The Inconvenient Truth of Economic Development Failures in Des Moines

Tax breaks for businesses that may or may not follow through on their promises? Those are still alive and well. Local governments in Des Moines are doubling down on failed economic development policies, leaving taxpayers and essential public services to bear the cost for years. Elected officials are continuing their economic central planning efforts by subsidizing well-connected corporations and real […]

Des Moines Teaches a Lesson in Economic Development Failure

Elected officials and bureaucrats always have big “economic development” plans. However, these plans are ineffective and cost taxpayers dearly. The changing fortunes of downtown Des Moines, the people who live and work there, and the companies that call it home should teach us all a lesson on the limitations of local governments’ economic development efforts. In the real world, even […]