Greater Des Moines Partnership Announces 2021 Federal Policy Agenda
GREATER DES MOINES, IA — The Greater Des Moines Partnership has announced its 2021 Federal Policy Agenda. The Federal Policy Agenda is compiled by The Partnership’s Government Policy Council, which is made up of Investors and Affiliate Chamber of Commerce Members. The Partnership team will advocate for its priorities throughout the year, and will lead a group of business, civic and community leaders on its DMDC 2021 trip to Washington, D.C. from Sept. 22 – 24 to present the Federal Policy Agenda with one voice.
The 2021 Federal Policy Agenda Featured Priorities are:
Des Moines International Airport Terminal Project
The Partnership supports the Des Moines International Airport’s Terminal Concept Plan to create an airport that keeps up with Iowa’s growing corporate aviation and commercial passenger demand. The Partnership believes that as the current terminal facility comes to the end of its useful economic life it is imperative to invest in a facility and space that accommodates Greater Des Moines’ (DSM’s) economic growth and allows the flexibility that the airport will need in the future.
Central Iowa Water Trails
The Partnership supports building a regionally connected system of natural resource areas and corridors to support the Central Iowa Water Trails Project. As one of many organizations working on the project to bring recreation to a network of 150 miles of water trails, The Partnership views the primary pathway to success as a public-private investment. With just under $25 million in private dollars from individuals and businesses already committed, The Partnership supports allocating adequate and permanent funding sources to meet the infrastructure needs of the project.
Infrastructure Investment
The Partnership believes reliable and well-maintained infrastructure is imperative to a strong business climate and growing economy. Utilizing the federally proposed investment during the pandemic recovery provides an opportunity to accelerate and support communities that have long lists of maintenance needs.
Small Business Support
The Partnership supports continued funding for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s efforts to provide technical and financial assistance and access to capital for small businesses and support for existing SBA programs as our small business ecosystem continues to recover from the global pandemic. Additionally, The Partnership supports streamlining the government procurement process and increasing business opportunities for the private sector in the federal market.
Immigration Reform
The Partnership believes that developing a modernized immigration system through several avenues, including expansion of the H-1B Visa Program for highly skilled workers, an increase of the H-2B Visa Program cap, expansion of the Employment-Based Immigrant Visa Program, creating a clear path for foreign-born entrepreneurs to create businesses in the U.S., and more, will further the goals of a diverse and inclusive population and establish Iowa as a welcoming state.
“We look forward to working closely with our federal Congressional delegation on advancing priorities that will make DSM and Iowa, its businesses and its residents stronger,” said Matt Ahmann, 2021 Chair of The Partnership’s Government Policy Council. “We will continue conversations throughout the year to find common-ground solutions and present our agenda with one voice during the DMDC trip in September.”
View the full Federal Policy Agenda here. Register for The Partnership’s DMDC trip here.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
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.