A strong regional partnership traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for projects and policies that support growth, workforce development, and long-term investment in Fort Dodge and Webster County. The delegation included leaders from the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, Webster County, the City of Fort Dodge, Iowa Central Community College, and local partners from McClure Engineering and Snyder & Associates.

During the trip, the group met with federal agencies and Iowa’s congressional delegation to discuss priorities that can help advance local projects, from infrastructure and airport needs to downtown reinvestment and workforce training. The message was clear: when local, state, and federal partners work together, communities are better positioned to secure the support needed to sustain momentum.

Why these visits matter

Trips like this help local leaders tell the story of our region directly to the decision-makers who shape funding and policy. The delegation used the opportunity to highlight the importance of federal investment in projects that strengthen public infrastructure, support employers, improve transportation access, and prepare the next generation of workers.

The 2026 legislative priorities included Iowa Crossroads of Global Innovation infrastructure funding, removing regulatory barriers to business growth, USDA Rural Development eligibility, a downtown revolving loan and rehabilitation grant, EPA grant opportunities that impact downtown revitalization, Des Moines River improvements, airport improvement funding and essential air service support, and support for Iowa Central’s workforce and technical education programs. The agenda also included meetings with the EPA, USDA, SBA, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. DOT, and members of the Iowa legislature.

Building momentum together

“Being part of this delegation to Washington, D.C. highlights how important our collaborative efforts are,” said Webster County Supervisor Chair Austin Hayek. “We are able to reinforce the efforts made between Fort Dodge, Webster County, and the Growth Alliance in driving economic opportunity, as well as Iowa Central Community College, as they build up our next generation of leaders in the workforce and our private sector, providing the opportunities to grow Webster County. Meeting with the agencies and our legislators really helps showcase the opportunities Webster County truly has to help shape legislation to keep us growing.”

Fort Dodge, Mayor Dave Flattery said, “It is important that our local officials visit Washington, D.C. each year to highlight Fort Dodge and Webster County's successes, positioning us for continued growth. It is very important that our elected delegation in Washington understands our local priorities so they can help shape legislation that directly benefits our community's future.”

Scott Davis, Fort Dodge City Council Member, said, “The collaboration between federal, city, county, Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, and Iowa Central was extremely impressive. How we all worked together for the common good of Fort Dodge and Webster County and Iowa Central.”

Relationships that matter

Sara Rustvold, Fort Dodge Regional Airport Director, said, “This was my first trip with the local delegation. I knew the collaboration between our City, County, Iowa Central, and other business leaders was strong, but to see it in action was impressive. This group is actively driving progress forward to continue to make Fort Dodge and Webster County a wonderful place to call home.”

Jim Kersten added, “Having participated in these DC trips for many years, it is priceless to develop personal and trusting relationships with our Delegation, their staff, and federal agencies. While our elected officials are not new very often, their staff and federal agency staff change, so developing those relationships is priceless and has been very beneficial to the community and Iowa Central.”

Megan Secor, Fort Dodge City Council Member, said, “Through this delegation, we established critical relationships with leaders at the SBA, Chamber of Commerce, EPA, and USDA — partnerships that will directly support the growth and advancement of our community. It was a tremendously productive and eye-opening experience.”

Astra Ferris, CEO of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, said, “Our recent trip to our nation’s capital wasn’t ceremonial; it was intentional. We showed up alongside our Fort Dodge and Webster County delegation to advocate for the continued growth of our region, to strengthen critical federal relationships, and to ensure our community is not waiting on opportunity; we are helping shape it. Because the reality is this: relationships drive results. And when we sit down with members of Congress and federal agencies, we are not just telling our story, we are positioning our region to compete, to win, and to deliver for our businesses, our workforce, and the next generation we are preparing right here at home.”

Dr. Jesse Ulrich, President of Iowa Central Community College, said, “Our recent trip to Washington, D.C. was a valuable opportunity to join our local delegation to advocate for growth of our region and to strengthen relationships with our federal legislators and their staff. These connections are critical as we advocate for our communities and the students we serve, and by meeting with agencies and members of Congress, we were able to highlight our priorities and the challenges facing our region.”