Name Announced for Downtown DSM Vision Plan and Action Plan - Downtown DSM: Future Forward
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Sept. 1, 2021) – The Steering Committee of the Downtown Vision Plan and Action Plan for Downtown Des Moines (DSM) has announced the official name of the plan: Downtown DSM: Future Forward. Downtown DSM: Future Forward gives a nod to the momentum of Downtown and what is to come for Downtown and for the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region.
This inclusive process will be designed to build upon the momentum of Downtown DSM and set up Downtown for future success. The growth of the Downtown population, amenities and overall vibrancy has mirrored the growth of the region in the last 20 years, and this vision plan creates a roadmap for the next chapter of Downtown and helps the region build upon the excitement that already exists Downtown through events, attractions, major projects, major employers and more.
It 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. Public engagement information will be posted at downtownDSMplan.com in September.
“A strong Downtown makes our entire region even stronger,” said Tiffany Tauscheck, Chief Operations Officer at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “The development of the Downtown DSM: Future Forward plan will further position Downtown DSM for continued growth and momentum using insights and information from community members, data and best practices. This is our time to lean into outlining a bold vision and plan for the future of Downtown DSM.”
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 Future Forward plan to help position Downtown DSM for short-term economic recovery and long-term economic vitality and vibrancy. The Future Forward Steering Committee is chaired by Angela Connolly, Chair of the Polk County Board of Supervisors; Mayor Frank Cownie, City of Des Moines; Jake Christensen, President of Christensen Development; and Kathryn Kunert, Vice President of Economic Connections and Integration at MidAmerican Energy.
Last month, the Steering Committee announced a consulting team for the plan after an extensive RFP process. The consulting team is made up of local, regional and national experts who have international downtown experience as well. The team consists of Bâton Global, Civitas Consultants and RDG Planning & Design.
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.