Advocacy and Policy

State:  

2026 General Elections 

Iowa’s 2026 election ushers in divided state government, with Democrat Rob Sand winning the governor’s office and Republicans retaining control of both legislative chambers with smaller majorities. Democrats also won the open U.S. Senate seat and three of Iowa’s four U.S. House seats. For community colleges, the results set the stage for new state agency leadership and bipartisan negotiations over education, workforce priorities and budgets. Appointments at the Department of Education, Iowa Workforce Development and the Iowa Economic Development Authority will be especially important as colleges work with these agencies on programs and policy. Legislative leadership and committee assignments will also help shape which priorities advance in the coming session. While the election does not itself establish changes to college funding or programs, voters approved Kirkwood Community College’s bond measure authorizing up to $88 million to modernize facilities supporting career-focused programs. Read our full election results and analysis.

Iowa Industrial New Jobs Training Program (260E) Administrative Rules and Interim Study Committee Timeline 

Background 

HF 2799, signed June 2, 2026, made changes to 260E that run on separate tracks. First, it amended the 260E statute; requiring Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) to rewrite the program’s rules (ARC 0629D) to carry out those changes. Second, it created a legislative interim study committee to review the whole program.  

Timeline of Events – What Has Happened 

Date	Track	Event
May 2–3, 2026	Legislation	HF 2799 passes the House 78–7 (May 2) and the Senate 41–0 (May 3).
June 2, 2026	Legislation	Governor signs HF 2799. Effective dates: 06/02/2026 and 07/01/2026.
Aug. 1, 2026	Interim	Statutory deadline for the committee’s first meeting (“on or before August 1, 2026”).
Aug. 19, 2026	Rules	IWD publishes Regulatory Analysis RA 26-259 for new 260E administrative rules.
Sept. 8, 2026	Rules	IWD public hearing on the RA. CCforIowa testifies and files written comments.
Sept. 14, 2026	Rules	ARRC reviews the RA. CCforIowa provides comments.
Sept. 30, 2026	Rules	Notice of Intended Action ARC 0629D published with no changes from the RA.
Oct. 7, 2026	Interim	First (organizational) meeting of the 260E Interim Study Committee.
Oct. 12, 2026	Rules	ARRC calls up ARC 0629D for discussion. Emily Shields testifies. ARRC members ask IWD not to take any action until after the interim report is released Dec. 15, 2026.
Oct. 20, 2026	Rules	IWD public hearings (10–11 a.m. and 2–3 p.m.).
Nov. 16, 2026	Interim – next	Full-day committee review of the program.
Dec. 15, 2026	Interim – next	Deadline for the committee’s report and recommendations to the General Assembly.
TBD	Rules – next	The rules are noticed and filed by IWD and can be reviewed at the next ARRC meeting.
Jan. 2027	Next	The 2027 legislative session can act on the committee’s recommendations.

Significance 

• Rules (immediate, operational): The rules control how 260E works day to day, and several provisions go further than the statute – capping admin expenses at 7%, requiring a 30% employer payment before the release of funds, excluding leadership, communication, and teamwork training. These changes could reduce employer participation, especially among small and rural employers, and shrink college capacity to administer projects.  

• Interim committee (policy direction): The committee is the main forum shaping potential 2027 legislative recommendations. The report could support anything from targeted fixes to broader eligibility changes (such as health care or incumbent workers), to replacing the program.   

What Is Still to Come 

• Rules: IWD reviews comments and decides whether to adopt ARC 0629D as noticed, change it, or not adopt it. If adopted, it will be published as an Adopted and Filed rule, and ARRC can review it again and decide whether to vote for a session delay, 70-day suspension, or objection. If no action is taken, they are adopted as filed.  

• Interim committee: At the Nov. 16 deep dive, the committee must cover the 8 statutory review questions: original objectives, jobs created, wage gains, retention, financial impact and ROI, training quality, targeting of high-demand industries, and underserved sectors. It must also gather participant input; review college partnerships, compliance monitoring, use of bond interest, skill transferability and the payment mechanism; and compare 260E with other incentives. The final report is due Dec. 15, 2026. 

• Combined: The two tracks are not sequenced. While the ARRC has requested IWD to wait for the interim committee’s final report, IWD may finalize rules before it’s released. That could put major operational changes in place before the interim study committee’s review is finished, and any recommendations are made. Because 260E revenue also funds 260F, effects could reach incumbent-worker training as well 

You can also find this information on CCforIowa’s Blog here. 

 

Federal: 

U.S. Department of Education Final Accreditation Rules 

Last Friday, October 29, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) released their finalized rules on accreditation. This began back in the spring with EDs Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization (AIM) negotiated rulemaking process and the creation of the “consensus” agreement. Through August, when the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was released, largely mirroring the negotiated agreement, and received an outpouring of public comments, voicing support for certain provisions and concerns for others. To now, where the final rules are essentially the same as the proposed rules from August.   

Below is an overview of what the final rule includes and will take effect on July 1, 2027.  

• Institutions must disclose credit transfer policies, “adopt consistent criteria for evaluating comparable credits, and prohibit discriminatory denials.” Those that elect to deny transfer credits must give a written explanation to the student with a cost estimate to retake the courses. Students have 15 days to appeal this decision. Institutions must add a student consumer disclosure that informs students and prospective students of the timeline they must submit their transcripts if trying to transfer credit. The review of credits “must conclude prior to the student’s enrollment, registration, or making a nonrefundable financial commitment.”  

• Eliminate the two-year rule to gain initial recognition, along with unnecessary documentation and site visits. 

• “Shift institutions’ and programs’ focus towards cost-effective practices.” 

• Require accreditors to implement measures of student and institutional performance such as completion rates and economic returns.  

• Require accreditors to remove any geographic restrictions or constraints. 

• Prohibit colleges and universities from engaging in preferential treatment, hiring, and promotion based on protected characteristics. 

• Require accreditors to be neutral in viewpoint and ideology and clarify expectations for “reviewing student achievement and faculty-related policies, including academic freedom and intellectual diversity.” 

Source: ACCT Latest Action in Washington, October 29, 2026. 

 

CCforIowa Bulletin 

Sign Up Drive: Iowa counts on community colleges. Can we count on you? 

While there are some unknowns in the political landscape right now––we won’t learn which lawmakers we’ll be working with until the elections are over, and each party’s priorities won’t be announced until closer to the start of session––we know for certain what is the best use of our time right now: growing this network of informed and ready advocates.   

Could you help us spread the word? 

• Send a text to community college supporters you know (including students and graduates!) 

• Add to emails you’re already sending to others who work for or with community colleges 

• Post (or repost) on social media (tag us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn) 

Send this link: https://bit.ly/ccforiowaadvocate 

Send any message you want! Most often, we see advocates say something like: “I signed up to be an advocate for community colleges. This is a statewide effort to make a difference at the Iowa Capitol, which includes decisions that affect tuition rates, scholarships available, and programs offered. This helps all community college students and campuses across Iowa.” 

Every voice counts––thank you for using yours! 

Convention & Tradeshow Updates with December Approaching Fast 

Announcing Honorees for the 2026 Outstanding Community College Awards 

For one night a year, crossing the stage isn’t just for our graduates—it’s for the extraordinary people who help them get there. The 2026 Outstanding Community College Awards honor educators, leaders, and champions shaping the future of our state. See each award category and awards below, and be sure to go to this page that shares the merit that led to each leader’s nomination! 

Statewide 

• Outstanding Innovation Award: Travis Bloomquist, Iowa Valley Community College District 

• Outstanding Alumni Award: Kai Saengthammavong, Western Iowa Tech Community College 

• Outstanding Business & Industry Partner Award: Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, Northeast Iowa Community College 

• Outstanding Advocate (to be announced at the event) 

By Institution 

• DMACC 

• • Outstanding Faculty Member: Colin Hogan 

• • Outstanding Staff Member: Corey Trader 

• Eastern Iowa Community College 

• • Outstanding Faculty Member: Dr. Amy Foley 

• • Outstanding Staff Member: Brandon Lange 

• Hawkeye Community College 

• • Outstanding Faculty Member: Mike Herring 

• • Outstanding Staff Member: Constance Grimm 

• Indian Hills Community College 

• • Outstanding Faculty Member: Heidi Munsell 

• • Outstanding Staff Member: Shelle Harvey 

• Iowa Central Community College 

• • Outstanding Faculty Member: Rob Hepperle 

• • Outstanding Staff Member: Brandon Bush 

• Iowa Lakes Community College 

• • Outstanding Faculty Member: Annette Lindquist 

• • Outstanding Staff Member: Kari Hampe 

• Iowa Valley Community College District 

• • Outstanding Faculty Member: Doug Curren 

• • Outstanding Staff Member: Cindy Uhlenberg 

• Iowa Western Community College  

• • Outstanding Faculty Member: Keith Hale 

• • Outstanding Staff Member: Andrea Huckabee 

• Kirkwood Community College 

• • Outstanding Faculty Member: Shawna Moss 

• • Outstanding Staff Member: Amanda Thompson 

• NIACC 

• • Outstanding Faculty Member: Sethanne DeGabriele 

• • Outstanding Staff Member: Mindy Eastman 

• Northeast Iowa Community College 

• • Outstanding Faculty Member: Andrea Barth MSN, RN 

• • Outstanding Staff Member: MJ Dachelet 

• Northwest Iowa Community College 

• • Outstanding Faculty Member: Kaylyn Pick 

• • Outstanding Staff Member: Lori Richards 

• Southeastern Community College 

• • Outstanding Faculty Member: Dr. Lori Henderson 

• • Outstanding Staff Member: Dennis Marino 

• Southwestern Iowa Community College 

• • Outstanding Faculty Member: Jeff Sorensen 

• • Outstanding Staff Member: Tracey Evans 

• WITCC 

• • Outstanding Faculty Member: Jullina Williams 

• • Outstanding Staff Member: Amy Hueser 

 

3 Weeks to Register: Be in the right *space* for your professional development! 

Buckle in for an adventure on Dec. 1-3. Awards are just a piece of the journey, with professional development like none other! There’s no better place to deepen your work and impact than with the network you lean on, collaborate with, and grow alongside. Registration closes Nov. 22: Get your ticket here! 

With any questions about tickets and registration, please contact our Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Monique Ellefson at mellefson@ccforiowa.org. 

 

Iowa Community Colleges Converge in Chicago at ACCT Leadership Congress 

This year’s Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Leadership Congress was held in Chicago, and Iowa’s community colleges showed up ready to represent! There were nearly 100 attendees from Iowa, and numerous sessions led by or featuring Iowa community college leadership! These include: 

• Eastern Iowa Community College led a session on Leading Through Transition: Communication, Governance, and First-Year Onboarding 

• Western Iowa Community College provided an in-depth institutional analysis to help other community colleges across the country assess whether they are ready to pursue Workforce Pell programming 

• Kirkwood Community Colleges walked through the calculations and considerations to have ready and equipped campus facilities 

• Iowa Central Community College was featured on a panel beside an Oregon community college to compare and contrast experiences with tax and bond efforts  

We are especially grateful for all of the trustees who are stepping away from home, work, and life to travel and participate in professional development for this volunteer role! 

 

Iowa Community Colleges’ Marketing Teams Win Big at NCMPR 

This year’s National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR)’s District 5 awards led to many big wins for Iowa community colleges’ marketing teams, including Mary Pat Moore with Hawkeye Community College, who was announced as Communicator of the Year, and Nathan Klaus with Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, who as announced as Creative of the Year! Many other projects received recognition in a variety of categories spanning print, digital, social media, and more! All awards are listed here. 

 

• Print–Viewbook:  

• Gold went to Eastern Iowa Community Colleges 

• Bronze went to Western Iowa Tech Community College 

• Print–Newsletter/Magazine Small-Scale:  

• Gold went to Hawkeye Community College 

• Silver went to Hawkeye Community College 

• Bronze went to Southeastern Community College 

• Print–Magazine Large-Scale: 

• Bronze went to Eastern Iowa Community College District 

• Print–Brochure (single or series): 

• Silver went to Eastern Iowa Community College District 

• Bronze went to Hawkeye Community College 

• Print–Booklet: 

• Silver went to North Iowa Area Community College 

• Print–Postcard (single or series): 

• Gold went to Eastern Iowa Community College District 

• Silver went to North Iowa Area Community College 

• Bronze went to Southeastern Community College 

• Print–Poster (single or series): 

• Silver went to Kansas City Kansas Community College 

• Print–Print Wild Card: 

• Silver went to North Iowa Area Community College 

• Digital/Electronic Media–E-Publications: 

• Silver went to Western Iowa Tech Community College 

• Digital/Electronic Media–E-Newsletter: 

• Bronze went to North Iowa Area Community College 

• Digital/Electronic Media–E-Cards: 

• Bronze went to Kirkwood Community College 

• Digital/Electronic Media–Audio Content: 

• Gold went to Northeast Iowa Community College 

• Social Media–Social Media Page: 

• Gold went to Southeastern Community College 

• Social Media–2Social Media Post or Story-Still: 

• Gold went to Kirkwood Community College 

• Video–Promotional Video-Short Form: 

• Gold went to Southeastern Community College 

• Video–Video Shorts (series): 

• Silver went to North Iowa Area Community College 

• Photography/Illustration–Original Photography (Unmanipulated): 

• Bronze went to Kirkwood Community College 

• Photography/Illustration–Original Photography (Manipulated): 

• Bronze went to Hawkeye Community College 

• Photography/Illustration–Logo Design: 

• Silver went to Hawkeye Community College 

• Advertising–Print Advertisement (single or series): 

• Bronze went to North Iowa Area Community College 

• Advertising–Television/Video Paid Advertisement (single): 

• Gold went to Kirkwood Community College 

• Silver went to Western Iowa Tech Community College 

• Advertising–Outdoor Signage/Displays (single or series): 

• Gold went to Kirkwood Community College 

• Advertising–Interior Signage/Displays (single or series): 

• Gold went to Kirkwood Community College 

• Campaigns–Successful Recruitment or Marketing Program Campaign: 

• Gold went to Eastern Iowa Community College District 

• Campaigns–Social Media or Online Marketing Campaign: 

• Gold went to Eastern Iowa Community College District 

• Silver went to Hawkeye Community College 

• Campaigns–Campaign Wild Card: 

• Gold went to Eastern Iowa Community College District 

• Miscellaneous–Excellence in Writing-Short Form: 

• Gold went to Eastern Iowa Community College District 

• Silver went to Southeastern Community College 

• Miscellaneous–Excellence in Writing-Long Form: 

• Gold went to Eastern Iowa Community College District 

• Silver went to Kirkwood Community College 

• Miscellaneous–Logo Wear: 

• Gold went to Eastern Iowa Community College District 

• Miscellaneous–Novelty: 

• Gold went to Kirkwood Community College 

• Miscellaneous–Wild Card: 

• Bronze went to North Iowa Area Community College 

 

Student Success Story: Meet Brittany 

Meet Brittany: combining her passion for care and mental health with education.  

Brittany is already leading the way in her field of study, having given the commencement speech for her class of 2025 when she earned her Associate of Science degree. She balances school with a busy personal life as a proud mother of 5. She is now enrolled in Eastern Iowa Community College’s nursing program, and her goal is to earn a Doctorate of Nursing Practice with a focus in Psychiatric Mental Health. 

Brittany was recognized for her leadership and academic achievement when named to the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society’s 2026 All-Iowa Academic Team. Thanks for all your hard work, Brittany! 

 Follow along with and share this student series through CCforIowa’s social media channels! 

 

News 

Community College Daily: New SCCTG awards focus on Workforce Pell efforts  

Iowa is one of seven states to be approved for the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Strengthening Community College Training Grants (SCCTG). The DOL’s goal on this sixth round of applications is focused on statewide consortia or community college systems, ensuring that the expansion of programs and the development of new curricula extends throughout the state. These grants are meant to strengthen workforce readiness and prepare students for careers in rapidly growing industries such as nuclear power, information technology, and healthcare. More details here. 

 

Decorah News: NICC Facing Possible Funding Cut for Soft Skills  

Potential changes to workforce training programs could affect community colleges’ ability to cover soft skills like interpersonal communication and leadership, as new legislation cuts funding to training in those areas. Businesses associated with the 260E and F have benefitted from partnerships with community colleges in Iowa for over 40 years, and the changes to the Industrial New Jobs Training Program restrict funding for less technical areas of education. These changes come as businesses associated with Northeast Iowa Community College report a need for soft skills in addition to technical training from their future trainees and employees. The interim study committee will submit recommendations for further legislative action by December 15, 2026. More details here. 

 

WITCC: WITCC Recognized as Apple Distinguished School  

Since 2016, Western Iowa Tech Community College has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School. The college has been recognized for a fourth consecutive term for integrating technology with their programs, from online learning to in-person collaboration and creativity with their one-to-one technology program.  

“My students are working on real-world projects in a real-world environment while working to better themselves both personally and professionally,” said Chris Mansfield, WITCC instructor of Audio Engineering and Video and Media Production. Read more here. 

 

KCRG News: New training ground opens for future truck drivers at Indian Hills Community College  

With the demand for commercial truck drivers growing nationwide, Indian Hills Community College is stepping up to fill the need. A new CDL training facility in Ottumwa includes a skid pad, a paved lot, and trucks and trailers to provide students with hands-on experience behind the wheel for their six-week certification program. 

IHCC President Dr. Matt Thompson said, “We’re excited to be able to provide family-sustaining wages through the programs that we offer. And 90% of our students stay right here in the 10-county region that we serve after they graduate, which is always a goal of ours.” More details here. 

 

Our Quad Cities: Study shows Eastern Iowa Community Colleges’ economic impact on region   

Community colleges historically benefit the surrounding community, and a new study from Lightcast partnering with Eastern Iowa Community College shows just how much impact a school can have. According to the newly-released study, alumni impacts of increased wages and added productivity for local businesses added up to $651.6 million in 2024-25, which is the equivalent of hosting the Super Bowl twice within one year. For every $1 spent on education, students were shown to gain $6.20 in higher earnings, and taxpayers around the school gain $1.90 in revenue and savings. Read more here. 

  

iJAG: Partnership with WITCC  

Western Iowa Tech Community College has announced a partnership with nonprofit Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) to expand career development and workforce preparation. The initiative seeks to support students as they make educational decisions and to foster relationships between students and local businesses, other alumni, and community resources. More information here. 

 

KCRG: Voters approve $88M Kirkwood Community College bond 

One item on the ballot in 18 Iowa counties this election was Kirkwood Community College’s $88 million bond, an increase from their previous $60 million bond. The increase reflects inflation and the needs of the growing school, as the funds will help update and improve classrooms, tools, and facilities to give students the highest possible quality education to prepare them for Iowa’s workforce. Read more here. 

 

Resources 

CCforIowa’s Resources: Jobs for the Future 

Where are the quality jobs? What education and experience are needed to get them?  Jobs for the Future (JFF) is a national organization with the goal of 75 million Americans overcoming barriers and acquiring quality jobs by 2033. JFF partners with schools, colleges, and organizations to research and implement best practices for removing barriers potential students face in education by forming connections with local companies and policymakers. Check out Jobs for the Future here! 

 

Association of Community College Trustees: “Financial Aid: A Guide for Community College Leaders”   

The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) has released new documentation to provide community college leaders with guidance and framework for navigating financial aid. The guide illustrates financial aid options, student considerations, and how policy and legislative decisions impact funding for students and colleges alike. Advocates for community colleges are encouraged to share this guide with their peers and spread the word about the connection between funding and high-quality, accessible education for people across the state. Get the guide here. 

 

What is one thing you noticed or learned recently that surprised you or changed your thinking about community colleges? 

How has your perspective on community colleges changed in the last year? In this brief form, submit your answer. We will share responses in this newsletter and on social media! 

 

Job Opportunities: What better place to work than at an Iowa community college? 

Working for a community college means strengthening the entire community around you! Colleges across Iowa are looking for faculty, staff, and operations positions. If you know a talented and passionate Iowans who may be interested in a new chapter of their career at a community college, have them check out these job boards/listings: 

• Northeast Iowa Community College (Dubuque/Calmar/Peosta/Cresco/Oelwein/Manchester/Waukon) 

• North Iowa Area Community College (Mason City) 

• Iowa Lakes Community College (Estherville/ Emmetsburg/Spirit Lake) 

• Northwest Iowa Community College (Sioux Center/Sheldon) 

• Iowa Central Community College (Fort Dodge) 

• Iowa Valley Community College District (Marshalltown/Iowa Falls/Grinnell) — Now hiring a Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer who will serve as the District’s chief financial officer and a member of the executive leadership team, providing strategic leadership in all financial aspects of Iowa Valley Community College District. 

• Hawkeye Community College (Waterloo) — now hiring Iowa STRONG Consortium Director and Consortium Data Specialist 

• Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (Muscatine/Clinton/Bettendorf) 

• Kirkwood Community College (Cedar Rapids/Coralville/Hiawatha/Monticello/Vinton/Washington/Williamsburg) 

• Des Moines Area Community College (Central Iowa)  

• Western Iowa Tech Community College (Sioux City/Denison) 

• Iowa Western Community College (Council Bluffs/ Clarinda/ Harlan/ Atlantic/ Missouri Valley) 

• Southwestern Community College (Creston) 

• Indian Hills Community College (Ottumwa) 

• Southeastern Iowa Community College (West Burlington/ Keokuk) 

Does your campus want specific job opportunities highlighted? Email marketing@ccforiowa.org to be featured.