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2. IOWA GREAT PLACES
HELPING THE CITY OF DECORAH
Turning Attributes Into Assets
Presented by City Manager Jerry Freund
3. Presentation PurposesDemonstrate through Decorahs Experience
Maximizing Our IGP Benefits
Meeting Commitments and Responsibilities
Fulfilling Expectations
4. Function of Cities
Cities are in the quality of life business
Cities must strive to make communities better/greater places for next generation
A vision is a realistic, credible, attractive future for our city. It articulates a
destination toward which our city should aim. A future that in important ways
is better, more successful, or more desirable, for our city than is the present.
Leadership facilitates the Vision
Management creates order and predictability
From March 28, 2007 Iowa Municipal Management Institute Presentation on Challenges to Innovation.
5. Our Common Challenges
Creating and Maintaining Economic Viability and Vitality
Addressing Population and Demographic Issues
Managing Our Resources Efficiently and Effectively
Protecting and Promoting a Clean, Healthy Environment
Maintaining Expected Levels of Public Safety Services
Providing Desired and Meaningful Recreational, Informational and Leisure Services
Maintaining Existing and Planning New Public Transportation Systems
6. Oneota River Valley
The Upper Iowa River winding through Decorah
7. IGP Presentation
Setting the Stage - A Brief Introduction to Decorah and Our IGP Projects
Trout Run Trail
Water Street Plaza
Welcoming Sign
8. Decorah, IowaAn Overview
Located in Northeast Iowa 60 miles from LaCrosse, WI and 70 miles from Rochester, MN
Population of 8,172
Situated in the Upper Iowa River Basin
Part of the larger Driftless Region
Per Capita Retail Sales $20,032vs. $12,962 for Peer Cities
Philosophically Diverse
Major Employers
Luther College, Infastech, Rockwell Collins, Mayo Clinic and Bruening Rock Products
9. First Impressions

The Downtown

10. Trout Run Trail and Park System 11. Luther College 12. Other Positive Attributes 13. Topographic Features 14. Public Schools 15. Public Library 16. Vesterheim Museum 17. Medical Facilities