The University of Iowa’s Initiative for Sustainable Communities (IISC) partner community for the 2025-2026 academic year is the City of West Branch. University of Iowa students and faculty jumped into a wide range of projects this fall designed to support West Branch’s long-term vision for sustainable growth, economic opportunity, and community well-being.

Gregg Mandsager and Chad Bird write in the Iowa League Of Cities November Cityscape Magazine highlighting a project with University of Iowa School of Planning & Public Affairs graduate students and the City of Burlington and City of West Burlington, Iowa on shared services. "Working together often makes us stronger – but knowing when and how to collaborate is just as important." We couldn't have said it any better ourselves!