Capital Crossroads

Capital Crossroads A bold but achievable vision pushing Central Iowans to dream big, not settle for good enough, think long term, and work together.

Sign up for Capital Crossroads’ Newsletters: https://ow.ly/A9ln50W2FfP Greater Des Moines and Central Iowa is at an important crossroads. The region has vibrant neighborhoods, a strong business community, dynamic arts and recreational attractions and a desirable quality of life. But the region also has its challenges. Local leaders feel the time is right to take advantage of opportunities and addr

ess challenges through a clear vision and plan for Iowa’s capital region. This process, branded Capital Crossroads, will result in the development of a new five-year vision strategy for the region. The Greater Des Moines Partnership, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Iowa State University, Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, Bravo Greater Des Moines, United Way of Central Iowa, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino and other key partners have retained national consultant Market Street Services to facilitate the development of Greater Des Moines and Central Iowa’s strategic plan. The development of Greater Des Moines’ community “product” – the interrelated complement of economic, workforce and community assets that makes the region one of the nation’s top mid-sized metro areas – must be taken to the “next level” if the region is to remain a star performer. Determining exactly what this “next level” represents will be the defining feature of the region’s proposed strategic visioning process. The planning process will be comprehensive, inclusive and forward-seeking to build consensus on the dynamics of the region’s future and foster momentum for achievement of implementation success. At the end of the months-long effort, Greater Des Moines and Central Iowa will have a consensus-based, achievable roadmap to guide the area’s path to short and long-term economic growth.

Connect, learn, and gain new perspectives at the 2026 Multicultural Business Summit hosted by the Ankeny Area Chamber of...
08/28/2026

Connect, learn, and gain new perspectives at the 2026 Multicultural Business Summit hosted by the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce.

On Tuesday, Sept. 15, minority business owners and professionals will come together for a half-day event featuring local speakers, breakout sessions, and conversations focused on business growth and community leadership. Whether you’re building a business or exploring what’s next, this is an opportunity to make connections and learn from leaders across the region.

Learn more and register: https://ow.ly/Z2Cy50ZER37

Do you have a project that keeps getting pushed to the back burner? It might be exactly the kind of challenge Ankeny Orb...
08/24/2026

Do you have a project that keeps getting pushed to the back burner? It might be exactly the kind of challenge Ankeny Orbis students are looking for.

The Orbis Project-Based Experience is seeking businesses and organizations to partner with students on real-world challenges during the upcoming semester.

Partners can bring forward short-term case studies focused on design thinking or longer-term projects where students can gather data, develop and test ideas, build prototypes, and present actionable solutions. The project is looking for two types of partners:

- Case Study Partner (1–3 weeks): Perfect for short-term challenges focused on design thinking.
- Project Partner (6+ weeks): A deep-dive experience to create, test, and refine tangible solutions.

Organizations interested in partnering should complete the Project Discovery Form by Friday, Aug. 28.

Learn more and submit a project: https://ow.ly/SclA50ZER9Q

What can we learn by better understanding the refugee resettlement experience?The City of Des Moines - Government Commun...
08/24/2026

What can we learn by better understanding the refugee resettlement experience?

The City of Des Moines - Government Community Impact and Relations team is hosting a Refugee Experience Simulation on Friday, Aug. 28 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. as part of its Collective Impact Learning Series.

Led by refugee resettlement and refugee-serving organizations in Central Iowa, the educational simulation will guide participants through scenarios created by local residents with lived experience fleeing their homes. The experience will conclude with group reflection and discussion.

Learn more: https://www.dsm.city/departments/community_impact/events/refugee_simulation.php



Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa
Lutheran Services in Iowa

As Greater Des Moines continues to grow, how can communities ensure housing opportunities keep pace?Check out this recen...
08/17/2026

As Greater Des Moines continues to grow, how can communities ensure housing opportunities keep pace?

Check out this recent feature as the Polk County Housing Trust Fund shares how the organization is using new tools and strategies to better understand local housing needs and expand housing opportunities across the region.

The highlights:
- The Regional Affordable Housing Dashboard
- New possibilities for “Missing Middle” housing
- Efforts to support emerging multifamily developers

Read the full story: https://ow.ly/CkV050ZxjZE

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a housing idea into a real development?The Polk County Housing Trust Fund's...
08/14/2026

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a housing idea into a real development?

The Polk County Housing Trust Fund's Develop the Developer Launchpad helps emerging developers gain the skills, knowledge and connections needed to enter the world of multifamily housing development.

The program’s second two-week boot camp is approaching:

Boot camp: Sept. 14–25
Graduation: Oct. 2
Registration deadline: Aug. 28 or when the program reaches capacity

The Develop the Developer Launchpad is offered in partnership with Freddie Mac and presented by Wells Fargo.

Learn more and register: https://ow.ly/V2wv50Zxk0f

08/12/2026

Finding childcare can become even more challenging during the summer, but the need for affordable, quality care exists year-round.

Childcare is critical to Central Iowa’s growth and prosperity. When families have access to reliable care, parents and guardians can remain in the workforce, children have opportunities to thrive and our economy is stronger. If we want Central Iowa to be one of the best places in the country to raise a family, childcare must be part of how we build that future.

Hear from Oakridge Neighborhood Services and the Iowa Women's Foundation about why investing in childcare matters for families, employers and our region.

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/qRRph_ziP0I

Nonprofits make a difference across Greater Des Moines every day. On Friday, Aug. 14, the Community Foundation of Greate...
08/10/2026

Nonprofits make a difference across Greater Des Moines every day. On Friday, Aug. 14, the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines is bringing the sector together to celebrate the organizations and people behind that work.

Stop by the 2026 National Nonprofit Day Celebration for coffee, treats, networking and door prizes while connecting with fellow nonprofit professionals from across the region.

The details:
- 7:30–9:30 a.m.
- Community Foundation Catalyst Circle Courtyard, 1915 Grand Ave.
- Free to attend

Registration is not required but is appreciated: https://ow.ly/Ci6750ZxjWu

ICYMI: How can Central Iowa embrace AI while keeping people, trust, and accountability at the center?The July Capital Cr...
08/06/2026

ICYMI: How can Central Iowa embrace AI while keeping people, trust, and accountability at the center?

The July Capital Crossroads newsletter explores how artificial intelligence is influencing education, workforce development, business, nonprofit work, and community engagement.

From expanding workforce development and investing in regional transportation to preparing students to lead in AI, this month’s stories show how collaboration is creating new opportunities across Central Iowa.

You’ll also find Cornerstone updates from partners across the region, including the Polk County Health Department, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, DART, PI 515, the Iowa Women's Foundation, and more.

📬 Read the full newsletter: https://ow.ly/AzGG50Zxes6
Sign up for future newsletters: https://ow.ly/CHEp50Zxesb

Address

700 Locust Street, Suite 100
Des Moines, IA
50309

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15152432000

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Capital Crossroads posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Capital Crossroads:

Shortcuts

Share