Posted September 8, 2011 by United Way of Central Iowa

United Way of Central Iowa is one of seven co-sponsors of Capital Crossroads: A Vision for Greater Des Moines & Central Iowa. Capital Crossroads is a five-year regional roadmap to build economic growth within a 50-mile radius of the Iowa State Capitol building.

Capital Crossroads launched its strategic plan at an event Wednesday, September 7 at the Des Moines Botanical Center. United Way president Shannon Cofield serves on the steering committee.

“The Capital Crossroads initiative aligns with United Way’s mission to improve lives in central Iowa,” Cofield says. “Our community has abundant capital to build upon — business capital, human capital, physical capital, wellness capital. It’s a sound plan led by the right people to build on our quest to be a world class community for everyone.”

“Today we embrace the future from a bigger and stronger geographic base,” said Tri-Chair Cara Heiden, who is the immediate past board chair for United Way of Central Iowa. “Accomplishing the Capital Crossroads vision will require a spirit of cooperation and respect for both cultural diversity and excellence in education. The result will be a robust, sustainable community that stands up to any metro in its class.”

Capital Crossroads is a collaborative effort supported through resources from United Way of Central Iowa, Bravo Greater Des Moines, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa State University, and Prairie Meadows.

Nearly 5,000 community representatives participated in the visioning process which began in November 2010. Community leaders have been working since to explore tactics to accomplish short and long-term economic growth, as well as personal and professional achievement and satisfaction for local residents. Capital Crossroads comprises a series of interrelated “capitals” that translate the necessary strategic elements of people, place, and prosperity into key themes: Opportunity, Talent, and Sustainability. Within each theme, the capitals represent the priority areas identified in the plan and leverage a planning framework for the future. Co-Chairs have been assigned to oversee each capital and drive implementation going forward.