Investing in Opportunities that Create Economic Prosperity in Central Iowa

Economic mobility, a measure of growth in income or wealth, has been in decline in the U.S. for decades. While 93% of children born in the 1940s out earned their parents, fewer than half of those born in the 1980s could say the same. Reviving economic mobility is about more than individual opportunity; it’s about driving economic growth, strengthening communities, reducing inequities, and ensuring prosperity for future generations. With its strong culture of regional collaboration, Central Iowa is well positioned to lead by investing strategically and advancing solutions that expand opportunity for all.

Through a collaborative event with UpLift, Capital Crossroads, and the Camber Collective  attnedees joined an informative community conversation about what current research has identified to be the most impactful strategies to achieve economic mobility. Attendees learned more about how current investments support these strategies.

Creating Stability and Opportunity In Iowa’s Workforce

Research shows that a person’s career progression can significantly impact their lifetime income and overall economic mobility. Experiences such as obtaining a first full-time job that offers opportunities for advancement, receiving job or skills training, and avoiding involuntary unemployment can impact an individual’s economic success.

On Monday, May 12th, 2025, UpLift, Project IOWA, United Way of Central Iowa, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and St. Vincent de Paul hosted a Community Conversation about how the Central Iowa community is currently navigating the workforce landscape, the barriers individuals may face, and the solutions experts have found impactful.

Roadblock! Navigating the Benefits Cliff for Social Security Disability Benefits and Employment

On October 29th, 2024 UpLift, The Harkin Institute, and Disability Rights Iowa’s Work Incentives Planning and Assistance team hosted a webinar about the complexities of navigating the disability benefits system. Expert Certified Benefits Counselors walked attendees through real-life scenarios of Iowa families utilizing public benefits and securing employment. 

Fixing the Foundation: Solutions to Central Iowa’s Housing Needs

On September 19th, UpLift – The Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot and Capital Crossroads, hosted a Community Conversation about solutions to Central Iowa’s housing needs. Attendees  heard from a panel of housing experts about current trends in Iowa evictions, the availability of affordable housing, how rental assistance has impacted Iowans, and how local agencies are creating better access to homeownership. The panelists shared their insights on potential strategies and solutions for how we can begin to meet the housing needs of our community.

Stories from UpLift: Participant Storytelling Panel

On the one-year anniversary of the first UpLift payments, the Central Iowa community had the opportunity to hear directly from five UpLift participants about how a basic income is impacting their lives. This event was held at the Windsor Heights Community Center where Mayor Mike Jones welcomed the live and online audience to the panel discussion. Attendees heard powerful stories about how UpLift was providing new opportunities to local families. Participants spoke about becoming entrepreneurs, moving to safer neighborhoods, finding better employment opportunities, and creating generational wealth. 

Investigating Matthew Desmond’s Poverty, by America

On April 2nd, 2024, the Project Coordination Team hosted UpLift’s Community Conversations Series event “Investigating Matthew Desmond’s Poverty, by America” at Drake University’s Olmstead Center.

Through a partnership with Seattle Arts and Lecture, the team was able to begin the event with a viewing of a previously recorded, virtual conversation with author and acclaimed sociologist, Matthew Desmond. Registered attendees were allowed to submit questions directly to the author to be answered during the live event. Desmond discussed his latest book, Poverty, by America, and his potential solutions to addressing poverty in America.

What is Basic Income?

In early September 2023, the Project Coordination Team hosted UpLift’s Community Conversations Series event “What is Basic Income?” at the Varsity Cinema. The event served as an opportunity for interested stakeholders to learn more about the basic income model and to share their thoughts about the potential impacts of a basic income in our community. 

The event featured a viewing of “Raising the Floor”, a short documentary that tells the story of how Chelsea, Massachusetts decided to address the increasing food insecurity occurring within their community during the height of the pandemic. What started as a grassroots food distribution effort quickly became a basic income pilot called Chelsea Eats. This short-term effort combined city general revenue funds, state aid, and philanthropic contributions to disburse unrestricted cash assistance to approximately 2,000 households.