Mason City, Clear Lake, Cerro Gordo County joint comprehensive plan wins major award

DES MOINES — The recently completed comprehensive plan covering Mason City, Clear Lake, and Cerro Gordo County has received a major award from the Iowa Chapter of the American Planning Association.

The plan was a collaborative effort between the two cities, the county, and the North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corporation, and was developed by RDG Planning & Design. The plan combined the three community agendas into a single document, focusing on housing, economic development, land use, and transportation while honoring each community’s distinct identity.

The awards jury for the prestigious Daniel Burnham Award for a Comprehensive Plan stated in their decision that the joint comprehensive plan is a landmark achievement in collaborative planning. They say the plan stands out for its innovative structure, blending three distinct comprehensive plans into one unified document with shared policies that address regional priorities.

The Daniel Burnham Award recognizes planning projects that advance the art and science of planning. By aligning local goals and policies, the North Iowa Corridor EDC says it is now better positions for investment, housing development, and economic growth.