What We Do

Outreach and Education through public presentations, workshops, media coverage, meeting with local citizens groups

Training Citizens on Civic Engagement by assisting citizens with information, offering advice, and organizing assistance as they become involved in the local land use issues

Affecting Local, State, and Federal Public Policy by monitoring legislation, informing citizens about how to reach their legislators, and educating policymakers about the economic, social, and environmental benefits on responsible land use

Conducting Research to help citizens and policy makers access the expertise and data they need. For example, 1000 Friends of Iowa provided funding for and released the results of a study about local codes in the Des Moines metro area, the Des Moines Metropolitan Smart Growth Audit. This was a component of a project funded by the EPA Region 7.

Annual Best Development Awards is an annual awards program that recognizes development projects in Iowa that reflect principles of smart growth and sustainability. Click here for more information on awards, or here to go directly to the 2008 Best Development Awards Winners.