Muscatine, Iowa, historically known as the “Pearl City” or “The Button Factory of the World,” is rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, rooted in industrial beginnings that shaped the city’s growth along the Mississippi River. Mississippi Drive, once a bustling boat and rail yard turned truck route, divided downtown Muscatine from the riverfront. As the city evolved, the riverfront transformed into a regional amenity with recreational offerings and public open space but was plagued by increasing vehicular traffic and lack of connectivity to downtown. Accessibility challenges, dangerous railroad crossings, and aging infrastructure have historically plagued the 1.6-mile corridor. In 2014, the city redefined the long-term goals of the Mississippi Riverfront by seeking a safe and attractive multimodal streetscape corridor, promoting economic development, and encouraging pedestrian and recreational activity. As part of a phased reconstruction strategy for downtown Muscatine, the city reimagined Mississippi Drive, reconstructed Grandview Avenue and 2nd Street through the downtown core, and finished construction on the Mulberry Roundabout. With a total $25 million investment, these complementary projects have helped the city implement its vision of reconnecting Muscatine and its downtown to the Mississippi River. This presentation walks you through the steps of a multi-year process and demonstrates how to implement a city’s vision from inception to completion.
At the conclusion of this session participants will be better able to:
• Assist cities in understanding how to create a plan to successfully implement a vision.
• Recognize how city infrastructure projects can encourage economic growth and the relationship between the two.
• Discern the importance of proper public engagement and the importance of building consensus through the process.
Contributor/Source
Brian Stineman
Claim CEUs
Submit this form to claim CEUs.
Related Resources
Proficiency Levels
Introductory
Focuses on a general or broad overview of the topic, awareness of basic factual recall. Limited experience of the subject matter is necessary to understand content areas.
Applied
Focuses on practical implementation of technical steps or strategies, some prior knowledge and experience of the topic is necessary.
Advanced
Mastery of basic concepts associated with an area has been obtained. Focuses on understanding nuances, advanced concepts, and intricacies with implementation within knowledge area. Strong understanding of how the concept impacts other factors or areas of operations.
Program Types
APWA Guides
APWA Guides provide guidance to public works professionals on a specific a topic.
CLL
Click, Listen & Learn (CLL) are interactive educational webinars. Each program is led by top experts in the field who share new ideas, methods, and technologies in a fast-paced two-hour time frame. These programs are available free to APWA members. CLL programs are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Primer
Primers are used to educate policymakers about public works roles and responsibilities in public rights of way, the impact of federal workforce development policies on the industry and workforce, and the importance of resilient infrastructure.
PWX
PWX session recordings cover a wide variety of topics, including integrating modes of transportation, traffic and transit, construction management, emergency management, engineering and technology, fleet and facilities, management, parks and grounds, snow and ice control, and stormwater/flood control, as well as solid waste, roads and bridges and water/wastewater. PWX sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Reporter Articles
APWA Reporter articles are written by public works practitioners on subjects such as solid waste management, water resources, municipal engineering, transportation, equipment services, buildings and grounds, snow removal, and other public works-related topics.
Snow
The Snow Conference session recordings feature public works professionals sharing the latest best practices in managing winter/snow operations more successfully, taking advantage of emerging technologies, understanding and preparing for the challenges ahead, and providing better service to their communities. Snow sessions are eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Tech Boxes
A tech box is a PDF take-away that provides information in lists, steps, or defined areas specifically focused on trending technologies.
Toolbox
Toolboxes are curated guides offering valuable tips on a variety of public works-related topics.