In October of 2017, encouraged by the National consumer demand to grow and develop local food systems in both rural and urban districts in the United States, the EPA released its toolkit entitled, “Local Foods, Local Places: A Guide to Help Communities Revitalize Using Local Food Systems.” The toolkit offers federal agency support aimed at community-driven planning processes. The focus of the report is to provide assistance and examples for the creation of future local food systems in the United States by outlining step-by-step strategies for organizational planning assistance and hosting community workshops that will lay the ground-work for future implementation. Three phases constitute the ‘Local Foods, Local Places’ planning process: (1) planning, (2) convening and (3) action. The toolkit outlines each phase in detail with thorough case study examples followed by a comprehensive Appendix of resources to assist planners and communities in achieving longevity and success in organizing and creating a local foods system that works for all stakeholders. 

This resource translates existing street design guidance and facility types for bicycle and pedestrian safety and comfort for smaller scale places. The guide provides clear examples of how to interpret and apply design flexibility to improve bicycling and walking conditions and presents compelling photographs, visual illustrations and technical diagrams to communicate design issues and solutions in a smaller scale setting. 

This toolkit highlights successful examples of how arts and culture were utilized in multiple sectors in equity initiatives. Examples from communities both far and near provide a resource for how Dubuque could engage the community through arts and culture to make a more welcoming, inclusive community.

This guide demonstrates how a great communications strategy gets off the ground. To lay the groundwork, first assemble a communications committee who will guide the process start to finish.