About 170 Central Iowa business, civic and regional community leaders will head to Washington, D.C., next week to participate in the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s 30th annual advocacy trip.

“This year’s lobbying trip is significant for many reasons,” said 2009 Partnership Chair Steve Lacy, in a release. “Congress and the Administration are currently discussing major reforms to our nation’s financial, education and health-care systems. Significant changes to energy, trade, tax and immigration policies also are being contemplated. Federal transportation funding is up for reauthorization, and the recently enacted stimulus legislation may hold additional opportunity for Greater Des Moines’ priority projects.”

From June 10 to12, participants will have a chance to advocate for regional projects and express their views on key economic growth issues facing Central Iowa. The Partnership’s agenda this year is focused on innovation, infrastructure, human capital and quality of place, with priorities on regional transportation, quality-of-life and flood-control projects.

Participants will meet with leaders including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Republican Leader John Boehner, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. They also will be briefed on a variety of policy issues, including health care, education, transportation, agriculture and sustainable development.

For the complete itinerary, go to www.desmoinesmetro.com.