A Strong Downtown Leads to a Stronger Region

Downtown development has, for many years, been an area of work at the Greater Des Moines Partnership because business and community leaders recognize that a strong Downtown and a strong region feed off each other’s success. Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is everyone’s downtown.

A thriving Downtown helps create a stronger heartbeat of the entire region. Downtown DSM is a dynamic hub where world-class arts, culture, sports and recreation converge, fostering a sense of community and driving regional prosperity. Downtown DSM continues to experience momentum in economic development, major placemaking events and projects, housing, foot traffic and buzzworthy activity. Consider the following statistics:

Momentum Snapshot

• Foot Traffic: Downtown DSM workday foot traffic is up 6% in 2024 compared to 2023.
• Housing: Over 1,500 new housing units are in the construction pipeline, with 16 housing projects proposed or in development.
• Commercial Property: Downtown DSM commercial property values increased by 11% in 2023.

In recent months, we have experienced a series of major events and activations that have significantly impacted our community. Highlights include the Great DSM Hot Air Balloon Hunt, the Impulse activation featuring oversized seesaws at Cowles Commons, the Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines (celebrating the highest attendance on record in the month of May), and the Out to Lunch series. We also enjoyed professional sports events featuring the Iowa Cubs at Principal Park, the Wolves and Wild, and many shows at the Des Moines Performing Arts Center and the Iowa Events Center.

These events have allowed us to expand our reach and make a broader impact across the region. For example, the Great DSM Hot Air Balloon Hunt included locations in Altoona, Ankeny, Johnston, Cumming and Carlisle this year. The Downtown Farmers’ Market supports over 300 local small business owners each season, with vendors representing 42 counties across Iowa. The Impulse interactive seesaw activation in Cowles Commons drew more than 46,000 visitors from all over during its installation period from April 18 to May 19. And we continue to celebrate and lift up local community events across the region.

There are also several placemaking projects with heavy ties Downtown that impact all of Greater Des Moines. For example, the Iowa Confluence (ICON) Water Trails will transform key locations Downtown and will also connect more than 150 miles of trails around the region through more than 80 sites. The Des Moines International Airport terminal will provide a new front door to Downtown DSM for travelers and also make flying more convenient for people around The Partnership’s 11-county region. During The Partnership’s 11-county listening tour last year, we heard about so many placemaking projects that are making an impact on local communities. These projects make all parts of the region stronger by making Greater Des Moines a more attractive place for businesses and current and potential residents.

The momentum we're experiencing now is the continuation of a journey toward even greater community engagement and regional prosperity. When Downtown flourishes, it sparks a ripple effect that enhances economic vibrancy, cultural richness and overall quality of life throughout the region.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership Board is made up of Greater Des Moines (DSM) leaders and industry experts. The Board is united in driving economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region.