Politics
Des Moines Candidates Target Household Budgets, Property Taxes in 2026 Race
With inflation still squeezing family finances, local candidates are centering their campaigns on cost-of-living relief and property tax policy.
Politics
Politics · Des Moines
Decisions, government and civic life shaping Des Moines.
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Politics
Des Moines Voters Decide Three Ballot Measures Affecting Taxes and Schools
A guide to the direct local consequences of the measures on the November ballot, from property tax levies to school bond financing.
Politics
Des Moines Allocates $3.2 Million to Accelerate Street Repairs
The allocation takes effect July 1 and will send crews to resurface segments of University Avenue and Douglas Avenue by October.
Politics
Des Moines Expands Commercial Tax Abatement Program, Shifting Development Costs Across Metro Projects
The updated abatement terms will apply to new commercial builds in Des Moines starting August 2026 and will alter how local property tax collections support city services.
Politics
Des Moines Shifts Budget: Property Owners Pay More, Services Cut
A close look at the city's fiscal choices reveals concrete winners and losers among Des Moines residents, from property owners in the East Village to households depending on bus routes and public health clinics.
Politics
Des Moines Confronts $47 Million Budget Crisis by 2027
A statewide property tax cap means Des Moines must cut services or find new revenue within two years, forcing hard choices on police staffing, street repairs and library hours.
Politics
Des Moines Transit and Transportation Plans Enter Review Phase
Local residents are invited to provide feedback on regional transit shifts and long-term infrastructure goals as major planning initiatives move toward final adoption.
Politics
Des Moines Reveals Which Neighborhoods Gain Services, Which Wait Longer
As the city allocates public dollars across departments and districts, residents in some parts of Des Moines are seeing new investment while others wait longer for basic services.
Politics
Des Moines Implements New Environmental Standards for Water Quality and Energy Usage
City officials are enforcing updated water quality protections and building energy reporting requirements to meet regional environmental goals.
Politics
Des Moines Residents Face Major Changes in Housing, Safety, and Schools This Fall
New state laws passed this session will affect housing affordability, public safety, and education funding in Des Moines starting this fall.
Politics
Des Moines Opens Surveys on Parks, Budget Shortfall and University Avenue Safety
Des Moines residents can submit input through multiple open surveys on recreation programs, traffic safety projects and the city's $12 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2028.
Politics
Des Moines City Council Approves First Property Buy for Housing Strategy
The acquisition and related projects target rental affordability barriers that affect household budgets for Des Moines residents.
Politics
Iowa Medicaid Eligibility Changes and Prior Authorization Reforms Set for 2026, Impacting Des Moines Residents' Healthcare Costs
New work requirements and income limits for Medicaid, along with prior authorization updates, are projected to affect medical expenses for Des Moines households beginning January 1.
Politics
Des Moines Public Schools Reimagining Education Plan Advances After 2025 Bond Approval
The $265 million bond funds grade-level shifts, fewer middle schools and new signature programs that will affect where Des Moines students attend classes and what they study.
Politics