Downtown Walkability Study Open House Featuring 'Walkable City' Author Jeff Speck is Nov. 2
The City of Des Moines, Urban Land Institute Iowa and the Greater Des Moines Partnership will host two open houses to introduce the Connect Downtown project. There will be both a lunchtime and evening event, which will each begin with an engaging presentation by Jeff Speck, author of Walkable City, on the wide-ranging benefits of and strategies for enhancing walkability in Des Moines. Following Speck’s presentation, the Nelson\Nygaard consultant team will present preliminary findings documenting existing challenges and opportunities to make Downtown Des Moines (DSM) safer and more convenient for all modes of transportation. There will be time for questions as well as a mapping activity where members of the public can share their perspectives on issues to address with this plan.
Connect Downtown is exploring how to make Downtown DSM safer, more comfortable and more convenient by improving access to and within Downtown for people walking, bicycling, driving and using public transportation. The events will take place from Noon to 1 p.m. and from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 at the Central Library of Des Moines, 1000 Grand Ave.
Speck is a city planner and urban designer who advocates internationally for smart growth and sustainable design. He previously worked as the Director of Design at the National Endowment for the Arts and was the Director of Town Planning at Duany Plater-Zyberk and Co., a leading practitioner of the New Urbanism. His book “Walkable City” explores how urban change happens and lays out a practical, inspiring vision for how to make American cities more walkable.
About the City of Des Moines
Founded in 1851, the City of Des Moines local government’s mission is to be a financially strong city, providing exceptional customer service, maintaining a customer friendly manner and fostering an involved community with residents and businesses alike. Servicing more than 209,000 residents and businesses, the City of Des Moines is responsible for managing 82.6 square miles of land. Maintaining the commitment to residents, businesses, Watch Cable Channel 7 DMTV "Your Source for the City" Visit the City Web Site at dsm.city 2 2 sustainability as well as an open government. For more information on the City of Des Moines local government visit dmgov.org, Facebook Page or watch DMTV cable channel 7-1 and 7-2.
About the Urban Land Institute
The Urban Land Institute (ULI.org) is a global nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has more than 30,000 members representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines. ULI Iowa is the District Council serving the State of Iowa.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 320 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.