Greater Des Moines Partnership Announces 2023 Federal Policy Agenda
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (April 20, 2023) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership has approved its 2023 Federal Policy Agenda. The agenda is compiled by The Partnership’s Government Policy Council, which is made up of Investors and Affiliate Chamber of Commerce Members, and approved by The Partnership Board of Directors. This year’s agenda includes 10 featured priorities:
Des Moines International Airport Terminal Project
Expansion of the Des Moines International Airport is critical to the state’s economic growth and necessary for a safe and smooth traveling experience for business and commercial passengers. The Partnership supports federal funding to help close the final funding gap through creative solutions and direct appropriations to ensure completion of the vital project.
ICON Water Trails
The Partnership supports additional federal funding for Iowa Confluence (ICON) Water Trails, a regionally connected system of natural resources and corridors. A public-private partnership, this regional placemaking project supports efforts to address water quality and flood mitigation and will serve as a talent attraction and retention tool for Greater Des Moines (DSM).
Regional Placemaking
Investments in large-scale, transformational projects that attract and retain a strong workforce are vital to the future growth of communities. The Partnership works to support all regional placemaking projects, including the Downtown DSM: Future Forward Vision Plan and Action Plan, often through federal grants for public funding.
Child Care
Access to safe and affordable child care is necessary for the support of a successful workforce, and it requires creative solutions and funding at all levels of government and the private sector. The Partnership supports additional investment and policies that increase child care options for families and promote stabilization in the child care workforce.
Small Business Administration Reauthorization
The Partnership supports federal efforts to drive inclusive small business growth and provides ongoing support for small business in DSM. Instrumental to business during the global pandemic, reauthorization of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an opportunity to expand federal support while decreasing regulatory burdens on Iowa’s small businesses.
Immigration Reform
As talent remains the top priority for Partnership Investors and Members, the need for immigration reform is more urgent than ever. The Partnership supports a modernized immigration system and policies that further the goals of a diverse and inclusive population.
FAFSA Simplification Act
The Partnership supports legislative changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Simplification Act, including the reintroduction of the number of family members in college and an exclusion of the net worth for small business owners and family farms from the Student Aid Index (SAI) formula.
Regional Transportation Projects
As funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to be awarded to states and local governments, The Partnership supports the region’s ability to capture funding for key transportation and infrastructure projects, such as the Future 435 project, broadband infrastructure deployment and regional water projects.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Grants
Arts, culture and heritage elevate and enrich a vibrant DSM and contribute to the economic growth of the region and state. The Partnership supports federal programs and competitive grants offered to further leverage private investment in order to enhance the creative sector.
Farm Bill Reauthorization
As the 2023 Farm Bill reauthorization effort continues to take shape, The Partnership recognizes the importance of programs that support the agricultural economy in Iowa and those that address water quality and conservation. As part of the reauthorization, The Partnership supports the Federal Crop Insurance Program, conservation programs, investment in research and development to support the agriculture ecosystem, funding and program support for rural development and a focus on international trade.
View the full Federal Policy Agenda for more details.
The Partnership will convene its annual DMDC trip to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, May 10 – Friday, May 12. Leaders from DSM will promote regional priorities with one voice. Attendees of DMDC will meet with members of Iowa’s Congressional Delegation, the Administration and their staffs to discuss federal priorities. Registration for the trip is still open. Register here.
2023 sponsors of DMDC include Presenting Sponsors Prairie Meadows and Shazam, Inc., along with Principal Financial Group®, Delta Dental of Iowa, Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART), Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, Nyemaster Goode, P.C., PolicyWorks, The Weitz Company, City of Bondurant, Grinnell College and the Des Moines International Airport.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 400 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.