If a picture is worth a thousand words, consider the maps produced by planner and speaker Joe Minicozzi. For more information, visit http://dmampo.org/events/speaker-joe-minicozzi/.

Minicozzi-Joe-300x225Minicozzi, the principal at consulting company Urban 3, uses three-dimensional illustrations of cities to show value per acre – highlighting the development patterns with the highest return on public investment.

Minicozzi is conducting similar research on Greater Des Moines and will share his observations and findings at a series of events August 26 and 27 in Des Moines. All are open to the public and free to attend. Each presentation will be tailored toward different audiences’ interests.

Wednesday, August 26 – 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, 420 Watson Powell Jr. Way #200, Des Moines

“Viewing Cities as Investment Portfolios”

Why should cities invest in what they’ve already built? What is the connection between the physical design of cities and their fiscal sustainability? How can we maximize returns on our municipal investment portfolios? Please join us for this engaging discussion, looking at a community’s assets-land, tax base, and infrastructure-as a financial investment portfolio. Joe Minicozzi – Municipal and Elected Officials (printable event flier PDF).

RSVP to GreenStreets@iowa.gov

Wednesday, August 26 – 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Modus Engineering, 130 East 3rd Street, Des Moines.

Young Leaders Social and Meet & Greet with Joe Minicozzi

Studies across the United States show that young professionals desire to live and work in places that emphasize walkability and mixed uses. Turns out mixed use, walkable places are often also the types of places that generate the greatest financial returns for business and communities. You are invited to a networking event on the beautiful rooftop patio of Modus Engineering with spectacular views of the Des Moines skyline and the state capitol for an informal meet-&-greet with Joe Minicozzi of Urban3. Joe is a much sought after presenter on the value of investing in walkable, mixed use projects. Joe Minicozzi – Young Leaders Meet & Greet (printable event flier PDF)

RSVP to GreenStreets@iowa.gov

Wednesday, August 26 – 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines

Creating More Fiscally Efficient and Sustainable Cities

How can cities be more fiscally efficient and sustainable? How do counties benefit from maximizing investments in city projects? What types of developments create the quality of life and financial returns that local governments and residents are seeking? Join us in this entertaining presentation and discussion that will have you thinking differently about how cities grow and develop. Joe Minicozzi – General Public (printable event flier in PDF)

RSVP to GreenStreets@iowa.gov

Thursday, August 27 – 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines

“Development Nodes: Good for Business and Cities”

Development nodes are good for businesses and local governments. How can the return on investment in urban and suburban development nodes in the metro area be maximized? How can the business case be bolstered for more investment in walkable, mixed use developments? What types of developments create the best return for city and county investments? Why should we be spending as much time with city finance staff as with city engineering staff in the development process? Join us in a lively discussion as Joe Minicozzi of Urban3 shares the results from a recent study of greater Des Moines metro area development types and the impact of those development types on local government investment portfolios. Joe Minicozzi – Business and Developers (printable event flier in PDF)

RSVP to GreenStreets@iowa.gov

The event is part of The Tomorrow Plan 2015 Speaker Series and is made possible by the following sponsors: Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Capital Crossroads and the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.