Des Moines city leaders outlined plans Wednesday morning, Aug. 12 to strengthen downtown, improve the business climate and prepare for major waterfront and transportation decisions during a Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Connect event.
Chamber President Traci Buxton opened the “Sunrise Connect” event at the Beach Park Dining Hall before introducing Mayor Yoshiko Grace Matsui and City Manager Katherine Caffrey, who discussed the city’s newly adopted strategic plan and its focus on economic vitality, downtown development, the marina, Marine View Drive and efforts to make permitting easier for businesses and property owners.
City Manager’s Presentation
Caffrey said the City Council adopted the strategic plan in June, calling it the first in the city’s history. She said the plan was shaped by community engagement, including focus groups, surveys and a town hall meeting.
“There is some magic in formally adopting something,” Caffrey said. “And there is some magic in taking the time to say, ‘We’re going to put on paper what we’re trying to accomplish.’”
Caffrey said the plan will help shape the city’s 2027 and 2028 budget, including a focus on making development easier in Des Moines.
Priorities for Downtown Des Moines & Marina District
Downtown priorities include reviewing zoning scenarios, evaluating what taller buildings and greater density could mean, looking at parking and view corridors, and considering a vacant commercial registration program, Caffrey said.
She said the city also is exploring tools such as tax exemptions for certain types of development and opportunity zone applications.
The marina district also remains a major focus. Caffrey said the Marina Steps project is on schedule and within budget, with an expected opening by the end of the year. The water feature is expected to open next summer.
Future marina work includes design for the southern seawall and continuation of the pedestrian esplanade, Caffrey said. She also said a broader marina master plan is needed.
“I feel like there is not community consensus on what we want that space to be,” Caffrey said.
Marine View Drive also could bring major changes when SR 509 work is completed and the state turns the road over to the city. Caffrey said city control of the road would create opportunities to address access, speed, beautification, lanes and the downtown experience, but also would leave Des Moines responsible for maintenance costs.
City Working to Improve Reputation
Caffrey said the city is working to improve its reputation with businesses and developers. A new permitting software system is planned, and she said she will request a staff position dedicated to the commercial permitting process in the 2027 budget.
She said the city already offers free preapplication and predevelopment meetings, office hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, many permits issued within one business day, and next day inspections.
Matsui praised the chamber’s growth and said the city and business community share a vision for Des Moines.
“We have a shared vision for making sure that Des Moines is business friendly, that we support each other and that we can find some fellowship in the struggles that I know we all go through,” Matsui said.
More info on the Des Moines Chamber is here: https://www.desmoineswachamber.org
Video
Below is video of the event, as filmed/edited by Scott Schaefer:
Photos
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