Les Beck
Iowa Policy Advisor
After nearly 40 years as a planning department director in Iowa, Les is finally and happily retired! He led the Linn County Planning & Development Department from 2000 – 2021 and, for 18 years prior to that, the Story County Planning & Zoning Department. While at Linn County, Les was instrumental in several renewable energy initiatives, including:
Iowa Solar Readiness Initiative Pilot Community
In 2013, the Iowa Economic Development Authority selected Linn County to participate in the Iowa Solar Readiness Initiative. The goals of the Iowa Solar Readiness Initiative include reducing the costs and other barriers to installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for businesses, residents and communities. As part of this Initiative, Linn County amended the zoning standards in its Unified Development Code to permit both consumer- and utility-scale solar installations.
Solsmart Gold Designation
Linn County received a Gold designation from the national SolSmart program for making it faster, easier, and more affordable for homes and businesses to go solar. SolSmart is a national organization funded by the U.S. Department of Energy that helps local governments develop solar energy in their communities.
Small Wind Innovation Zone
In 2012, Linn County was designated a Small Wind Innovation Zone (SWIZ) by the Iowa Utilities Board. The designation allows owners of small wind energy conversion systems (100 kilowatts or less) to take advantage of an expedited local approval process. To obtain the designation, Linn County amended its zoning standards to conform to a model ordinance published by the Iowa Utilities Board.
Wind Farm Suitability Study
In 2018, Linn County partnered with the Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities (IISC) to undertake a wind farm suitability study. While wind energy is a popular option for sustainable power, it also requires the placement of large wind turbines that are expensive and can be logistically challenging to site. The study identified current technologies and trends, and included a county-wide site suitability analysis that determined a utility-scale wind farm is feasible in a portion of Linn County.
Les also co-chaired the Iowa Smart Planning Task Force from 2011 – 2012 and was an adjunct professor in the University of Iowa’s School of Urban and Regional Planning from 2008 – 2016.
Les received his Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture and Master of Community and Regional Planning degrees from Iowa State University.
