AGP Executive Report

Iowa Housing Watch: Iowa’s housing market stayed busy in June, with active inventory up to 9,088 homes (+8.4% year over year) and closed sales rising to 4,212 (+11.5%), signaling a healthier summer for both buyers and sellers. Property Taxes: Bremer County approved major 2026 homestead changes under a new state law, shifting from a credit to an exemption equal to 10% of taxable value (min $5,500, max $20,000), plus updates to 65-and-older, military, and disabled veteran eligibility. State Economy: Iowa moved up to No. 12 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best States rankings, ranking especially high for Opportunity (#2) and Fiscal Stability (#9). Ag & Livestock Policy: An Iowa voter poll finds strong opposition to weakening state animal welfare rules tied to the Farm Bill debate. Small Business: Sen. Joni Ernst named Winn’s Pizza & Steakhouse and Winn & Sara’s Kitchen in Warren County as Iowa’s Small Business of the Week. Farm Costs: USDA data shows farm production costs were mixed in 2025 but jumped in 2026, with big increases in fertilizer, fuel, seeds, labor, and borrowing costs. Local Construction: Newton schools say a subcontractor dispute has halted work on Aurora Heights Elementary composite wall panels, raising the risk of legal claims.

Energy & Grid Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order letting the Southwest Power Pool tap dormant backup power across 17 states, including Iowa, as extreme heat raises blackout fears. Housing & Finance: The Iowa Finance Authority named finalists for three HousingIowa competitions—homelessness, rental innovation, and homeownership—with live pitches Sept. 9-10 in Des Moines. Local Government & Data Centers: Fort Madison’s Planning & Zoning Commission will review proposed ordinances tied to an “AI Data Center” project, with residents able to attend or watch online. Business & Earnings: Principal Financial reported Q2 net income of $403.4 million (adjusted $2.50/share). Ag & Biofuels: Iowa State and the Iowa Soybean Association say relay cropping (cereal rye + soybeans) can boost soil health and open new feedstock opportunities for biofuels. Nonprofits: Storey Kenworthy and Workspace Foundation awarded $30,000 in grants across Iowa, and the Lyon County Riverboat Foundation handed out $154,000 in mini-grants. Workforce & Compliance: Iowa DNR is hiring an Environmental Specialist for a southeast Iowa field office.

AI & Power Demand: NextEra says Iowa regulators approved restarting a shuttered nuclear plant that will sell electricity to Google, while data-center demand is driving growth and the company pushes its $67B Dominion deal forward. Federal Oversight & Privacy: The Consumer Product Safety Commission is pressing major hospital systems to hand over detailed emergency-room patient records, raising alarms about authority and safeguards. Iowa Research Funding: Iowa State leads a RuralSTAMINA biomanufacturing initiative that won a $15M NSF Engines grant to develop rural-focused specialty products. Small-Business Relief: Gov. Kim Reynolds announced SBA disaster loans for eight Iowa counties hit by July storms and flooding, with deadlines set for physical and economic injury claims. Water Quality Costs: After 193 days, Central Iowa Water Works shut down its nitrate removal facility, underscoring the ongoing pressure on utilities and farmers to cut fertilizer losses. Local Business & Media: Nelson Media Company rebrands the Nora Springs Rockford Register as The River Register, expanding coverage into Mason City and surrounding communities. Ag & Politics: Iowa Farmers Union members heard Democratic candidates argue the farm bill can boost farm income and fund conservation practices like cover crops and no-till. Workforce & Education: Iowa State’s RuralSTAMINA grant joins broader momentum as Workforce Pell rolls out in other states, spotlighting how training dollars could reshape short-term programs.

Antitrust & Drug Pricing: Utah AG Derek Brown announced a $29.6M settlement with Glenmark over alleged generic-drug price inflation and trade restraints, with cooperation promised for multistate litigation and reforms aimed at compliance. Small Business Spotlight: Garner’s Plas-Tech Tooling is one of 10 semifinalists in the SBA’s $1M Patriot Pitch Competition, advancing after district and regional judging. Local Grants & Community Investment: Newton received Prairie Meadows Community Betterment grants—$26,000 for new fire radio equipment and $10,000 for tennis-court bleachers. Iowa Health & Food Safety: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,200 cans of lentil soup nationwide due to a pull-tab packaging defect that raises spoilage risk, including distribution in Iowa. AI Policy in Iowa Politics: Sen. Ted Cruz joined Ashley Hinson in Ankeny to push a balance between protecting kids online and supporting AI growth, citing federal proposals on social media and chatbot use. Medicaid Policy Shift: A one-year ban on Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood expired, letting clinics resume routine care coverage where states opt in.

Energy & AI Infrastructure: A new report on EIF’s “Megawatt Verdict” underscores the hard bottlenecks behind AI data centers—power generation, transmission, interconnection queues, cooling, permits, and local public support—showing why compute demand can’t be solved by any single part of the grid. Water & Public Health: Central Iowa Water Works shut off its nitrate removal facility after it ran 193 days this year to keep nitrate levels under the EPA standard, a sign of how persistent river contamination is driving operating costs. Agriculture & Politics: Iowa Farmers Union members heard Democratic candidates pitch a farm-bill path to stabilize farm income and boost conservation practices like cover crops and no-till. Elections & Governance: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says Iowa’s voter rolls weren’t affected by New Jersey’s voter-roll software glitch, pointing to Iowa’s photo ID requirements and different state processes. Local Courts & Community: Johnson County’s courthouse deputy is profiled for his “calming presence” and empathy with people facing criminal cases and family disputes. Consumer Safety: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,000+ cans of lentil soup over a pull-tab packaging defect that raises spoilage risk, including distribution in Iowa.

AI Data Centers & Local Power/Water Strain: Communities across the region are bracing for a wave of AI data centers, with residents in Iowa-area discussions focused on farmland loss, grid stress, water use, and neighborhood impacts. Food Safety & Recalls: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,000+ cans of lentil soup in multiple states, including Iowa, after a pull-tab packaging defect raised spoilage risk; separate coverage also flags the widening Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce. Health Policy: Medicaid reimbursements for routine care at Planned Parenthood clinics have resumed after a one-year ban expired, though state rules still determine what clinics can bill. Small Business & Growth: The SBA named 10 semifinalists for its $1 million Patriot Pitch Competition, including Iowa’s Plas-Tech Tooling, highlighting new ventures and job-creation potential. Agribusiness Outlook: ISU Extension reports strong north-central Iowa crop conditions and improving markets as harvest approaches, urging farmers to keep a marketing plan in place. Community & Events: Culver’s Garden Center in Marion announced “The Secret Garden,” a new event venue opening in summer 2027, expanding local wedding and corporate options. Education & Legal Settlement: An Iowa school district will pay $150,000 to settle a lawsuit from teachers disciplined over a student-led drag show.

Iowa Business & Economy: Iowa Corn announced 2026 board election results for the Iowa Corn Growers Association and Iowa Corn Promotion Board, with directors set to begin serving Sept. 1, keeping checkoff-funded research and market work on track. Energy & Environment: Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell defended billion-dollar data center deals and their tax structure amid resident concerns, while Cerro Gordo County sued the Iowa Utilities Commission over a massive solar farm approval and Page County pressed its case against MidAmerican’s Nodaway Valley Solar project. Public Safety & Policy: Des Moines International Airport is among the first Iowa-area airports to opt into TSA Gold+, a shift toward private security screening that the TSA union says could mean job losses and security risks. Agriculture & Food Costs: New tariffs on Canadian goods could lift grocery and household prices, and Iowa ranchers are weighing herd rebuilding as cattle supplies stay tight. Courts & Fraud: A federal grand jury indicted two Southeast Iowa men tied to a multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme, with trial set for April 26, 2027. Local Business: Cedar Ridge Distillery is moving into downtown Des Moines with a new tasting room and hospitality concept, backed by a city forgivable loan and private investment.

Local Government & Infrastructure: Wayne County supervisors discussed possible legal action over a malfunctioning courthouse HVAC system, with the Dedicated Outdoor Air System still not working and officials urging quick fixes to avoid future costs. City Finance: Newton City Council advanced franchise fees for electric and gas utilities on a 5-1 vote, but members said they’re still unsure as residents push back and the city cites a projected $680,000 budget gap. Tech & Trade: President Trump says the U.S. will investigate EU trade practices after EU fines Google over digital antitrust rules, adding to broader tariff and trade pressure. Education Policy: States are moving beyond cellphone bans toward limiting classroom screen time, with Iowa capping K-5 digital instruction at 60 minutes daily (with exceptions). Energy Costs: Diesel prices are rising amid conflict-driven supply concerns, with analysts warning costs could climb further. Economic Development (Iowa): IEDA loans backed Ames and Coralville startups, including an autism-focused AI platform and an ag geospatial software company. Public Safety & Cyber: Maryland used ethical hackers to find and repair more than 200 cybersecurity vulnerabilities, a model Iowa businesses may watch as digital risk grows. Agriculture Funding: USDA announced $3 million for wetland mitigation banking projects, prioritizing states including Iowa. Business & Community: Sioux Center awarded nearly $100,000 in SCORE grants for downtown exterior upgrades, and American Pickers plans to film in Iowa and Illinois, seeking private collectors.

Iowa Labor Watch: Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 3.2% in June, with the state adding about 600 jobs as trade and financial industries offset pullbacks in manufacturing and professional/business services. Local Housing Leadership: Georgetown Housing Authority’s new executive director, Meliha Cavkusic, says she’ll restructure operations and strengthen landlord and community relationships to tackle affordable housing “pains” as the area grows. Data Centers & City Economics: Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell defended two hyperscale data centers, arguing the site was zoned for large industry and citing job creation, while addressing concerns about water capacity and utility rates. Agriculture Funding: USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for the $500 million FIELDS fertilizer program to expand long-term domestic fertilizer supply, prioritizing projects that are feasible and already have other funding lined up. Farm Risk Management: Iowa State extension urged producers to weigh fungicide timing and disease risk—especially tar spot and rust—since margins are tight. Community Safety Vote: Reinbeck voters will decide in November on a $4 million measure for a new fire, rescue and emergency services building after earlier ballot setbacks. RAGBRAI Boost: Independence hosted an overnight stop as riders rolled in, bringing crowds and business for small towns along the route. Health & Workforce: A state-commissioned report says most Iowans are within reach of higher education, but community colleges dispute “education desert” findings and push for more four-year options. Public Safety Support: Southeast Iowa’s DVIP/RVAP crisis lines are available 24/7 for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors across eight counties.

Iowa Business Pulse: A new Iowa Association of Business and Industry survey finds 63% of employers expect Q3 sales growth and 85% plan capital spending, even as workforce talent, health care costs and property taxes stay top worries. Labor & Health Care: The NLRB certified a union election for St. Mary’s Hospital nurses in Madison after overruling objections from SSM Health, a sign of continued organizing pressure in hospitals. Housing & Community Investment: Vision Shenandoah says its first rehab project at 207 Pine Street should be finished by early August, while Prairie Meadows approved a record $17 million in grants to 473 nonprofits across central Iowa. Agriculture Uncertainty: Iowa Farm Bureau Economic Summit remarks highlight how trade fights and global conflicts are making uncertainty feel permanent for farmers. Data & Cyber Risk: Chick-fil-A confirmed a loyalty-program breach affecting customers in Iowa and other states, prompting password resets and account monitoring. Energy & Environment: Environmental groups sued Iowa’s DNR over Ottumwa coal-ash landfill permits, alleging unsafe heavy-metal discharge into groundwater. Policy & Politics: Attorney General Brenna Bird leads a coalition defending state-regulated pension oversight against calls for more federal control.

Ag Economy: Purdue/CME’s Ag Economy Barometer fell as farmer sentiment slid on higher input costs and weaker expectations, with the current-conditions index hitting its lowest since late 2024. Farm Real Estate: DTN Landwatch logged fresh farmland sales, including a 258-acre Iowa deal in Allamakee County and other auctions across the Midwest. Retail & Fuel: Hy-Vee’s Fast & Fresh stores are being rebranded to Bosselman’s “Pump and Pantry,” with Des Moines set to get the most locations and employees offered jobs. Cybersecurity: Chick-fil-A confirmed a credential-stuffing breach tied to its Chick-fil-A One loyalty accounts, potentially exposing names, emails, and partial payment details. Aviation Security: TSA’s “Gold+” private screening model is rolling out first at Tampa, Des Moines, and Charleston, drawing union pushback. Local Government: Ottumwa City Council tabled a vote on appointing a new finance director amid budget concerns. Ag Leadership: Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Advisory Committee elected its 2026-27 officers. Data Center Tension: Salix residents and officials continue clashing over a proposed data center, with reports of sign destruction and protests. Food Safety: The expanding cyclospora lettuce recall keeps Iowa shoppers and farmers on alert.

Cybersecurity & Consumer Risk: Chick-fil-A warned Iowa and nine other states that a June cyberattack on its Chick-fil-A One loyalty accounts may have exposed names, emails, loyalty credentials, and partial payment details, prompting forced logouts and password changes. Food Safety & Public Health: The FDA kept a cyclospora-linked iceberg lettuce recall in place after a “false positive” briefly muddied the picture; the outbreak has sickened at least 1,644 people across many states, including Iowa. Agriculture & Trade: Mexico lifted pseudorabies-related limits on U.S. pork after earlier restrictions tied to Iowa’s detection, reopening a major export channel for pork producers. State Policy & Elections: Gov. Kim Reynolds used New Jersey’s voter-roll “glitch” to argue for tighter safeguards and pushed a federal voting measure, while Iowa says it has no similar option for voter registration via driver’s licenses. Banking & Jobs: Wells Fargo’s West Des Moines campus is facing more layoffs, with additional positions slated for elimination later this year. Business & Community: The Greater Des Moines Partnership won the 2026 Chamber of the Year award, citing regional impact, talent efforts, and billions in active and pipeline investment. Energy & Farm Economics: Corn growers urged Sen. Chuck Grassley to speed up a Senate Judiciary probe into fertilizer industry practices as prices stay high.

Water Infrastructure: A U.S. Senate committee approved $10 million for a feasibility study to expand the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System, which already serves parts of southeast South Dakota, northwest Iowa and southwest Minnesota—another step toward long-term clean-water planning. Local Economy & Travel: Coralville is hosting the Catholic Daughters of America’s national convention through July 26, expected to bring about $1.7 million in economic impact, while Iowa City is set for a major National Criminal Defense College trial-practice event. Agribusiness Leadership: The United Soybean Board named Courtney Knupp as incoming CEO starting Oct. 1, tapping nearly two decades of agriculture, trade and policy experience. Tech & Small Business: Marshalltown entrepreneurs launched Omanu, an AI-powered app aimed at helping people turn startup ideas into legally registered businesses. Data Centers in Iowa: Palo approved a data center ordinance as Google eyes a local facility, while Dubuque held a public input session to shape future rules and residents in multiple counties continue debating moratoriums. Workforce: IowaWORKS will host a Career Connections Career Fair July 29 in Marshalltown. Public Health & Food Safety: The iceberg lettuce recall tied to cyclosporiasis expanded to 27 states, including Iowa, as the response continues to evolve.

Food Safety: FDA says a cyclospora test tied to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce was a false positive, but the voluntary recall for products shipped to 27 states—including Iowa—stays in effect. Ag & Markets: The United Soybean Board named Courtney Knupp as its next CEO, starting Oct. 1; Iowa’s ag economy remains under pressure as net farm income drops sharply. Energy & Industry: Alliant Energy filed for air permits for the Morgan Valley Energy Center and also sought Linn County rezoning; meanwhile ADM appointed Jeff Rowe as executive vice president and chief operating officer. Local Economy & Growth: Hy-Vee rolled out online orders with pickup or delivery in as fast as 30 minutes. Policy & Politics: Data center moratoriums are emerging as a campaign issue in multiple states, and Sen. Chuck Grassley urged renewing USMCA “as is” amid new Canada tariffs. Community & Workforce: Pottawattamie County updated its first-responder communications agreement as it transitions toward the statewide ISICS system.

Ag Economy: A new joint study from the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa State University and the Iowa Bankers Association says Iowa net farm income fell 53% from 2022 to 2024, with more farms sliding into financial vulnerability as input costs stay high and grain prices lag. Local Government & Taxes: Bremer County adopted an updated comprehensive plan, but officials say Iowa’s new property tax law still leaves major questions about rollback rates, homestead changes and county funding. Food & Consumer Safety: The FDA says a Cyclospora test tied to Taylor Farms lettuce was a “false positive,” while the company’s 27-state recall remains in effect—leaving shoppers and retailers still sorting out what’s safe. Business & Workforce: Sam’s Club named Steve Schrobilgen executive vice president and COO; he previously started his career at Sam’s Club in Davenport, Iowa. Community & Health: Iowa River Wellness opened in Marshalltown to expand local mental health access, adding licensed therapists and psychiatric services. Agriculture Events: Iowa State Extension is hosting an Aug. 4 farmland leasing workshop in Waverly, and a Stay Independent, Healthy Aging fraud-prevention series runs in August.

Corporate Leadership: ADM named agriculture veteran Jeff Rowe its new Executive VP and COO, effective Aug. 17, tasking him with commercial businesses, global manufacturing and R&D. Healthcare Costs: Gov. Kim Reynolds urged University of Iowa Health Care to end higher “facility fees” for cancer patients after UIHC’s Mission Cancer + Blood purchase, citing patient out-of-pocket spikes. Ag Economy Pressure: A new ISU/Farm Bureau/Bankers report says Iowa net farm income fell 53% from 2022 to 2024, with costs outpacing crop prices for a third straight year and financial vulnerability rising. Consumer Protection: Iowa Insurance Division revoked a Missouri producer’s license and ordered restitution after allegations of predatory practices targeting retired postal workers’ Thrift Savings Plans. Food Safety Watch: FDA walked back an earlier cyclospora-positive lettuce test as a false positive, but Taylor Farms’ 27-state recall remains in effect while testing continues. Local Business & Growth: Williamsburg law firm got a $100,000 IEDA grant to renovate and add Airbnb space; Corridor startups also landed fresh IEDA funding. Utilities & Infrastructure: Central Iowa Water Works eased metro watering restrictions to a Stage Two alert with even/odd schedules. Public Safety: Hawarden hosts a free fraud-prevention program as scams evolve, including check washing and bank impersonation.