Iowa Gov. Reynolds’ DOGE task force begins quest for government efficiency

DES MOINES — A public task force created to recommend government efficiency measures in Iowa met this week for the first time.

The Iowa DOGE Task Force — created by Gov. Kim Reynolds and named similarly to the federal Department of Government Efficiency created by President Donald Trump and headed by tech billionaire Elon Musk — held its first meeting Wednesday at a state government office building in Des Moines’ East Village, according to the governor’s office.

The meeting occurred with little public notice outside of a posting on a page created for the task force on the state’s website. The meeting was not listed on Reynolds’ public schedule for the week, even though she spoke to the task force at its meeting.

“I was honored to speak today at the first meeting of our Iowa DOGE Task Force,” Reynolds said in a statement issued by her office after the task force met Wednesday. “This task force is yet another opportunity to apply Iowa’s proven formula of asking tough questions and making bold, transformative changes.”

Reynolds created the task force in February by executive order. She said then during a news conference that state government should operate with more of a business mindset. The task force will produce recommendations for Reynolds and lawmakers to consider.

According to materials prepared for presentation to the task force and shared by the governor’s office, the task force at its first meeting established goals, created teams to focus on specific areas and established a timeline for its work. According to the agenda, the group also viewed a presentation titled, “Cost of Government.”

The task force’s operating goals, according to the prepared materials, are to be forward looking, consider the function of government, create tangible results and consider sustainability.

The task force’s work, according to the materials, will target return on taxpayer investment, technology and workforce.

According to the prepared materials, the plan is for the task force to meet again in June, August and September, and submit its report and recommendations to Reynolds after its September meeting.

A news release from the governor’s office included the first public announcement of the task force’s members. Before that, the only publicly known member was Emily Schmitt, the chief administrative officer of Sukup Manufacturing whom Reynolds named to lead it.

The 16-member task force includes Iowa leaders in business, elected office and education. Of the members, 11 are elected Republicans or have donated thousands of dollars to Iowa Republicans, including Reynolds. Two of the panel’s participants, both from the Iowa Legislature, are non-voting members.

Members Terry Lutz, of McClure Engineering in Ankeny, and David Spalding, from the Iowa State University College of Business, have each donated more than $20,000 to Reynolds, according to state campaign finance records.

“I couldn’t have more confidence in the talented members of this group, under Emily Schmitt’s leadership, to build on our strong foundation and chart the course for more efficient government at all levels for Iowans,” Reynolds said in her statement.

Democrats criticize partisan slant

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Statehouse Democrats this week expressed frustration that the task force does not include any members from their party.

“I think it’s clear if they want to look at government efficiency, they simply don’t want any dissenting voices on that committee,” Rep. Jennifer Konfrst, a Democrat from Windsor Heights, told reporters Thursday during a news conference at the Iowa Capitol.

Sen. Janice Weiner, a Democrat from Iowa City, noted the task force also does not include public workers or a representative from the Iowa Auditor’s Office, which audits state and local governments’ finances. State Auditor Rob Sand is a Democrat and a potential candidate for governor in 2026.

“Is it the governor’s position that only corporate entities and elected Republicans can spot waste and inefficiency?” Weiner asked Thursday.

The task force’s next meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 4, although that date could change, the governor’s office said.

The public is invited to provide feedback to the task force. A form can be found on the state’s Iowa DOGE Task Force website.

Comments: (515) 355-1300, erin.murphy@thegazette.com

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