News

Service to Service logo of half a star on the left edge and the words Service to Service on a blue background

SPPA Partners with Veteran Service to Service Initiative

Wednesday, November 19, 2025
SPPA is joining the Volcker Alliance and We the Veterans and Military Families in the Service to Service initiative, a program dedicated to recruiting veterans and their family members into schools of public service.
Headshot of Phuong Nguyen

Assessing the Local Impacts of Tax Increment Financing: New Evidence from Nebraska School Districts

Monday, November 10, 2025
Professor Nguyen’s latest research uncovers mixed results from tax increment financing’s impact on Nebraska school district property values.
Three clear plaques awarded to SPPA for 2025 Exemplary Student Projects by APA Iowa Chapter

Building Better Communities: Planning Students Win Three Awards for Statewide Impact

Thursday, October 23, 2025
University of Iowa urban planning students earn an outstanding three awards from the American Planning Association Iowa Chapter for innovative, community-focused projects improving Iowa communities.
Ahillan Kumar standing in front of a blue background

Public Affairs Student Joins Global Dialogue Shaping UN Policy

Thursday, October 2, 2025
Ahillan Kumar joined young leaders in NYC to tackle global issues, contributing to UN policy ideas through a diverse, collaborative forum with lasting personal impact.
Headshot of Phuong Nguyen wearing a hat.

Faculty Spotlight - Phuong Nguyen

Thursday, October 2, 2025
Headshot of Jack Bryson wearing a black sweater.

Jack Bryson - Class of 2027

Thursday, October 2, 2025
Meet Jack Bryson, who's currently pursuing a public affairs master’s degree at the University of Iowa.
Claire Trettin on a bike while participating in a race.

Claire Trettin - Class of 2027

Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Claire Trettin, a nontraditional student, shares her experience in the School of Planning and Public Affairs.

Admissions Open House Oct. 6

Tuesday, September 30, 2025
The University of Iowa School of Planning and Public Affairs (SPPA) is holding an Open House/Information Session on Monday, October 6, 2025 at noon.
Mike Norris and group from Homes for Iowa receiving award.

Urban Planning Alumnus Leads Award-Winning Housing Initiative

Thursday, September 18, 2025
Homes for Iowa, run by SPPA alumnus Mike Norris, wins 2025 Project of the Year for building homes, training inmates, and revitalizing communities.
Downtown Iowa City bus interchange showing busses in a row.

Student Transport Research Informs Local Decision-Making

Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Study explores how Iowa's Trip Connect ODT service boosts transit access, showing faster, more flexible options than fixed routes.