07/14/11

Members of the Tiffin visioning committee discuss the positive areas and opportunities in town as part of the community visioning process.

AMES, Iowa — The Iowa's Living Roadways Community Visioning Program is accepting applications for the 2012 program. Eligible communities are those with populations of fewer than 10,000, existing transportation-related issues and a committee of volunteers willing to dedicate their time and talent to the visioning process.

The Community Visioning Program integrates technical landscape planning and design techniques with sustainable community action to empower local leaders through a planning process that results in an enhancement plan that reflects the values and identity of the community.

Communities selected to participate are required to contribute $2,000 toward program implementation. In return, the visioning program provides professional services valued at more than $60,000. Since 1996, 172 communities throughout the state have benefited from the program.

The program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Transportation in partnership with Iowa State University Landscape Architecture Extension and Trees Forever, an Iowa-based nonprofit with a mission to plant and care for trees and the environment by empowering people, building community, and promoting stewardship.

Communities interested in applying to the 2012 Community Visioning Program or the Renewing Community Vision Program can download an application online.

Applications must be postmarked by Sept. 30. Selections will be announced in October.

Contacts:
Sandra Oberbroeckling, ISU Extension Community and Economic Development, (515) 294-3721, soberbr@iastate.edu
Carole Teator, Trees Forever, (319) 373-0650, ext. 15, cteator@treesforever.org

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