Capital Crossroads 2025 Report: Progress in Housing, Education & Regional Vision for Central Iowa

Central Iowa’s long-term regional development plan, Capital Crossroads, has released its 2025 annual report, detailing progress across key areas including workforce housing and education. The collaborative initiative, now in its third iteration since launching in 2011, aims to guide the region through 2040.

Progress on Regional Priorities

The report highlights milestones achieved in 2025, focusing on initiatives designed to bolster the region’s economic vitality. Workforce housing and education were specifically identified as priority areas. According to the report, “Capital Crossroads exists because no single organization or sector can tackle these challenges alone,” and the progress made demonstrates the power of aligned efforts.

Key Achievements in 2025

Several key initiatives moved forward during the year. These included the launch of the Central Iowa Workforce Development Ecosystem Map, a nationally recognized resource. Support was also provided for the reintroduction of the Early Childhood Education programme at Des Moines’ Central Campus for the 2025-26 academic year. New resources were developed for housing preservation, including a database tracking federally backed housing within Central Iowa.

Did You Know? Capital Crossroads’ vision plan is shaped by research and community input, and focuses on six critical outcomes for the Central Iowa region.

The report also notes expanded public outreach efforts and the launch of the Lead Forward event series, designed to engage emerging leaders in regional collaboration. Capital Crossroads is led by a Regional Council comprised of 46 leaders representing community organizations, government, and industries across Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties.

New Leadership for 2026-27

The report announced new members joining the Capital Crossroads Regional Council for the 2026-27 term. New members include Jill Altringer of the Polk County Board of Supervisors, Bob Andeweg, mayor of Urbandale, and Britney Appelgate from Wells Fargo. Also joining the council are Deidre DeJear of Oakridge Neighborhood, Abby Delaney of Bankers Trust, Kyle Gamble of Hubbell Realty Co., Suzanne Heckenlaible of Delta Dental of Iowa, Jeff Lorenzen of American Equity, Skylar Mayberry-Mayes of Jacobsen Institute at Grand View University and the Des Moines School Board, Doug Romig of Housing Solutions Alliance, Matt Smith of Des Moines Public Schools, and Liang Chee Wee of DMACC.

Expert Insight: The composition of the Regional Council, with representation from diverse sectors like finance, government, and education, suggests a commitment to a holistic approach to regional development. This cross-sector collaboration is often crucial for addressing complex challenges like workforce housing and education.

Council members serve two-year terms, providing strategic guidance to advance the region’s shared vision through collaboration and civic leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Capital Crossroads?

Capital Crossroads is a regional vision plan, launched in 2011, that guides collaborative efforts across Central Iowa through 2040. It is now in its third iteration.

What are the priority focus areas for Capital Crossroads?

Workforce housing and education were identified as priority focus areas in 2025, considered essential to the region’s long-term economic vitality.

Who leads Capital Crossroads?

Capital Crossroads is led by its Regional Council, a cross-sector group of 46 leaders representing community organizations, government, and industries across Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties.

As Capital Crossroads continues to evolve, how might the changing needs of the Central Iowa workforce influence the prioritization of future initiatives?