www.iowagreatplaces.gov

Each year, the Citizen Advisory Board embarks on a tour of the Finalists selected in that year.  The proposals submitted by prospective Great Places provide a great narrative that describes a particular community as it exists currently and what the local citizens wish for it to be in the future.  However, the Board needs to see and experience these Places to get a true understanding of a Place’s unique and authentic characteristics, and to meet the passionate people trying to move their Place forward! 

The bus tour crisscrosses the State each year.  The Board has toured every region from the beautiful rolling Loess Hills through the flat cornfields of central Iowa to the limestone bluffs along the Mississippi River.  The Board has toured communities large and small, from Grant – population 102 – to Davenport – population 98,359. 

What is the Citizen Advisory Board looking for during these tours?

As one would expect, the Board is interested in touring the projects described in a Place’s Great Places proposal and asking probing questions.  But the more important factor is for the Board to get a first-hand impression of the community support for their vision and projects.  Which community members attend the presentation and tours?  Are they dominated by elected officials and government workers?  Or are volunteers and supporters representing a broad cross-section of the Place present?  Elected officials and government workers are important collaborators in this process; however, Iowa Great Places’ emphasis is on a grassroots process that ensures all voices are heard and broad community support is garnered.

The bus tour is an important opportunity for the Board to witness the authentic experience(s) outlined in a Place’s Great Places proposal, to learn more about proposed projects and activities, and to meet volunteers and supporters who will see their Place’s vision through to reality.