The Greater Des Moines Partnership has named Urban Land Institute Iowa Chairman Larry James and Steve Bruere, president of land brokerage firm Peoples Co. as co-chairs of a task force that will examine water issues.

James and Bruere will assemble a task force of perhaps 12 people and a broader advisory group of maybe 50 later, said Partnership CEO Jay Byers. Details on who is on the panels, what it will examine, and what proposal it will make will be up to the task force, Byers added.

The Partnership has been involved in water issues for many years, Byers has noted. Recent debates over nitrate pollution, water availability, toxic algae, improved water recreation and soil erosion have amped up the discussion in many quarters. Des Moines Water Works’ lawsuit against three northwest Iowa counties over nitrate pollution has added intensity. 

“Both Steve and Larry are passionate emerging leaders with big ideas who share a common vision of finding common ground solutions,” Byers said. He added that Bruere’s connections in agriculture and James’ work on urban issues will serve them well.

That’s not to suggest there are only two sides to any water debate. Far from it. These are issues that affect everyone who gets a water bill, grows corn, raises livestock, enjoys kayaking,

“This is an issue that has many, many sides,” Byers said. “We will be in learning mode for a good long time, talking about water quality, soil health, flood mitigation and water treatment, for example.”

Solutions could involve legislation, watershed work, education and technology, Byers added.

It is likely the task force will discuss proposed legislation for next year’s session. But the rest of the time frame is undecided.