Regional economic development group thanks Norwalk and highlights $5.7 billion in local investments

The Greater Des Moines Partnership presented an economic-development update to the Norwalk City Council on May 21, saying the regional nonprofit represents more than 7,200 businesses and a combined statistical area of roughly 940,000 residents. Tiffany Tauschek, president and CEO, told the council the region currently has $5.7 billion in capital investment underway and another $2 billion waiting in the pipeline. "That is really impressive for a region our size," Tauschek said, and she thanked Norwalk for its support and participation in regional site-selection efforts.

Ryan Carroll, who described the Partnership's work on business retention and recruitment, said roughly 80% of growth stems from existing local businesses and outlined six target industries for recruitment: advanced manufacturing, insurance and financial services, ag innovation, logistics, data centers, and technology. Carroll also described talent programs that connect new residents with local employers, and said Norwalk is featured in a DSM USA welcome guide used to attract and retain workers.

The presenters emphasized that the region's population growth is positioning it for new federal-level projects. Tauschek cited recent success in the region’s effort to land a corporate headquarters for a Corteva spin-off in nearby Johnston and said Norwalk's resolutions of support and investor engagement matter to site selectors. The Partnership asked for continued collaboration on state and federal policy priorities and invited city leaders to upcoming advocacy trips.

The presentation closed with an offer to help Norwalk businesses access Partnership programs, from small-business incubators to workforce ambassadorships. Councilmembers thanked the presenters and did not take formal action at the meeting.