As a Des Moines business owner or property manager, staying informed about local developments isn't just good citizenship—it directly impacts your operations, facilities, and the community you serve. The recent fall City Council meetings brought several significant decisions that will shape our city's future. Here's what you need to know.

Honoring Legacy While Building Forward

The fall meetings opened with a tribute to Bill Knapp, whose vision transformed downtown Des Moines. His legacy reminds us that today's decisions—from infrastructure improvements to development projects—will impact Des Moines businesses and residents for decades to come. Just as Knapp's leadership continues to influence our city, the work we do today builds the foundation for tomorrow's success.

Downtown Development: Balancing Growth with Urban Vision

The council tackled a challenging question: how do we accommodate economic growth while working toward a more walkable, accessible downtown? The debate centered on a proposed dual drive-thru business, with local advocates expressing concerns about prioritizing vehicle traffic over pedestrian and cyclist safety on streets with buffered bike lanes.

The project ultimately passed 7-0, but the discussion highlighted an important reality: Des Moines is navigating the transition from a car-centric city to a more pedestrian-friendly urban environment. For commercial property managers and business owners, this signals an ongoing shift in how downtown development will be evaluated.

According to the Des Moines City Council, these decisions reflect the complex balance between immediate economic needs and long-term urban planning goals.

Preserving Des Moines History

In a win for historic preservation, the Witmer House—originally Iowa's governor's mansion—received approval as a local landmark. After 13-14 years of restoration work, this piece of Des Moines history is officially protected for future generations.

For businesses occupying historic buildings in Des Moines, this decision reinforces the city's commitment to preserving architectural heritage while accommodating modern commercial needs. At Rodan Cleaning, we understand the unique requirements of maintaining historic properties and the importance of specialized cleaning services that protect valuable architectural features.

Making Streets Safer for Everyone

The Second Avenue improvements project (from Court Avenue to I-235) promises significant changes for downtown accessibility:

Key improvements include:

• Lane reduction from four to three lanes, improving traffic flow while creating space for other uses
• Increased parkway space alongside shared-use paths
• Additional on-street parking with dedicated loading zones—critical for businesses receiving deliveries
• Proposed Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) at major intersections, giving pedestrians a head start before vehicles

For commercial facilities along these corridors, these changes may affect delivery schedules, customer access, and overall foot traffic patterns. Property managers should plan accordingly for the transition period.

Learn more about Des Moines street improvement projects through the City of Des Moines Public Works Department.

Merle Hay Mall Redevelopment: A Critical Project for Des Moines

Councilmember Coleman's excitement about the Merle Hay Mall redevelopment reflects its importance to our city's economic future. "The city needs Merle Hay Mall," he stated, acknowledging both the progress made and the substantial work ahead.

This redevelopment represents significant opportunities for commercial cleaning services, property management, and facility maintenance as the project moves forward. Rodan Cleaning has extensive experience supporting large-scale commercial developments and property management companies throughout the transition from construction to operational phases.

Joppa Village: Addressing Community Needs

After 11 years of planning, Joppa Village is moving forward with its first phase: 50 units with wraparound services including a food pantry accessible to neighboring residents. Located at the former Des Moines Greenhouse site, this project represents Des Moines' commitment to addressing homelessness through housing-first approaches.

Pastor Steve Carter of Bread of Life Church presented the plans, which passed the council 6-1. As Councilmember Westergaard noted, the real challenge extends beyond construction: "It's one thing to raise the money to build a project, it's entirely another thing to fund ongoing operations."

For facility managers and property developers, this project demonstrates the city's priorities around community services and multi-use facilities.

The Camping Ordinance: A Contentious Decision

The most heated moment of the meetings involved amendments to the city's camping ordinance, which removed language that previously protected people experiencing homelessness when no shelter beds were available.

Local advocates strongly opposed the changes. Ben Lynch challenged the council directly: "How can you punish someone for having nowhere to go?" Nina Richtman from the Urban Bicycle Food Ministry shared stories of vulnerable residents affected by the policy, while Keenan Crow from One Iowa pressed the council to base policy on evidence rather than ideology.

The amendments passed 5-2, with Councilmembers Coleman and Westergaard voting no. This decision may affect how businesses and property managers approach security and community engagement as the ordinance is implemented.

What This Means for Des Moines Businesses

These council meetings reveal the ongoing evolution of Des Moines—balancing economic development with quality of life, addressing social challenges while supporting business growth, and preserving history while building for the future.

For commercial property managers and business owners, these decisions signal:

• Continued infrastructure improvements that may temporarily affect access but promise long-term benefits
• Growing emphasis on pedestrian-friendly development and sustainable urban design
• Opportunities in redevelopment projects requiring specialized facility services
• The importance of staying engaged with local decision-making that affects your operations

At Rodan Cleaning, we've served Des Moines businesses since 1998, adapting alongside our city as it grows and changes. Whether you're managing a historic building downtown, overseeing a medical facility, or maintaining office properties, understanding these local developments helps you plan for the future.

Stay Engaged in Your Community

City Council meetings are streamed online, and public comment periods welcome any resident or business owner to speak on issues that matter. Visit the City of Des Moines website for meeting schedules and agendas, or contact the Des Moines City Clerk's Office for more information about participating in local government.

The future of Des Moines is being shaped right now in these council chambers—and your voice counts in that conversation.

Need a reliable partner as your Des Moines facility evolves? Rodan Cleaning has worked with property managers, medical facilities, and commercial businesses throughout Des Moines for over 25 years. Contact owner Zach Vander Ploeg at zach@rodancleaning.com to discuss how we can support your facility's needs.

Rodan Cleaning has been a trusted partner for Des Moines businesses since 1998, providing reliable commercial cleaning services for offices, medical facilities, data centers, and more. As a family-owned company with deep roots in the Des Moines community, we understand the unique needs of local businesses navigating our city's growth and change.

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