Charting the Path Forward: United Way of Central Iowa’s 2026 Advocacy Agenda

United Way of Central Iowa unveiled its 2026 Advocacy Agenda at the annual Advocacy Breakfast on December 18. The event brought together policymakers, community leaders, and residents to explore the issues that most impact central Iowa communities. The agenda focuses on United Way of Central Iowa’s Five Elements of a Thriving Community: Essential Needs, Early Childhood Success, Education Success, Economic Opportunity, and Health & Well-Being.
 
Addressing the Challenges Facing Iowans 
At the breakfast, attendees discussed some of the biggest challenges facing families across Iowa, including childcare workforce shortages, affordable housing, workforce development, and food insecurity. United Way is leading efforts to advocate for policies that address these challenges and create long-lasting positive change. 
 
Meeting Essential Needs 
United Way champions safety-net programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, affordable housing, and public transportation to help families achieve stability. Initiatives include: 

• • Supporting affordable housing solutions and reducing housing cost burdens
  • Helping unhoused individuals and families access supportive, permanent housing
  • Advocating for sustainable funding for public transit systems
  • Supporting funding for the statewide food security network, including the Double Up Food Bucks program

Investing in Early Childhood Success and a Strong Childcare Workforce 
Access to quality, affordable childcare is critical for families and a strong workforce. United Way is focused on stabilizing and growing Iowa’s childcare sector through policy changes and local strategies that support providers and expand access. Key priorities include: 

• • Increasing reimbursement rates and paying for enrollment at centers in the state’s Child Care Assistance program
  • State income tax exemptions for childcare providers
  • Making the Child Care Assistance provider pilot program permanent
  • Flexibility in weekly work and education requirements for Child Care Assistance
  • Evaluating property tax assessments for childcare centers
  • Maximizing high-quality childcare capacity through innovative local strategies

Supporting Education Success 
United Way is raising awareness about gaps in education data and research while supporting programs that strengthen youth employment and learning pathways. Initiatives include expanding credit-for-learning opportunities and creating work-based learning programs to prepare students for careers, training, or further education after graduation. 
 
Expanding Economic Opportunity 
United Way is working to ensure all Iowans have access to meaningful jobs, training, and professional development. Highlights of the 2026 agenda include:

• • Leading efforts to stabilize the childcare workforce through the OpportUNITY initiative
  • Supporting the implementation of Workforce Pell Grants to expand access to short-term training programs leading to in-demand careers
  • Expanding equitable broadband access across Iowa
  • Strengthening adult education programs, PACE programs, pathway navigators, and industry partnerships
  • Expanding state engagement with the federal SNAP Employment & Training program

“Economic opportunity means giving everyone the tools to succeed in today’s workforce,” said Joe Murphy, Chair of United Way’s Public Policy Cabinet.

Promoting Health and Well-Being 
United Way continues to lead efforts focused on children’s mental health, oral health, and addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). These initiatives ensure families and children have access to the preventive and supportive services they need to thrive. 
 
“Our 2026 Advocacy Agenda reflects a holistic approach to addressing the challenges that affect Iowa families,” said Mary Sellers, President of United Way of Central Iowa. “By working alongside policymakers, community leaders, and partners, we’re advancing solutions that create opportunities for everyone to thrive.” 
 
Stay Informed and Get Involved 
The work doesn’t stop with the agenda. To stay up to date on these issues throughout the legislative session and learn more about United Way of Central Iowa’s advocacy efforts, sign up for our Advocacy Newsletter at unitedwaydm.org/advocate. 
 
Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable community for everyone in central Iowa.