Iowans for Tax Relief's Local Government Symposium

Join us for a day of insight and discussion designed specifically for local elected officials, candidates, and activists. This symposium provides valuable information and resources to help you govern effectively and responsibly.

• Expert Speakers 
• Best Practices for Local Governance 
• Networking with Fellow Officials

A continental breakfast and buffet lunch will be provided.

Please register by getting your FREE ticket by Friday, July 10, 2026.

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Click to Reserve Your Room: 

West Des Moines Marriott

ITR Group Rate: $169 per night.
The last day to book at this price is Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

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Symposium Agenda:

8:30–9:00: Registration and Continental Breakfast

9:00 Welcome and Opening Remarks
Chris Ingstad, ITR Foundation President

9:15–10:15: Issues with Mission Creep and the True Function of Local Government
Mark Moses, Author of The Municipal Financial Crisis: A Framework for Understanding and Fixing Government Budgeting
Patrick Touhey, Director of Policy at Better Cities Project

10:15–10:30: Break

10:30–11:45: Public Relations and Earned Media: How to Build Credibility, Write Effective Press Releases, Use Social Media Strategically, and Earn Positive Coverage
Leslie Hubert, Deputy Regional Director, State & Local Leaders Program, Leadership Institute

11:45–12:30: Buffet Lunch and Networking

12:30–1:30: Breakout Sessions

• City & County Track: How to Identify Issues in Local Government Budgeting
  Mark Moses and Patrick Touhey, Director of Policy at Better Cities Project
  
• School Board Track School Finance 101
  Terry Stoops, Director of State Affairs at Defending Education

1:30–1:45: Break

1:45–2:30: Current Issues in Local Government Law
Alan Ostergren, President and Chief Counsel of the Kirkwood Institute

2:30–3:15: The Iowa Legislature and the Impact on Local Government
Chris Hagenow, ITR President and Former Iowa House Majority Leader

3:15 Closing Remarks

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