Choosing the Right Leader for Des Moines with the Help of the Des Moines Mayoral Forum

Over the last two decades, Des Moines has reinvented itself into a vibrant and modern capital city. We’ve seen our city and our citizens change in exciting ways. But what will the future look like for our hometown? The upcoming Mayoral election gives us the opportunity to ensure we have the right leader who will continue to prioritize residents and help Des Moines flourish in an evolving world.

Grand View University is proud to host a moderated public forum with the three candidates for Mayor, Connie Boesen, Denver Foote and Josh Mandelbaum, on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 at 7 p.m. The event will be held in the Henning Student Center on the Grand View campus. Residents of Des Moines are invited to attend the event and submit advance questions for the candidates.

Why is Grand View Hosting an Election Forum?

Grand View University is in the business of educating. And for 127 years, we have called Des Moines home. We are proud of our long history of helping students achieve their goal of a college education. A vital part of that education is learning about and engaging with the world around us. For this, Grand View leans into its founding as a Lutheran Institution of higher education — an education committed to the advancement of knowledge, thoughtful inquiry and questioning and the preparation of citizens in service to the world.

Part of that education includes teaching the importance of civic engagement. Participation in civic life is essential to sustaining a government of the people, by the people and for the people.

Grand View is committed to providing opportunities, like the Mayoral Forum, where students and the public can engage firsthand with the election process and issues affecting our community. It’s important that students gain an appreciation for civil discourse, free speech and engaging with those whose perspectives differ from their own.

We are also dedicated to helping students foster civic behaviors, where students develop the civic agency and confidence to vote, volunteer, attend public meetings and engage with their communities.

What better way for students to learn firsthand about issues that affect the Des Moines community? We encourage residents of Des Moines to join us on Wednesday, Sept. 20 as we hear from the candidates about their visions for Des Moines.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses or events specific to Downtown DSM.