What will the 2025 Iowa legislative session mean for business?

As state lawmakers convene at the state Capitol, the Business Record will sit down with business, nonprofit and academic leaders to learn what issues they think will define the 2025 Iowa legislative session for the business community. We will discuss efforts to reduce and reform property taxes, the goals of the new higher education committee in the Iowa House, increasing child care access and the outlook for legislation addressing housing affordability, population growth, workforce retention, skilled training and the state’s worker shortage.

Among the questions we plan to tackle:

• What is the top business issue lawmakers need to address in 2025?

• How will lawmakers balance reducing property taxes with the revenue needs of Iowa cities and towns?

• What can the state do to attract and retain top talent in Iowa?

• What can the state do to continue its efforts to improve access to child care in Iowa, as well as help providers attract and retain the workforce?

• What do business leaders see as solutions lawmakers should consider to increase affordable housing stock and make homeownership more attainable in Iowa?

• How should the Legislature approach funding for higher education, including the four-year regent universities, community colleges and trade schools?

Panelists:

• JD Davis, vice president of public policy, Iowa Association of Business and Industry

• Ryan Moon, director of government relations and public policy, Greater Des Moines Partnership

• Joe Murphy, president, Iowa Business Council

• Mollie Ross, vice president of operations, Technology Association of Iowa

• Dave Stone, advocacy officer, United Way of Central Iowa