The City of Mason City has demonstrated a commitment to multi-modal transportation methods by establishing numerous bicycle routes throughout the city; a complete street design of Pennsylvania Avenue builds on the existing network and increases connectivity. The project area includes seven blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue, from Willow Creek to the south to 4th Street NE to the north. By incorporating multi-modal Complete Street features, such as dedicated bike lanes, improved pedestrian crossings, and traffic calming measures, Pennsylvania Avenue will become more accessible for all citizens.

The students provided three design alternatives for the project, ranging from minimal physical changes and painted markings to bike and pedestrian-friendly built improvements. All alternatives incorporate several design features, such as replacement of the existing pavement surface, replacement of aged street light luminaires, and removal of the traffic signal at the East State Street intersection. Along with the designs, students calculated cost estimates for the project.

Alternative One, the Economical Street, is a simplified Complete Street design, not modifying any curb lines or street widths. High visibility pedestrian crosswalks at each intersection, as well as shared bike lane signs and street markings are integral items in Alternative One.

Alternative Two, the Charming Street, incorporates the high visibility pedestrian crossings and shared bike lane markings of Alternative One but modifies each intersection throughout the project area using a modified bioswale bump-out. These bump-outs extend the sidewalk into the street, reducing the pedestrian crossing distance. These bump-outs also reduce vehicle speed throughout the corridor, further increasing pedestrian safety.

Alternative Three, the Complete Street, incorporates the high visibility pedestrian crossings and bump-outs from Alternative Two but includes a dedicated bike lane in each direction. Removing bicyclists from the vehicular travel lane not only reduces congestion and traffic for motorists, but promotes bicycle ridership along the corridor. Studies show that amateur riders prefer separated bike lanes when utilizing on-street facilities.

Public interest in community and economic development in Mason City, Iowa (pop. 28,079) has been high in recent months as the community works to develop a unified vision for the future. The City of Mason City seeks to engage citizens to ensure that strategies for growth and development reflect the needs of current and future residents. Students designed a communications campaign that encouraged Mason City businesses and residents to have a voice in local government and, through clear and simple messaging, helped citizens understand opportunities and channels for civic engagement. The campaign prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility in order to represent the communityâ€s diverse population. In addition to the broad message for civic engagement, the campaign specifically communicates opportunities for residents to serve on local government volunteer boards.

With the smart phones and tablets, the City of Mason City aims to provide a community portal to attractions, services, and resources that will serve both resident and visitors. A Mason-City focused mobile app will guide users to various attractions within the community, help cycling enthusiasts navigate the cityâ€s bikeway system and trails, direct users to nearby restaurants and businesses, and much more. Through the mobile app, the City will provide residents with a user-friendly form of communication to promote civic engagement opportunities and even help identify maintenance issues throughout the city.

Mason Cityâ€s community farmers market was recently displaced from a highly visible location; the replacement site lacks visibility, although it is located along a high traffic corridor. Consequently, sales have decreased at the market. Some producers have left the market and established their own pop-up sites along heavily traveled streets

The City lacks primary data and market research to make decisions about the future of the farmers market. Students explored the necessary steps to achieving a healthy and profitable metropolitan farmers market, which City officials anticipate will support broad efforts to enhance the quality of life in the community, promote sustainability, and encourage agricultural entrepreneurialism and small business.

The student consulting team conducted research and made recommendations on best practices of metropolitan farmers†markets, including facilities recommendations supporting a vibrant year round farmers†market in Mason City, and conducted market research among current and former vendors and producers, and consumers, on their expectations, preferences and perceptions of the farmers†market, including alternative locations in the Mason City metro area.

By appealing to new target groups and individual riders of the metropolitan public transit system, Mason City officials hope to enhance the quality of life in the community, promote sustainability, and encourage workforce mobility and access to more entrepreneurialism and small business.

Students conducted research and made recommendation on the identification of new target markets, specifically customer demographics and location; and, effective marketing strategies and channels to reach those markets. The student team also conducted a competitive/best practices analysis of transit system in cities across the US of similar size and demographics in order to identify successful marketing strategies and tactics. Finally, the student made recommendations on marketing strategies to promote Mason City Transit.