By Andi Anderson
Local elected officials and community leaders across Iowa now have the opportunity to register for the Spring Planning and Zoning Workshops organized by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
These three‑hour workshops are designed to introduce participants to important land‑use topics that influence development patterns, community design, business expansion, farmland protection and access to public spaces. The sessions are created to help local officials make informed and responsible decisions that benefit their communities.
A Community and Economic Development specialist from ISU Extension and Outreach will lead each training session. The workshops will be held at eight different locations across Iowa during April and May. The schedule includes:
- April 1 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Winneshiek County Office in Decorah
- April 6 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Buena Vista County Office in Storm Lake
- April 16 at the Community Center in Ventura
- April 21 at the Grundy Center City Hall Meeting Room in Conrad
- April 23 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Henry County Office in Mount Pleasant
- May 5 at the Union County Development Association in Creston
- May 6 at the Council Bluffs Public Library in Council Bluffs
- May 13 at the Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale in Johnston
These workshops aim to make planning and zoning easier to understand by connecting concepts to real‑world situations.
As Luke Seaberg, community and economic development specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, explained, “The workshop is built around real-world scenarios. Officials walk away with examples and strategies they can apply immediately in their communities.”
Participants will learn about comprehensive planning, variances, special uses, nonconforming uses, spot zoning, hearing procedures, and ethical responsibilities.
These topics are presented through case studies, helping officials see how zoning principles are applied during rezoning requests, appeals, and public hearings. The interactive format ensures that participants gain confidence in making fair and thoughtful decisions.
Seaberg emphasized the importance of the training by saying, “Planning and zoning can feel abstract until you’re the one making the decision. Our goal is to make the rules clear and provide tools to manage conflict, balance interests and make sound choices for the long term.”
Registration costs $75 per person, with a discounted rate of $65 available for groups of three or more from the same city, county, or nonprofit organization. For communities looking for tailored assistance, customized training can also be arranged through the Community and Economic Development unit of ISU Extension and Outreach.
For additional details or inquiries, individuals can contact Luke Seaberg at seaberg@iastate.edu.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-nes
Categories: Iowa, Education