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Public Policy Update: New Opportunities for Member Advocacy

February 4, 2026 | Public Policy

Over the past two weeks, our public policy work has been especially active, and we were excited to debut three new Economic Alliance public policy initiatives designed to connect policy, people, and place in more meaningful ways.

New & Notable

All Politics is Local Podcast

We launched “All Politics is Local – CR Regional”, a new (video) podcast sponsored by South Slope Communications, that focuses on how public policy decisions play out at the local level and impact our regional economy. Each episode features candid conversations with elected leaders and policy influencers shaping Cedar Rapids and the region.
Our first episode features Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell.

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor

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Policy in Action Tours

Policy is best understood when you see it firsthand. Our new Policy in Action Tours bring state and federal policymakers together with business leaders to experience how public investments, regulations, and infrastructure decisions translate into real-world economic outcomes. Last week, we hosted a Policy in Action tour highlighting key regional assets and projects, providing valuable context for ongoing policy discussions.

The inaugural tour welcomed Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer and began with a business roundtable at the Economic Alliance, where local leaders discussed key issues impacting employers, including can redemption policy and recycling’s economic impact, smart eminent domain policy, property tax reform, and employee retention. The visit continued with site tours at Can Shed’s Hiawatha facility, Cedar Rapids’ flood control system, and a behind-the-scenes look at the Cedar Crossing Casino currently under construction.

Thank you to Can Shed, the inaugural Policy in Action sponsor, for making this visit possible. We look forward to continuing Policy in Action Tours with future policymaker visits.

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor

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Capitol Conversations

We also kicked off Capitol Conversations, a new forum designed to connect Economic Alliance members directly with state legislative leadership. These conversations create space for meaningful dialogue around priorities of our region impacting workforce, economic development, and competitiveness.

Following the discussion, the Economic Alliance team took Leader Klemish on a tour of the metro to highlight local projects and state’s return on investment including housing developments, business expansions, business attraction projects like SubZero, CID’s Aviation Campus and expansion projects, the data centers and Cedar Crossings Casino. The day highlighted the value of thoughtful, solution-oriented dialogue between business leaders and policymakers. The subsequent tour brought these discussions to life, giving Senate Majority Leader Klemish a firsthand look at the projects, investments, and priorities driving our local economy.

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor

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State Policy Update

At the Iowa Legislature
Property tax reform has emerged as one of the most active and consequential policy discussions this session. Multiple property tax bills have been introduced, each taking a different approach to valuation, rollbacks, levy limits, and long-term impacts on local governments and taxpayers. A comparison of the major property tax proposals can be found here to help members quickly understand the differences and potential implications.

In addition to property tax legislation, we are actively monitoring bills related to workforce and housing supply, economic development incentives, regulatory reform, and local government authority. As these proposals move through committee and amendment stages, we are engaging with lawmakers to ensure business and community perspectives are clearly represented.

Federal Policy Update

At the Federal Level
Over the weekend, a partial, technical government shutdown began after Congress missed a funding deadline for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Most federal operations continue under existing funding, while DHS and a few other departments remain unfunded.

The House voted Tuesday to fully fund most federal government agencies for the remainder of the fiscal year, as funding for DHS continues to be negotiated. Once again, for employers, the situation underscores the importance of predictable federal funding and timely appropriations to avoid uncertainty that can disrupt workforce planning, travel, and regulatory operations.

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Join our Advocacy Efforts in 2026!

The Collective Voice Day at the Capitol & Legislative Reception

The Collective Voice Day at the Capitol brings together business and community leaders from across our region for a full day of connections and advocacy in Des Moines. The experience begins at the State Capitol, where members meet with legislative leaders and elected officials to discuss public policy issues important to the business community. The day concludes with an evening reception that draws legislators from across the state and leaders from throughout the region. This event is both impactful and memorable and of course includes sharing the popular kolaches – a signature tradition associated with our visit to the Capitol!

Feb. 11, 2026

1:00 – 4:00 PM – Meetings at the Capitol
5:00 – 7:00 PM – Reception
State Historical Building |600 E Locust Street | Des Moines Register Here

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor

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Capitol Conversations – Networking Style

Feb. 27 | 4:30 – 5:30 PM
Big Grove Brewery | 170 1st St SW | Cedar Rapids Register here

Connect directly with local state legislators in a relaxed, reception-style setting. Our second session of Capitol Conversations moves beyond a fireside chat to give Economic Alliance members face-to-face time with lawmakers for meaningful dialogue and relationship-building.

• Engage personally with local policymakers
• Share your perspectives on key issues affecting our community
• Build connections in an informal, networking-friendly environment

Prior to the event, registered attendees will receive an “Up to Date” memo with timely updates and tips to help you prepare for Capitol Conversations with legislators.

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor

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