About Downtown

Downtown DSM USA

DSM USA is the regional identifier for Greater Des Moines (DSM). Downtown DSM USA is the identifier for the region’s core — Downtown. The Downtown DSM USA identifier is the result of significant quantitative and qualitative research that shows the identifier closely ties Downtown to the region, therefore making both identifiers stronger. Downtown DSM USA is shown through research to communicate that Downtown is fresh, contemporary, active, cultural and diverse. 

Businesses are encouraged to use Downtown DSM USA messaging on their websites and in their communications. Click here to download the Downtown DSM USA graphic. To request additional file types, contact Derek Lippincott.

Learn more about the DSM USA regional identifier here. To help spread the word and show your support and passion for DSM, consider becoming a DSM USA Ambassador.

Downtown Quarterly Report

To see a snapshot of the significant amount of Downtown activity over the last quarter, please feel free to review the Q3 Downtown Quarterly Report produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership. This report details foot traffic statistics, positive media and public relations metrics, momentous headlines and more.

View the report

Downtown Development Board

The Downtown Development Board is part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. This board is populated by a diverse collection of Downtown DSM’s leading figures in culture and business.

Downtown Events

Major public events like the Downtown Farmers' Market, including The Winter Market, World Food & Music Festival, DSM Book Festival, Downtown DSM Tweet Week, and Out to Lunch are all produced by The Partnership. Additionally, The Partnership works in collaboration with the Historic East Village to host the Holiday Promenade event. These hallmark events bring more than one million people to Downtown DSM annually, creating a unique and vibrant experience for all who attend.

Downtown DSM Activation

Along with these core events, The Partnership also works to activate Downtown DSM and generate vibrancy for residents, workers and visitors through several pop-up events and initiatives.

Skywalk Reimagined

The Skywalk Reimagined Pilot Committee, made up of Bravo Greater Des Moines, Catch Des Moines, the City of Des Moines, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Operation Downtown and additional community partners, has opened an RFP for local artists and architects to apply to participate in reimagining a section of the skywalk in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). 

This is the first step in a process to Reimagine the Skywalks, as outlined in the Downtown DSM: Future Forward Vision Plan and Action Plan. The plan calls for the transformation of each section of the skywalk into a different theme while creating a multi-dimensional, multi-use destination that both moves people through and brings people to the skywalk. This first project space has called for the theme of “Let’s Move/Play.” The RFP also calls for a wayfinding solution that indicates "The Green Line.”