Mark Your Calendars for Downtown DSM: Future Forward Planning Studio Open House
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Dec. 1, 2021) – Downtown DSM: Future Forward is hosting the next community input session at a Planning Studio Open House at the Wellmark YMCA at 501 Grand Avenue from 3 - 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 14. During this event, attendees will have an opportunity to give feedback to help shape the Downtown Des Moines (DSM) vision and action plan to help position Downtown DSM for short-term economic recovery and long-term economic vitality and vibrancy.
Downtown workers, residents and visitors are encouraged to stop by for 15 minutes or longer to interact with a series of displays on different emerging ideas about Downtown DSM including vision/goals, transportation, recreation and more. Planners will be present for informal discussions about provided ideas and suggestions
The Planning Studio Open House is a family-friendly event. Attendees can come solo or bring the whole family to learn more about, and weigh in on, the potential future of Downtown DSM. The event is set up for independent viewing to help each participant fully immerse themselves in their dream Downtown DSM and will include activities for children.
Additional community input opportunities are also available online and provide website visitors with the opportunity to share their vision online through interactive maps, take a survey to give their input and sign up for an in-person or virtual focus group discussion.
The Greater Des Moines Partnership, in collaboration with Bravo Greater Des Moines, Catch Des Moines, City of Des Moines, Des Moines Regional Transit Authority (DART), Des Moines Downtown Chamber of Commerce, Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), FuseDSM, Operation Downtown and Polk County, is working to develop the community-driven Downtown DSM: Future Forward plan.
The Future Forward Steering Committee is chaired by Jake Christensen, President of Christensen Development and Co-Chair of The Partnership’s Downtown DSM Board; Angela Connolly, Chair of the Polk County Board of Supervisors and Quad Chair of Capital Crossroads regional vision plan; Mayor Frank Cownie, City of Des Moines; and Kathryn Kunert, Vice President of Economic Connections and Integration at MidAmerican Energy. The Future Forward Council Leaders are Teree Caldwell-Johnson, President and CEO of Oakridge Neighborhood; Jen Carruthers, President of Capital City Pride; and Mary Sellers, President of United Way of Central Iowa. See the full list of Future Forward Steering Committee and Future Forward Council members here.
Downtown DSM: Future Forward will also roll up into the Capital Crossroads regional vision plan, which will be updated in 2022. As part of the process, the plan’s leaders and consultants will engage with the public to garner feedback and ideas for the future of Downtown DSM. View the website here.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.
About Downtown, DSM, Inc.
Downtown DSM, Inc. is part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and is dedicated to ensuring the continued growth of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). A strong region needs a strong Downtown. Downtown DSM, Inc. leads efforts to drive development, placemaking and events in Downtown DSM. It promotes a strong Downtown through integration of retail, restaurants, businesses, housing, events and placemaking.