Economic & Community Development
Pathways to financial success for urban and rural Iowa.-
SESSION 1
Addressing the needs of homeless populations
A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling made it legal for cities to cite activities necessitated by homelessness, such as sleeping in public, as punishable offenses. How do we balance the needs of those who are unsheltered while addressing challenges in plain sight? This session will explore what communities, cities and the state could be doing to address these issues.
Held on October 10, 2024 at 9:35AM
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SESSION 2
Putting out the (authentic) welcome mat
Welcoming newcomers, especially ones from diverse backgrounds, can look different on paper than it does in practice. Who is leading the work to help everyone feel like they’re part of a community? This discussion will explore how local resources are working to build inclusive, accessible space for people new to Iowa, and how lack of effort may counteract less welcoming tones all the way to the state level.
Held on October 10, 2024 at 10:40AM
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SESSION 3
The property tax tug of war
State property tax reform has challenged local government budgeting and limited the amount of growth communities can capture from a growing tax base. Communities must figure out how to extend public services to more people without being allowed to fully tap into that same growth to pay for themselves. This session will discuss how communities can move forward to offer services that attract and retain residents,despite constraints.
Held on October 10, 2024 at 11:45AM
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SESSION 4
Creating age diverse communities
A recent University of Iowa study shows Iowa now has the highest percentage of residents over 80. By 2030 those 65 and older could outnumber people 18 and younger. How are social service providers across the state adapting to ensure the state can accommodate an aging population? How are communities working to engage elderly residents without neglecting the needs of other age groups?
Held on October 10, 2024 at 1:55PM
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SESSION 5
The future of public transit
Iowa lacks the robust public transit options that are essential for Iowans without cars and to reduce carbon emissions amidst a climate crisis. From micro-mobility to bike trails to free-fare transit, this session will explore what Iowa communities are offering for getting around, and what more sparsely populated rural communities can do to get better connected.
Held on October 10, 2024 at 3:00PM
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SESSION 6
New life in old buildings
Finding alternate uses for aging public or private buildings can prevent an eyesore and even lead to a win-win for the developers and the community. We'll talk about how developers, community leaders and others have worked together to find ways to put new life into old buildings across the state.
Held on October 11, 2024 at 9:40AM
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SESSION 7
Collaborative economic development
Some communities are served by multiple economic development entities. How can they – or should they – work together to ensure a cohesive strategy? How does this change for local and state level organizations? This session will discuss the best way to get multiple entities moving in the same direction.
Held on October 11, 2024 at 11:50AM
Iowa Ideas is free to all attendees. Join the conversation!
