Eastern Iowa Business and Civic Leaders Unite in D.C. to Champion Regional Growth
June 13, 2025 | Public Policy
Business and civic leaders from across the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City region traveled to Washington, D.C. earlier this week to advocate for federal policies critical to Eastern Iowa’s growth, workforce advancement and long-term regional competitiveness.
Organized by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and Greater Iowa City, Inc., the annual D.C. Fly-In brought together a regional coalition of leaders committed to sharing priorities that reflect the diverse strength throughout the corridor.
“Our region’s growth has been fueled by strong public-private partnerships,” said Mackenzie DeRoo, Senior Director of Advocacy at Greater Iowa City, Inc. “We were united in our call for Congress to support policies that will help us maintain that momentum.” DeRoo continued, “Joining together not only gives us a bigger seat at the table but demonstrates our regional unity and readiness to collaborate on national solutions.”
During the visit, the group met with Senator Chuck Grassley, Senator Joni Ernst, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02). They also participated in a roundtable discussion with staff from those offices to further highlight shared regional priorities and reinforce the importance of sustained federal engagement.
“We are most effective when we speak with one voice,” said Barbra Solberg, Public Policy Strategist at the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. “Our business and civic leaders understand the value of direct dialogue with lawmakers and their staff. These relationships are vital to advancing the issues that matter most to our communities.”
The coalition focused on a range of federal priorities, including:
- Supportive Trade & Tariff Policies to improve global market access for Iowa manufacturers, small businesses and farmers by removing unnecessary trade barriers.
- Tax Policy for Small Business Growth, including preserving pass-through deductions and restoring R&D expensing to promote innovation and reinvestment.
- Workforce Development and Education Access through sustaining research funding, expanding Pell Grants, broadening the use of 529 accounts for job training, and legislation that opens more pathways to credentials and careers in skilled trades.
- Affordable Housing Solutions via supporting the Federal Housing Rehabilitation Program and streamlined regulations to improve housing accessibility across the region.
- Infrastructure Investment with continuing federal commitment to essential regional projects like Forevergreen Road East in Johnson County, Tower Terrace Road in Linn County, the 8th Avenue Bridge in Cedar Rapids and the Burlington Street Bridge Replacement in Iowa City.
- Support for the Eastern Iowa Airport’s (CID) Deicing Facility by backing the funding request to construct a centralized aircraft deicing facility. The project will reduce the glycol containment area from 40 to 8 acres, enhance airline operational efficiency, and minimize winter weather delays.
Beyond policy advocacy, the group hosted a Capitol Hill reception to engage members of Congress, congressional staff, alumni from University of Iowa and Coe College, and D.C.-area professionals with Eastern Iowa ties. They also attended the Congressional Baseball Game for Charity, providing additional opportunities to network and promote the region.
“This isn’t just about policy – this trip is about building long-term relationships,” added Marty Lenss, Director of the Eastern Iowa Airport – CID. “By coming together, we show our federal leaders our commitment to collaborative solutions that build vibrant, sustainable communities.”
For more information on the Economic Alliance and Greater Iowa City’s public policy priorities, visit https://www.cedarrapids.org/public-policy/public-policy-priorities/ and https://greateriowacity.com/lead/2025-public-policy-priorities/
2025 DC Fly-in sponsors: The Eastern Iowa Airport – CID, Alliant Energy, Collins Aerospace, Transamerica, Channel Fusion and Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
2025 DC Fly-in attendees:
Alliant Energy, John Rainbolt
Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, Doug Neumann, Barbra Solberg and Jodi Schafer
City of Cedar Rapids, Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell, Jeff Pomeranz and Angie Charipar
City of Coralville, Kelly Hayworth
City of Hiawatha, Mayor Steve Dodson and Dennis Marks
City of Iowa City, Councilman Josh Moe and Ron Knoche
City of Marion, Mayor Nick AbouAssaly and Kim Downs and Mike Barkalow
City of N. Liberty, Mayor Chris Hoffman and Ryan Heiar
City of Robins, Mayor Chuck Hinz and Kelli Scott
Coe College, David Hayes
CRST, Lisa Stephenson
Eastern Iowa Airport, Marty Lenss and Pam Hinman
General Mills, Jasmine Dickerson
Greater Iowa City, Nancy Bird and Mackenzie DeRoo
Kirkwood College, Jasmine Almoayyed
Linn County, Supervisor Brandy Meisheid
Office of Rep. Hinson’s Office, Brittney Carroll
Office of Rep. Miller-Meeks, Rachael Anderson
Office of Sen. Ernst, Kim Reem
Shive-Hattery, Jennifer Bennett
Snyder Associates, Wade Greiman and Tim Mroch
Transamerica, Sean Cassidy
Univ. of Iowa, Peter Matthes, Leanne Hotek and Brendan Beeter