Capital Crossroads Announces Launch of Central Iowa Workforce Development Ecosystem Map

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (March 11, 2025) – Capital Crossroads, in collaboration with the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s DSM Workforce Collaborative, has launched the Capital Crossroads Workforce Development Ecosystem Map that offers a visual representation of workforce development organizations, programs and resources in Polk, Dallas, and Warren Counties. The map is designed as an interactive tool for workforce development professionals to help better understand, navigate, and connect with the complex network of entities dedicated to promoting a strong workforce in Central Iowa.

The pilot was launched in response to interest from business, human resources, education, and state leaders working to advance regional workforce needs. The effort aligns with the goals of the DSM Workforce Collaborative, a group focused on strengthening the current and future workforce in Greater Des Moines with a collective voice.

“The ecosystem map is a strong example of what can be accomplished when leaders across sectors come together to address regional needs,” said Jenae Sikkink, Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Inclusive Strategies at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “By helping workforce development professionals better visualize and connect with resources for students and adults, this map will support broader efforts to develop and retain top talent in the region.”

The map is the result of extensive research and multi-sector collaboration throughout the past year, including the engagement of more than 150 community leaders and diverse organizations to inform and shape the project. Capital Crossroads formed a task force of over a dozen leaders from industry, education, government, and nonprofit sectors to guide efforts. Capital Crossroads also partnered with the DSM Workforce Collaborative and The Partnership’s Talent Development Board, facilitated workshops with the Capital Crossroads Regional Council, sourced feedback from organizations including the Job Developers Network and Central Iowa Workforce Development Board, and met with industry and education leaders and state officials from Iowa Workforce Development and the Department of Education to gather data and input.

“Career planners in Central Iowa have expressed that the map will be a great tool as they help job seekers connect with community resources,” said Michelle Seibert, Community Impact Officer, Economic Opportunity at United Way of Central Iowa. “This map is a vehicle for greater community collaboration and coordination to ensure people are developing critical skills to be competitive in the job market and acquiring good jobs that will provide financial stability over generations.”

The map is now available as a public resource on The Partnership’s website here. As the workforce landscape is ever-evolving, the map will be updated regularly to reflect current programs and resources available. Community members who wish to provide feedback on the map may do so through the website.

“I am appreciative of the effort by Capital Crossroads and the Greater Des Moines Partnership in driving forward the Workforce Development Ecosystem mapping effort,” said Eric Kress, Executive Director of the Central Iowa Workforce Development Board. “They have brought together dozens of stakeholders to collaborate around a common cause. I look forward to seeing the application of the activity and its future impact on Central Iowa.”

Capital Crossroads and the DSM Workforce Collaborative are preparing for the next phase of the project. Efforts will focus on enhancing Central Iowa’s talent development strategies by mapping area businesses’ work-based learning and career exploration opportunities and convening stakeholders to evaluate the “soft skills” gap in emerging talent identified by industry leaders.

The Workforce Development Ecosystem Map was made possible by a generous grant award from Prairie Meadows’ Community Betterment Program. “At Prairie Meadows, we are dedicated to transforming the lives of Central Iowans. We are proud to support Capital Crossroads and many other projects in our community,” said Julie Stewart, Prairie Meadows Senior Vice President of Community Relations. 

Capital Crossroads and the regional vision plan are supported through the ongoing efforts of the Capital Crossroads Regional Council and generous investments from more than 45 organizations across the public, private, nonprofit, and education sectors in Central Iowa. Learn more about Capital Crossroads by viewing the 2024 annual report and visiting  www.capitalcrossroadsvision.com.

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About Capital Crossroads

Capital Crossroads is a collaboration of regional organizations, leaders, and residents to develop a focused, ambitious, and sustainable roadmap for Central Iowa. It serves as a forum to connect diverse stakeholders and unite their efforts across four Capital Crossroads Cornerstones: Economic Opportunity and Prosperity; Community and Cultural Connections; Thriving Neighborhoods; and Youth Investment. The most powerful role of Capital Crossroads is to ensure that regional leaders and community members have a shared vision aligned to its six critical outcomes which include: Regionalism, Equity and Inclusion, Workforce Housing; Education; Job Growth, and Placemaking. These aspirations will help create community, opportunity, and prosperity for all of Central Iowa. Learn more at www.capitalcrossroadsvision.com.

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves 12 counties in Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa: Adair, Clarke, Dallas, Guthrie, Jasper, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek and Warren. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 6,700 Regional Business Members, The Partnership drives economic growth and talent development to advance quality of life in DSM 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.