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…