DES MOINES, IA — The American Planning Association (APA) Iowa Chapter recently recognized two of RDG Planning’s projects for helping cities strengthen and create more thriving communities. The following projects are recipients of APA Iowa Planning awards: The Dyersville Downtown Plan and Davenport GO.

Economic Development Planning Category: Dyersville Downtown Plan, Dyersville, Iowa

The purpose of the City of Dyersville Downtown Plan is to “create new opportunities to increase business, unite the community around the district, create a unique shopping and business environment and make spaces for people to gather, all while preserving the small-town atmosphere and history that characterizes downtown.” The plan prefaced the update of the comprehensive plan, framing how the goals and priorities for downtown will radiate out into the community. Since its adoption in summer 2018, several projects are underway as a result of the Downtown Plan.

Transportation Planning Category: Davenport GO, Davenport, Iowa

The City of Davenport engaged the services of RDG and ALTA to improve and further develop the city’s multi-modal network for the purpose of providing opportunities for modal choice within an auto-centric environment. Davenport GO expands upon an established series of multi-use trails and provides a detailed program for an inter- and intra-connected system of additional trails, sidewalks, bike lanes and other facilities that will help to increase the number of residents that use biking and walking as a form of transportation.