As local governments build their budgets for fiscal year 2026 and project to the future, they are facing constraints on revenue imposed by the Legislature’s 2023 decision to consolidate the state’s property tax levies and cap tax rates based on growth. That is raising concern among some Central Iowa communities and developers, who see the changes as a possible hindrance to the growth the region has seen as cities and counties prioritize where to spend their tax dollars. During the Business Record’s Feb. 13 Power Breakfast, a panel of local leaders will discuss how local governments are addressing the changes in Iowa’s property tax system, their effect on cities’ budgets and what it could mean for the continued growth and development in Central Iowa.

Among the questions we plan to tackle:

• What are the potential effects on cities, developers and businesses?
• What strains could city budget concerns put on regional cooperation? What opportunities does it present?
• Where are cities scaling back their spending as revenues plateau or decline?
• How does this affect the region’s ability to attract businesses?
• What are the creative solutions that cities are exploring to navigate budget pressure?
• How are cities preparing for the possibility of more changes to Iowa’s property tax code?

Panelists:
Adam Kaduce,
president, R&R Real Estate Advisors
Dustin Miller,
founding partner, CWL Group and executive director, Iowa Chamber Alliance
Nate Ristow,
president and CEO, Iowa Taxpayers Association