March 19, 2024

New report offers economic development strategies

DES MOINES — A new report says Iowa should invest more in business development, education and infrastructure to boost the state’s economy.

The nonprofit Battelle Memorial Institute released the report Thursday. It was commissioned last year by an economic advisory board co-chaired by Gov. Terry Branstad. Overall, the report said the state has seen job growth and wages increases in recent years. Still, there is room for improvement.

As of 2013, Iowa ranked 23rd nationally for per capita income.

Recommendations in the report included simplifying the state tax code and providing more funding to programs that offer support to businesses. It suggests increasing educational opportunities to develop more skilled workers.

The report also cites Iowa’s infrastructure needs, stressing the need for more funding for roads and better broadband infrastructure across the state.