DSM Ahead of Its Peers in Almost Every Economic Measure
James Chung, president of Reach Advisors and co-founder of StratoDem Analytics, shared his insights on preparing for the future in Greater Des Moines (DSM). His introduction to the Des Moines region came about through data. Chung grew up in Wichita, Kansas and when the Wichita Community Foundation requested help analyzing the state of Wichita, including what was holding it back, the data showed DSM outperformed Wichita in almost every economic measure. This piqued Chung’s interest, and he began talking to regional DSM leaders to find out there was not a data fluke. There was something special happening in Des Moines.
The data showed DSM had stronger population growth, job growth, economic productivity from the workforce, civic investment in the city and more. Repeatedly, DSM came out ahead of its peers at fostering the city’s effectiveness and wellbeing for both economic and non-economic measures.
Des Moines has created a healthier environment for businesses to grow and expand compared to other mid-sized cities. Chung said overall this has helped DSM remain a thriving city. Pre- and post-pandemic, measures like high incomes for non-college educated workforce and women employed in managerial positions are at a high percentage. It’s a place with higher odds of success in a world where that is not often the case. DSM outperforms in measures such as household income, average net worth and overall quality of life.
Chung offered up a few examples of challenges DSM could face in the future from an individual perspective, including:
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Failure to pull together on big issues as growth happens
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Non-college educated workforce struggles, including those surrounding lack of diversity