Administration proposes 'Iowa Next' commission

Members of an Iowa House subcommittee heard from Department of Cultural Affairs Director Mary Cownie on the Iowa Next proposal. Cownie spoke to the goals of House Study Bill 122 which include:

• Improving government efficiency and flexibility to more effectively respond to the needs of Iowa communities by simplifying the way they partner with the state to strengthen Iowa’s quality of life.
• Enhancing and increasing cultural, natural and recreational opportunities available to Iowans and visitors while attracting and retaining jobs, employers and talent to our state.
• Leveraging and growing public-private partnerships to empower Iowans to invest in the future of their communities.

Members of the subcommittee expressed interest in fleshing out more details in the bill, including award criteria. It is expected another subcommittee will be held before the proposal moves forward.