Students in the School of Urban & Regional Planning developed a model comprehensive plan for the City of Salix that incorporated Smart Growth principles.

Small communities in Woodbury County are experiencing increased development pressure due to the growth of industry and urbanization. In particular, the last few years has seen CF Industries, a nitrogen fertilizer complex in unincorporated Woodbury County (Port Neal industrial area), undergo a $2.1 billion expansion that has been the single largest private investment in Iowa history. To enable them to benefit from this growth, small communities in Woodbury County need comprehensive plans that include Smart Growth principles for the effective management of growth impacts on housing, infrastructure, schools, parks and public spaces, and other community amenities.

Salix is a small city on the fringe of urban development in Woodbury County, and as such was an ideal case study for the challenges and opportunities that other communities in the county may soon face.

The students created a plan presenting research and recommendations, a presentation, and a poster.