Total births in Iowa were down in 2020 for the sixth consecutive year and are on track to sink lower this year, according to preliminary state data released this month.

Why it matters: Iowa has struggled with a relatively stagnant statewide population growth for years and that could impact our economy.

• Our labor force participation rate is expected to decline because of demographic shifts, including slow birth rate, according to a 2020 Iowa Workforce Development report.

The big picture: We’re not alone. There has been a national downward baby trend in the U.S. for at least five years.

• There were already 348 fewer Iowa births in the first two months of this year as compared to 2020, according to preliminary data.

Driving the news:

• Less sex: Levels of sexual activity have fallen during the pandemic, according to a study funded by the Kinsey Institute.
• Economic factors: Child care, housing costs and not enough family leave contribute to why people have fewer children, according to a New York Times survey.

What they’re saying: People don’t want to start or expand their families during times of insecurity, Amahia Mallea, associate professor of History at Drake, told Jason. She predicts the trend will change as we edge out of the pandemic.

• "I expect we’ll see a baby boom. Maybe it’s a baby, baby boom but, yeah, I would expect that," Mallea said.

These are the most popular baby names in Iowa for 2020, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health.

• The + and - represent the changes in the name's popularity rank from 2019.

Top girl names:

• Olivia: 169 (+4)
• Charlotte: 144 (-1)
• Evelyn: 137 (±0)
• Emma: 118 (-2)
• Amelia: 114 (+1)

Top boy names:

• Oliver: 212 (±0)
• Liam: 183 (±0)
• Theodore: 165 (+7)
• Henry: 163 (-1)
• William: 150 (-1)

🐈‍⬛ One meow to go: Oliver is the 3rd most-popular name for a DSM cat.

There’s a groundbreaking ceremony today for a new model home project that includes two-in-one housing.

• Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are built alongside or within another home on a single-family lot.

Flashback: The character Fonzie on "Happy Days" lived in an ADU, which was an apartment in a garage.

Why it matters: ADUs are part of a new push by DSM to help address a shortage of affordable housing.

Be smart: Central Iowa will face a shortfall of tens of thousands of new housing units over the next few decades, according to a DSM study from 2018.

• Affordable units are essential to sustain and grow our metro’s population, the study found.
• New zoning approved by DSM in 2019 enabled more ADUs.

But until now, there has not been a strong model or precedent for ADUs in DSM.

• The new two-story home will include a garage with a 480-square-foot, one-bed apartment.

The project’s collaborators, AARP and Home, Inc., hope the design can be replicated as an option for caregivers and care recipients to live close to each other, Brad Anderson, the group’s Iowa director, told Jason.

• The AARP will launch an advocacy push in June to promote more ADUs in DSM.
• "So buckle up and get ready for ADUapalooza this summer," Anderson said.

⏰ Today's groundbreaking starts at 10am, 1007 Euclid Ave.

Kimberly Graham, an Indianola attorney known for her recent Senate campaign, announced she's launching an exploratory committee to potentially run for Polk County attorney.

Why it matters: The county attorney is the chief law enforcement official of their jurisdiction and holds great influence in prosecutorial decisions. The office has been held by John Sarcone, another Democrat, for 30 years.

The state of play: Sarcone's office has faced scrutiny since he decided to uphold criminal charges against Register reporter Andrea Sahouri, who was arrested while covering a BLM protest last year. A jury found her not guilty.

Graham said she's taking her playbook from a wave of progressive prosecutors — like Suffolk County Attorney Rachel Rollins — who are foregoing prosecuting low-level crimes in favor of more mental health and drug treatment.

• "It's past time to reimagine public safety," Graham said.

Between the lines: Des Moines tried decriminalizing marijuana possession last summer following expert recommendations, but it fell short as key officials, including Police Chief Dana Wingert, withheld their backing.

• But under Graham's proposed approach, she said officers may be less likely to make arrests if they know prosecution is unlikely.

The big picture: Graham said she hopes this will reduce the disproportionate number of people of color who are incarcerated, while also getting residents the help they need.

Sarcone has not publicly shared if he plans on seeking re-election.

What's next: Graham said she will share in June if she's planning on running.

There's more than meets the eye when it comes to President Joe Biden's White House art selections, according to USA Today.

Liz Lidgett, a local art gallery owner here in Des Moines, shared her thoughts on the president's collection, saying he's been incredibly "thoughtful" with his selections.

In a photo shared on the White House Instagram, Biden is seen calling Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, following February's deadly winter storm.

• Behind the president is artist Theobald Chartran’s painting of the signing of the peace protocol that ended the Spanish-American War, according to USAT.

"To me," Lidgett said, "this painting is almost saying, 'I'm asking for unity here. And I don’t care who you voted for. I'm your president, and I'm going to make sure I send you help.'"

The big picture: Presidential artwork has historically reflected personal ideologies and messaging.

• Lidgett says Biden's other Oval Office artwork, including busts of Rosa Parks and Cesar Chavez, are reflective of his efforts towards an inclusive White House.