1000 Friends of Iowa formed in the 1990s to educate Iowa's citizens and policy-makers about the benefits of sound land use. They promote state and local land use planning to protect farmland and natural areas and ensure livable communities to encourage orderly development that most efficiently uses tax dollars and infrastructure.



The mission of 1000 Friends of Iowa is to "educate the citizens about the long-term benefits of halting urban sprawl, conserving and protecting the agricultural and natural resources, and revitalizing urban neighborhoods while providing for the sustainable growth of cities and rural communities".



In addition to the Board of Directors, which includes Iowa State Representative Ed Fallon and citizen advocate LaVon Griffieon of Ankeny, Iowa, the group has an advisory council composed of prominent members of the Iowa community.



1000 Friends of Iowa is based in Des Moines, Iowa.