The Greater Des Moines Partnership, Capital Crossroads and Young Professional Connection will host a Public Policy Forum on the Search for Talent on April 21. The forum, scheduled to start at noon, will feature a panel discussion addressing the existing talent shortage, support for Future Ready Iowa initiatives, opportunities to engage untapped talent, and policies that ensure the state is a welcoming place. Confirmed panelists include:

• Brad Anderson, AARP Iowa.
• Rob Denson, Des Moines Area Community College.
• Beth Nigut, EMC Insurance Cos.
• Kathy Leggett, Future Ready Iowa policy adviser at Iowa Workforce Development, who will moderate the discussion.

Registration for the event is free. It will be held in person at the Partnership’s office at 700 Locust St., but a virtual option will be available. The event is part of a series of public policy forums that will be held throughout 2022 to explore issues affecting the region. Future forums will take place every other month on the third Tuesday of the month, including: June 16, Aug. 18, Oct. 20 and Dec. 15. Upcoming topics will include energy policy, economic development policy, infrastructure funding and cybersecurity.