Downtown Vision Plan and Action Plan Consulting Team Announced
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Aug. 18, 2021) – The Steering Committee of the Downtown Vision Plan and Action Plan for Downtown Des Moines (DSM) has selected 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.
Bâton Global, with offices around the world including in DSM, provides strategy, innovation, leadership and research services to solve client challenges and transform organizations and communities worldwide. Civitas Consultants, a Maryland-based international consulting firm, works with downtown and community development corporations, government agencies, foundations and business firms to create vibrant and economically successful business districts and neighborhoods. Its President and CEO, David Feehan, previously served as President of the Downtown Community Alliance in DSM as well as President of the International Downtown Association and has extensive experience with business improvement districts. RDG Planning & Design, with offices around the Midwest including in DSM, works with clients across the country to create meaning together through its strategic planning, urban and comprehensive planning services.
This inclusive process will be designed to build upon the momentum Downtown DSM had prior to COVID-19, and set up Downtown DSM for future success. 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 DSMpartnership.com in September.
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, are working to develop this community-driven Downtown Vision Plan and Action Plan to help position Downtown DSM for short-term economic recovery and long-term economic vitality and vibrancy. The Downtown Vision Plan and Action Plan 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.
“We are excited to work with Bâton Global, Civitas and RDG Planning & Design on this collaborative process to shape the future of Downtown DSM,” said Christensen. “A strong region needs a strong Downtown, and this process will encourage Downtown DSM residents, workers, visitors and stakeholders to get in the arena in answering how we can collectively ensure Downtown’s strength over the next several years.”
“This experienced consulting group will help us set the stage to maintain a vibrant and growing Downtown as a key driver in attracting businesses and people to our county and entire region,” said Connolly. “We look forward to further engaging the public to cultivate a Downtown where people from all backgrounds can enjoy as they experience world-class amenities, events and attractions.”
“The growth that our community has experienced in recent decades has been intentional because of plans like this one,” said Cownie. “This plan will help us grow Downtown in a way that is beneficial to small businesses, our major corporations, residents and visitors.”
“Downtown’s growth has led to economic development success and population growth throughout the DSM region,” said Kunert. “As we look to the future, now is the time to determine, as a community, next steps for Downtown DSM that will continue to elevate our community on the national and global stage.”
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.