News
Our news section is dedicated to sharing pertinent information about these key issue areas, stories about individuals affiliated with and affected by policies in these areas, as well as news about The Harkin Institute itselfThe Harkin Institute to Convene National Disability Policy Leaders at the 2026 Harkin Summit
DES MOINES — The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement at Drake University will convene national leaders from the private sector, public sector, and self-advocacy communities at the 2026 Harkin Summit, from October 21–22 at the Tom and Ruth Harkin...
read moreThe Harkin Institute launches Inclusion by Design to help municipalities modernize, improve digital accessibility
DES MOINES – The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement today announced Inclusion by Design, a new collaboration with Value Inclusion, Inc. and Clear Vision LLC, to provide digital accessibility auditing and consultancy services for municipalities...
read moreAchieveABLE Futures: Using ABLE Accounts to Reach Your Financial Goals New
REGISTER HERE Join us for a community event focused on financial wellness promoting awareness of IAble accounts, saving and investment accounts designed to help people with disabilities save for tomorrow and spend in the present. This event is co hosted by The Harkin...
read moreThe Harkin Institute announces Victoria Brenton as new Wellness and Nutrition Director
DES MOINES — The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement is pleased to welcome Victoria Brenton, MPH, as the institute’s Director of Wellness and Nutrition. "We are thrilled to welcome Victoria, whose deep expertise in community health systems will...
read moreThe Harkin Institute and Anawim Housing announce collaboration to improve accessibility in affordable housing
DES MOINES – The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement at Drake University and Anawim Housing, along with Hubbell Realty, and Simonson Associates, announced the launch of Affordable Access Des Moines (AADSM) at an event last night at Drake...
read moreMattison Appointed Interim Director, Nutrition & Wellness Policy at The Harkin Institute
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement at Drake University has appointed Sue Mattison, PhD, as interim director of nutrition and wellness policy and senior research fellow, beginning July 9, 2026. Mattison, who has served...
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Pulitzer-Prize winning author Brian Goldstone to headline discussion on the new American homelessness
DES MOINES – Pulitzer Prize-winning author of There Is No Place for Us: Working Homeless in America Brian Goldstone will speak to Iowans on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the fall Sussman Lecture offered by The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement...
read moreThe Harkin Institute named a global leader in disability inclusion and accessibility
The Forbes 2026 Accessibility 200 list recognizes innovators and impact-makers in accessibility around the globe DES MOINES — Creating a world where people with disabilities have access to competitive, integrated employment in all settings strengthens our workforce...
read moreApril 14 | Harkin Retirement Security Symposium 2026: Understanding and Navigating the US Retirement System
Event Information: Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Time: 8:30 AM - 4:15 PM CT Location: Parents Hall, Olmsted Center at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa Live Stream on The Harkin Institute YouTube channel. Event Summary: The 2026 Harkin Retirement Security...
read moreMarch 11 | Harkin On Wellness Symposium 2026: The Treatment and Prevention of Cancer
Event Information: Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT Location: Parents Hall, Olmsted Center at Drake University Live Stream on The Harkin Institute YouTube channel. Registration: This event is free, but registration is required. Your...
read moreMedia and Communications Contact:
harkininstitute@drake.edu
515-271-3623
The Harkin Institute serves as resource not only for information on Sen. Tom Harkin’s career, but also for valuable insight and expertise on the policy issues to which he devoted his career, including wellness and nutrition, retirement security, labor and employment, and people with disabilities.
Address: 2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311
Phone: (515) 271-3623
Email: harkininstitute@drake.edu
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.