By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Urban Agriculture program will host a public forum on municipal regulations for urban agriculture on Friday, September 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Waterloo Boat House.
The event invites community members and urban growers to learn about local ordinances and share their thoughts on how city regulations affect urban farming practices.
Representatives from the City of Waterloo Planning and Zoning Department, along with staff from ISU Extension and Outreach, will lead the discussion. They will explain the details of the Waterloo Zoning Ordinance related to urban agriculture and outline the city’s planning and zoning processes. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions, offer feedback, and engage directly with municipal officials.
“Increasing public understanding of urban farming regulations is a goal of the Iowa State University Urban Agriculture Project,” said Graham Sandersfeld, urban agriculture outreach specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.
“Participants will have the unique opportunity for open discussions and networking with representatives from the City of Waterloo and ISU Extension and Outreach staff.”
During the meeting, ISU Extension and Outreach will also gather input on the development of an online training tool that will provide guidance on municipal regulation of urban agriculture. This resource aims to help community members, urban growers, and local organizations better navigate city rules when starting or expanding urban farming projects.
The event is open to the public and designed to strengthen communication between city planners, educators, and residents interested in urban agriculture.
By fostering open dialogue, the forum supports efforts to build a clearer understanding of local regulations and to encourage community engagement in shaping future policies.
This public forum reflects Iowa State University Extension’s commitment to connecting evidence-based research with community needs and ensuring that urban agriculture continues to grow successfully within municipal guidelines.
Photo Credit:iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Education