2025 State Legislative Featured Priorities

On Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 attendees joined the Greater Des Moines Partnership at the Stoney Creek Hotel in Johnston for The Partnership's State Legislative Leadership Breakfast. Speakers included Tiffany Tauscheck, President & CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, David Stark, Chief of Government Affairs & Philanthropy at UnityPoint Health and Greater Des Moines Partnership 2024 Board Chair, and Ryan Moon, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy. I had the opportunity to moderate a Q&A session with Iowa legislative leaders Senator Mike Bousselot, Senator Janice Weiner, Representative Matt Windschitl and Representative Jennifer Konfrst.

As the 2024 Government Policy Council (GPC) chair, I had the privilege of leading Partnership Investors and Members who make up GPC in the drafting of the 2025 State Agenda. Over 60 Investors and Members supported the creation of this agenda, and I thank them for their input and dedication. Our agenda will guide the work of The Partnership throughout the first year of the 91st General Assembly, which begins on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.

2025 Key Legislative Priorities

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

Economic Growth

Recognizing the competitive nature of economic development and the vital need to attract business and talent to Iowa, the Greater Des Moines Partnership supports economic development tools and incentives that enable state and local governments and enhance an overall competitive tax environment and a streamlined, efficient and modernized tax structure that promotes business growth.

Workforce Readiness

A well-educated and skilled workforce is a top priority for Partnership Investors, Affiliates and Members. The Partnership supports workforce strategies and programs that attract new talent, assists with the retention and training of talent, and supports work-based learning opportunities.

Housing

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

Quality of Life

A strong quality of life and placemaking are important to attracting and retaining talent and play a key role in the transformation and vibrancy of Iowa communities, main streets and local economies. The Partnership supports continued investment in programs that support quality of life projects driven by public-private partnerships.

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 2024 GPC chair, I want to thank Tiffany Tauscheck, Jenae Sikkink, Ryan Moon and The Partnership team for their hard work 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 GPC leadership to Daryl Bouwkamp with Vermeer Corporation, who will serve as the 2025 chair. I’ve worked closely with Daryl over the years, and he will be an excellent leader to help advance The Partnership’s goals in 2025 and beyond.

Thank you for allowing me to be the 2024 GPC Chair. It was my honor to serve 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). Learn about state and federal legislators advocating for the region and how you can become involved by attending an upcoming state policy or advocacy event. The Partnership is a nonpartisan organization.