited from the program.

 

The Nonprofit Management Academy operates in 11 cities throughout Iowa, and since the program's inception in 1999, more than 3,000 people have received cost-effective training in such areas as nonprofit financial management, fund-raising,governance and leadership, diversity issues, effective supervision, and technology management. Nearly 80 participants have earned certificates in nonprofit management.

 

In 2003-04, 10 PLaCE (Partnering Landscape and Community Enhancement) projects were completed in Iowa communities, including city and county comprehensive plans, recreational trail master plans, downtown historic preservation plans, and retail interior design renovation recommendations.