Ottumwa
Ottumwa is a historic southeastern Iowa city located along the Des Moines River and serves as the county seat for Wapello County. Often described as “Where Iowa Meets the World,” Ottumwa is home to residents from dozens of cultural backgrounds and serves as an important regional center for healthcare, education, and commerce in southeast Iowa. The community also features historic architecture, riverfront recreation, arts and entertainment venues, and a renewed focus on economic development and quality of life.
Projects
Ottumwa - 657A Property Abatement and Neighborhood Impact Analysis
As part of the ICIGO student organization within the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability, students will partner with the City of Ottumwa to analyze the neighborhood-level impacts of property demolitions conducted through Iowa's Chapter 657A process.
Ottumwa - Airport Area Development Plan
URP students will partner with the City of Ottumwa to create a development plan for the Ottumwa Regional Airport Growth Area.
The Ottumwa Regional Airport offers distinct multimodal advantages, including direct access to highways, proximity to rail infrastructure, and an inventory of adjacent industrial land. Fully realizing this potential requires coordinated planning and due diligence to align access, utilities, zoning, and site readiness with targeted industry needs and available federal and state investment opportunities.
Ottumwa - Arts & Community Video Profiles
Students in the University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication’s Video Production course will partner with the City of Ottumwa and community organizations to create short video profiles highlighting local leaders, artists, and other community members who contribute to Ottumwa’s cultural and civic life.
Ottumwa - Buy Local Strategy
A team of undergraduate student researchers from the Tippie College of Business will conduct preliminary research and develop recommendations for a buy local campaign in Ottumwa, Iowa.
Ottumwa - Community Health Fair
College of Nursing students will partner with the City of Ottumwa to plan and implement a community health fair that promotes health, wellness, and disease prevention for residents of all ages.
Building on community assessment activities completed during the fall semester, the project team will collaborate with local partners to deliver evidence-informed health education, screenings, and community resources tailored to Ottumwa's identified health priorities.
Ottumwa - Downtown Plan
URP graduate students will partner with the City of Ottumwa to create a comprehensive downtown plan that enhances Ottumwa’s historic core as a vibrant destination and community asset.
Ottumwa – Rapid Response Strategies for Economic Shocks
MPA graduate students will partner with the City of Ottumwa to create an economic resilience strategy that prepares the community to respond to and recover from major economic disruptions like mass layoffs, business closures, and farming crises.