2024 State Legislative Featured Priorities

On Tuesday, Dec. 12, attendees joined the Greater Des Moines Partnership at the Des Moines Embassy Club West for The Partnership's State Legislative Leadership Breakfast. We heard from Tiffany Tauscheck, President & CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Mike McCoy, CEO of NCMIC and Greater Des Moines Partnership 2023 Board Chair, and Andrea Woodard, The Partnership’s Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy. I had the privilege of moderating a Q&A session with Iowa legislative leaders: Senate Minority Leader Pam Jochum, Senator Mike Bousselot, House Assistant Majority Leader David Young and House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst.

As the 2023 Government Policy Council (GPC) chair, I was honored to help lead Partnership Investors and Members who make up GPC in the drafting of the 2023 State Agenda. Our agenda was the work of many interested Investors and Members, and I thank them for their hard work, dedication and input. Our agenda will guide the work of The Partnership throughout the second year of the 90th General Assembly, which begins on Monday, Jan. 8.

2024 Key Legislative Priorities

Throughout the session, The Partnership will focus on the following key priorities:

Economic Development

Recognizing the competitive nature of economic development and the vital need to attract business and talent to Iowa, The Partnership supports economic development tools and incentives that enable local governments and complement the overall tax environment. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.

Work-Based Learning

The Partnership supports efforts to increase work-based learning programs and policies to expand Iowa’s talent pathways, reduce barriers and foster first-hand career experiences for Iowans. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.

Child Care

The Partnership supports policies and additional investment for programs that increase access to affordable and quality childcare options for Iowa families. Learn more by watching the most recent Public Policy Issue Forum on Child Care webinar.

Housing

The Partnership supports the expansion of housing options through funding and policies that incentivize communities and employers to invest in new and existing housing for all Iowans. Learn more at greaterdsmusa.com.

Placemaking

Placemaking is important to talent attraction and retention and plays a key role in the transformation of Iowa communities, main streets and local economies. The Partnership supports continued investment in programs that support placemaking projects driven by public-private partnerships. Learn more by watching the most recent Public Policy Issue Forum on Placemaking Initiatives webinar.

The Partnership Policy Team looks forward to working with the Governor, Iowa General Assembly and state agencies to accomplish mutually beneficial legislative goals and objectives for the economic betterment of the State of Iowa.

As I wrap up as the 2023 GPC chair, I want to thank Andrea Woodard, Ryan Moon and the entire Partnership team for their hard work and assistance over the past year. Formulating public policy goals for a diverse organization is a team effort, and the Partnership has a great team.

I look forward to passing the gavel to Anne Roth with Hy-Vee, Inc., who will serve as the 2024 chair. I’ve worked closely with Anne over the years, and she will be an excellent representative and advocate to help advance The Partnership’s goals in 2024 and beyond.

Thank you for allowing me to be the 2023 GPC Chair. It was my honor to be associated with such a great organization.

The Partnership's Public Policy team engages with local, state and federal officials to create public policy that generates economic growth, business prosperity and talent development in Greater Des Moines (DSM). The Partnership is a nonpartisan organization.