If a picture is worth a thousand words, consider the maps produced by planner and speaker Joe Minicozzi.

Minicozzi, the principal at consulting company Urban 3, uses three-dimensional illustrations of cities to show value per acre — highlighting the development patterns with the highest return on public investment.

Minicozzi is conducting similar research on Greater Des Moines and shared his observations and findings during at a series of events August 26 and 27 in Des Moines. The most comprehensive of his presentations is included below, along with a short video that was included.

Final Report

Watch metro growth, as measured by valuation per acre, from 1875-2015

Presentation — August 2015