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Inclusive strategies 

As one of the nation's fastest-growing centers for business, Greater Des Moines (DSM) understands the importance of inclusive economic growth and maintaining vibrant workplaces. Ensuring businesses have access to the workforce, resources and support they need to thrive is critical to long-term success. 

Cities that invest in building strong, inclusive workforce ecosystems create environments where businesses and employees thrive. Access to things like upskilling opportunities and career pathways ensure that individuals can fully engage in the workforce and contribute to economic growth. Through training programs, mentorships and strategic talent development, businesses can strengthen their industries, attract and retain skilled professionals, and drive long-term success.  

Creating pathways for career growth, implementing policies that support employee success and ensuring access to workforce development resources help companies stay competitive and build a strong foundation for future innovation and economic resilience.

Brookings Metro

Brookings Metro leads the Regional Inclusive Growth Network (RIGN), a national initiative supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that brings together coalitions from eight small and mid-sized cities. The Network supports an 18-month collaborative process focused on inclusive economic growth. Through learning exchanges, strategic planning, and cross-sector collaboration, Brookings helps local leaders and businesses implement strategies and drive sustainable change. 

The eight selected organizations and/or partnerships include: 

  • Akron, Ohio - Greater Akron Chamber
  • Birmingham, Alabama - Prosper
  • Des Moines, Iowa - Greater Des Moines Partnership
  • Richmond, Virginia - ChamberRVA and Greater Richmond Partnership
  • St. Louis, Missouri - Greater St. Louis, Inc.
  • Cincinnati, Ohio - Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
  • New Orleans, Louisiana - Urban League of Louisiana
  • Kansas City, Missouri - KC Rising and the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City

Brookings Metro, supported by the insights and experiences of the Regional Inclusive Growth Network (RIGN) participants, have published a compendium titled The Invisible Infrastructure of Inclusive Economic Growth: Five Civic Capabilities for Regional Transformation. Learn more about the compendium, here. 

Global DSM Talent Study

In the fall of 2015, The Partnership and the Partnership for a New American Economy (NAE) developed a pilot program aimed at promoting a regional approach to the global population. The purpose of the effort was to ensure that foreign-born persons have the education, preparation and connections necessary for success to reach their ultimate potential in DSM.  Since this pilot study, The Partnership has carried out a variety of initiatives toward increasing the region’s global profile. Some highlights include: 

  • The establishment and launch of the Global Insurance Symposium and Global Insurance Accelerator with the Iowa Insurance Division, the Iowa Economic Development Authority and other partners, which attract industry leaders from across the globe.  
  • The creation and launch of Global DSM Trade and Investment Strategy in collaboration with the Brookings Institution and J.P. Morgan designed to help Greater Des Moines companies increase exports and to attract more Foreign Direct Investment to DSM. Greater Des Moines was one of only 24 metros selected to create both an export and FDI strategy, and the Brookings Institution featured Des Moines on the front page of their 2016 “The Making of Global Cities: Stories from the Global Cities Exchange” report.
  • Support for the Republic of Kosovo opening the first diplomatic office in the state of Iowa in Downtown Des Moines. 
  • The organization  of Multicultural Receptions and Roundtables provides opportunities for those in DSM to develop new relationships with others who are passionate about building an inclusive community for the region.
  • The creation of the Inclusion Summit provides attendees an opportunity to discover tools and resources to build equity-centered practices, systems and organizations.  
  • Participation in the Regional Inclusive Growth Network through Brookings Metro. This network focuses on strengthening our inclusive economic framework for everyone who calls our region home. 

Nearly a decade after the pilot study, The Partnership wanted to gather community input into the formulation of the next generation of global talent strategies. In partnership with Bâton Global, a community survey, focus groups and interviews were organized in summer 2024 to inform decisions on future directions.

Key findings include: 

  • Employer Education: Educate business on best practices, global talent availability and needs and cultural training. 
  • Integrating Language Training into Work: Embed language learning and job-specific language skills into workplace training programs. 
  • Engaging the Unskilled Workforce: Connect unskilled or low-skilled workers with entry-level job opportunities that offer pathways for training, skill development and career advancement. 
  • Promoting Success Stories: Amplify the region’s strengths through targeted marketing and storytelling that focuses on the contributions of foreign-born professionals that could enhance the region’s attractiveness and inclusivity.

Learn more about the 2024 study, here. 

Multicultural Reception and Roundtables

Multicultural Reception and Roundtables provide opportunities for individuals in DSM to build new relationships and connect with others who are invested in strengthening the community and fostering meaningful connections. Hosted quarterly, these roundtables cover a range of talent development and workforce development topics, creating space for dialogue, learning and collaboration across industries. 

Inclusion Council 

The Partnership's Inclusion Council is focused on advancing an inclusive economy and workforce for the region.  

Inclusive Economic Growth Certification

The Inclusive Economic Growth Certificate is a program delivered through a partnership with The Partnership and Des Moines-based Schabel Solutions Inc. and teaches participants action steps to help them build sustainable inclusive strategies in the workplace.