About Us
What is Ames Sustainable Neighborhoods?
Ames Sustainable Neighborhoods exists to promote stable neighborhoods through responsible
property ownership. It was founded in 2003 by citizens initially concerned about
the balance of rental and owner-occupied housing in university- impacted neighborhoods.
The mission has since expanded to promote, facilitate, and contribute to the stability
of Ames' core neighborhoods. The association seeks to promote the values of respect
for people and property. Through partnerships with other organizations, service
as an information source, and provision of financial assistance, we seek to facilitate
the restoration and maintenance of safe and welcoming neighborhoods and preserve
the long-term value of residential real estate.
Why are sustainable neighborhoods important?
As members of the Ames community, we all need to be concerned about the status of
our core neighborhoods. These neighborhoods surround our downtown. Many of these
neighborhoods are gateways to Iowa State University. The health of these neighborhoods
has an impact on the perceived desirability and safety of our entire community.
When prospective businesses visit Ames... When prospective employees visit the community...
What do they see? What image, as a community, do we want to project?
Ames Sustainable Neighborhoods Board Members
Pat Brown
Community activist
Founder and president of Sustainable Neighborhoods
18 years teaching experience
23 years State Farm insurance agent
Served on City Council 12 years
Served on Hospital Board 6 years
Served on School Board 6 years
Westside neighborhood representative
Frank Trumpy
Frank has lived in Ames as a student, a renter and a homeowner for 39 years. After
earning an MS in solid state physics at ISU in 1972, he was employed as a physics
instructor at Des Moines Area Community College for 33 years, and as the department
chair for mathematics, science and engineering on the Ankeny Campus for 24 years.
He is now retired. He believes in the preservation of balanced and diverse neighborhoods
for the City of Ames. That is why he serves on the Board of Directors of Sustainable
Neighborhoods.
Neal Loes
Neal has been an Ames resident since 1989, is married and has raised three children
in the Ames community. Neal has been active in the community serving as President
of his neighborhood association, a member and officer of the Ames Chamber of Commerce,
a board member of the Ames Community Credit Counseling Services, Leadership Ames
co-chair and graduate and member of the DMACC Nursing Advisory Board.
Neal’s interest in the Sustainable Neighborhood is to strengthen the quality of
core neighborhoods and thus strengthen Ames as a place to live. He believes that
diversity in housing options provides more affordable choice to a broad range of
buyers. As a Registered Nurse, Neal believes that strong, supportive neighborhoods
lead to better quality of life and health.
Aaron Keller
Since 1994, Aaron has been teaching and consulting a wide range of industries in
the implementation of continuous quality improvement and organizational development.
He was originally employed and trained by the Center for Continuous Quality Improvement.
In 2000, Aaron formed his own company, Working Knowledge, Inc. and continues to
consult in quality management and organizational development. Mr. Keller’s client
base includes, hospitals, long term care facilities, wood, steel and plastic manufacturing,
data processing, food and feed distributors, county and city governments, printing,
and livestock production.
Aaron received a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University
and began his career in the banking industry. Aaron and his wife Kathy live in Ames
along with their 3 grown children, spouses, and granddaughter.
Debbie Lee
Debbie grew up in Oregon, in a home where zoning and land use planning were discussed
at the dinner table, and her parents set a strong example of community involvement.
After five years in graduate school in the Twin Cities, she and her husband moved
to Ames in 1986. They have lived in the Oak-to-Riverside neighborhood for 20 years.
Debbie holds strongly to the philosophy of community stewardship; that we have a
responsibility to manage our lives and property with proper regard for others.
Page Last Updated: Sunday, March 23, 2008