The partnership, which involved 100 students from the University of Iowa, created 20 projects for the city. They include new campgrounds, a more equitable stormwater utility, and "Liberty Square," city-owned land for new businesses.
"Being able to have something you can put on the shelf, and not collect dust and you can take out and it's actionable, and that's the part that's invaluable."
Brooks says in the City of Clinton, if you do the small things right, everything else falls into place. And, it is important to constantly re-evaluate what the city residents need.
"And truly, it's no jest, but, making Clinton the place that you want to work, and that you want to live, and that you want to raise a family, that you want to spend time in."
Other projects from the University of Iowa students include how to address the opioid epidemic, housing and homelessness, proposals for new bike trails, and a festival park.