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 Other pieces of land may have little or no environmental contamination but are outdated, abandoned, or have plummeted in value; these derelict parking lots or vacant strip malls are known as grayfields.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.

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.

Founders Award for Civic Leadership

A life-long commitment to improving livability through design.

Entrepreneurial American Leadership Award

A leading expert in the fields of cultural organization development and preservation management.

Bridge Builders Award

An organization that uses dance to engage at-risk youth and teach valuable principles like work ethic, tenacity, responsibility and creative expression.

Entrepreneurial American Community Award

A city that embraces arts and culture as a significant way to effect economic and social change in the community.

Entrepreneurial American Leadership Award

A community leader who has fought to preserve and revitalize the rich cultural past of Paterson, New Jersey.

Investors in America Award

A husband and wife team that has worked to advance social and economic advancement through affordable housing.

Entrepreneurial American Leadership Award

A powerful couple who have worked to transform downtown D.C. into the lively urban center it is today.

Bridge Builders Award

A unique program that promotes a better understanding of Islamic culture through the study of art, architecture and cultural heritage.

Founders Award for Civic Leadership

For her commitment to helping artisans world-wide through mentoring and connecting them to the global marketplace through Aid to Artisans.

Greater Kansas City

Local businesses that promote environmental strategies as a necessary action for the continued economic success of the community.

This report highlights eleven chambers of commerce that when faced with the challenge of ensuring the future strength of their economies, have employed creative new agendas that not only help reverse the effects of environmental degradation but leverage the occasion for valuable economic gain. Click here to download the report.

In the fall of 2009, Partners for Livable Communities (Partners) received a grant from the Energy Foundation to challenge the common misconception that economic growth and environmental sustainability are fundamentally at odds with one another and to showcase innovative programs at the nexus of these agendas.

Read more about the report Partners produced that showcased chambers of commerce from around the country that have crafted green initiatives as part of local economic development efforts.

Read more about the event Partners hosted on Capitol Hill on October 6th, 2009 to explose Congressional offices to the great economic opportunity presented by embracing and promoting green business practices. Business leaders from chambers of commerce in eight small to mid-size cities around the U.S. made the case that green is good for business, that it is a common-sense economic strategy applicable to all industries.

In the fall of 2009, Partners for Livable Communities received a grant from the Energy Foundation to challenge the common misconception that economic growth and environmental sustainability are fundamentally at odds with one another and to showcase innovative programs at the nexus of these agendas.

How to Provide Unique Creative Experiences for Travelers Worldwide

By Rebecca Wurzburger, Tom Aageson, Alex Pattakos, and Sabrina Pratt, Editors
A book indispensable for those who value tourism and travelers. This book tells how to provide unique creative experiences for travelers worldwide. But what is Creative Tourism, how is it different than other types of tourism, why is it needed, and how do you go about developing it? You'll find answers to these questions and more in this book which is based on and draws from the proceedings of the 2008 Santa Fe & UNESCO International Conference on Creative Tourism.