Prairie Meadows Community Impact Luncheon

July 25, 2018 – Des Moines, IA. The Polk County Board of Supervisors and Prairie Meadows representatives co-hosted a joint Community Impact Luncheon on July 24 at 11:30 a.m. in the Prairie Meadows Ballroom. The luncheon recognized the partnership that Polk County and Prairie Meadows have had since 1989 and celebrated the non-profit organizations who have received grant funding from Polk County and Prairie Meadows.

“We are in a unique position with a nonprofit casino like Prairie Meadows. It has allowed us to invest in transformational projects, such as Wells Fargo Arena, and to respond quickly in times of disaster, such as the recent flooding,” said Polk County Board of Supervisors Chair Angela Connolly. She added, “but the work that is done by our non-profit community is what will have a truly lasting impact on our region.

Prairie Meadows opened in 1989. The land the property sits on is owned by Polk County. The facilities are leased from Polk County by a 13-member nonprofit Board of Directors. The Polk County Board of Supervisors and Prairie Meadows have developed a public-private partnership to ensure that revenues from Prairie Meadows lesson the burden of government. Because of this partnership, Prairie Meadows has been able to give more than $760 million to Polk County.

“As a nonprofit, it is Prairie Meadows’ mission to support our community by giving back to organizations that support arts and culture, education, economic development, and human services,” said Gary Palmer, President and CEO of Prairie Meadows. He added, “We are so grateful to have this unique partnership that allows us to make a tremendous impact on our central Iowa community.”

State law requires casinos to return 3 percent of their revenue; however, Prairie Meadows returns more than 20 percent. These funds are reinvested into the community. Through taxes, grants, and charitable donations, Prairie Meadows has given more than $1.73 billion to the state of Iowa. 

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