City of Des Moines - Government

09/02/2026

The Southeast Connector is taking shape!

Take a look at the latest construction progress on this major infrastructure project, which will create a new east-west connection between downtown Des Moines and U.S. Highway 65.

This project will:
- Improve regional transportation and the movement of people and goods
- Create safer, more direct connections through southeast Des Moines
- Add a multi-use trail for pedestrians and bicyclists
- Strengthen flood protection through improvements to the Southeast Des Moines levee system
- Support future development and redevelopment throughout the corridor

Watch the video for a look at the progress being made and what the completed Southeast Connector will mean for Des Moines.

Learn more at: https://www.dsm.city/SE_Connector_Project___Martin_Luther_King_Jr_Parkway_to_U_S__Highway_65409.php

08/31/2026

🌡️Polk County Extreme Temperature Plan Activated🌡️

Beginning at noon today, August 31 through at least Saturday, September 5, the Polk County Extreme Temperature Plan will be in effect, based on the forecast. Residents can expect afternoon highs to reach the mid 90's with heat indexes soaring toward 100°-103° with the possibility of scattered thunderstorms throughout the week.

Please take precautions when spending time outdoors by staying hydrated, limiting strenuous activity when possible, checking on elderly loved ones and ensuring pets have access to water and cooler spaces.
Resources available:
▪️DART provides free rides to warming and cooling centers
▪️Warming and Cooling Centers provide space to seek respite from the cold or heat. A map of the extreme temperature centers, and their operating hours can be found at https://maps.polkcountyiowa.gov/extreme

Stay cool out there this week, DSM!

Today begins a hot and humid week across the state. A Heat Advisory is in effect for portions of central and southern Iowa, where heat is expected to be most prolonged throughout the week and persistent through the overnights. Several consecutive days of afternoon highs in the mid 90s are possible, along with heat index values from 100-103 and near-record warm overnight low temperatures in some locations. There will also be chances for thunderstorms at times mainly in the overnight and morning hours. Plan ahead this week, stay hydrated, and limit strenuous outdoor activity!

08/26/2026

Today, the City of Des Moines ended negotiations with Krause Group on the development agreement for the Downtown Soccer Stadium District.

Recent property tax legislation leading to a $12 million budget gap for the City in Fiscal Year 2028 and a further $5 million gap the following year has changed the City’s negotiating position, leaving a significant funding gap for the proposed stadium district that the City can no longer responsibly commit to.

“In this new environment of fiscal constraints, the City must evaluate every major commitment not only for its economic-development potential, but also for its long-term financial exposure, opportunity cost, and effect on the City’s ability to sustain core services,” Mayor Connie Boesen said.

The full press release is below, or you can read more on our website at https://www.dsm.city/news_detail_T21_R661.php

08/24/2026

The World Food & Music Festival is taking place in Downtown Des Moines starting Friday, August 28 through Sunday, August 30.

To help vendors and event organizers get set up and prepare, the following street closures will take place this week outside Central Library and the T.M. Franklin Cownie City Administration building.

Starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25:
• 12th St from Grand Ave to Locust St, and Locust St to Walnut St

Starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26:
• Locust St from 13th St to 10th St

Starting at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27:
• 13th St from Locust St to Grand Ave
• Grand Ave from 10th St to 14th St

All event street closures will end at 6 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 31.

Please follow posted parking restriction and detour signs, and be aware of increased pedestrian traffic in the area as we head closer towards the weekend.

08/24/2026

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: The 2nd Avenue Corridor Reconstruction project is nearing completion!

2nd Avenue will be closed to traffic between University Avenue and Holcomb Avenue:

Friday, Aug. 28, beginning at 7 p.m. through Sunday, Aug. 30, at 10 p.m. All work during this planned closure is weather permitting.

PROJECT BACKGROUND:
This project included full pavement reconstruction, new curbs and gutters, wider sidewalks, intersection and access-management improvements, and new storm sewer infrastructure.

The improvements will provide a safer, more reliable corridor while supporting the City’s efforts to separate stormwater from the combined sanitary sewer system serving the River Bend and King Irving neighborhoods.

WHAT TO KNOW:
A signed detour will direct drivers to 6th Avenue.
Local traffic accessing businesses on the east side of 2nd Avenue should use Ohio Street.
Driveways directly off 2nd Avenue will be temporarily inaccessible until paving is complete and the surface is safe to drive on.

The road is expected to reopen before the Monday morning commute. Thank you to residents, businesses, and travelers for your continued patience as this major corridor investment approaches completion!

Learn more: https://www.dsm.city/2nd_Avenue_Corridor_Reconstruction___University_to_Des_Moines_River424.php

08/11/2026

The Iowa State Fair is nearly here and that means that the State Fair Parade kicks off the festivities tomorrow!

Tomorrow (Wednesday, August 12), street closures will affect Grand Avenue from E 14th Street to 15th Street through the Historic East Village and the Downtown Neighborhood Association with most closures beginning at 5:30 p.m. and opening by 10 p.m.

In addition to Grand Avenue, many roads that cross Grand Avenue along the route will have closures for the parade.

Expect brief travel delays and check our website for full closure details at DSM.city/Closures

08/11/2026

When former mayor Mike Bloomberg left New York City Hall, he took everything the role showed him and returned it, multiplied it, over 10 years and counting.

When Mayor Boesen began her term in 2024, she embarked on a journey of learning and improvement with Bloomberg’s Government Innovation Team and the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.

2 ½ years later, Mayor Boesen has participated in multiple programs and helped the City earn invaluable training for City staff members thanks to this program that is now celebrating 10 years of helping cities across the world innovate.

Thank you Mayor Mike Bloomberg, team Government Innovation Bloomberg Philanthropies, Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative and the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University for betting on city halls before the rest of the world caught up: https://time.com/article/2026/07/24/the-case-for-investing-in-local-government/

08/10/2026

Today, we took part in an exciting announcement for Des Moines and all of Central Iowa.

The City of Des Moines and ICON have secured $2 million in additional federal Community Project Funds to help with projects designed to improve water access at Birdland and Prospect parks.

We're excited for the progress these projects are bringing to the Des Moines River helping grow our city as a thriving destination for water recreation.

Thanks to everyone who helped make these projects and this vision a reality for DSM!

08/05/2026

Last night was rainy, but it didn't dampen the good times at National Night Out events across the city.

We loved seeing our neighbors come out to celebrate, get to know each other, have some fun, and share some delicious food and good conversations along the way.

Our crews from Des Moines Fire Department, Des Moines Public Works, Des Moines Police, and Des Moines Parks and Recreation enjoyed meeting so many people who were curious about their jobs serving Des Moines.

Thanks to all of our neighborhood associations who planned a night of wonderful events and provided so many great opportunities for our community to come together!

Our neighborhoods and neighbors will always be what makes Des Moines special.