Partnership Announces Federal Policy Priorities, Agenda for DMDC Trip
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (April 30, 2019) — The Greater Des Moines Partnership is preparing for its 40th Annual DMDC trip to the nation’s capital on Wednesday, May 8 – Friday May 10. DMDC will convene around 200 leaders from Greater Des Moines (DSM) to promote regional priorities with One Voice. The Partnership today unveiled its Federal Policy Agenda. The agenda is compiled by The Partnership’s Government Policy Council, which is made up of Investors and Affiliate Chamber of Commerce Members. This year’s agenda includes the following featured priorities:
Des Moines Airport Terminal Project
DSM’s current airport terminal is rapidly becoming overcrowded and obsolete while also becoming a liability with respect to the state’s economic development efforts. Increasing the cap on the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) is critical to the Des Moines International Airport’s ability to create a new terminal.
Greater Des Moines Water Trails Project
As one of many organizations working on the Central Iowa Water Trails project, The Partnership views the primary pathway to success as a public-private investment. The Partnership supports allocating adequate and permanent funding sources to meet the infrastructure needs of the project.
Housing
The Partnership recognizes and respects the essential federal role in housing and community development and encourages elected officials to protect and adequately fund essential programs that make housing affordable for all DSM households. Specifically, The Partnership supports increased funding for the Community Development Block Grant Program, the HOME Investment Partnership Program and the Housing Choice Vouchers Program.
Arts and Cultural Grants
The continued public investment in arts, culture and heritage along with meaningful partnerships will further position Iowa as a state where innovation and creativity drive quality of life and economic development.
Transportation and Infrastructure
The Partnership advocates for a comprehensive approach to solving the nation’s looming transportation infrastructure challenges. Specifically, The Partnership believes that a multi-modal and intermodal vision must prioritize maintenance of existing facilities, manage capacity, expand alternative modes, reduce congestion and improve the efficient, safe and sustainable movement of goods and people throughout the country and world.
View the full Federal Policy Agenda for more details.
Attendees of DMDC will meet with members of Iowa’s Congressional Delegation, the Administration and their staffs to discuss federal priorities.
Additionally, The Partnership has announced this year’s keynote speakers throughout the three-day trip. Ben Sasse, U.S. Senator from Nebraska, will speak to attendees during a luncheon on Wednesday. Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator from New York, will speak with attendees during a luncheon on Thursday. Mark Murray, Senior Political Editor at NBC News and Carrie Dann, Political Editor at NBC News, will speak at a brunch on Friday. Additionally, The Partnership will host the Iowa Congressional Reception on Wednesday evening at the Charlie Palmer Steak Rooftop Terrace, which typically features attendance from Iowa’s Congressional Delegation and their staff members.
View the full itinerary.
2019 sponsors include Shazam, Inc., Prairie Meadows, Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority, Nyemaster Goode, P.C., Delta Dental of Iowa, Innovate Iowa, PolicyWorks, Wells Fargo & Co., Principal, The Weitz Company, the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, Davis Brown Law Firm, the Des Moines International Airport and the Iowa Housing Partnership.
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 6,400 Regional Business Members and more than 340 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.