A longtime University of Iowa initiative has been recognized by a leading national organization for its excellence and exemplary best practices. Campus Compact, the largest national coalition of colleges and universities dedicated to community engagement, has bestowed its Excellence in Community-Engaged Partnership Award on the Initiative for Sustainable Communities (IISC).

Pathfinders RC&D and IISC are in the early stages of an information-gathering and mapping project that will help Iowans and visitors to the state easily learn what features are available where. Those with knowledge of parks, museums, performance venues, playgrounds, and other sites, including city, county, and nonprofit workers who oversee these spaces, are encouraged to contribute to the map by responding to the survey.

Along with land use, housing, and transportation planning, many cities are adopting arts and culture plans. They recognize the power of arts and culture to bring people together and provide a sense of shared belonging. Evidence shows that communities with vibrant opportunities to experience the arts and co-create culture often attract new residents and retain existing ones, see decrease in crimes and increase in health and well-being. This year, a group of University of Iowa students in the School of Planning and Public Affairs is undertaking is creating the first ever arts and culture master plan for the cities of West Burlington and Burlington. Through these communities’ yearlong partnership with the UI’s Initiative for Sustainable Communities (IISC), the group is assessing existing strengths, talking with residents about their visions, and researching planning models and best practices.

Caleb Smith made the most of his undergraduate time at the University of Iowa. A Political Science major, Smith served as a senator in the Undergraduate Student Senate and as Chief Justice of Interfraternity Council. He was elected to Homecoming Court, and worked in several campus jobs, including as a tour guide. With a strong interest in policy and public servce, Smith became a member of the first cohort of the Masters in Public Affairs program. Today, Smith continues to hone his interests as part of the City of Chicago’s Office of Inspector General where he works in the area of police oversight.