The hog confinement and environment issues which led to increased regulation are forcing most livestock operations out of Iowa. In contrast, urban sprawl continues. This contributes to further inequities between rural and urban areas. Downtown areas of the metropolitan communities are experiencing an influx of immigrants. This increased diversity creates new challenges for the communities.
Poverty levels are on the rise.
Education continues to be a priority in Iowa. Rural Iowa continues to struggle to adjust to declining school enrollment. School buildings are poorly maintained and there is constant pressure to reorganize into larger school districts to maximize resources. Use of distance learning increases in rural Iowa to compensate for the lack of resources. On the other hand, educational opportunities in the urban areas are robust.