What is
Iowa Ideas?
Launched in 2017, Iowa Ideas commits to providing readers a variety of ways to stay current on the latest issues impacting the state. From solution-based articles to the annual conference, Iowa Ideas considers all perspectives and invites all voices to be heard. Join in the Iowa Ideas experience by exploring this website, reading Iowa Ideas articles, and attending the 2020 conference.
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Invited. Heard. Understood. From workplace to home, how are Iowans creating inclusive spaces, amenities, and experiences? How are we building a culture that allows us to learn from each other, admit vulnerability, and collaborate to help others succeed? Expanding on the traditional understanding of diversity, this track will look at structures and take a close look at the risk involved in ignoring under represented and vulnerable populations.
What's Trending
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Council
- Angela Weekly - Veridian Credit Union
- Courtney Reyes - One Iowa
- Rachel Rockwell - Greater Cedar Rapids Communituy Foundation
- Mazahir Salih - Center for Worker Justice
- Quinn Pettifer - The Gazette Track Lead
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EDUCATION
While Iowa's long enjoyed a reputation for quality education, evolution in instruction, workforce needs and social changes are creating significant changes in Iowa's classrooms. How can the state's schools, community colleges and universities meet the current and future needs of Iowa?
What's Trending
Education Advisory Council
- Joy Briscoe - Cedar Rapids Community School District
- John Speer - Grant Wood AEA
- Jeff Weld - Governor's STEM Council
- Joe Collins - Iowa Department of Education
- Mark Wiederspan - Iowa College Aid
- Dave McInally - Coe Collage
- Vanessa Miller - Gazette Reporter and Track Lead
- Grace King - Gazette Reporter and Track Lead
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ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Solutions for efficient energy and healthy environment are keys to being able to thrive in Iowa for generations to come. How do we best balance the needs of energy, agriculture and environment? *The agriculture track has joined with this track.
What's Trending
Energy & Environment Advisory Council
- Tom Petersen - ITC Midwest
- Steve Guyer - Iowa Environmental Council
- Larry Weber - Iowa Flood Center
- Anne Kimber - Iowa State University
- Brian Selinger - Iowa Economic Development Authority
- Erin Jordan - Gazette Reporter and Track Lead
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HEALTH CARE
Access and the cost of health care are on the forefront of many Iowans' minds. An examination of what the Iowa health care landscape needs to look like to best meet our needs.
What's Trending
Health Care Advisory Council
- Joe Lock - Eastern Iowa Heath Center
- John Hale - The Hale Group
- Ann Wise - Iowa Association of Rural Health Clinics & UnityPoint
- Chance McElhaney - Iowa Insurance Division
- Ann Humbert - University of Iowa Health Care
- Craig Borchard - Iowa Hospital Association
- Kelly Garcia - Iowa Department of Human Services
- Michaela Ramm - Gazette Reporter and Track Lead
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HUMAN & SOCIAL SERVICES
Mental health services, protecting dependent populations and impacts are just some of the topics that will be part of this year's human & social services track.
What's Trending
Human & Social Services Advisory Council
- Peggy Huppert - NAMI Iowa
- Deann Cook - United Ways of Iowa
- Kim McIrvin - Department of Corrections
- Kelly Bakewell - Tanager Place
- Kat Russell - Gazette Reporter and Track Lead
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INFRASTRUCTURE
The infrastructure track looks at rural broadband, utilities, roads, bridges and transportation industry, which help our communities and economy and thrive. A look at how Internet access, automated vehicles, and e-commerce are impacting Iowa.
What's Trending
Infrastructure Advisory Council
- Patty Manuel - Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative
- Stu Anderson - Iowa DOT
- Pam Hinman - FlyCID
- Lee Hermiston - Gazette Reporter and Track Lead
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POLICY
A track that explores hot button issues, features discussions with political and business leaders and dives into how we keep healthy and collaborative discussion alive in deeply polarized times.
What's Trending
Policy Advisory Council
- James Lynch - Gazette Reporter and Track Lead
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Iowa is increasingly becoming an attractive place for entrepreneurs while also responding to the increase in baby boomers. How will Iowa react to these changes and what might the tax base of the future look like?
What's Trending
Community Development Advisory Council
- Chris Nosbisch - City of Mount Vernon
- Sandy Ehrig - Iowa Farm Bureau & Empower Rural Iowa
- Bill Menner - Bill Menner Group
- Bethany Wilcoxon - McClure Engineering
- Alan Kemp - Iowa League of Cities
- Robin Bostrom - Main Street Iowa
- Marissa Payne - Gazette Reporter and Track Lead
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WORKFORCE
Iowa is experiencing a skilled worker gap, and with a low unemployment rate and technology changing the job market, workforce issues are near the top of employer concerns. This track explores workforce initiatives under way as well as the impacts things like automation are having on the workplace.
What's Trending
Workforce Advisory Council
- Jasmine Almoayyed - City of Cedar Rapids
- Matt Everson - Iowa Federation of Independent Business
- Rob Denson - Des Moines Area Community College
- Nicole Crain - Iowa Association of Business & Industry
- John Steppe - Gazette Reporter and Track Lead