APA Iowa Announces Winners of 2025 Planning Awards
Three projects, developed in partnership with RDG, were recognized for their contributions to strengthening cities and helping communities thrive.
The Iowa Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA Iowa) awarded three projects, which were completed in collaboration between cities throughout Iowa and RDG Planning & Design. The annual APA Iowa Chapter Awards honor exemplary programs, plans, tools, processes, reports or ordinances across multiple categories.
The North Iowa Corridor Joint Comprehensive Plan developed in collaboration with Mason City, Clear Lake and Cerro Gordo County, received the Daniel Burnham Award for a Comprehensive Plan. This honor recognizes visionary planning work that advances the art and science of planning. The plan reflects a historic collaboration between three communities, uniting around shared values while respecting their distinct identities, and establishing a unified vision for the future of the region.
In Clear Lake, the Surf District Plan was awarded the Economic Development Planning Award, which celebrates planning efforts that stimulate economic growth and revitalize local economies. Focused on the area surrounding the nationally recognized Surf Ballroom, the plan promotes cultural preservation, economic activation and enhanced community connections — a vision that helped the city secure a $4.3 million grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
The Bondurant City Park earned the Implementation Award, which honors projects that demonstrate real-world, measurable change resulting from effective planning. Developed through an inclusive engagement process, the plan provides a clear and creative framework to evolve City Park into a dynamic, multigenerational community hub and year-round destination.
"This recognition from APA Iowa reflects the efforts of stakeholders and leadership in Cerro Gordo County, Clear Lake, Mason City and Bondurant to continue investing in planning,” said RDG Urban Planner and Partner Charlie Cowell, AICP. “They are planning significantly for future generations. RDG is thrilled to have a small part in helping plan for these lasting and meaningful communities in Iowa.”
Judging for the APA Iowa Planning Awards was performed by an out-of-state jury of planning professionals. Winners were formally recognized at the APA Iowa Chapter Annual Conference awards banquet on October 10, 2025, in Ankeny, Iowa.