Clinton Selected to Partner with the University of Iowa through the Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities Program – Public Kickoff Event Set for Sept. 9, 2022
The Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities (IISC) at the University of Iowa selected the City of Clinton as a community partner for the 2022-23 academic year. Through this unique partnership, more than 100 faculty and students will collaborate with Clinton officials to complete 15-20 community projects, ranging from public art to engineering to law.
The public is encouraged to attend the partnership kickoff event on Sept. 9 from 4:30-6 pm at the Candlelight Inn to meet University of Iowa teams and learn more about the projects. Registration for this free event can be completed at https://conta.cc/3AbJDZx. Food and beverages will be provided, and registrants will have an opportunity to win two tickets to the Iowa Homecoming football game against Northwestern on Oct. 9.
Proactive revitalization efforts and strong leadership inspired IISC to select Clinton as a community partner, says IISC director, Travis Kraus. Additionally, Clinton has been working with IISC on one or two projects over the last few years. The success and mutual benefit of past projects contributed to the selection of Clinton for the full partnership.
“One of the goals in the university’s five-year strategic plan is to expand our impact on local and regional communities, and IISC is thrilled to have Clinton as a community partner,” said Kraus, who also works as an Associate Professor in the University of Iowa’s School of Planning and Public Affairs. “We have had a great relationship with community leaders in Clinton and great experiences on past projects, so this much larger partnership seemed like a natural progression. Clinton proposed challenging, substantive projects that provide University of Iowa faculty and students with opportunities for hands-on teaching, learning, and collaboration. Through the partnership with Clinton, students will gain valuable experiences that enhance their learning while also helping to create lasting, meaningful change to benefit the lives of Iowans.”
“The City has a long-standing relationship with the University of Iowa and is honored to be selected as a community partner with the Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities.,” said Matt Brooke, Clinton City Administrator. “The shared energy and enthusiasm for the City of Clinton by the University of Iowa team will assuredly result in projects that help grow and shape Clinton for years to come.”
“The City of Clinton is looking forward to the continued partnership with the IISC program at the University of Iowa.,” said Mayor Maddasion. “This program will be a catalyst as we continue to grow our community and the vast opportunities in many project areas will allow this partnership to have a Clinton wide impact and not just one small focus area. Not only am I excited about the direct benefits to the City of Clinton on a project by project level but having the city be a classroom to teach these students will be a priceless experience knowing they will directly impact the lives of Clintonians and Iowans in a positive manner through their hard work.”
The recently completed mural on the exterior wall at Keeping You Sewing, 224 4th Ave South, is among the projects included in the partnership. The public art project was designed and installed by Sean Tyler, a graduate student in the University of Iowa’ s School of Art and Art History, with input and support from a local Clinton team. A ribbon cutting ceremony is also planned for Sept. 9.
Other projects include a housing needs assessment and policy recommendations, a plan for development in Liberty Square, a regional marketing strategy, engineering and design to expand Clinton’s trail network, an exploration of the Underground Railroad history in Clinton, local strategies to address the opioid epidemic, and many more. Details about the projects can be found on IISC’s website and will be shared at the kickoff event.
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The Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities is a campus-wide, engaged learning program housed in the Graduate College at the University of Iowa. IISC invests University of Iowa faculty and student time to increase the capacity of Iowa communities and to help them plan for a sustainable future. By taking students out of the classroom and into communities to complete real-world projects, IISC accomplishes two university-wide goals: enhancing sustainability across the state and transforming teaching and learning at the University of Iowa. To view current projects and past partnerships, visit http://iisc.uiowa.edu.
