On October 17, 2013, The Tomorrow Plan – Partnering for a Greener Greater Des Moines – received the Daniel Burnham Award for a Comprehensive Plan, which recognizes a comprehensive plan that advances the science and art of planning. The award honors America’s most famous planner, Daniel Burnham, for his contributions to the planning profession and to a greater awareness of the benefits of good planning.
The jury recognized the planning team, led by the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), for its originality and innovation, its public engagement efforts, its implementation, and its effectiveness. The jury also recognized the key role of the MPO staff in engaging elected leaders and the public in new ways.
MPO chair and City of Des Moines council member Chris Coleman stated, “The MPO is honored to be recognized with this outstanding award. Our goal was not to win awards for a plan but to implement a transformation plan in a sustained and meaningful way. This award gives us additional energy and focus to make sure ‘tomorrow’ comes quickly in central Iowa.”
Greater Des Moines Partnership CEO Jay Byers noted, “The Tomorrow Plan provides a strong direction for our residents, our businesses, and our region as a whole to be successful.”
Steering Committee member and Polk County Housing Trust Fund Executive Director Eric Burmeister said, “MPO staff did an excellent job in managing the various constituencies and resulting opinions. Regardless of power or perceived authority, all community voices were recognized and validated… The Des Moines region has a plan that can help guide its policies into the next generation.”
Polk County Supervisor Angela Connolly and City of Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie chair The Tomorrow Plan, which includes 17 cities, four counties, and over 40 community organizations.
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For more information, please contact Todd Ashby or Bethany Wilcoxon at 515.334.0075 at the Des Moines Area MPO.
