[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6391916,"mediaKeyId","2110757-69dfb3959f45b1483a3478cbe8db3add","parentId",2110757,"title","Community and council react after city manager eliminates two sustainability positions amid $17M shortfall","audioSeconds",3319,"startMs",3018000,"endMs",6337000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2110757-69dfb3959f45b1483a3478cbe8db3add&start=3018&end=6337","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2110757-69dfb3959f45b1483a3478cbe8db3add/thumbnail_3018000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6391916/Des-Moines/Polk-County/Iowa/Community-and-council-react-after-city-manager-eliminates-two-sustainability-positions-amid-17M-shortfall","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391916-cd0bcc9264ad20eef227205a829f6825/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436888&Signature=M2kWceCySpOgWIZCNXLDLnuFRMeMbRbvWHQQcKaPrl9Pqs5MozV2WT755su-VurwCOe7z3eVv6JJhgHAFCM4aVHf4mSLbOxcXa09dw-WnXChc~M4VmZQlOTNpuquKTqDilxfTupm2MOVhDU-LUTa-ZlX8szCGMZ4bLfiErey2Pewt5Mf3E1GxuCYb~E2XczyXB1pT3p04X7SOKfbXYVdoFQf9kMdlTcPBSIfQqkjgqIKHIJ0UYDZRFiIBlKmZu~ugT6dGI2Mutq5uCdEiG5inOAgJTwD1dBf9dzzji90DpVS94h7d2YWGy-6faiFc~-aTCCho26GA01vJEJ2PnEbrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Des Moines, IA","date","2025-01-13T00:00:00Z","article","City Manager Scott Sanders told the Des Moines City Council on Jan. 13 that, after months of organizational analysis, he made the decision to lay off two employees who primarily worked on sustainability as part of steps to address a projected $17 million shortfall in the fiscal-year 2026 budget.

Sanders said sustainability work will continue through subject-matter experts embedded in multiple departments and through nonprofit partners. He described the layoffs as a difficult choice and said the city will continue sustainability actions through cross-departmental staff.

The announcement drew extended public comment. Residents, neighborhood leaders and members of the Des Moines Citizens Task Force on Sustainability urged the council to restore the positions or provide an alternative plan to lead implementation of ADAPTDSM, the city’s climate action and adaptation plan.

“Cutting the sustainability staff…is kind of like planning a wedding without a wedding planner,” said Sheila Kanoplo Budole, a volunteer member of the Des Moines Citizens Task Force on Sustainability, urging the council to keep a coordinating office in place so cross-departmental work is not dropped.

Speakers cited prior investments in planning: one speaker noted the ADAPTDSM plan was adopted 14 months earlier and said the city had not provided the council with a formal update on implementation. Several speakers warned that scaling back staffing could threaten grant opportunities; a council member later noted an ICLEI funding notice with an application deadline in early February that could provide funding for sustainability administration.

Residents and advocates also framed the decision as out of step with voter preferences: one speaker cited strong local support in prior conservation-related referenda and urged the council to retain a small financial commitment to continue sustainability work.

Multiple speakers emphasized public-safety and long-term fiscal risks of cutting climate-related work, citing recent extreme-weather events, insurance cancellations and flood history in Polk County. One resident described a practical service received from sustainability staff: when a homeowner replaced a lawn with native plantings and faced a code complaint, the sustainability office provided guidance to navigate other departments.

Council members said they will consider the matter further as part of the formal budget process; a council member noted the city has not yet approved a final budget and encouraged further public input during budget hearings. The mayor and council also discussed grant opportunities and the need for an organized plan for continued ADAPTDSM implementation.

Ending

At the meeting’s close, council members signaled they will continue to discuss the staffing decision during the budget process and to pursue grant and partner opportunities the city manager referenced, but no immediate reversal of the layoffs was recorded during the Jan. 13 session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","1-13-25 City Council - Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","City Manager Scott Sanders said two sustainability positions were eliminated as part of steps to address a $17 million budget shortfall; residents, neighborhood leaders and sustainability advocates urged the council to restore the staff or present an alternative plan for ADAPTDSM implementation.","taxTitle","Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa","taxId",4694,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6391921,"Council authorizes CDBG application for pallet-village shelter; members and advocates urge operating partners",523,1665000,2188000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2110757-69dfb3959f45b1483a3478cbe8db3add&start=1665&end=2188","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2110757-69dfb3959f45b1483a3478cbe8db3add/thumbnail_1665000.jpg","/articles/6391921/Des-Moines/Polk-County/Iowa/Council-authorizes-CDBG-application-for-pallet-village-shelter-members-and-advocates-urge-operating-partners","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391921-6e243e45ab5b675d0c91e4a065e6bb64/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436888&Signature=EG9r2c5r~cjbg3cL2hLV7LJ-9fGIAgXmVFia~5jloUQ~5-gSByJ0AT6vGInfYnD5swRpfqInoLbzDJDC2-z-g2Uxrz7zzXBX9hHU8Z5DGL7iBXvA7nMcTdcdNwwH2RdRQ9q5GhlpfAgOhf5LBXueseozN7Oy7T5aWFQygMDnPy6U0hoQcKSejlCsF1lDIT8FoqDKs3D2OIvoOh1M4UC30uxqyuVw6WPd~qKOTNPLm0GuLOP5IBPQzJmLiBbd14JaiuXuVpsIE6FpOEd3ocwRdCeFM59OjRIJwob4NUop8jPUchIGNK4TjwTP42ypzxHcagSxLO-lB1R4YDU5Z3cszA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Des Moines City Council on Jan. 13 authorized staff to apply to the Iowa Economic Development Authority for Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG CV) funds to cover capital costs for a proposed “pallet village” shelter. Council action approved the city filing the grant application; further detail and operating arrangements were discussed but not resolved.

Members of the public and service providers urged the city to secure partner organizations to operate the site and to clarify intake, safety and equity protocols. Adam Callan, a Ward 3 resident, said the pallet-village concept is “a good idea” but expressed disappointment that the city had not provided an update on broader homelessness directives he expected from the city manager’s office.

“We need to meet with organizations like 1 Iowa,” Max, who identified himself as executive director of 1 Iowa and 1 Iowa Action, told the council. He said the LGBTQ community has reported disproportionate impacts from enforcement and that segregated or separate housing options for LGBTQ people can create logistical and safety concerns if not designed and run with affirming practices.

City Manager Scott Sanders told the council the city has about a month to confirm partners willing to operate the site and that success will likely require partnerships among multiple organizations and private donors. Sanders said the grant request in the meeting packet covers capital costs; ongoing operating costs remain to be identified and funded.

One council member told colleagues that the recommended operating budget for a pallet-village of about 40 units may approach $1,000,000 annually, citing builder or operator guidance; council members and the city manager said they would pursue private and philanthropic partnerships to cover ongoing services.

Several council members also emphasized the proposal predated recent ordinance changes and that the pallet-village was part of a multi-pronged strategy discussed in previous sessions; they urged the city to continue outreach and to ensure supportive services are in place before a village opens.

Ending

The council authorized the grant application; staff noted that additional work is required to secure service providers and operating dollars and that they will pursue a public–private partnership model if the capital award is received.","The council authorized an application for Iowa CDBG CV funds to support a pallet-village shelter concept. Speakers urged clarity on operating partners, service budgets and protections for LGBTQ residents; city staff said the next month is critical to secure service partners and private fundraising for ongoing operations.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6391925,"Neighbors oppose duplex rezoning at 955 24th Street; council approves limited N52 zoning",656,945000,1601000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2110757-69dfb3959f45b1483a3478cbe8db3add&start=945&end=1601","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2110757-69dfb3959f45b1483a3478cbe8db3add/thumbnail_945000.jpg","/articles/6391925/Des-Moines/Polk-County/Iowa/Neighbors-oppose-duplex-rezoning-at-955-24th-Street-council-approves-limited-N52-zoning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391925-73c5c2a86ff8f99be8a999b1ea4f45a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436888&Signature=ZoxXImduEaEVDF7rlxbnV2rozIbnW527A8D6MWq3nHWPwixsa6QQge~ICwMdXxEPfGfqiptQB41UaUUpze-f-CeCA1SGwe8Uka~YfbHGibHcUsdGiOKqke~0bISu4eILw9zqZQ7Ip~sLlw2qHPhBcVOIWJ3kis9gVvG4Q4W~rKY~azFLtiLQHKPK-3r1r1GJTONjrjATDiOymSWqF1hCBB8dx4BAXXGXNAbdsVXU4dw5drZ6aNcT2c09NrwPeDqpFNTVkNjqCsmB55hxNw-3QXr93TIzHmY9sDUCAdsA-~jE-c1OEdxFgtQivLl1oscRcb0BmdQvC4v3c3F7LyocuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Des Moines City Council on Jan. 13 approved a rezoning request that changes the designation of property in the vicinity of 955 24th Street from N5 Neighborhood District to limited N52 Neighborhood District, allowing construction of a two-household duplex.

Neighbors from Woodland Heights urged the council to deny the rezoning or to steer development toward single-family infill that preserves mature trees and rear-yard garden space. Kim Hanson, who identified herself as a Woodland Heights resident, said she submitted a letter signed by 31 neighbors opposing the change and warned a duplex at the site could become a rental with absentee ownership.

“955 24th Street is only accessible from a small alley behind the property with four other existing properties sharing that alley,” Kim Hanson said, arguing the parcel’s constrained access and proximity to a dead-end intersection would increase congestion.

Lila Dozier, another neighborhood resident, said she bought her home for the urban-forest character and garden space and that smaller infill lots requiring removal of large trees would reduce desirability and property values.

The applicant, Usman Haq, who said he owns the lot and asked the council to rezone, described the parcel as “a lot and a half” and asked the council to consider allowing two households on the property.

Several council members responded that duplexes can be compatible with neighborhood character and that when well-designed they can increase housing affordability. One council member who reviewed the plans told colleagues the lot’s shape and size make a two-household structure feasible and moved approval; another member said the city will make targeted investments in Woodland Heights through Invest DSM to support neighborhood priorities.

“Almost never is the building the problem, it is the landlord and the people that are there,” a council member said, urging the applicant to exchange contact information with neighbors to address potential future issues.

The council voted 7–0 to approve the request, including the waiver for final consideration required by the applicant.

Ending

The rezoning clears the way for the owner to pursue permitting for a two-household dwelling under limited N52 zoning. Neighbors said they will continue to monitor design and future permit applications; council members urged ongoing communication between the owner and neighborhood.
","Woodland Heights residents objected to a request to rezone 955 24th Street to permit a duplex, citing alley access, tree loss and neighborhood character. The property owner and multiple council members said the lot's size can support two households; the council approved the rezoning 7–0.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6391930,"City council approves zoning, contracts and code updates; multiple routine items pass",5709,632000,6341000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2110757-69dfb3959f45b1483a3478cbe8db3add&start=632&end=6341","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2110757-69dfb3959f45b1483a3478cbe8db3add/thumbnail_632000.jpg","/articles/6391930/Des-Moines/Polk-County/Iowa/City-council-approves-zoning-contracts-and-code-updates-multiple-routine-items-pass","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391930-27a89142d96f6ef7af68bf3a91132988/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436888&Signature=aFbasz5Zi9pjbjUpnupDwIAb2g16ODunSh~Q3F9VCrkZteCHzfAnXkr16MilTEPwst10t4ue8fLzAYXRzhMJZu8ifKcHaEhwdzZ78oSeqT06kxSrVu89Az0o0UMOf3TMMoi6-NvdoXXrJZimWRKvLPIi5IuZlE7l7RKPOo7nWixihM~CQ~-iZsCFEv6tuetUWBH76xxk8SB1EnPhMLkmXSparUom37UIkPN8Ek2hdDRffUDwS585fAudAYG7oAs7DW2dfqcyIe4ixWBNhN5qOsFq7Wumi66trlsnOkWLBZO1L8qq4MxhfI~SngQY~tawaCmFl97pXE-fWb2Z8GiVMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Des Moines City Council on Jan. 13 approved multiple rezoning requests, construction contracts, municipal code changes and a community development grant application during a meeting that ran through a full agenda and an extended public-comment period.

The council front-loaded routine business, unanimously appointing Mike Simonson as mayor pro tem and approving the meeting agenda and consent agenda (items 3–32). After public hearings and staff presentations, the council approved a series of zoning and land-use items, awarded construction contracts, and adopted several municipal code amendments by roll-call votes.

The decisions included first- and final-reading rezoning approvals for downtown and neighborhood properties (items 34, 35 and 36), a land-exchange for the Southeast Connector project (item 37), application for a Community Development Block Grant through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (item 30), and multiple street and infrastructure contracts. The council also approved amendments to Chapter 114 of the municipal code (traffic regulations), updated definitions in Section 114-1, set parking rates for the 1200 Mulberry parking garage and amended zoning rules related to electronic displays (items 44–48). The zoning-board review at 3614 6th Avenue (item 43) drew a split vote: the council declined to remand the Zoning Board of Adjustment decision, with a recorded vote of 6 yes and 1 abstention.

Quotes

“Please vote. 7 yes. Motion carries,” the mayor announced repeatedly as the council closed several items by unanimous roll-call votes.

“Seeing no one, I will move item 35, 35A, and 35B,” a council member said when public comment was not offered on a rezoning matter; the item passed on the roll call.

Context and next steps

Most items were routine approvals of plans, contracts and code clarifications intended to move capital projects and zoning changes forward. Several of the construction contracts include multi-month timelines and staged work intended to maintain business access during reconstruction; city engineering staff told the council bulk work on East Forest Street will occur in 2025 with final completion in spring 2026.

Votes at a glance (selected agenda items)

- Appointment of Mike Simonson as mayor pro tem — approved (motion carried).
- Approve meeting agenda — approved (7 yes).
- Approve consent agenda (items 3–32) — approved (7 yes).
- Item 34: Rezoning at 617 Scott Avenue (DXR to limited MX3; vehicle maintenance minor use) — approved (7 yes). Waiver for final consideration required 6 votes and passed.
- Item 35: Rezoning for property near 4211 E. 38th Street (amend plan DSM, zoning change to allow assembly/place of worship) — approved (motion carries).
- Item 36: Rezoning in vicinity of 955 24th Street (N5 to limited N52 for two-household duplex) — approved (7 yes).
- Item 37: Land exchange agreement for project on Southeast 30th Street to US-65 — approved (7 yes).
- Item 30: Application to Iowa Economic Development Authority for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG CV) funds — approved (7 yes).
- Item 39: 2025 Citywide Traffic Calming Improvements; contract to Caliber Concrete LLC, $113,354.35 — approved (7 yes).
- Item 40: East 4th Street improvements; contract designated to Corel Contractor Incorporated (amount as read in staff report) — approved (7 yes).
- Item 41: Euclid Avenue improvements; contract to OMG Midwest Inc. (Des Moines Asphalt and Paving), $3,883,806.45 — approved (7 yes).
- Item 42: Southwest First Street Bridge Park improvement plans — approved (7 yes).
- Item 33: Vacation of north–south alley west of 2116 Searle Street (waive third reading per Rule 42A) — approved (7 yes).
- Item 43: Review of Zoning Board of Adjustment decision for 3614 6th Avenue — council declined to remand; decision becomes final (6 yes, 1 abstain).
- Items 44–48: Traffic regulation and municipal code amendments (multiple specific locations and sections) — approved (each item passed by recorded vote, typically 7 yes).
- Item 49 (receive and file public comments 49a–t) — motion to receive and file carried by roll call.

Ending

Most approvals were unanimous and intended to advance construction, zoning and administrative updates across the city. Several projects approved on Jan. 13 will proceed in staged construction to preserve business access; staff and contractors will follow up on scheduling and coordination as each project moves into design or construction phases.","The Des Moines City Council on Jan. 13 approved a slate of routine and contested items, including rezonings, street and bridge contracts, municipal code amendments and applications for grant funding. Most votes passed unanimously; one zoning board review drew a 6-1 (with one abstention) outcome.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Community and council react after city manager eliminates two sustainability positions amid $17M shortfall

Council authorizes CDBG application for pallet-village shelter; members and advocates urge operating partners

Neighbors oppose duplex rezoning at 955 24th Street; council approves limited N52 zoning

City council approves zoning, contracts and code updates; multiple routine items pass