From: Rebuild Iowa Office IOWA SMART PLANNING TASK FORCE SCHEDULES SERIES OF PUBLIC MEETINGS Iowans Encouraged to Provide Input on Draft Recommendations for Smart Planning in Iowa The Iowa Smart Planning Task Force will hold public input meetings beginning later this month and running through early October to solicit public input on draft recommendations to support Smart Planning in Iowa. The meetings, which will be hosted in five communities and online, will give Iowans the opportunity to review the draft recommendations and offer their opinions for inclusion in the final recommendations. Attendees will also be able to learn more about Smart Planning and what it means for the state and their community. Each of the meetings will run 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Each session will include a description of the responsibilities and activities of the Task Force, as well as an introduction to the draft recommendations. Following each presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in small-group discussions, and will be encouraged to ask questions and provide ideas for changing or adding to the recommendations. Attendees are welcome to come and go as their schedules permit. Brief presentations will be offered at 4:30 and again at 5:30 to provide the same introduction to all participants. Additionally, a survey will be provided at the meetings and on the Iowa Smart Planning Task Force Web site to gauge support for particular recommendations, and to collect additional public comments. One webinar meeting will be available online and by phone. Instructions on how to participate in the webinar will be made available prior to the meeting. The web-based session will include a presentation similar to the on-location sessions, followed by an opportunity for participants to ask questions and provide comments. To download the draft recommendations and a public input survey, and to get more information about the Iowa Smart Planning Task Force, please visit http://www.rio.iowa.gov/smart_planning/index.html . Smart Planning is meant to improve community resiliency following the 2008 disasters in ways that increase economic opportunity, protect environmental resources and improve quality of life. The Iowa Smart Planning Task Force was created by Senate File 2389 during the 2010 Legislative session, and has been meeting throughout the summer, drafting recommendations for public comment. The 33-member Task Force must submit a report to the Governor and Iowa Legislature by Nov. 15, that includes recommendations for: integrating the Iowa Smart Planning Principles into appropriate State programs and policy, establishing an efficient and effective planning and coordination structure, identifying necessary financial and technical assistance to support and incentivize local and regional comprehensive planning, and developing a framework for regional comprehensive planning and collaboration. Iowa Smart Planning Task Force Public Input Meetings schedule Sept. 28: Spencer City Hall, 418 Second Ave. West, Spencer Sept. 29: Montgomery County History Center, 2700 North 4th Street, Red Oak Sept. 30: Waverly Civic Center, 200 First St. N.E., Waverly Oct. 5: Meeting room A, Coralville Public Library 1401 Fifth St., Coralville Oct. 6: Webinar, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., originated from Iowa State Association for Counties office in Des Moines. Oct. 7: Boone City Hall Auditorium, 923 Eighth St., Boone - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask] Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp Sign up to receive Sierra Club Insider, the flagship e-newsletter. Sent out twice a month, it features the Club's latest news and activities. Subscribe and view recent editions at http://www.sierraclub.org/insider/