Iowa Great Places

Iowa Great Places
Name	Iowa Great Places
Formation	2003
Type	State-designated community development program
Headquarters	Des Moines, Iowa
Parent organization	Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
Region served	Iowa

Iowa Great Places. Iowa Great Places is a state initiative that identified and supported communities in Iowa with distinctive cultural, historical, recreational, and tourism assets. The program sought to leverage federal and state resources alongside nonprofit and private investment to revitalize downtowns, preserve heritage sites, and promote outdoor recreation across municipalities such as Dubuque, Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, and Ames, Iowa. It partnered with agencies and organizations including the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, Iowa Economic Development Authority, and local Main Street programs to catalyze community-led placemaking.

Overview

The program designated select towns and regions as Great Places to receive technical assistance and seed funding, aiming to connect assets like the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, the Field of Dreams (film site), and cultural institutions such as the Toy & Action Figure Museum to broader tourism networks. Working with heritage entities like Preservation Iowa and recreational partners such as Iowa Trails Coalition, the initiative sought to amplify sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places and attractions promoted by the Iowa Tourism Office. Collaborations often included regional universities like University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and University of Northern Iowa to integrate arts programming, research, and workforce development.

Program History and Development

Launched in 2003 by officials associated with the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and endorsed by state leaders including governors from the Republican Party and the Democratic Party eras, the initiative drew inspiration from national models such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Main Street America movement. Early adopters included communities with preexisting partnerships with organizations like Downtown Davenport Partnership, Des Moines Arts Festival, and county historical societies such as the Pottawattamie County Historical Society. Over time the program adapted in response to shifts in state budgets, directives from the Iowa Legislature, and evaluations by entities such as the Iowa Policy Project.

Goals and Criteria

Selection criteria emphasized unique cultural identity, community leadership capacity, and potential for economic impact. Applicants were evaluated on links to landmarks like the Amana Colonies, events such as the National Balloon Classic, and assets including state parks managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Goals mirrored objectives championed by organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities: increase visitation to sites like the Salisbury House and Gardens, strengthen local arts ecosystems exemplified by partnerships with the Blues on Grand Festival, and preserve historic districts such as those listed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Funding and Administration

Funding streams combined state appropriations allocated by the Iowa Legislature with grants and matching funds from private foundations including regional community foundations, corporate sponsors like MidAmerican Energy, and federal programs administered by agencies such as the National Park Service when projects involved national historic sites. Administration involved coordination among the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, regional development organizations including East Central Intergovernmental Association, and local chambers of commerce such as the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Awarded funds supported wayfinding, cultural events, facade improvements through Main Street programs, and feasibility studies conducted in partnership with institutions like Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Notable Designated Places

Designated locales showcased a wide range of attractions: riverfront cities exemplified by Dubuque, Iowa and the Mississippi River Museum, college towns like Iowa City, Iowa with the Old Capitol Museum, agricultural heritage sites in Ames, Iowa linked to the Stange Sound Studios, craft and artisan clusters in the Amana Colonies, and recreational hubs near the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway. Smaller communities included historic downtowns such as Grinnell, Iowa and festival centers like Clear Lake, Iowa, each connecting to state landmarks and cultural calendars that feature the Iowa State Fair and regional county fairs overseen by entities like the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Impact and Outcomes

Evaluations cited increases in visitor numbers to partner sites, enhanced grant-readiness among municipalities working with organizations like Iowa Downtown Resource Center, and catalytic private investment in rehabilitated properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Outcomes referenced collaborations with universities—University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for health-related placemaking, and Iowa State University Research Park for innovation-driven downtown revitalization. The program contributed to broader tourism promotion led by the Iowa Tourism Office and economic strategies pursued by development districts such as Northwest Iowa Planning and Development Commission.

Criticism and Controversies

Critics raised concerns about uneven geographic distribution of designations favoring larger or better-connected communities such as Des Moines, Iowa and Dubuque, Iowa, questions about long-term sustainability once initial grants ended, and transparency in selection processes scrutinized by groups including the Iowa Policy Project and local journalists at outlets like the Des Moines Register. Debates involved trade-offs similar to those seen in discussions around Historic preservation in the United States and downtown redevelopment controversies that have engaged organizations like Preservation Action and civic advocacy groups in cities across Iowa.

Category:Organizations based in Iowa Category:Tourism in Iowa