Capital Crossroads

09/30/2026

A strong future for Iowa begins with a strong foundation for our youngest learners.

Childcare and early learning are powerful drivers of economic mobility, lifelong success and well-being. When families have access to stable, affordable, quality childcare, parents can pursue their goals, children get a strong start and communities can thrive.

A strong childcare system supports children, families, employers and the future of our region.

We're proud to have partnered with UnityPoint Health – Des Moines, Iowa Women’s Foundation, Oakridge Neighborhood Services, Children & Families of Iowa in sharing insights from across the region!

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/qRRph_ziP0I?si=b6QEIuChTK_aFOvv

09/23/2026

Strengthening Central Iowa's childcare system will require collaboration across sectors.

Innovative public-private partnerships and creative approaches can help make quality childcare more affordable, accessible and stable for families. These efforts can also support women entrepreneurs and small business owners who play an important role in providing care across our region.

A strong childcare system benefits children, families, employers and communities for generations to come. Thank you to Children & Families of Iowa, Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children, UnityPoint Health – Des Moines, and the Iowa Women’s Foundation for continuing to do the work for children and parents across the region.

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/qRRph_ziP0I?si=b6QEIuChTK_aFOvv

09/22/2026

Happening tonight ‼️

The City of Urbandale, Iowa is hosting Civility Dialogues: a unique roundtable that brings together national, state, and local voices for a candid conversation on how leaders set tone, navigate conflict, and keep people moving forward together.

Strong, vibrant communities don't happen by accident; they’re built by culture, standards, and trust. Join tonight to hear from former Iowa Governor and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, author Alexandra Hudson, Councilmember Patricia Boddy, and Mayor Robert Andeweg.

RSVP for this free event here: urbandale.org/civility

09/18/2026

The people caring for Iowa's youngest children do essential, demanding work, but too many face challenges that make it difficult to remain in the profession.

Iowa AEYC's 2023 workforce study found that childcare professionals are deeply committed to working with young children, yet many who left the field cited compensation as a key factor. That makes it harder to recruit and retain the workforce needed to provide enough quality care in our communities.

Supporting childcare professionals means supporting their quality of life and ability to continue doing work that matters. It also requires sectors to work creatively and collaboratively to help meet this important need.

Thank you to Oakridge Neighborhood Services, UnityPoint Health – Des Moines, Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children, and the Iowa Women’s Foundation for sharing their insights.

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/qRRph_ziP0I?si=b6QEIuChTK_aFOvv

09/15/2026

It was a day of connection, community, and empowerment! 🎉

Capital Crossroads leaders were honored to speak at last week's West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce annual Mentoring for Women Conference, which drew hundreds of women leaders from across the metro.

The message was clear: when women act boldly and support one another, we can change the world!

Thank you to the keynote speakers from Kemin Industries, DART, Catch Des Moines, ICON Water Trails, JPMorganChase, Iowa Startup Week, and Wellabe for sharing your stories and wisdom.

09/14/2026

ICYMI: Mid-Iowa Health Foundation is currently accepting applications for Cohort 2 of its Small Business Fellowship 📣

The MIHF Small Business Fellowship seeks to provide small business owners with resources including funding, capacity building, and networking opportunities focused on the social drivers of health (SDOH). The social drivers of health are the social, economic, and environmental policies, systems, and structures that impact a person's health and well-being.

Learn more and submit your application by the September 25th deadline: https://www.midiowahealth.org/news/mihf-small-business-fellowship-cohort-2

The MIHF Small Business Fellowship is an opportunity for local small business leaders to gain knowledge, resources, and support to address the complex issues impacting community health and well-being. Apply at bit.ly/MIHFSBOCohort2 using code SBOwner

09/10/2026

Looking for the latest regional updates from across Greater Des Moines?

The August edition of Capital Crossroads features new reports, professional development opportunities, housing resources, community events and more from organizations working to strengthen our region.

Featured cornerstone updates feature: United Way of Central Iowa, JEFAS® Latinas in Business Magazine, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Science Center of Iowa, Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce, Iowa Economic Development Authority, Central Iowa Community Land Trust, HOME, Inc.., Polk County Health Departmentt, Al Éxito , Bravo Greater Des Moines, Historic Valley Junction Foundation, Urbandale Public Library, City of Clive Parks and Recreation/Aquatics, Iowa's Latino Heritage Festival, and more.

📬 ICYMI: Check out the August newsletter here: https://ow.ly/h3yQ50ZMmOM

📨 Subscribe to stay connected to the projects, partnerships and people shaping Greater Des Moines: https://ow.ly/iG5f50ZMmO2

Have a story, event or milestone that supports one or more of the Capital Crossroads Cornerstones? We'd love to hear from you. Submit ideas for future newsletters to [email protected].

09/09/2026

When childcare falls through, the impact does not stop at home.

Parents and caregivers miss work or classes. Employers lose productivity. Children can miss the consistent, quality care that helps them thrive. Across Iowa, these challenges add up to hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue and economic growth.

Childcare is not only a family issue. It is an economic issue affecting entire communities. Thank you to Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children, Iowa Women's Foundation and UnityPoint Health - Des Moines for sharing their insights!

You can watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/qRRph_ziP0I?si=b6QEIuChTK_aFOvv

09/03/2026

Childcare is essential infrastructure for Iowa’s workforce and economy. With many Iowa households relying on two working parents, there’s an even greater need in our state for affordable, reliable care.

Communities that invest in strong childcare systems give employers and families a competitive advantage while strengthening children, empowering parents, and keeping our economy moving forward. When childcare is affordable and accessible, it creates opportunities, helps break generational cycles, and builds a stronger future for everyone.

Thank you to Children & Families of Iowa and Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children for sharing their insights.

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/qRRph_ziP0I?si=b6QEIuChTK_aFOvv

09/02/2026

Central Iowa’s future is being shaped today, and emerging leaders belong in conversations about what comes next.

Having a seat at the table isn’t just about preparing the next generation of leaders as they grow into positions of influence. When emerging leaders are part of regional planning and problem solving, they bring fresh perspectives, strengthen understanding, and build greater investment in the communities where they’ll live, work, and lead for years to come.

Watch our latest video to hear directly from emerging leaders on the Capital Crossroads Regional Council about why having a voice in Central Iowa’s regional vision matters.

Shout out to leaders from Bankers Trust Company, The Jacobson Institute at Grand View University, Polk County Iowa, Drake University, and the The Directors Council for sharing perspectives.

📸: Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

Do you want the opportunity to share this work? Find the video on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upN4Aidx020