About Us

On April 5, 2007, Governor Culver signed HF 617, better known as the "Generation Iowa" bill, into law. The commission was established to advise and assist in the retention and attraction of young adults to Iowa.

Our Responsibilities

Written Report with Findings

By January 15, 2008, the Commission must submit a written report to the Governor and the general assembly. The report will include findings and recommendations of the commission regarding the status of efforts to attract and retain the young adult population in the state, career opportunities and educational needs of young adults, and the movement of the young adult population between rural areas and urban areas and between Iowa and other states. The commission will submit an updated report to the governor and the general assembly by January 15, 2009, and by January 15 in every odd-numbered year thereafter.

By January 15 in years when the update is not required, the commission will submit to the governor and the general assembly a written status report which will include an analysis of progress made during the previous calendar year on any recommendations in the report and any available updates on data included in the report.

Advising the Iowa Department of Economic Development

The commission will advise and assist the Iowa Department of Economic Development in activities designed to retain and attract the young adult population.

The commission will develop and make available best practices guidelines for employers to attract and retain young adult employees.

Our Membership

The commission will consist of 15 voting members appointed by the governor, subject to confirmation by the senate. At the time of appointment or reappointment, a member must be at least eighteen years of age, but less than thirty-five years of age. The voting membership must reflect diversity within all of the following areas:

• Geographic location within the state.
• Public, private, and nonprofit sector employment.
• Location of secondary and higher education within and outside Iowa.
• Urban and rural residents.
• Multicultural diversity.

The voting members will serve staggered, three-year terms as designated by the governor. Members may be reappointed by the governor provided certain requirements are met.

Ex-Officio Members

Four members of the general assembly shall serve as nonvoting, ex officio members of the commission with two from the senate and two from the house of representatives and not more than one member from each chamber being from the same political party. The two senators will be designated by the president of the senate after consultation with the majority and minority leaders of the senate.

The two representatives will be designated by the speaker of the house of representatives after consultation with the majority and minority leaders of the house of representatives.