AGP Executive Report

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.

Cyclospora Food Safety: The CDC says the iceberg lettuce–linked Cyclospora outbreak has expanded to 15 states, including Iowa, with 6,358 cases, 278 hospitalizations and two deaths in Michigan—most new state additions reflect illnesses already underway, not fresh exposure. Workforce & Education Funding: The U.S. Department of Education approved Iowa Central Community College’s Workforce Pell EMT program, letting eligible students use Pell Grants for a 14-week training path. Community Development Grants: BTC Bank and FHLB Des Moines awarded $400,000 in matching grants—$40,000 for a permanent veterans services home in Grundy County and $360,000 to restore a historic Gallatin downtown building. Local Business & Growth: Topgolf is set to open Aug. 14 in Monona, bringing a new entertainment-and-recreation venue expected to employ about 200–250 people. Energy & Infrastructure: Des Moines County supervisors heard about a bitcoin mine and potential AI data center power use as the county weighs data center impacts amid a moratorium. Sports Business Note: The Chicago Cubs added Kevin Gausman to their rotation, with a Friday debut expected in Kansas City.

Healthcare & Food Safety: A multistate cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce now spans 15 states, including Iowa, with thousands of cases and two deaths reported; federal officials say the focus is on lettuce from Taylor Farms and the company has recalled affected product. Cybersecurity: Waterloo insurer PDCM Insurance is warning customers after a cyber incident exposed sensitive personal and medical information, including Social Security numbers and treatment details, though the company says it has no sign of misuse. State & Local Economy: Lee County supervisors voted to hire specialized legal counsel to help craft ordinances governing data centers and other major economic development projects. Workforce & Education: Iowa Central Community College became the first in the U.S. approved for the expanded Workforce Pell EMT training pathway, aimed at faster, shorter career training for low-income students. Iowa Business Climate: Iowa’s leading indicators index slipped in June, with the stock market component rising while employment and other measures softened. Public Safety: A judge denied severing trials in an Iowa City Ped Mall shooting case, keeping two defendants on track for a joint trial.

Workforce Training Boost: Iowa Central Community College became the first school in the U.S. approved for the new federal Workforce Pell program, letting eligible students use Pell dollars for its 14-week EMT track—aimed at faster, lower-debt pathways into high-demand public safety jobs. Local Business Impact: Iowa City’s downtown road repairs near East Market Street and North Van Buren Street are cutting into sales at John’s Grocery, with customers missing the parking access and the store closing early some days. Ag Risk Management: Iowa State Extension and Outreach is hosting a fertilizer-and-finance workshop (Aug. 13) for producers and lenders, as forage producers get a Sept. 30 sales deadline for a new Forage Production Revenue Protection insurance option. Data Center Debate: Wright County created an Energy, Utility and Data Center Policy workgroup, while Lee County supervisors moved to hire specialized legal counsel to help craft data-center-related ordinances. Public Health Watch: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to Taco Bell and/or Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, with Iowa among those reporting thousands of cases. State Economy: The Iowa Lottery reported $469.6 million in FY2026 sales, up 8%, generating $95.1 million for state programs.

Antitrust & Food Supply: New York will receive nearly 5 million eggs for food banks under a multistate settlement after investigators alleged major egg producers coordinated to influence an egg price index, with the first shipment already delivered to City Harvest in Brooklyn. Earnings Watch: Ames-based Workiva reported Q2 results, with net income of $13.4 million and 77 cents per share on an adjusted basis. AI Oversight: Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is leading a 15-state push for OpenAI transparency after an alleged AI security breach tied to Hugging Face, demanding document preservation and stronger safeguards. Iowa Cost-of-Living: Iowa’s annual sales tax holiday runs Friday-Saturday (Aug. 7-8), waiving state and local sales tax on eligible back-to-school clothing and shoes under $100. Local Growth & Jobs: Waterloo’s historic James Black Building is set to get a Hyatt-branded hotel as part of a $57 million renovation, targeting completion in 2028. Public Safety & Health Access: Fayette County voters will decide this November whether to make EMS an essential service, potentially funding ambulance coverage via a property tax levy. Community Development: Mason City won a top Iowa League of Cities honor for its River City Riverwalk and Waterfront District.

Data Centers & Local Control: GOP gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn says counties should keep permitting power for Iowa data centers, arguing for a moratorium only to slow incentives and let local governments “set the rules of the game.” Retail & Consumer Costs: Iowa’s sales tax holiday starts Friday (12:01 a.m.) and runs through Saturday, exempting clothing and shoes under $100 per item, with exclusions for items like jewelry and protective gear. Manufacturing Economy: Creighton’s Mid-America Business Conditions Index stayed above growth-neutral in July, but inflation and data-center-driven investment are raising concerns about whether growth can last without stronger job gains. Local Government Finance: Dubuque warns Iowa’s new 2% property-tax revenue cap could cost it more than $220M in taxable assessed value, complicating economic development plans tied to TIF districts. Energy & Industry: Nordex won three U.S. turbine orders totaling 480MW, with manufacturing in Iowa. Sports Betting Expansion: Circa Sports is approved to enter Arizona’s regulated market via a tribal partnership, adding to its existing Iowa online presence. Small Business Spotlight: Sen. Joni Ernst named Audubon’s Present Company as Small Business of the Week.

MLB Trade Deadline: The Chicago Cubs kept stacking pitching, acquiring reliever Ryan Zeferjahn from the Angels and sending catcher Moisés Ballesteros and prospect Mason McGwire to L.A.; they also moved for Marlins lefty Braxton Garrett and, pending medical reviews, are set to add Mets pitcher Clay Holmes and outfielder Tyrone Taylor for prospect Jefferson Rojas. Local Business Disruption: A building collapse in Muscatine is blocking roads and forcing detours that are already hitting nearby shops like Skinny’s Barbeque, with no reopening timeline yet. Iowa Economy & Growth: Hormel Foods named John Ghingo president and CEO effective Oct. 26, with Iowa plants in Osceola, Algona, Knoxville, Dubuque and Nevada. Infrastructure & Jobs: Iowa’s Interstate 435 plan is moving through Congress, designating parts of U.S. 65 and Iowa 5 as an interstate corridor. Healthcare Leadership: The Iowa Clinic hired Sara Glaser as COO, starting July 31. Data Center Politics: MidAmerican and Google are signaling interest in a Salix data center, while Sioux County rescinded a decades-old industrial property-tax exemption and is drafting a new ordinance that would exclude data centers. Small Business: Iowa’s Aug. 7–8 sales tax holiday will exempt clothing and footwear under $100, with no local option tax collected.

MLB Trade Deadline: The Chicago Cubs landed veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays, sending prospects Brett Bateman and Ty Southisene to Toronto—an effort to shore up a rotation that’s been struggling with strikeouts and run prevention. Iowa Retail: Iowa’s 2026 Sales Tax Holiday runs Aug. 7-8, offering tax-free savings on eligible back-to-school clothing and shoes under $100, with Sunday purchases fully taxed. Agribusiness & Health: New World screwworm remains a concern beyond its current U.S. hotspots, with USDA confirming a phased reopening plan for cattle trade while monitoring cases. Public Safety & Travel: Airports including Des Moines are moving toward TSA’s Gold+ model, shifting checkpoint operations to private screeners under federal oversight. Healthcare Supply: LifeServe warns of a summer blood donation dip and urges donors to help prevent shortfalls in critical blood types. Community & Grants: Iowa West Foundation announced a second cycle of grants totaling $4.6M+ for southwest Iowa projects, including preschool funding and a renovation in Imogene. Local Economy Shock: Postville businesses are bracing for fallout after the Agri Star fire, with recovery efforts and support funds for displaced workers underway. Education Funding Fight: Iowa’s expanding Education Savings Account program is forcing rural districts to rethink budgets, staffing, and enrollment as more families opt out of public schools. Local Media: Former KXNO hosts Sean Roberts and Lucas Strain are relaunching their sports talk show as a digital program on the Rush Radio Network.

Regional Public Safety Planning: Mitchell’s City Council will discuss whether to fold the Mitchell Police Department into Davison County’s proposed regional law enforcement complex, with jail-bed needs and costs still unclear. Small-Business & Tech: A new report says companies are dialing back “tokenmaxxing” and using AI more selectively as costs rise—an angle that matters for Iowa founders watching budgets. Healthcare Politics: Iowa’s Medicaid privatization fight is resurfacing in the governor’s race, with Rob Sand pushing to end insurer-managed care and Zach Lahn defending it. Local Economy & Community: Waterloo’s Iowa Irish Fest drew thousands back downtown, boosting local restaurants and shops. Iowa Workforce/Grants: Taylor Family Farms’ grant to UDMO and other regional funding moves highlight continued investment in training and community services. Aviation & Travel Operations: Des Moines is among early adopters of TSA Gold+ private screening, a shift that could change airport staffing and passenger flow.

AI Costs & Small Business: Companies are dialing back “tokenmaxxing” as AI usage gets expensive, shifting to cheaper, more efficient models—good news for budgets, but a reminder that AI still isn’t free. Iowa Health Policy: Iowa’s tight governor’s race is reigniting the fight over privatized Medicaid managed-care contracts, with Zach Lahn defending the model and Rob Sand calling it a “disaster.” Local Retail & Payments: Iowa City is ending its $5 farmers market token program this fall as mobile payments make it less necessary, and three downtown parking lots are switching to mobile pay next month. Community & Grants: UDMO received a $20,000 grant from Taylor Family Farms Foundation to boost protein-rich food for rural food pantries. Economic Boost Events: Waterloo’s Iowa Irish Fest brought visitors back downtown, helping local restaurants and shops. Infrastructure & Risk: A new push for data centers is raising alarms nationwide about homeowners being forced out for land and transmission lines.

Inclusive Local Economy & Community: Ottumwa opened its Market Street Landing All Abilities Play Space, built to let kids of every ability play together with accessible swings, sensory features, and communication tools. Food Security & Philanthropy: Upper Des Moines Opportunity received a $20,000 grant from Taylor Family Farms Foundation to boost nutritious protein options at food pantries across five rural counties. Local Government & Accountability: Iowa State auditor Rob Sand released findings on O’Brien County’s coronavirus recovery funds, citing repeated issues like segregation of duties and recording problems. Public Safety & Fraud: Fort Dodge reported just one BBB scam case for the week ending July 25, while Iowa City logged one scam report for the same period. Transportation & Cost of Living: Iowa City is moving three downtown parking lots to mobile pay, and the Iowa DOT plans overnight I-80 closures near Des Moines for construction. Workforce & Skills: ISU Extension announced an ArcGIS Pro hands-on course for planners and community developers.

Federal oversight: Sen. Chuck Grassley and colleagues pressed Verizon to explain why it didn’t disclose Senate phone-toll subpoenas tied to Special Counsel Jack Smith’s “Arctic Frost” probe. Local business & community finance: Polk County granted the YMCA of Greater Des Moines another year to repay a $6.5M loan, citing ongoing post-pandemic financial strain. Iowa education & families: The Caitlin Clark Foundation held a Des Moines backpack giveaway with DMPS, supporting about 500 students at Hoover High. Iowa public works & inclusion: Ottumwa’s $3.4M Market Street Landing All Abilities Play Space opens this weekend, funded by a Destination Iowa grant and local partners. Agriculture & farm economics: ISU Extension released new dairy resources promoting Dairy Share Agreements to help beginning and retiring farmers manage land, labor, and capital. Health watch: Iowa HHS says cyclosporiasis cases are rising, with 226 cases across 48 counties since the start of the year.

Workforce & Training: NIACC is taking applications for its fall 2026 Venture School at the Pappajohn Center in Mason City, a $299, coach-led entrepreneurship program ending with a Nov. 19 pitch competition. Local Economy & Jobs: Northeast Iowa Community College won a $420,000 Lowe’s Foundation grant to expand electrical training at its Peosta campus, adding lab space and equipment to meet electrician demand. Education Funding Fight: Iowa’s Education Savings Account expansion is pushing rural districts to rethink budgets and staffing, with critics warning public schools lose resources as ESA eligibility opens to all K-12 families. Business & Community: Casey’s Cash for Classrooms aims to raise $1.4 million by Sept. 8 to support K-12 public and nonprofit private schools in its footprint. Public Safety & Environment: Environmental groups sued Iowa’s DNR over Ottumwa coal-plant discharge permits, alleging illegal leachate limits. Major Local Development: Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center in Iowa is set to open mid-November ahead of schedule, with a 1,500-seat venue and its first entertainment lineup.

Casino & Entertainment: Cedar Rapids’ Cedar Crossing Casino announced its 2026/2027 entertainment lineup, with tickets for shows and Jocko’s Comedy Club going on sale Aug. 7. Public Safety Funding: RTC Communications secured a 0% USDA Rural Development REDLG loan to help Readlyn build a new Emergency Services Building, adding modern bays, training space and a disaster recovery shelter. Workforce & Education: Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education awarded $2M to expand career academies—Ellsworth and Iowa Western each getting $1M for new regional centers. Ag & Markets: USDA crop progress shows Iowa holding up better than parts of the northern and western Corn Belt, but dryness and stress are widening regional gaps. Local Business Disruption: Agri Star says it will stay in Postville after a fire destroyed much of its plant, with 600 workers temporarily out of work while rebuilding plans take shape. Tech/Policy: A Reuters report says the U.S. Senate advanced the TSA nominee as Trump pushes more privatization at smaller airports, with Des Moines among airports planning to proceed. Community Space: Meet Ottumwa opened “Above Main,” a new work space above the visitor center for short-term meetings and work.

Politics & Money: Elon Musk’s America PAC says it will spend up to $120M to boost GOP turnout in the 2026 midterms, with Senate targets including Iowa and other battlegrounds. College Sports Policy: The Senate adjourned without moving the Protect College Sports Act, as the Big Ten and SEC keep resisting key terms, leaving Iowa’s sports-business ecosystem watching a stalled federal fix. Iowa Courts & Work Visas: An Ames man says visa processing delays stranded him in Canada for a year and is suing the U.S. State Department. Agriculture Economy: Iowa’s farm downturn is now in its third year, with costs outpacing revenues and net farm income down sharply, according to a new Farm Bureau/ISU/Bankers report. Local Business & Development: Des Moines is weighing a $48M plan to convert the former Wells Fargo Towers into a 157-room Marriott Le Meridien, while Oakridge Neighborhood’s Cynergy project won a $750,000 Community Foundation grant. Community & Jobs: A fire at an Iowa kosher meat plant shut down production and left 600 workers in limbo, and a Sioux City casino owner is exploring a property sale.

AI & Data Centers: A new wave of AI buildouts is colliding with local concerns over power, water, noise, and farmland loss, with Iowa-area communities weighing ordinances and moratoriums as developers push ahead. Local Government & Infrastructure: Shenandoah City Council fast-tracked repairs to City Hall, approving up to $553,799 in loan notes and setting up tuckpointing and painting. Healthcare Policy: Iowa’s Medicaid privatization fight is resurfacing in a tight governor’s race, as Rob Sand argues it’s been a “disaster” while Zach Lahn backs the model. Agriculture & Markets: USDA’s late-June reports are setting the tone for corn and soybean pricing into harvest, with 2026 planted acreage at record levels. Tax & Cost of Living: A new analysis finds states are leaning more on sales taxes while cutting income taxes, shifting the burden toward lower-income households. Public Safety & Fraud Prevention: Attorneys general are urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Nonprofit & Community: Many Hands Thrift Market is opening a new West Des Moines location and accepting donations ahead of the launch.