Housing, public transit and early childhood programs are a few of the top priorities on the United Way of Central Iowa’s 2026 advocacy agenda. The nonprofit announced the priorities today at its annual Advocacy Breakfast. 

The agenda outlines policy, fiscal and educational priorities designed to advance the United Way’s five elements of a thriving community: essential needs, early childhood success, education success, economic opportunity and health and well-being.

Essential needs: United Way continues to support safety-net programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, affordable housing and public transportation to reduce barriers to stability.

Key initiatives include:

• Supporting the OpportUNITY Affordable Housing Workgroup to reduce housing cost burdens.
• Promoting strategies for unhoused individuals to access supportive, permanent housing.
• Advocating for sustainable funding for public transit systems.
• Supporting funding for the statewide food security network.

Early childhood success and child care workforce: In addition to ensuring quality, affordable child care is accessible to all Iowans, United Way is focused on stabilizing and growing the child care provider workforce. 

Other policy priorities include:

• Increasing reimbursement rates and paying for enrollment through the state’s Child Care Assistance program.
• State income tax exemptions for child care providers.
• Making the Child Care Assistance provider pilot program permanent in law.
• Flexibility in weekly work and education requirements for Child Care Assistance.
• Evaluating property tax assessments for child care centers.
• Expanding high-quality child care capacity through innovative local strategies.

“Quality, affordable child care is foundational to family stability and a thriving workforce,” Dave Stone, United Way of Central Iowa advocacy officer, said in a news release. “By advancing these policies, we support both Iowa families and the child care providers who care for them.”

Promoting education success: United Way aims to raise awareness about critical gaps in Iowa’s education data and research while supporting programs that strengthen youth employment and learning pathways. Initiatives include promoting credit-for-learning opportunities and expanding work-based learning programs to prepare students for career, training or education opportunities after graduation. United Way advocates for equitable access to jobs, training and professional development.

Other policy priorities on education include:

• Supporting the implementation of Workforce Pell Grants to expand access to short-term training programs leading to in-demand careers.
• Building on broadband access investments across Iowa.
• Strengthening adult education programs, PACE programs, pathway navigators and industry partnerships.
• Increasing state engagement with the federal SNAP Employment and Training program.

“Economic opportunity is about ensuring all Iowans have access to the tools they need to thrive in today’s workforce,” Joe Murphy, chair of United Way’s Public Policy Cabinet, said in the release.

United Way leads coalitions focused on children’s mental health, oral health awareness and addressing adverse childhood experiences. These efforts aim to improve the overall well-being of Iowa children and families, ensuring preventive and supportive services reach those who need them most.

“From housing to child care to food security, our advocacy agenda reflects a holistic approach to addressing systemic challenges,” said Mary Sellers, president of United Way of Central Iowa. “By collaborating with policymakers, partners and community leaders, we are creating a stronger, more equitable Iowa where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”