The Directors Council, a nonprofit organization focused on strengthening leadership, civic participation and economic opportunity in Polk County, has released its 2026 One Economy Advocacy Agenda, the organization’s first agenda. 

Building on the research and findings from the One Economy: A Path Forward 2025 report, the agenda aims to highlight the economic opportunity created when barriers to employment, homeownership and educational attainment are addressed intentionally and collaboratively, a news release said.

The agenda focuses on several interconnected policy areas that research shows are critical to economic mobility. The three priorities included on the council’s agenda for 2026 are early child care access, community and civic engagement, and housing stability. 

Recommended strategies include supporting sustainable child care systems that meet workforce needs, strengthening civic education and leadership pipelines, and improving access to housing resources and legal supports to promote stability and long-term investment.

The agenda also emphasizes coordination with existing local and regional strategies, including the Des Moines Citywide Housing Strategy, and encourages cross-sector partnerships among government, business, philanthropy and community organizations to maximize impact.

“Our work is grounded in the belief that data should guide decision making and collaboration should drive solutions,” Jerrica Marshall, TDC’s executive director, said in the release. “This agenda provides a practical roadmap for aligning existing plans, investments and policies to support economic resilience and inclusive growth across Polk County.”

The council’s One Economy initiative works to eliminate racial, economic, and other disparities in the Black community through work groups directly addressing five key areas: employment, financial inclusion, education, housing and health.

The Directors Council will engage community partners and policymakers throughout 2026 to advance the priorities outlined in the One Economy Advocacy Agenda.