NI Projects

Here you will find a sampling of clients and projects accomplished by the New Iowa Group and our project associates.

Under the direction of the IPF Board, the New Iowa Group performs all planning, management, development and program functions for IPF. Kent Sovern serves as Executive Director for the Iowa Parks foundation.

New Iowa Group worked with the city’s Mayor, City Council and Administration in a series of work sessions spanning about nine months. In addition, Kent Sovern facilitated two citizen participation meetings during the process. The strategic plan focused primarily on the areas of economic and community development with special emphasis on alignment of the city's budget and administration with the strategic goals of the Mayor and Council. The report addressed how four key centers of management attention (Leadership, Money, Marketing and Management) can be aligned to advance the city’s strategic plan.

On Behalf of the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, the New Iowa Group performed stakeholder interviews, organized and facilitated discussions/work sessions among interested parties and developed a strategic plan related to proposals by VPArts Des Moines and the Subjective Theater Company. The objective of the study is to determine the market viability for the development and operation of a new community performing and visual arts venue in downtown Des Moines. This report included analysis of each group’s business plans and strategic recommendations to the Foundation.