The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has released the 2025 Central Iowa Workforce Survey, offering new data on employer hiring plans, talent readiness and workforce challenges across the region. The results point to confidence among Central Iowa employers heading into 2026, with more than half planning to add staff and few expecting reductions. Despite the positive outlook, the survey identifies ongoing skills gaps including communication, digital literacy and technical expertise, as well as limited participation among high school-aged workers due to structural barriers. Chamber leaders said the data will guide expanded efforts to strengthen partnerships between employers, schools, and workforce organizations to better align education and career preparation across Central Iowa.