Partnership Advocacy Efforts Begin in D.C.

From May 11 – 13 more than 180 Greater Des Moines (DSM) business, civic and community leaders descended onto Washington, D.C. to advocate for regional policy priorities. The trip was a remarkable success and a model of advocacy, civility, education and networking. DMDC programming included keynote addresses from Representative Rodney Davis (R-IL) and Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), an Iowa Congressional Delegation Panel, U.S. Chamber Briefings, Civility Discussions, networking receptions and much more.

It is important to note that the DMDC trip represents the launching of The Partnership’s federal policy agenda and those advocacy efforts. Although all of the policy positions included in The Partnership’s 2022 Federal Legislative Agenda are important and reflective of the diverse group of Members and Investors, The Partnership focused on the following priorities:

Des Moines International Airport Terminal Project

The Partnership supports federal funding for the expansion of the Des Moines International Airport Terminal Project. Creative funding solutions and direct appropriations that further address the immediate need of space to accommodate a growing population are necessary to ensure economic growth for DSM.

ICON Water Trails

The Partnership supports the regionally connected system or natural resource areas and recreational amenities that will make up the ICON Water Trails. This project is a true public-private partnership and will serve the region’s efforts to attract and retain talent to DSM.

Infrastructure Projects

Following the passage and ongoing rollout of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, The Partnership supports the region’s ability to capture funding for key transportation and infrastructure projects. Additionally, the return of Community Project Funding, of which The Partnership supports, will aid in the advancement of these projects, such as the interstate designation of the Purple Heart Highway bypass, broadband infrastructure and funding for regional water infrastructure projects.

Talent Recruitment

Talent continues to be the number one priority of Partnership Members and Investors. From health care to hospitality, the need for talent is both broad and specific and will require a number of strategies to address the ongoing shortage exacerbated by the pandemic and global events. The Partnership supports creative policy solutions that support existing talent needs and identifying strategies to utilize untapped talent such as targeted immigration reform, expansion and funding for Graduated Medical Education and additional funding for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Talent recruitment will also require community placemaking projects that attract a diverse workforce, a strong arts and culture ecosystem and access to safe and affordable childcare and housing.

While the DMDC 2022 fly-in trip has concluded, our work continues. Business, civic and community leaders must continue to push the envelope and share personal stories related to the region’s policy goals in order to maximize our momentum throughout the summer and fall. Over the course of the next few months, The Partnership’s government relations team will be following up with our federal delegation and relevant agencies to keep the region’s priorities top of mind. To get involved in the process, visit The Partnership’s public policy page and sign up for the Government Policy Council newsletter and subscribe to the DSM USA Policy HQ podcast as The Partnership team dives deeper into important policy issues. We hope you consider joining us next year for DMDC 2023 which is tentatively scheduled for May 10–12, 2023.

Watch a recap video of the 2022 DMDC Trip below:

 

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.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses or events specific to Downtown DSM.