OTTUMWA — The city of Ottumwa will work with more than 100 University of Iowa faculty members, staff and students on community projects during the 2026-27 academic year.
Ottumwa was selected as a community partner for the university’s Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities. Graduate and advanced undergraduate students are expected to contribute more than 10,000 hours of planning, research, design and analysis.
The partnership includes more than 10 projects focused on economic development, the area surrounding Ottumwa Regional Airport, public spaces and residents’ quality of life.
Graduate students from the School of Planning and Public Affairs will develop a downtown master plan intended to guide future revitalization. Other students will examine access, utilities, zoning and site readiness around the airport and develop recommendations for a campaign encouraging residents to shop locally.
College of Nursing students will help plan a community health fair offering health education, screenings and other resources. Public affairs graduate students will also develop a strategy to help Ottumwa respond to economic disruptions such as mass layoffs, business closures and agricultural crises.
“Partnering with the University of Iowa allows us to tap into the creativity and expertise of students and faculty while advancing projects that are important to Ottumwa’s future,” city Community Development Director Amal Eltahir said.
The partnership will begin with a community site visit Aug. 28. Students will meet with city staff and community stakeholders and tour project locations throughout Ottumwa.
The current project list is available at iisc.uiowa.edu/partners/ottumwa. Additional projects are expected to be added during the academic year.