Iowa Mayors Design Workshop

The Iowa Mayors Design Workshop is a mission-driven initiative by the College of Design that supports Iowa mayors in addressing complex community challenges through strategic collaboration and innovative design solutions. By fostering partnerships with local stakeholders and connecting mayors to state and national resources, the workshop equips them with the tools needed to enhance community quality of life. Through this initiative, mayors gain insights into best practices for urban development, sustainable infrastructure, and placemaking strategies that drive long-term growth and resilience.

Inspired by the national Mayors’ Institute on City Design, the workshop recognizes that many communities lack the resources or expertise to tackle pressing issues on their own. As key influencers with the power to enact change, mayors play a crucial role in shaping their cities’ futures. The program fulfills the land-grant mission by providing education, design expertise, and strategic planning guidance, helping communities develop practical and impactful solutions. By bridging the gap between local leadership and expert-driven innovation, the Iowa Mayors Design Workshop empowers mayors to create more livable, inclusive, and thriving communities across the state.
Private Well Stewardship Program


The Private Well Stewardship Program is an educational program offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in which private well owners learn about the responsibilities and risks of being a private well owner and are connected to additional resources to manage their well. The main goal of the program is to encourage private well owners to test their water quality once per year.
Student Research
Graduate Student Travel Grants Due February 28, 2025
A competitive grants program is open for graduate students at Iowa State University to promote graduate research and engagement related to water security and resilience. We are interested in supporting research that enhances a water system's capacity to bounce back from stressors, but also adapt to future stress. Eligible graduate students may come from any department on campus conducting research activities that support the goals and focus of the WRC. Awards announced April 1, 2025.
Summer 2025 Undergraduate Research Experience
Iowa State University research mentors are invited to apply for the inaugural Water Resilience Collaborative (WRC) Undergraduate Research Experience. The program equips undergraduate scholars with diverse perspectives and experience in water-related research and extension. Projects will be selected based on alignment with WRC goals and relevance to advancing water research. Students will tackle real-world water management challenges in rural and urban areas, while also gaining professional development in research skills, communication, and career readiness. WRC covers two-thirds of the cost, with mentors covering one-third. The first cohort will include 8-10 students.