2009

Des Moines, IA

Efficient land use is not only vital to protecting natural resources but to profitable physical development. High density design allows for more activities within a smaller space and has continuously attracted the young, creative classes in search of dynamic places in which to live.  In the effort to create these dense, walkable communities, the process of urban infill—the use of land within an already developed area—is a key to success, but no easy task. Urban land available for infill is often environmentally hazardous, such as deserted manufacturing sites known as brownfields. Other pieces of land may have little or no environmental contamination but are outdated, abandoned, or have plummeted in value; these derelict parking lots or vacant strip malls are known as grayfields. Most communities have them, but very few have effective strategies for turning these properties into valued parts of the community such as those in Des Moines, Iowa. Fulfilling its role as the regional economic development organization, the Greater Des Moines Partnership worked in collaboration with local allies to take major steps in reducing sprawl and carbon emissions through the mending of their urban fabric.

This brochure highlights the prevalent issues of today affecting all of our communities and provides concrete examples of the myriad types of institutions that have become “Fulcrums of Change” for the betterment of the people and neighborhoods where they are located.

Neal Pierce reports on Partners' release of the report– “Enterprise at Home–Chambers of Commerce as the New Players in Environmental Sustainability” that focuses on green/climate change initiatives of leading chambers spread from New England to southern California.

Investors in America Award

For the program’s commitment to livability by rewarding the use of vision and imagination to address societal ills.

Partners for Livable Communities honored eight individuals, organizations and communities for stewardship and innovation in the improvement of communities worldwide. These prestigious awards were  presented by Washington, D.C.-based Partners for Livable Communities at its “Celebration of Vision and Community Spirit” formal dinner and awards program on Monday evening, December 7th, 2009 at The Fairfax Hotel in Washington, D.C.

The awards were presented by William K. Reilly, Senior Advisor, TPG Capital, LP & Former Administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency. Richard C.D. Fleming, Chairman of Partners' Board and President of the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Assoiation served as Host. Congressman Tom Periello of the 5th District of Virginia gave the keynote speech.

The “Celebration of Vision and Community Spirit” awards honor both innovative projects in communities and lifetimes of achievement for individuals that have made a true difference in their respective fields of activity. The honorees represent lifetimes of cultivating the arts, historic preservation, regionalism, smart planning practices and neighborhood development that bring life to struggling communities. All of the honorees have sought to improve the communities around them, an effort which Partners believes deserves to be lauded.

Read more about this event and view the honorees.