IowaNext intended to focus state community investments under one umbrella

DES MOINES — If nothing else, Gov. Terry Branstad's proposal to create a holistic approach to the state's quality of life efforts through collaboration of agencies, local governments, and interested stakeholders incorporates all the right buzzwords.

'Streamline, coordinate, collaborate … all words we want to hear,' Rep. Nancy Dunkel, D-Dyersville, said after hearing about Branstad's new IowaNext program to improve access to resources to support cultural, natural, and recreational community projects. 'Kudos to you.'

Department of Cultural Affairs Director Mary Cownie led a joint meeting of the House and Senate Economic Development committees through the proposal to coordinate efforts of the departments of Transportation, Natural Resources, Economic Development Authority, and Cultural Affairs. It would be overseen by the directors of those agencies and seven public members appointed by the governor.

IowaNext is 'not about perpetuating silos in state government,' Cownie said, but about 'being a catalyst and harnessing the energy' in local communities,' Cownie said.

Branstad's plan calls for consolidating familiar programs including Community Attraction & Tourism Program, River Enhancement Community Attraction & Tourism Program (RE-CAT), the Iowa Great Places Program, Iowa Cultural Trust and the State Parks Infrastructure Fund under the IowaNext umbrella.

'That's a scary proposition to some because much has been invested in these programs,' Sen. Rita Hart, D-Wheatland, said.

The goal, Cownie explained, is to improve government efficiency and flexibility to better respond to the needs of Iowa communities. IowaNext would simplify the way communities partner with the state, increase cultural, natural and recreational opportunities to improve Iowans' quality of life and help attract and retain a skilled workforce. IowaNext also would leverage public-private partnerships to increase investments in quality of life efforts.

Dunkel did have one concern — the funding. Branstad proposed $26 million to fund grants for cultural, natural and recreational community projects. Dunkel wondered whether that would be sustainable since grants are not repaid.

The governor is confident that IowaNext will be able to come back to legislators in two years with success stories showing a positive impact and convince them to continue investing in the program.