We are seeking community partners with subject matter expertise to help drive the transformation of our newly established Strategic Investment Districts through an intensive, community-driven charrette process. As part of our broader effort to foster place-based economic development, we are launching a series of requests for letters of intent and proposals to engage professionals across multiple disciplines who can shape the vision, strategy, and execution of these districts.
The Strategic Investment Districts initiative represents a bold new approach to economic growth, focused on leveraging the unique identity of key areas in Iowa City, North Liberty, and Coralville to attract investment, create jobs, and enhance quality of life. Through the charrette process, a diverse team of experts will collaborate to develop actionable plans that align with community goals and market potential.
Our region punches above its weight with exceptional architectural, design, engineering, development, and construction professionals. This charette process provides an opportunity for this community to come together on a community wide initiative and share their expertise, together. Learn more about the Project Drivers linked here, and our team is already hard at work on the existing conditions analysis and appendix for each district to help expedite and keep the project moving forward.
Opportunities for Experts to Lead and Participate within the Charrette Process
To ensure a well-rounded and impactful process, we are seeking professionals to fill the following roles:
- Lead Designer, Plan Engineer, and Orchestrator (Process Lead)– Oversees the charrette process, ensures project cohesion, and manages stakeholder coordination. Responsible for final deliverable of charrette book. One process lead per district. Full description available here.
- Designer or Landscape Architect – Assists the Lead Designer with technical illustrations.
- Development & Pro Forma Expert – Provides financial feasibility analysis and investment strategy development.
- Commercial Lender (Project Sponsor) – Acts as a primary funding partner, providing commercial lending expertise and stakeholder engagement support.
- Municipal Planners – Contribute perspectives on transportation, land use, parks, and permitting.
- Artist in Residence – Infuses artistic expression into the charrette process.
- Neighborhood Representative – Serves as a liaison between the charrette team and the broader community.
- Charrette Participants & Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) – Architectural, engineering, and design professionals who will engage in planning discussions.
- Additional Expertise (On-Call) – Affordable housing, legal, research, environmental, and business professionals to advise as needed for each district.
Submit a Simple Letter of Intent by March 28 at 5pm.
We invite interested professionals to submit a Letter of Intent expressing their interest and qualifications for a role in the charrette process. Letters should include:
- Statement of Interest – Which Strategic Investment District you want to be involved with, why you are interested, and how your expertise aligns with the role.
- Relevant Experience – Key projects or expertise that demonstrate your qualifications or other reasoning why this is important to you.
- Availability – Confirmation of your availability for the charrette timeline (April–June 2025).
- Lead Designer, Plan Engineer, and Orchestrator (Process Lead) please also share your Approach to the Charrette Process – your methodology for contributing to a collaborative, community-driven planning process. Please also suggest two or three charette dates you’d like us to hold for your proposed process days.
Letters of Intent must be submitted by 5:00 PM on March 28, 2025, to Cady Gerlach at cady@greateriowacity.com.
Shaping the Future of Our Region
Greater IC is committed to predictable, sustainable, and community-driven growth, ensuring that businesses and residents benefit from long-term investment in our region. By convening top experts and engaging the community, we will create vibrant districts that enhance economic opportunities and neighborhood vitality.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the built environment, guide investment strategy, and ensure our region remains a thriving, resilient place for all.
For more information about the Strategic Investment Districts initiative and the charrette process, visit www.greateriowacity.com.
For media inquiries contact:
Jesse Wallace
Director of Marketing & Communications
Greater Iowa City, Inc.
jesse@greateriowacity.com
(812) 219-0138
