The Greater Des Moines Partnership announced its 2025 federal policy agenda Tuesday, ahead of the Partnership’s annual DMDC trip to Washington, D.C. The trip is set for May 7-9.

On the trip, attendees from across the region will meet with members of Iowa’s congressional delegation, the administration and their staff to discuss federal priorities, according to a news release.

The top priorities are:

• Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: The Partnership supports addressing expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to help preserve a competitive federal tax environment, the release said.
• Housing: Supporting the expansion of housing options through funding and policies that incentivize communities and employers to invest in new and existing housing, including a Conversion Tax Credit.
• Child care: Supporting increased investment and policy initiatives that expand child care options and ensure long-term stability and growth in the child care workforce, including the availability of 7A and 504 micro-loans to nonprofit child care providers.  
• Immigration: The Partnership will advocate for a “modernized, efficient immigration system” to help address workforce shortages, including the expansion of the Conrad 30 waiver program.
• Highway 65: Designating U.S. Highway 65/Iowa Highway 5 as an interstate and accommodating federal weight and size limits and exemptions.

The agenda is compiled by the Partnership’s government policy council, including investors and affiliate chamber of commerce members, and approved by the Partnership’s board of directors.

“Real progress happens when we work together toward a common goal. By aligning our efforts and bringing diverse perspectives to the table, we create a stronger region,” Daryl Bouwkamp, senior director of industry, international and government relations at Vermeer Corp. and 2025 chair of the Partnership’s government policy council, said in a prepared statement. “We look forward to continuing to work with our Congressional delegation to advance policies that help our 12-county region and state grow.”

To view the Partnership’s full agenda, click here. To learn more about the DMDC trip or register, click here.