Advocate with One Voice at DMDC 2021

^{DMDC dates have changed since the publication of this blog post. You can find information on the 2022 DMDC event here.}

Greater Des Moines’ (DSM’s) success can be traced in large part to our region’s ability to work together across the public and private sector, across jurisdictional lines and across political party lines. Our public policy efforts at the Greater Des Moines Partnership reflect this attitude. Each year, we convene a group of regional leaders for our DMDC event.

After transitioning to host the event virtually in 2020, we are heading back to Washington, D.C. for an in-person event on Sept. 22 – 24 this year. DMDC features a group of DSM business, civic and regional community leaders who present The Partnership’s Federal Policy Agenda with one voice. Our delegation is among the largest fly-in delegations in the country, and those in D.C. take note. We have the opportunity to interact with members from Iowa’s congressional delegation, the Administration and their staffs throughout the packed three-day agenda, in addition to hearing from national leaders in Congress, participating in briefings and workshops on topics key to our region and more. Additionally, the DMDC trip is one of the best professional networking events you can attend.

This trip matters, and our presence makes a statement.

This year promises to be even more meaningful given that it will have been nearly two-and-a-half years since we were able to attend DMDC, in person. A significant amount has changed in the world since that time, but our role of advancing regional priorities is more important than ever.

Advancing Our Federal Policy Agenda

The Partnership’s Federal Policy Agenda, compiled by the Government Policy Council made up of Partnership Investors and Affiliate Chamber of Commerce Members, gives us a roadmap for advocacy efforts and this year elevates five Featured Priorities:

• The Des Moines International Airport terminal project
• The Iowa Confluence Water Trails (ICON)
• Infrastructure investment
• Small business support
• Immigration reform

These projects and areas of focus will help ensure our region’s economic development strength and will bolster our ability to attract and retain talented people.

The DMDC trip and our Federal Policy Agenda are among the many Partnership public policy efforts. Also among them: The Partnership’s Public Policy Issue Forum series takes place bi-monthly to host expert panelists to discuss key issues. The next event in this series is Tuesday, Aug. 17 featuring a panel on affordable housing. The Partnership’s public policy team recently wrapped up its state advocacy efforts and will convene the Government Policy Council to begin work on the 2022 State Policy Agenda in coming months.

DMDC 2021 is quickly filling up as more than 100 people have already registered. There are limited spots on The Partnership’s charter flight to and from Washington, D.C., so it is best to register as soon as possible to guarantee a spot.

Learn more and register at DSMpartnership.com/DMDC.

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 365 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.