Des Moines, Iowa

Council Work Session

The Mayor and City Council will hold a work session for the second strategic planning session. Attendees will discuss upcoming topics including budget discussions, skywalk signage, and an update from the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

• 2nd Strategic Planning Session
• Budget Discussions
• Skywalk Signage
• Greater Des Moines Partnership update

Special Council Meeting

The Des Moines City Council is holding a special meeting to consider two alcoholic beverage license applications for events on July 11, 2026. The first is a Special Class C license for the Beaverdale Neighborhood's Bluegrass Festival at 4900 Hickman Rd. The second is a temporary outdoor service license for Carl's Place at 1620 Woodland Ave for a charity event. The council will also vote on the agenda and then adjourn.

• Special Class C liquor license (beer/wine) for Beaverdale Neighborhood Bluegrass Festival on July 11 at 4900 Hickman Rd
• Temporary outdoor service Class C liquor license for Carl's Place charity event on July 11 at 1620 Woodland Ave

The Des Moines City Council approved two special event Class C liquor licenses on July 2, 2026. Both approvals allow temporary alcohol service at locations near Hickman Road and Woodland Avenue for events scheduled on July 11. The council also adopted the agenda and adjourned immediately.

• Approved two special event Class C liquor licenses (6-0)
• Authorized temporary beer/wine service for a Bluegrass Festival at 4900 Hickman Rd on July 11, 2026
• Authorized temporary liquor service for a charity event at 1620 Woodland Ave on July 11, 2026
• Adopted the meeting agenda (6-0)

City Council

The Des Moines City Council will consider a consent agenda of routine items including liquor licenses, permits, and contract approvals, plus several individual items. Notable actions include setting a public hearing for a rezoning request at 2006 Indianola Avenue, approving a $1.7 million vehicle purchase, and advancing urban renewal development agreements for a historic warehouse renovation and a Kemin warehouse expansion.

• Public hearing set for July 13 on rezoning 2006 Indianola Ave from N5 to MX1 to allow a tobacco store (item 25)
• Approval of urban renewal development agreement with Threshing Warehouse LLC for historic renovation at 108 SE 4th St (item 31)
• Purchase of up to 41 vehicles for city departments, max $1,700,000 (item 44)
• Change order for $1,097,726 on Southeast Connector road project (item 11)
• Acquisition of license plate recognition software for police, $157,200 over five years (item 43)

The City Council approved numerous liquor, tobacco, and device retailer permits. Additionally, the council authorized several public improvement projects, including skywalk improvements and road maintenance agreements.

• Approved alcoholic beverage license applications (7-0)
• Approved cigarette, tobacco, nicotine, and vapor permits (6-1)
• Approved device retailer permits (6-1)
• Ordered construction of Skywalk Exterior Improvements Phase 1 (7-0)
• Approved Iowa DOT agreement for primary road maintenance (7-0)
• Accepted MidAmerican Energy proposal for E. Court Avenue streetlights (7-0)
• Approved HR Green, Inc. agreement for SW 9th Street Bridge rehabilitation (7-0)
• Approved Southeast Connector change order for $1,097,726.59 (7-0)

Council Work Session

The Mayor and City Council will meet for a work session focused on strategic planning. The agenda includes discussions on the budget, skywalk signage, and an update from the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

• Budget discussions
• Skywalk signage
• Greater Des Moines Partnership update

FY28/29 Budget Discussion

The Mayor and City Council will meet to review and consider the proposed budget for fiscal years 2028 and 2029. The discussion will include strategic planning updates and a report from the Greater Des Moines Partnership. No decisions are recorded in the agenda text.

• FY2028 / FY2029 budget discussion
• Strategic planning update
• Greater Des Moines Partnership update

Council Work Session

The Des Moines City Council held a work session on June 8, 2026. Council members will receive an update on sustainability initiatives, review an analysis of tax abatement policies, and consider changes to towing legislation. No formal decisions are noted in the agenda.

• Sustainability Update
• Tax Abatement Analysis
• Towing Legislation Changes

City Council

The council will vote on a consent agenda of routine items including liquor licenses, permits, public improvement contracts, and property transactions. It will also set public hearings for June 29 on several rezoning requests, including Broadlawns Medical Center's proposal to amend the comprehensive plan and rezone parcels for a surface parking lot, a group living shelter at 1011 Park Avenue, and a residential rezoning at 2551 Maury Street. Other notable actions include accepting a $1.97 million water trail donation and approving a $486,917 sewer study contract.

• Setting June 29 hearing on Broadlawns Medical Center request to rezone parcels near 1826 Hickman Road for a surface parking lot and amend the comprehensive plan
• Setting June 29 hearing on rezoning 1011 Park Avenue from NX1 to NX2 for a group living shelter
• Setting June 29 hearing on rezoning 2551 Maury Street from Business Park to Low Density Residential
• Accepting substantial completion and donation of the Harriet Street Access Water Trails Improvement valued at $1,972,751.84
• Approving supplemental agreement with HDR Engineering for citywide sanitary sewer I&I program, not to exceed $486,917

The City Council approved numerous alcoholic beverage, cigarette, and tobacco permits. The council also authorized several construction agreements, including a supplemental sewer program agreement and road reconstruction change order.

• Approved agenda and consent agenda (7-0)
• Approved various alcoholic beverage license applications (7-0)
• Approved cigarette, tobacco, and nicotine permits (6-1)
• Approved device retailer permits (6-1)
• Approved $486,917 supplemental agreement for sanitary sewer program (7-0)
• Approved $156,220.06 change order for E. Court Avenue reconstruction (7-0)
• Approved private construction contracts for Woodmont Plat 1 and Three Lakes Estates Plat 14 (7-0)
• Accepted $1,972,751.84 donation for Harriet Street Access Water Trails Improvement (7-0)

Council Work Session

The Des Moines City Council will hold a work session to receive updates on the Des Moines Water Works and the Des Moines Library, and to discuss the FYE28 budget gap. No votes or decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion-only meeting.

• Des Moines Water Works update
• Des Moines Library update
• FYE28 budget gap discussion

City Council

The council will vote on a consent agenda consisting of routine items such as liquor licenses, tobacco permits, and property claims, along with separate hearings on property conveyance, right-of-way vacation, and a church rezoning. Notable actions include a proposal to rezone 3125 Kingman Boulevard for 20 rowhome units, an urban renewal agreement for historic renovation at 108 SE 4th Street, and amendments to rental inspection fees.

• Rezoning 3125 Kingman Boulevard from N5-4 to Limited NX3 to allow 20 rowhome units
• Urban renewal development agreement with Rypma Properties for historic renovation at 108 SE 4th Street into office space
• Conveyance of city-owned property at 2704-2718 George Flagg Parkway to South by Southwest, LLC for $155,000
• Amendments to rental inspection and licensing fees (Chapter 60)
• Purchase of playground and aquatic equipment not to exceed $75,000 and playground tiles not to exceed $185,000

The council adopted the meeting agenda and consent agenda unanimously. It approved a slate of new and renewal alcoholic beverage licenses and tobacco/vape permits. The body also approved a private construction contract for storm‑sewer work at Des Moines Prep, acquired three Euclid Avenue parcels for $600,000, dedicated a Grand Avenue/45th Street right‑of‑way, and adopted preliminary terms of an urban‑renewal agreement for a warehouse at 108 SE 4th Street.

• Adopted meeting agenda (7-0)
• Adopted consent agenda items 3‑34 (7-0)
• Approved multiple alcoholic beverage licenses (7-0)
• Approved cigarette/tobacco/nicotine/vape permits (6-1)
• Approved private construction contract for Des Moines Prep storm‑sewer improvements (7-0)
• Accepted real estate documents to acquire 206, 208, 210 Euclid Ave for $600,000 (7-0)
• Dedicated Grand Avenue and 45th Street right‑of‑way as public (7-0)
• Adopted preliminary terms of urban renewal agreement for 108 SE 4th St (7-0)

City Council

The consent agenda includes routine licenses, permits, and contracts. Public hearings address property easements, street vacations, and a zoning change for a church. Notable discussion items include supporting Workforce Housing Tax Credit applications for four projects totaling over $93 million and approving a $498,851 contract for adaptive traffic signals on SE 14th Street.

• Supporting WHTC applications: Carpenter Row (16 units, $3.3M at 1245 21st St), Kingman Townhomes (20 units, $7.1M at 3125 Kingman Blvd), Mezzo on Walnut (209 units, $77M at 606 Walnut St), University of Commerce Historic Renovation (14 units, $5.8M at 615 Euclid Ave)
• Rezoning request for 3024 52nd Street from N3b to P2 to allow church prayer garden and columbarium
• Professional services agreement with Olsson, Inc. for SE 14th Street Adaptive Traffic Signal Control Project, not to exceed $498,851
• Voluntary acquisition of 200 Euclid Avenue for $437,064 using CDBG funds for stabilization
• Approval of 101 tax abatement applications for work completed in 2026

The Des Moines City Council adopted a series of contracts and permits, including a $77 million development of 209 units at 606 Walnut Street. It also approved professional services for traffic signal control, a change order for parking garage repairs, a pool‑painting contract, and the purchase of property at 200 Euclid Avenue for $437,064. Additional approvals covered reprogramming CDBG funds and several housing projects totaling over $90 million.

• Approved Professional Services Agreement for SE 14th St Adaptive Traffic Signal Control Project, up to $498,851 (7‑0)
• Approved Change Order No. 4 for 2025 Parking Garage Repair Program, $107,255 (7‑0)
• Approved Nahas Pool Painting and Repairs contract, $128,860 (7‑0)
• Accepted real estate acquisition at 200 Euclid Avenue for $437,064 (7‑0)
• Approved Mezzo on Walnut development, $77,000,000 for 209 units at 606 Walnut St (7‑0)
• Approved Kingman Townhomes project, $7,099,120 for 20 units at 3125 Kingman Blvd (7‑0)
• Approved University of Commerce Historic Renovation, $5,768,814 for 14 units at 615 Euclid Ave (7‑0)
• Approved reprogramming of prior‑year unspent CDBG funds (7‑0)

Council Work Session

The Mayor and City Council will hold a work session to discuss Invest DSM, the Metro Waste Authority, and Restore the Core. The meeting also includes upcoming topics regarding the library and budget.

• Invest DSM Update
• Metro Waste Authority
• Restore the Core
• Library Update
• Budget Discussion

Council Work Session

The Mayor and City Council will hold a work session to discuss updates regarding the Blank Park Zoo and a legislative update. The body will also receive a presentation from auditors regarding the annual audit.

• Blank Park Zoo Update
• Auditors’ Presentation of Annual Audit
• Legislative Update

City Council

The Des Moines City Council will vote on a consent agenda of routine items and hold public hearings on several major projects. Notable actions include awarding an $8.4 million contract for Birdland Park Phase 1B improvements, approving a $550,000 downtown skywalk signage replacement, and final consideration of the Carpenter TIF District No. 2. The council will also hear a rezoning request for a new athletic field near 107 E. 6th Street.

• Birdland Park Phase 1B Improvements contract with Minturn, Inc. for $8,398,738.65
• Downtown Skywalk Signage Replacement ordering construction, $550,000
• Rezoning three parcels near 107 E. 6th Street from DX2 to DXR for a new athletic field
• Voluntary acquisition of 200 Euclid Avenue for $425,000 using CDBG funds
• Final consideration of ordinance establishing Carpenter TIF District No. 2

The council adopted a series of approvals, including the creation of the Carpenter TIF District No. 2, multiple professional services agreements, and several procurement contracts. All motions carried a unanimous 7‑0 vote. The council also reappointed a historic preservation commissioner and appointed two members to the Performing Arts Board.

• Approved Downtown Skywalk signage replacement construction ($550,000) (7-0)
• Approved professional services agreement with HDR Engineering for Guthrie Avenue traffic signal improvements, not to exceed $141,410 (7-0)
• Approved professional services agreement with HDR Engineering for city‑wide speed management study, not to exceed $248,000 (7-0)
• Approved levy of assessments for nuisance abatement (7-0)
• Approved reappointment of John Beard to Historic Preservation Commission (7-0)
• Approved appointment of Council Members Mike Simonson and Josh Mandelbaum to Des Moines Performing Arts Board (7-0)
• Approved establishment of Carpenter TIF District No. 2 in the Carpenter Urban Renewal Area (7-0)
• Approved purchase of Portland cement concrete (estimated $990,000) (7-0)

City Council

The council holds a public hearing and votes on rezoning 3820 11th Street from N5 to NX2 to allow conversion to group living (requires six votes due to opposition). It also considers the final FY2027 budget, the four-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and multiple construction contracts including Guthrie Avenue Bridge rehabilitation for $6.1 million. A closed session is scheduled to discuss litigation strategy.

• Rezoning request for 3820 11th Street from N5 to NX2 for group living (requires six votes, Plan and Zoning Commission recommends denial)
• Guthrie Avenue Bridge rehabilitation over Union Pacific Railroad, contract with Jasper Construction Services for $6,124,564
• SW 9th Street Rehabilitation from Watrous to Wolcott and Park to Creston, engineer's estimate $1,700,000
• Urban renewal development agreement with UA Station, LLC for 35-unit apartment building at 2211 University Avenue
• Approval of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2029-30

The Des Moines City Council approved three large public‑works contracts totaling $2.75 million: a $600,000 traffic‑signal replacement, a $1.7 million SW 9th Street rehabilitation, and a $450,000 sewer‑repair contract. It also adopted smaller contracts for police‑station vestibule improvements, a private storm‑sewer project, and a slate of alcoholic‑beverage licenses. Additional actions included adopting budgets for several self‑supported municipal improvement districts and a new collective‑bargaining agreement with the city employees union.

• Approved $600,000 traffic signal replacement at Merle Hay Rd & Meredith Dr (7-0)
• Approved $1.7M SW 9th Street rehabilitation from Watrous Ave to Wolcott Ave (7-0)
• Approved $450,000 2026 sewer repair contract (7-0)
• Approved $20,617 Police Station vestibule improvements contract (7-0)
• Approved private storm sewer improvements contract at 6000 SE 14th St (7-0)
• Approved multiple alcoholic beverage license applications (7-0)
• Adopted proposed budgets for Downtown, Ingersoll‑Grand, and SW 9th Corridor SSMIDs (7-0)
• Adopted collective bargaining agreement with CIPEC (7-0)

Joint meeting with Des Moines Public School Board

The Des Moines City Council and Des Moines Public School Board are meeting jointly to receive an overview and update on the Reimagining Education initiative. No votes or decisions are scheduled beyond the update presentation and a motion to adjourn.

• Reimagining Education overview and update presented to both bodies

The Des Moines City Council adopted the Reimagining Education Overview and Update presentation with a unanimous 7‑0 vote. The council then moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:26 PM, also passing unanimously (7‑0).

• Adopted Reimagining Education Overview presentation (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:26 PM (7-0)

City Council

The Des Moines City Council will vote on a wide range of items, including liquor license renewals, public‑improvement contracts, special assessments, board appointments, zoning requests, and budget matters. Several infrastructure contracts will be approved, such as a hot‑mix asphalt resurfacing program and sidewalk replacement projects. The council will also consider rezoning applications and easement conveyances. All items are presented as part of the regular agenda and consent agenda items.

• Approve Hot‑Mix Asphalt Resurfacing Program Contract 1 – $1,255,375.12 to Grimes Asphalt and Paving Corp.
• Approve 2025 sidewalk and pedestrian ramp replacement program – $415,405 to HS Concrete, Inc.
• Approve Cheatom Park Improvements – $270,204.50 to Absolute Concrete Construction, Inc.
• Approve Supplemental Agreement No. 2 with HR Green, Inc. – up to $372,445 for Southeast 14th St & Maury St Intersection Improvements
• Consider rezoning of 5600 S E 27th St parcel from N2b to N2b‑2 to allow 28 two‑household and 3 one‑household dwellings

Council Work Session

This work session will hear updates on the Des Moines Public Art Foundation and a refresh of the 911 dispatch radio system. Both items are for discussion only; no decisions are scheduled.

• Des Moines Public Art Foundation update
• 911 dispatch and radio refresh

Special Council Meeting

The Des Moines City Council will hold a public hearing to receive testimony on the proposed property tax levy for fiscal year 2027. The meeting includes roll call, agenda approval, and the hearing, followed by adjournment.

• Public hearing on proposed FY2027 property tax levy (Council Communication No. 26-111)

The Des Moines City Council adopted the meeting agenda unanimously. It approved a hearing to receive comments on the proposed 2027 property tax levy, also unanimously. The council then adjourned the meeting.

• Approved agenda (6-0)
• Adopted hearing on 2027 property tax levy comments (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Council Work Session

The Mayor and City Council will hold a work session to receive an update on Bravo of Greater Des Moines and discuss the Workforce Housing Tax Credit.

• Bravo of Greater Des Moines Update
• Workforce Housing Tax Credit

City Council

The City Council will vote on several large infrastructure projects and public improvements. The body is also reviewing liquor license applications and affordable housing funding for multi-family developments.

• Guthrie Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation over the Union Pacific Railroad: $6,316,803.75 estimate
• Birdland Park Phase 1A Improvements contract: $3,656,716.25
• Citywide Portland Cement Concrete Pavement Patching Program: $1,504,772.63
• CDBG Funds for University of Commerce building rehabilitation at 615 Euclid Avenue: $750,000
• Rezoning of 2340 E. 9th Street to Limited RX2 Mixed Use District for an event venue

The council adopted the agenda and the consent agenda unanimously. It approved a series of public‑works contracts, including a $6,316,803.75 rehabilitation of the Guthrie Avenue Bridge, a $1,200,000 residential paving program, a $900,000 parking‑garage repair program, and a $700,000 skywalk exterior improvement. The body also approved dozens of Class C liquor licenses, several tax‑abatement applications, and awarded a $750,000 CDBG grant for historic rehabilitation of the University of Commerce building. All motions passed with a 7‑0 vote.

• Adopted agenda as presented (7-0)
• Adopted consent agenda items 3‑37 (7-0)
• Approved 23 new and renewal Class C liquor licenses (7-0)
• Approved Guthrie Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation contract $6,316,803.75 (7-0)
• Approved 2026 HMA Residential Paving Program contract $1,200,000 (7-0)
• Approved 2026 Parking Garage Repair Program contract $900,000 (7-0)
• Approved $750,000 CDBG grant for University of Commerce building historic rehab (7-0)
• Approved $400,000 HOME program funds for Foundry Lofts affordable housing (7-0)

City Council

The Des Moines City Council will vote on several major public‑improvement contracts, including a $1,590,789 streetscape repair on East Locust Street, a $705,825 exterior improvement at Glendale Abbey, and a $2,226,515 water main project on East Army Post Road. The council will also consider a $525,000 sanitary sewer replacement estimate and a $7.4 M Birdland Park Phase 1B improvement. Additional items include liquor license approvals and appointments to city boards.

• Approve East Locust Streetscape Repair contract with InRoads, LLC – $1,590,789
• Approve Glendale Abbey exterior improvements contract with Bi‑State Masonry – $705,825
• Approve SE Industrial Water Main contract with Thorpe Contracting – $2,226,515.16
• Approve 2026 Sanitary Sewer Replacement Program estimate – $525,000
• Approve Birdland Park Phase 1B Improvements estimate – $7,400,000

The council approved several major infrastructure projects, including $7.4 M Birdland Park Phase 1B improvements, a $525,000 sanitary sewer replacement estimate, and IDOT agreements for a bridge rehabilitation and an adaptive traffic‑signal project. It also terminated an IEDA contract, approved amendments to OpenLoop Health agreements, and authorized payments for property claims. One contract for vehicle towing services was rejected, and a payment motion passed with the mayor abstaining.

• Approved Birdland Park Phase 1B Improvements, $7,400,000 (7-0)
• Approved 2026 Sanitary Sewer Replacement Program estimate, $525,000 (7-0)
• Approved IDOT SW 9th Street Bridge rehabilitation agreement (7-0)
• Approved IDOT SE 14th Street Adaptive Signal Control project (7-0)
• Approved termination of IEDA contract for OpenLoop Health (7-0)
• Approved 1st Amendment to OpenLoop Health Development Agreement (7-0)
• Approved payment to Alexandra Hubbell and Jon Van Hemert for a property claim (6-0, Mayor Boesen abstained)
• Rejected contract with Crow’s Auto Service, Inc. (2-5)

Budget Discussion

The Mayor and City Council will meet on February 18, 2026 at the City Council Chambers to review the City Manager’s recommended budget for fiscal year 2027. The agenda consists solely of this budget discussion, with no additional items listed.

City Council

The council holds a public hearing on a request by Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity to rezone two parcels near 1530 Arlington Avenue to allow construction of three duplexes, totaling six residential units. Also under consideration are an ordinance amending recreation center admission and rental fees, a contract for midblock pedestrian signal improvements, and multiple construction and consulting contracts for streetscape and sidewalk projects.

• Public hearing on rezoning from N5 to N5-2 for duplex development at 1530 Arlington Avenue
• Contract award to Iowa Signal Inc. for 2026 Midblock Pedestrian Signal Improvements, $525,801
• Ordinance amending Chapter 74 to change community recreation center building admission and rental fees
• Supplemental agreement with Kirkham Michael for Ingersoll Avenue Streetscape (31st to 35th St), up to $490,561
• Increase of $75,000 annual funding for snow removal services with J & J Concrete, total $175,000

Council Work Session

The Mayor and City Council will hold a work session on Monday, February 9, 2026 at the City Council Chambers, 1200 Locust Street. The agenda includes an update on the Des Moines Water Works and lead service lines, and a discussion of the Police Department Strategic Plan. An upcoming topic noted is a Library Update. No specific decisions are listed; the items appear to be informational updates.

• DMWW Update and Lead Service Lines
• Police Department Strategic Plan
• Library Update (upcoming)

City Council

The City Council will discuss several major public improvement projects and zoning requests. The body is deciding on contracts for roadwork and sidewalk programs, as well as the potential demolition of Moulton Elementary School.

• East Court Avenue Reconstruction from East 7th Street to East 14th Street: $4,198,776.71
• 2026 Neighborhood Sidewalk Program contract for Caliber Concrete, LLC: $1,320,875.91
• Birdland Park Phase 1A Improvements construction: $3,700,000 estimate
• Request to demolish Moulton Elementary School at 1541 8th Street
• Rezoning of 2453 E. Grand Avenue to allow up to 10 dwelling units

The Des Moines City Council adopted a series of public‑improvement projects, including a $3.7 million contract for Birdland Park Phase 1A. It also approved road resurfacing contracts, a citywide pavement‑patching program, and several equipment and licensing actions. All motions were carried unanimously.

• Approved consent agenda items 3‑29 (7‑0)
• Approved multiple alcoholic beverage license applications (7‑0)
• Approved Citywide PCC Pavement Patching Program – $2,030,000 (7‑0)
• Approved Beaver Avenue resurfacing – $920,000 (7‑0)
• Approved Hickman Road resurfacing – $1,500,000 (7‑0)
• Approved Birdland Park Phase 1A Improvements – $3,700,000 (7‑0)
• Approved IDOT addendum for Central Place Trail Phase II (7‑0)
• Approved purchase of two fire trucks and one law‑enforcement SUV – $143,517 (7‑0)

Legislative Discussion Meeting

The Mayor and City Council will hold a legislative discussion meeting to review the history of property taxes in Des Moines. No votes or formal decisions are scheduled; the session is informational only.

• History of Property Taxes in Des Moines — discussion item

City Council

The Des Moines City Council will reappoint city managers and attorneys, approve construction contracts for street and park improvements, and consider zoning changes and liquor licenses. The meeting begins with a swearing-in ceremony for new council members.

• Reappointment of City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk
• Construction of E. Locust Streetscape Repair ($1,750,000)
• Construction of SE Industrial Water Main ($3,150,000)
• Rezoning request for 3214 E. 14th Street to allow tire repair shop
• Approval of pool maintenance contract with Fischer Brothers, LLC (up to $150,000/year)

Council Work Session

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss pet licensing and reclaim fees, as well as an update from the Polk County Housing Trust Fund. No formal votes are expected; the session is for discussion only. Upcoming topics include lead service lines and the police strategic plan.

• Pet Licensing and Reclaim Fees — discussion on fee structure
• Polk County Housing Trust Fund Update — update on housing programs
• Upcoming topics: Lead Service Lines and Police Strategic Plan