1000 Friends of Iowa

1000 Friends of Iowa’s Best Development Awards program is designed to bring attention to cities, companies, nonprofit organizations, and individuals who demonstrate how responsible development and planning practices provide benefits to the community, the environment, and quality of life for future generations. Nominated buildings and projects help advance sustainability across our state by considering site placement, design, water efficiency, energy management, materials and resources used, indoor environmental quality, public use, and long-term benefits.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

• There is an application fee of $25. Click here to pay securely.
• Projects or project phases must be completed by date of application.
• Businesses, developers, government agencies, organizations, and individuals may apply.
• The main project owner will be the nominee. However, project nomination applications can be completed by any individual or entity involved.
• Nominations can include one .jpg image. If applicable, an additional 3-5 images of before and after, interior and exterior, may be sent to awards@1000friendsofiowa.org. If chosen as a category winner, you will be asked to supply high resolution .jpg files.
• Note that category criteria AND general criteria will be used to score each nomination.
• Questions? Send a message to awards@1000friendsofiowa.org.
• Deadline is November 15, 2024.

The Transportation/Complete Streets category seeks to recognize efforts to improve transportation accessibility for bicycles, public transit, and pedestrians, decrease personal car dependency contributing to urban sprawl, and reduce carbon emissions. Additional qualities include the improved safety for all ages and abilities, including people with disabilities and senior citizens, and the integration of planning and design into larger development or revitalization projects that benefit placemaking, walkability, and alternative transportation, such as innovative public transit stops.

Nominations for the Transportation/Complete Streets category will be reviewed and awards will be granted based upon nominees that exhibit commitments to the following CATEGORY CRITERIA :

1. Expanded accessibility to sustainable modes of transportation
2. Collaboration across organizations that work toward comprehensive planning
3. Use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient or renewable energy technologies in building and structure features
4. Measurable impact or anticipated impact on air quality and reduction of CO₂ emissions
5. Replication opportunities as a model of sustainability, economic viability, or public safety
6. Public education and outreach

Nominations in all categories will be reviewed and awards granted based upon projects that meet the following baseline GENERAL CRITERIA:

1. Meeting 1000 Friends of Iowa’s mission:

Founded in 1998, 1000 Friends of Iowa is the only organization in the state focused solely on promoting responsible land use in community, state, and federal development decisions. We encourage land use planning that protects farmland and natural areas, and ensures livable communities through implementation of smart growth principles

2. Fulfilling objectives of Smart Growth as defined below:

Smart growth is the efficient use of our resources to develop sustainable communities that provide a high quality of life.

• Smart growth efficiency utilizes our tax dollars and private investments through:
  • Reinvesting in existing communities that have experienced decline. This includes rehabilitation and reuse of older buildings and in-fill development.
  • Focusing new development around walkable, mixed-use town centers with a balance of housing and jobs.
  • Coordinating the provision of utilities and public services amongst local jurisdictions in a metropolitan region.
• Smart growth is sustainable because it:
  • Distributes affordable housing throughout the region to improve access to employment opportunities and avoid concentrations of poverty.
  • Utilizes green building practices to conserve energy.
  • Attracts new business and industry, which increasingly consider quality of life factors when selecting communities in which to locate or expand.
  • Balances urban expansion with the protection of agricultural land and natural areas.
  • Empowers citizens to take responsibility for their community and become actively involved in the planning process.
  • Recognizes the interdependence of the social, natural, and built environments.
  • Considers the impact of development on future generations.
• Smart growth provides a high quality of life by:
  • Creating a framework to build community and establish a sense of place.
  • Providing walkable, mixed-use community centers that include civic, commercial, and residential uses.
  • Offering residents a variety of choices in housing options and transportation modes.
  • Establishing urban green spaces and protecting environmentally sensitive areas from inappropriate development, such a displacing low-income individuals or the development of high-quality farmland.
  • Engaging residents in a more active, healthy lifestyle.
  • Reducing health threats from air and water pollution.
  • Offer equitable solutions to people of all ages, abilities, and income levels.