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The Bright Future of Greater Des Moines: 2026 Strategic Priorities Unveiled

On January 22, 2026, during its Annual Dinner at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, the Greater Des Moines Partnership revealed its Strategic Priorities for 2026, highlighting the significant accomplishments of 2025. Under the leadership of its Board Chair, Chris Costa, and reflecting the collective efforts of various stakeholders, the Partnership laid out a clear roadmap for the region’s ongoing development and prosperity.

2025 Achievements: A Solid Foundation

In 2025, the Partnership made impressive strides, achieving all of its Scorecard goals. Through collaborative efforts with state and local governments, along with private-sector partners, it successfully spearheaded 28 new business projects to drive economic growth across Greater Des Moines. This included eight projects specifically focused on Downtown, leading to an impressive $5.7 billion capital investment within the region and an additional $2 billion in the project pipeline.

Miriam Erickson Brown, the 2025 Board Chair, emphasized the region's commitment to working together: "2025 was a year of focus, action, and momentum for Greater Des Moines. This success reflects what's possible when everyone is aligned around shared goals."

Strategic Pillars for 2026

The six core Strategic Priorities outlined for 2026 aim not only to build on the previous achievements but also to foster long-term, sustainable growth. Here are the essentials of the framework:

1. Economic Development

The focus here is to bolster the identification of new economic development leads, enhance the project pipeline, and streamline business expansions in order to retain Greater Des Moines' competitive edge for larger undertakings.

2. Talent Development

In response to the pressing need for a skilled workforce, the Partnership is set to elevate its talent development initiatives. This includes various programs targeted at K-12 students, college attendees, and early-career professionals. Key expansions include the Legacy Project Career Ready Collective, designed to prepare high school students for career success, and a renewed skills-based hiring initiative to connect individuals with relevant job opportunities.

3. Quality of Life

To improve the living standards and overall vibrancy of the region, the Partnership will leverage community insights and organize major events to energize local engagement. Collaboration with the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives reflects the commitment to support Affiliate Chambers effectively.

4. AI and Innovation

Recognizing the growing importance of technology, the Partnership aspires to fortify its innovation landscape by nurturing a multi-generational workforce geared towards artificial intelligence and related sectors.

5. Future Positioning

This priority focuses on convening influential leaders in the area to align around regional goals, thereby enhancing investor engagement and partnering effectively on housing and education initiatives.

6. Storytelling

Bringing the community's stories to the forefront is crucial to showcasing the dynamic landscape of Greater Des Moines. By launching an innovative storytelling platform, the Partnership aims to highlight significant developments and successes driven by local businesses and citizens.

Collaborative Efforts for Continued Success

Chris Costa voiced his optimism: "The region continues to outperform expectations because leaders across the region are willing to collaborate, invest, and think long term." This sentiment reflects a forward-thinking approach to regional hurdles and aspirations.

In parallel, the Partnership has also announced its 2026 Board of Directors, which consists of key leaders including Costa, who will spearhead these initiatives alongside the driven team at the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

Looking Ahead

The outlined Strategic Priorities for 2026 position Greater Des Moines firmly on the path toward sustainable growth and innovation. The focus on economic development, skill enhancement, and quality of life reflects a holistic approach to regional advancement. As the Partnership embarks on this year, all eyes will be on how these strategies unfold, impact the community, and inspire a strong, collaborative spirit among residents and leaders alike.