Greater Iowa City, Inc. announced its newly-formed Community Development Innovation Council (CDIC) will debut in April, one of three innovation councils the organization is launching to guide initiatives for improved regional collaboration.
The CDIC will focus on fostering place-based economic and community growth, eyeing several goals in the process:
Partnerships for progress by: promoting cooperation between public bodies, private enterprises, and community groups, the council harnesses combined capabilities to tackle local hurdles and stimulate economic advancement.
Neighborhood Identification and Strategic Investment Opportunities: The CDIC will pinpoint three key locations in Iowa’s major cities to demonstrate the impact of strategic public-private partnerships and targeted investments in building livable, walkable communities for residents and businesses.
Fostering and improving inclusivity by: highlighting the diverse assets of Johnson County and promoting inclusivity, the council draws investment and talent, enhancing the county’s economic vitality.
Learning from local initiatives: Inspired by successful local initiatives and public-private collaborations that have fostered trust and gained backing from local, state, and federal levels, the council identifies and adopts best practices to drive beneficial changes across the entire county.
Engaging the community: The council empowers residents, businesses, and stakeholders to participate in local development efforts through inclusive forums, workshops, and outreach programs. By amplifying community voices, the council ensures that development initiatives align with the diverse needs and aspirations of Johnson County’s population.
Advocating for resilience: The council promotes policies and programs that prioritize fair growth and support underestimated businesses. By advocating for initiatives like Better Together 2030 partnerships and the Inclusive Economic Development Plan, the council strengthens economic resilience and empowers all community members to succeed.
Inclusive problem-solving: Ensuring diverse representation within decision-making processes and advocating for this throughout our County, the Council invites perspectives from all segments of the community. The council fosters a more inclusive economy that benefits everyone in Johnson County.
Guiding innovation: Through collaboration and innovation, the council spearheads initiatives that capitalize on Johnson County’s distinctive strengths and assets. By fostering partnerships between public and private sectors and directing strategic investments, the council stimulates economic growth and improves the quality of life for all residents.
In January, Greater Iowa City, Inc. announced the creation of three innovation councils: economic development, business support and innovation, and community development, the latter of which is debuting next month.
