Opinion: Kim Reynolds housing proposal is good for Iowa s families, communities and economy
The need for affordable housing spans every rural and urban community in the state, from small town to sprawling suburb
Lance Henning and Jay Iverson
Guest columnists
Amid a pandemic it has become increasingly more obvious how essential affordable housing is to Iowa families. Statewide, more than 38% of renters and 16% of homeowners are paying more than 30% of their income on housing, making them cost-burdened.
All too often, families are forced to make excruciating decisions to sacrifice basic needs such as nutritious food, health care, reliable transportation, and access to education. Too many families in our community are stuck in the housing affordability cycle, moving repeatedly to find affordability, and paying premium rents that force them to make difficult choices.
Broadband expansion, population growth key goals outlined in Iowa Business Councilâs annual dashboard
BY MICHAEL CRUMB, Senior Staff Writer Wednesday, February 3, 2021 3:12 PM
The Iowa Business Council released its 2021 Competitive Dashboard report today. Image contributed by IBC
Iowa is strongly positioned to compete with other states in 2021, according to indicators measured by the Iowa Business Council’s annual Competitive Dashboard report released today.
The dashboard looks at data in five categories: economic growth, education and workforce, governance, health and wellness, and demographics and diversity. Each category consists of five metrics used to determine Iowa’s performance compared with other states.
ABOUT Columns are the opinion of the author, and include both facts and the individuals personal perspective. Community members are encouraged to submit guest columns up to 600 words for consideration. Fri., December 18, 2020
Incentives promote growth and opportunity for Iowa
This photo shows a view of the Iowa Capitol Building, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) Kim Casko, Kate Moreland Doug Neumann
Iowa businesses are hurting. With the obstacles of 2020, plus an economy that was already showing signs of challenging times to come, many businesses were left to slow down or worse, shut down.
But there is a road to recovery. It’s going to take collaboration and multipronged policy efforts from both parties and all government, as well as private enterprise know-how. Iowa must look at innovative and competitive strategies for recovery, while preparing for an unpredictable future. Recovery includes smart, targeted, and