AGP Executive Report

Iowa Economy & Deal Activity: Iowa’s merger and acquisition market is staying active, with advisers pointing to more value-driven deals and the need for owners to plan ahead for succession as interest rates and geopolitics keep shaping outcomes. Farmland & Housing: Chicago Fed data finds Central Corn Belt farmland values largely flat year-over-year, while lenders say data centers and renewables are helping prop up ag land; locally, Ottumwa is using a program to rehabilitate blighted homes instead of demolishing them. Agriculture & Food Safety: The FDA says the cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce now involves 17 states, including Iowa, as the agency focuses on Taylor Farms. Workforce & Policy: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand pitches a higher minimum wage and rural workforce investments, while Iowa lawmakers also move student-loan borrower information rules forward. Energy & Environment: Siouxland air quality is being flagged as unhealthy at times, with community monitors showing spikes in particulate pollution. Community Business Notes: A new floral shop opens in Batesville after a chamber ribbon-cutting, and Remsen residents reopened a 1976 time capsule to reconnect local businesses with the future. Weather Risk: Flooding and severe storms continue to threaten parts of the Midwest, including areas stretching from eastern Iowa into Illinois and Indiana.

AI Policy Watch: A new federal push is putting “AI constitutions” under the microscope, as labs’ own value documents (like Anthropic’s “Claude’s Constitution” and OpenAI’s Model Spec) become a new battleground for rules on bias and behavior. EPA & Brownfields: EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Macy toured eastern Iowa cities and highlighted Dubuque’s $500,000 Brownfields grant, aimed at cleanup planning and health monitoring after nearly $942 million in prior reinvestment. Manufacturing Talent: The Iowa Association of Business and Industry is taking nominations for the 2026 Legends in Manufacturing Awards, with winners honored Oct. 13 at Prairie Meadows. Local Business & Community: MLB and John Deere packed 12,000 meals for Iowa food banks tied to the Field of Dreams A-250 campaign. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports E15 prices averaging $3.61 statewide in the week ending Aug. 8, with spot lows in Howard County. Food Safety: Whole Foods expanded salmonella recalls tied to jalapeños from Mexico, with the outbreak now linked to 27 states. Data Center Debate: Sioux County residents continue weighing a proposed Hull-area data center as a moratorium remains in effect and public meetings draw intense scrutiny.

Food Safety & Consumer Impact: Whole Foods expanded a salmonella recall tied to jalapeños and earlier Taylor Farms outbreaks, now reaching 27 states, with Iowa among those affected. Local Business & Consumer Protection: With the Iowa State Fair underway, the Better Business Bureau is urging shoppers to verify out-of-state vendors, keep contact info, and use the FTC “cooling-off” rule before big impulse buys. Defense & Manufacturing: The U.S. Army awarded Collins Aerospace up to a $472 million contract to modernize CH-47 Chinook avionics, with work planned in Huntsville and Cedar Rapids. Energy & Reliability: MidAmerican Energy crews are restoring power after severe storms knocked out service for about 26,000 customers around Iowa City and the Quad Cities; estimated restoration times weren’t set yet. Sports & Iowa Economy: MLB’s Field of Dreams Game is back in Dyersville with a permanent ballpark, and the event’s real-world buildout is drawing attention to who paid for it and how Iowa’s tourism economy benefits. Retirement Planning: A new Zoe Financial study says popular “best places to retire” lists don’t match where retirees actually move, using Census and IRS data. Rural Health Funding: Fayette County EMS providers are bracing for a Nov. 3 essential service levy vote that could reshape ambulance coverage and reimbursements. Community Food Access: Double Up Food Bucks Iowa marks 10 years, reporting millions in redeemed benefits and economic impact for Iowa farmers and retailers.

Iowa School Food Funding: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig opened applications for the new permanent Choose Iowa Local Food for Schools Program, offering $200,000 to help districts buy Iowa-grown food, with a 1:1 match; schools can apply through Aug. 31. Cybersecurity for Local Governments: Iowa State University is expanding its cyber resilience initiative to cities, counties and schools using FEMA-backed support, aiming to reduce the cost of preparedness and incident planning. Energy & Utilities: MidAmerican Energy is still working storm repairs in the Quad Cities and Iowa City, with crews targeting full restoration by Thursday. Local Business Openings/Closings: A new breakfast spot, First Street Breakfast Company, reopened in Mount Vernon after a five-year gap, while Cedar Rapids’ Fieldhouse 1st Avenue is up for sale and won’t renew its lease beyond March 2027. Community & Infrastructure: Red Oak secured $20.18M in USDA funding for a wastewater plant replacement, and the city also unveiled an ISU-student housing flood resilience plan. Iowa Lottery: FY26 lottery sales hit $469.6M, with proceeds to state causes topping $95.1M. Public Safety Tech Debate: Iowa communities are weighing the controversy around Flock license plate reader cameras, with privacy concerns drawing pushback.

Charter School Deal in Ankeny: A Florida-based education company, Somerset Academy Inc., bought land at 2605 SW Oralabor Road and plans a ~$19M charter school for about 1,150 students, with the historic one-room Nagle Schoolhouse slated for restoration. Real Estate & Care Industry: Calvin Community, a Des Moines retirement facility, was sold for $4.5M to a Miami Beach group amid ongoing lawsuits over unpaid bills and a separate investor bid to force a sale. Downtown Construction Update: The 515 Walnut Tower in Des Moines is on track for spring 2027 completion after the top floor was installed; the $148M project will add 390 apartments plus amenities. Defense & Tech Jobs: Collins Aerospace won a contract worth up to $472M to help modernize the U.S. Army’s CH-47 Chinook fleet, with work in Cedar Rapids and Huntsville. Cyber Preparedness for Iowa: Iowa State University is running free training for city and county leaders to practice operating during technology outages, funded by a DHS grant. Data Centers & Power Costs: Residents in Ida County pressed PathOne about water use and grid strain; Iowa State experts also warned that data centers could raise household power demand and bills. Community Finance Support: Iowa’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program helped nearly 3,700 families, generating about $2.7M in refunds and reducing tax prep fees.

Nonprofit Back-to-School Support: United Way of North Central Iowa’s Kicks for Kids Shoe Drive delivered new shoes to 1,050+ children across Mason City, Charles City and Forest City, with 300+ volunteer hours helping families get properly fitting footwear for the school year. Healthcare Leadership: Dale Maxwell, former Presbyterian Healthcare Services CEO, will become interim CEO of Risant Health, stepping in Aug. 17 as the nonprofit umbrella organization runs Geisinger and Cone Health. Local Government & Transparency: A court fight over West Des Moines’ Flock license-plate reader contract continues, with a citizen public-records win remanded back to the same transparency agency. State Policy & Scams: Iowa’s AG Brenna Bird is partnering with Meta to push public service messaging aimed at investment, romance and user-support scams. Recycling Data Push: The Iowa DNR is building a better recycling reporting system, saying it currently can’t track recycling activity because facilities aren’t permitted by the agency. Big Retail Expansion Watch: Buc-ee’s is seeking Urbandale zoning changes for a first Iowa travel center near I-80/35, projecting 200+ jobs and $60M in investment. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports Iowa regular averages $3.80 for the week ending Aug. 1, with Des Moines County’s lowest at $3.69. Rural Funding Gap: A national report warns rural areas face a local public funding gap tied to weaker administrative capacity and less flexible money.

Veterans + Local Food: Iowa launched “Honor Harvest,” a weekly food box pilot for rural veterans at the Iowa City VA, funded with $24,000 from IDALS and sourced through Choose Iowa and the Field to Family Food Hub—aimed at diet-related conditions while boosting Iowa farmers and food businesses. Cybersecurity + Water Infrastructure: Suspected Iranian hackers targeted U.S. water utilities, highlighting how small systems with limited budgets remain easy targets and renewing calls for stronger cybersecurity standards. AI + Kids: Iowa’s new law (SF 2417) requires AI chatbots to clearly disclose they’re not human to juvenile users and bans incentives to keep talking longer, with enforcement starting in 2027. Data Centers + Local Planning: Ames-area debate continues as Iowa communities weigh water, power, noise, and rates; meanwhile Dubuque County shelved a full data center ban in favor of an ordinance. Sports + Iowa Economy: Iowa reported a 25% jump in July sports handle to $182.9 million, underscoring continued growth in the state’s wagering market. MLB at Field of Dreams: MLB’s Field of Dreams game in Dyersville returns with a permanent ballpark and a rules change—ABS won’t be functional at the venue. Small Business Spotlight: Sen. Joni Ernst named Adams County’s Lone Arranger as Small Business of the Week.

Outdoor Recreation Funding: Des Moines and ICON Water Trails landed $2 million in federal money to expand access to the Des Moines River, including new fishing areas, an updated powerboat launch, and accessible docks at Birdland and Prospect parks. Healthcare Policy: U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson unveiled an Iowa-focused health insurance transparency bill aimed at forcing insurers to publicly report denials, prior authorizations, delays, and how often appeals overturn decisions. Food Safety & Recalls: Taylor Farms is again in the spotlight after a review tied the company to years of salmonella and other outbreaks, as regulators continue investigating produce-linked illness risks. Local Development: Mitchell approved plans for seven new business suites at West Elm and South Iowa, with the units already reportedly fully rented before construction starts. Data Centers & Community Input: PathOne Data Centers will hold a public informational meeting in Orange City to discuss a potential Sioux County project and address concerns about electricity, water, noise, and jobs. Veterans Food Program: Iowa launched Honor Harvest, a Food is Medicine pilot delivering weekly boxes of locally grown food to eligible rural veterans through the Iowa City VA. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports Iowa regular gas averaging $3.80 statewide for the week ending Aug. 1, with Emmet County’s low at $3.77.

Medicaid Work Rules Clash: A Sioux City resident with a disability says Iowa’s Medicaid eligibility review could force her to choose between working and keeping benefits as states prepare for a new federal requirement to verify 80 hours a month of work, volunteering or study. Food Safety & Retail Impact: USDA ordered a recall of 3,200+ pounds of ready-to-eat pastrami and corned beef in Iowa and other states after potential Listeria contamination was found during routine inspections. Jobs Watch: Iowa’s jobless rate rose for a third straight month, signaling a cooling labor market. Public Finance Leadership: Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Martin Noven as the next CEO of IPERS, effective Aug. 24, aiming to strengthen long-term fund performance. Clean Energy Investment: Snowfox Discovery says it secured access to 10,000+ acres of natural hydrogen exploration leases in Audubon County, with drilling expected in late 2027 or 2028. Healthcare Costs Pressure: A new look at hospital pricing highlights how monopoly power can push up knee replacement costs, with major swings between nearby systems. Nonprofit Funding: HOMEBANK and FHLB Des Moines awarded $322,000 in grants supporting a Kirksville cancer center and Knox County senior housing. Tribal Gambling Oversight: A vacancy at the National Indian Gaming Commission is stalling management deals for a Harrah’s casino tied to the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, raising oversight and deal-timing concerns.

Tariff Fallout for Iowa Families: A new Midwest study says last year’s Trump-era tariffs cost the average Hoosier household $2,600 and helped drive major manufacturing job losses—findings that also cover Iowa and other manufacturing-heavy states, with lawmakers urged to expand unemployment support and workforce transition funding. Rural Health & Housing: A $15 million federal grant will fund a five-year radon-and-lung-cancer initiative for rural Iowans, including home radon testing and mitigation training. USDA Leadership in Iowa: Glen Smith of Atlantic was confirmed as USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development, with a focus on rural housing, health services, utilities, and expanding broadband access. Tribal Gaming Oversight: A federal watchdog vacancy at the National Indian Gaming Commission is stalling management deals for tribal casinos, raising concerns about enforcement and oversight in the $46 billion sector. Food Safety: USDA reported a recall of ready-to-eat corned beef and pastrami due to Listeria concerns, shipped to food service locations including in Iowa. Local Tech & Kids Online: Iowa’s Roblox lawsuit heads toward trial as the company highlights new safety controls and parental tools.

Hospital Costs: An AP look at hospital pricing shows how consolidation can let systems with little competition charge far more for the same procedures, pushing up bills for insurers and patients. Tribal Gaming Oversight: A vacancy at the National Indian Gaming Commission is leaving the $46 billion tribal gambling industry unable to complete some deals and enforcement work. Airport Security Privatization: A TSA workers union sued to force release of records tied to TSA Gold+, arguing privatized screening was pushed without proper disclosure. College Sports Policy: The Protect College Sports Act missed a Senate vote but landed on the September calendar, as major conferences and key lawmakers raised concerns. Iowa Race Business: NASCAR’s Iowa Corn 350 returns Sunday at Iowa Speedway with USA Network coverage and a $20M repave project underway. Food Safety: Albertsons recalled jalapeño-linked products tied to salmonella risk, including items sold in Iowa. Local Economy & Health: Iowa Hospital Association data highlights Compass Memorial’s community benefits and economic impact. Community Infrastructure: Johnson County Poor Farm’s shared-use commercial kitchen is taking applications, funded by ARPA.

Food Safety: Albertsons is recalling four ready-to-eat jalapeño products sold in Iowa and other states after a Taylor Farms supplier recall tied to possible salmonella contamination. Iowa Speedway & NASCAR: Newton’s Iowa Speedway is starting a $20 million repave of the racing surface, and drivers including William Byron and Haas Factory Team leaders are weighing what it could mean for Sunday’s Iowa Corn 350. Local Business & Policy: Newton residents packed a public fight over proposed franchise fees, with opponents pushing for a special election after strong in-person backlash. Public Safety: Iowa City police are asking for help after a stolen debit card was used for purchases Aug. 2, and they’re seeking footage and tips. Community & Trades: Marshalltown will host the 2026 SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500 on Oct. 1, drawing masons statewide for a timed wall-building competition open to the public. Health Coverage: Compass Memorial SHIIP counselors will hold a “Welcome to Medicare” seminar Sept. 9 in Marengo.

Midterm Politics: New polling suggests Republicans are behind in several key races they’ve held for decades, with Democrats pointing to President Trump’s weak approval and the usual midterm headwinds. NASCAR & Iowa Speedway: Betting odds for the NASCAR race at Iowa Speedway put Denny Hamlin on top, with Ryan Blaney and Christopher Bell close behind as the 2027 schedule spotlights Iowa’s Fourth of July weekend. Higher Ed Finance: The Iowa Board of Regents hired Huron Consulting to run a Revenue Enhancement and Productivity Study (REAPS) to find cost cuts and new revenue at public universities, with a report due early next year. Pensions: Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Martin Noven as CEO of IPERS, filling a leadership gap after top departures tied to a misconduct investigation. Agriculture & Land: Farmland values hit record highs in Iowa, boosting balance sheets but raising barriers for new farmers and renters as development pressure grows. Food & Regulation: Kellogg will remove artificial dyes from all cereals by year-end, and Iowa’s AG pushed back on Pornhub’s criticism of the state’s age-verification law. Local Business/Community: Switzer-CARTY Transportation Services agreed to buy Owatonna Bus Company, marking its first U.S. expansion; and West Burlington advanced a chicken-raising ordinance with permit and setback rules.

IPERS Leadership: Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Martin Noven as the next CEO of Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System, effective Aug. 24, bringing top experience running large public pension funds in Maryland and Illinois. State Budget Pressure: Des Moines residents weighed in on how to close a projected $12M FY2028 gap, with most respondents backing cuts to the Floodplain Property Buyout Program first. Rural Development & Infrastructure: USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development nominee Glen Smith was confirmed, and Iowa’s Mike Naig praised the move as a boost for rural Iowa. Renewable Fuels Push: Iowa approved more than $2M in cost-share grants for 38 retail E15 and biodiesel infrastructure projects, including sites in Avoca and Denison. Local Business & Community: Marion closed Seventh Avenue for the Uptown Marion Market this Saturday; Mason City launched a program to help homeowners pay for hazardous tree removal; and Iowa’s tax-free weekend begins Friday with clothing/shoes under $100 exempt. Tech & Aviation: RotorLab rolled out RotorLab.app, a vendor-agnostic system of record for drone programs, aiming to preserve flight and maintenance history across aircraft changes. Food Safety: National outbreaks tied to recalled lettuce (cyclospora) and jalapeños (salmonella) continue to be tracked as products are pulled.

Casino & Jobs: Cedar Crossing Casino in Cedar Rapids is set to open early in mid-November, bringing 700 slots and 22 table games, plus bars, restaurants and about 350 jobs, after a 14-year fight for a license. Local Infrastructure: Page County’s new law enforcement center is in the home stretch, with dispatchers moved in and final cleaning and grading work expected by late August. Permitting & Growth: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an agreement with a federal permitting council to speed major infrastructure reviews and align state timelines with federal FAST-41. Data & Cybersecurity: Unlimited Technology Systems says a breach exposed sensitive personal and health insurance data for 3.8 million people, including Iowa residents. Public Finance & Housing: Iowa’s sales tax holiday starts Aug. 7, while Lee County supervisors weigh rules for potential marijuana/THC business locations and advertising. Health & Food Safety: The cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to lettuce keeps widening, and Sysco says it’s stopping iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms. Community & Nonprofits: Iowa Lions Eye Bank received major grant funding for upgrades, and the Tama Public Library earned state accreditation through 2029.

NHL Talent Pipeline: Colorado Avalanche’s top amateur scout, Batavia High grad Mike Battaglia, is helping restock prospects after recent draft strategy left the team without a first-round pick until 2029. Local Courts: In Delaware County, a judge dismissed all charges against former Delhi Mayor Gregory Preussner and former city clerk Lori Tucker tied to alleged improper spending over $66,000, citing Iowa’s statute of limitations. Ag Policy & Food Costs: A U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee farm bill effort stalled over SNAP cost-sharing tied to state error rates, with Democrats pushing for a two-year extension and Republicans offering a one-year compromise. Iowa Economy Watch: Iowa’s Leading Indicators Index slipped 0.1% in June, with residential building permits down and employment-related measures weakening. Permitting & Growth: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an MOU to streamline federal and state permitting by opting into FAST-41 timelines. Business Moves: Northwest Bank compliance officer Amy Groen joined the Iowa Bankers Association Compliance Committee; ATW Training Solutions acquired the Iowa Employment Conference; Windings acquired Machine Tool Engineering to bring machining in-house. Iowa Industry & Events: Iowa Speedway will repave the full track and host a NASCAR Cup race on July 4, 2027.