United Way of Central Iowa announced its advocacy agenda to policymakers, government officials and the community during its annual advocacy breakfast event Tuesday.

The agenda outlines key policy priorities aimed at advancing essential needs, early childhood success, education success, economic opportunity, and health and well-being, a news release said.

The issues on United Way’s 2025 agenda are:

• Tackling child care workforce shortages
• Advancing housing stability and economic opportunity
• Strengthening food security and access to nutrition

On child care, United Way is advocating for a mix of state-level reforms and local strategies, including flexibility in Child Care Assistance (CCA) weekly work and education requirements; state income tax exemptions for childcare providers; expansion of pilot programs allowing provider access to the CCA program; and increased coverage for paid absences under the CCA program.

One of the nonprofit’s focuses for housing and economic opportunity is advocating for eviction expungement pathways to help families overcome past eviction records, according to the release. As part of United Way’s collaboration with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services’ Fostering Economic Mobility Workgroup, the nonprofit also supports sustainable funding for statewide public transit systems to improve access to housing, jobs and essential services.

United Way will advocate for direct appropriations for programs that strengthen Iowa’s food security network, including the Double Up Food Books program, an initiative through the Healthiest State Initiative that provides families using SNAP benefits access to fresh produce.

Other highlights from the agenda are:

• Education success: Expanding work-based learning and opportunities for English-language learners.
• Economic opportunity: Promoting equitable broadband access and leveraging TANF funds for innovative workforce strategies.
• Health and well-being: Leading coalitions focused on children’s mental health and oral health awareness.

“As we launch our 2025 Advocacy Agenda, United Way of Central Iowa reaffirms its commitment to tackling the systemic challenges that impact the lives of our neighbors,” Mary Sellers, president of United Way of Central Iowa, said in a prepared statement. “By working collaboratively with policymakers, community leaders and partners, we are driving bold solutions that create opportunities for everyone to thrive.”

To view the full agenda, click here.