Public Policy Principles

Our Public Policy is rooted here

These principles guide our advocacy efforts

The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance drives strategies for economic, workforce, and population growth to help businesses succeed and communities thrive. We collaborate with our members, stakeholders, and community partners to identify priorities and implement strategies that strengthen local businesses, communities, and the region. Advocating for pro-business policies at the local, state, and federal levels is essential to our mission.

Business Climate

Champion a modern, balanced, efficient, cost-effective, and transparent regulatory system that gives businesses the confidence they need to hire, invest, and innovate while reducing uncertainty for existing and start-up enterprises. Preserve Iowa’s long-standing workplace flexibility and employer choice while limiting abuse of workers’ compensation claims.

Child Care

Champion public-private partnerships and policy solutions that expand access to affordable, high-quality child care to help working parents fully participate in the region’s workforce. Strengthening Iowa’s provide system is essential to workforce participation, family stability, and long-term economic growth.

Civic Engagement & Democracy

Champion and encourage elected officials, candidates, and citizens to engage civilly and respectfully in policy discussions and political debates, focusing on collaborative, fact-based solutions that strengthen Iowa and restore trust in public institutions.

Economic Inclusion

Champion policies that advance economic inclusion and close opportunity gaps that hinder workforce participation and community vitality by addressing inequities in education, employment, entrepreneurship, and by removing barriers to work.

Economic Development

Preserve and enhance economic development incentive programs that attract, retain, and expand businesses and emerging industries, diversify the regional economy, and create high-quality jobs. Support practices, such as Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), that strengthen local hiring, ensure efficient and cost-effective completion of public projects, and contribute to sustained community and economic growth.

Education & Workforce Development

Champion strong early childhood, K-12, and higher education systems that prepare all students for future careers and ensure a skilled workforce for regional employers. Encourage alignment between education and employer needs through work-based learning, technical training and apprenticeships.

Energy & Environment

Champion policies that expand sustainable and renewable energy including ethanol, nuclear, solar, and wind to keep costs affordable. Promote balanced regulation that supports environmental responsibility, energy reliability, and innovation in carbon capture and grid modernization while respecting local engagement and voluntary participation.

Fiscal Responsibility

Champion disciplined, transparent budgeting and responsible spending practices that provide predictability for businesses and industries most affected by government inefficiencies or shutdowns. Support long-term fiscal sustainability without reducing investments essential to economic growth.

Healthcare 

Champion a system that is sustainable, flexible, affordable, and equitable and builds on private sector successes while ensuring fairness across the system. Promote policies that strengthen access to mental health and address healthcare worker shortages across the state.

Housing 

Champion incentives and market-driven solutions that ensure an adequate supply of diverse, attainable housing options across the region. Encourage local flexibility, zoning modernization, and partnerships that expand workforce and middle-income housing.

Immigration Reform

Champion commonsense immigration reform that welcomes new Iowans, addresses workforce shortages, promotes job creation and economic growth, enhances global competitiveness, establishes a sensible, enforceable legal framework for the workforce.

Infrastructure & Mobility

Champion long-term, sustainable funding solutions for infrastructure investment that meet the needs of roads, bridges, highways, rail, aviation, broadband, and transit systems. Encourage continued investment broadband expansion, infrastructure support technology and multimodal logistics that strengthen regional and national connectivity.

Local Government

Champion state and federal commitments to local governments and preserving local control to ensure efficient, effective use of taxpayer dollars. Encourage city-level decision-making and development that contribute to overall growth and vitality of the region.

Placemaking

Champion consistent, meaningful investment in community amenities and public spaces that attract and retain residents, enhance quality of life, and create pride of place.

Regional Airports

Champion policies that modernize aviation infrastructure and streamline federal requirements, ensuring Iowa businesses have connectivity and resources to compete globally.

Rural Development & Connectivity

Champion policies and partnerships that strengthen the economic vitality of rural communities across Eastern Iowa. Encourage investments in broadband access, transportation links, housing, and workforce development that connect rural and urban areas and ensure shared regional prosperity.

Tax Climate

Champion a competitive, pro-growth tax structure that ensures fairness, predictability, and economic opportunity while balancing income, property, and sales tax needs. Support property tax reforms that strengthen local services while maintaining a competitive business environment.

Technology & Innovation

Champion policies that drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology adoption, including AI integration, automation, semiconductors, and cybersecurity readiness, and research partnerships with Iowa’s colleges and universities. Encourage investment in emerging industries that position Iowa for long-term competitiveness.

Trade

Champion fair, consistent international trade agreements that reduce barriers, expand U.S. markets abroad, and drive economic growth and job creation at home.

Water Resources

Champion sustainable funding and flexible policies to improve water quality, strengthen flood mitigation, watershed management, and climate resilience, and ensure affordable, reliable capacity for business and community growth.