Chair's Column with Kathryn Kunert: March 2019 Issue

Consider Voting For Community Investment on March 5

The March 5 Local Option Sales and Services Tax (LOSST) vote in cities throughout Polk County can help these communities gain a crucial revenue source. In the City of Des Moines, the 1 cent LOSST could generate $37 million annually, 50% of which would go toward property tax relief with the other half going toward improving streets, wastewater treatment, neighborhoods and public safety. 

All six voting cities have proactively predetermined where the money will go. Voting for LOSST just makes sense. A total of 97% of the communities in Iowa already have this tax. In the City of Des Moines, more than one-third of the revenue generated would come from out-of-town visitors. Greater Des Moines (DSM) is a civically engaged community, and this is another opportunity for us to invest in the region.

I encourage you to further educate yourself on the issue and get out and vote.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership works with local, state and federal elected officials to advance public policy that generates economic growth, business prosperity and talent development in DSM. The Partnership is a nonpartisan organization. Learn more about The Partnership’s public policy work.