Professional Developers of Iowa is the state association of economic development professionals united to strengthen communities and drive long-term growth for Iowa. PDI’s more than 300 members come from disciplines including community, county and regional economic developers, utilities, legal and financial firms, universities, community colleges, engineering and construction firms, and rail transportation companies. PDI’s 2025 legislative priorities represent the collective interests of economic development leaders across Iowa’s 99 counties. 2025 State Legislative Priorities Investing in Iowa’s Future The best environment for economic growth empowers Iowa communities and businesses to collaborate and thrive. PDI supports tax credits and financial tools competitively aligned with Iowa’s target industries, startups, and the development community. PDI encourages the legislature to fully fund these programs and scale them as necessary. Iowa’s Workforce Housing program continues to lag behind private sector demand. PDI supports the development of new tools that support emerging industries and position Iowa as a national leader in economic growth. PDI applauds recent income tax reforms and stands ready to inform continued work in modernizing Iowa’s tax policy into a more predictive, user-friendly, and competitive system. Through all reforms, PDI is a strong supporter of local government and protecting local control in our communities. We remain strong advocates for protecting Local Option Sales Tax, defending Tax Increment Financing, and developing other tools that empower local and county governments. Infrastructure Investing in Iowa’s Infrastructure means leveraging unique assets to compete in a global economy. PDI supports bold proposals such as the establishment of an “infrastructure bank” to reinvest earnings from state reserves into a low-interest loan program for community and county infrastructure projects. We stand behind continued investments in water quality and water infrastructure projects. PDI encourages the legislature to invest in outdoor recreation and natural resources that enhance access to Iowa’s unique landscape. PDI asks the legislature to consider new sustainable, innovative, and diverse funding mechanisms for Iowa’s transportation infrastructure to keep up with ever-changing consumer and traffic demands. PDI also seeks additional resources for continued investments in Iowa’s roads, bridges, levees, and flood mitigation systems. Workforce Retention & Attraction PDI supports sustainable solutions and incentives that propel businesses and employees to overcome barriers to employment. PDI encourages the legislature to accelerate its focus on sustainable funding for job training. These include the highly successful 260E and 260F programs. PDI is rooted in partnerships and advocates for Iowa’s high schools, and community colleges, and growth in apprenticeship programs for high-demand careers. Iowa must regain its status as an educational leader by breaking down barriers between local school boards, considering the expansion of preschool, and increasing funding for community colleges. PDI also supports new tools to grow Iowa’s population. Examples may include tax credits for individuals burdened by student loans, childcare, and housing costs. Iowa must be viewed as a welcoming state to all individuals. We are supporters of federal legislation that improves national immigration policy and legally grows our workforce. Housing, Child Care & Quality of Life Iowa has made large strides toward addressing the state’s greatest housing needs. Communities impacted by natural disasters face a high risk of losing population as housing stock is diminished. PDI supports a new $50 million cap to the Workforce Housing Tax Credits with a new focus on owner-occupied housing and reinvestments into the state’s aging stock. Given the progress in addressing Child Care over the past several legislative sessions, the affordability of care must continue to be addressed. PDI also asks state leaders to boldly invest in sustainable quality-of-place initiatives through ongoing permanent funding to Destination Iowa. Read more about these and other important public policy topics at www.PDIowa.com . Click here to download a pdf of the legislative priorities. For More Information Contact: Legislative Committee Co-Chairs Nick Glew, Community Savings Bank 319-743-4724, Nick.Glew@csbiowa.com Nicolas Hockenberry, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation 563-557-9049, nicolash@greaterdubuque.org Dave Miller, City of Rock Valley 712-470‐5110, dave@cityofrockvalley.com Craig Patterson, Lobbyist 515-554‐7920, Craig@ialobby.com Lane Till, Executive Director 515-750-2310 (8), Director@pdiowa.com About Professional Developers of Iowa The Professional Developers of Iowa is a statewide organization of nearly 300 professional economic developers. PDI's purpose is to further the development of the economic base of the state of Iowa by fostering cooperation among economic development professionals in the state and affording professional economic developers a vehicle for assembly and collective expression. PDI also provides timely educational opportunities to enhance professional knowledge, growth, and effectiveness, and advocates for economic development on the local, state, and national levels. ###