From preparing for major federal healthcare and food benefit cuts to taking concrete steps toward downtown revitalization, the Des Moines City Council tackled a broad slate of local and regional issues during its Sept. 24, 2026 meeting.
Key highlights included survey results unveiling the top challenges facing downtown businesses, a unanimous vote to return a critical development agreement to the Planning Commission, and the approval of a $500,000 sidewalk project along S. 223rd Street to improve pedestrian connectivity with the waterfront.
The council also explored options for a Multi-Family Tax Exemption, passed a modest sales tax increase dedicated to children and family services, and closed with community updates, including a free local event honoring Dolly Parton.
Preparing For Healthcare & Food Benefit Cuts
Councilmember Pierre Blosse shared that federal cuts to both healthcare and SNAP food benefits will affect a sizable portion of Washington State residents. He said 11,000 Washingtonians are expected to lose healthcare at the end of this month, and 175,000 will lose coverage by 2034. With so many going without health insurance, people will be forced to use more expensive emergency services. This will likely increase medical costs for everyone. He said all of us will be affected by higher insurance premiums. In addition, food banks will need to serve a growing population in need, on a very limited budget.
Downtown Des Moines Business Climate Initiative
EERNISSEE Consulting has been reaching out to businesses in the downtown area. They conducted surveys and had discussions with local business owners to get a sense of what kinds of things are helping or hurting downtown businesses. “Neglected properties” was the number one item that respondents felt was holding downtown back, with “Cost of business” the top thing hurting business.
Respondents also want more connectivity with the waterfront, and don’t feel like the crowds at beach events currently increase business downtown. In addition to that improved connectivity, they would like to see more housing as residential density increases business. Respondents did show optimism and hope for the future, and 81% belong to the new Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. While there were only 44 total survey respondents, this was around 20% of the surveys sent out–a high response rate. Responses were consistent enough to show reliable results, even though there were a limited number of them.
Development Agreement Delay
Rather than approve a draft of a development agreement, the council voted unanimously to send it back to the Planning Commission for corrections and changes. In fact, during Public Comments the Chair of that commission asked the council to do just that, wanting another opportunity to get it right. Once enacted, this agreement will change the way development is done in the city, and the council agreed that it needs to be done right.
223rd Street Sidewalks Approved
After previous discussions failed to approve any kind of plan for improving S. 223rd Street, the council was able to agree in a 6–1 vote (with Councilmember JC Harris opposed) to give the street continuous sidewalks. S. 223rd will be the main connection between the marina steps and downtown. Businesses want a more clear connection between the waterfront and downtown shops and restaurants. Once the stairs are finished, there is expected to be a lot of foot traffic along this corridor, which currently lacks sidewalks or any kind of placemaking.
The option chosen at this meeting will cost around $500,000, and not include any additional landscaping or improvements. The project will maintain the current look of the street while increasing pedestrian safety with ADA sidewalks, connecting the steps to Marine View Drive. There will be limited grant availability for this pared down option, so the cost will come from the transportation fund. Deputy Mayor Gene Achziger expressed dismay that as a city private developers are required to underground utilities, but that this won’t be happening during this publicly funded project.
Multi-Family Tax Exemption
The council took no action on this item, except to indicate they were interested in formally considering a Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) in the future. Hemstad Consulting stated that this can be a controversial decision, because when large developments are tax exempt, this increases the tax burden on other residents. There can also be a benefit to the community of increased housing, as that can add to the customer base for local businesses.
Des Moines had a MFTE in place for ten years, from 2009-2019. It was left to expire without renewal because it had never been utilized. However, the development market has slowed to the point that many developers will not build without this exemption.
New Sales Tax Increase
The council unanimously approved a .01% sales tax increase, raising the total sales tax from 10.40% to 10.41%. This contributes one cent of tax revenue for every $100 in local sales. The revenue from this tax, per state law, can only be used for children and family services. It is expected to bring in $41,000 annually, and could start as soon as January first.
Dolly Parton Tribute
Councilmember Pierre Blosse shared that the Des Moines Theater is hosting a free Dolly Party event, in honor of Dolly Parton, on Friday Sept. 25 from 6–10 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and festive attire is encouraged. Councilmember Blosse also mentioned upcoming magic shows that will be held at the theater; see their website for details.
Video
Below is full, raw video of this council meeting:
