Greater Des Moines and Central Iowa is at an important crossroads. The region has vibrant neighborhoods, a strong business community, dynamic arts and recreational attractions and a desirable quality of life. But the region also has its challenges. Local leaders feel the time is right to take advantage of opportunities and address challenges through a clear vision and plan for Iowa’s capital region. This process, branded Capital Crossroads, will result in the development of a new five-year vision strategy for the region.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Iowa State University, Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, Bravo Greater Des Moines, United Way of Central Iowa, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino and other key partners have retained national consultant Market Street Services to facilitate the development of Greater Des Moines and Central Iowa’s strategic plan. The development of Greater Des Moines’ community “product” – the interrelated complement of economic, workforce and community assets that makes the region one of the nation’s top mid-sized metro areas – must be taken to the “next level” if the region is to remain a star performer. Determining exactly what this “next level” represents will be the defining feature of the region’s proposed strategic visioning process.

The planning process will be comprehensive, inclusive and forward-seeking to build consensus on the dynamics of the region’s future and foster momentum for achievement of implementation success. At the end of the months-long effort, Greater Des Moines and Central Iowa will have a consensus-based, achievable roadmap to guide the area’s path to short and long-term economic growth.


For media inquiries or for more information, please contact Susan Ramsey at (515) 286-4954 or sramsey@desmoinesmetro.com.

To learn more about the vision strategy process click here.


About the Community Foundation
The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines works to improve the quality of life for all by connecting donors with their passions, fostering links between community organizations and convening local leaders to promote the common good. The Community Foundation currently manages assets in excess of $187 million, administers more than 830 charitable funds and distributed more than $30 million in grants in 2010. We thank our donors, partners and nonprofit organizations for working to strengthen our community. Live…Give…Better Together  

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic development engine serving Central Iowa.  Supported by over 280 public and private investors, the Partnership focuses on four pillars of work: economic development, workforce attraction and retention, downtown development and regional business development.  With its 23 regional Affiliate Chambers of Commerce and 4,400 business members, the Partnership is united to drive economic growth with one voice, one mission, and as one region.

About MarketStreet Inc.  
Founded in 1997, Market Street is an independent, national workforce, community, and economic development consulting firm.  Market Street brings original insights and clarity to the evaluation and revitalization of the places where people live, work, and grow.  Through honest and informed assessments, Market Street works with the community to create meaningful change.  Market Street’s community clients are successful at creating stronger programs, increasing operational budgets, and creating new quality jobs that improve the quality of life in their communities.